MOLTEN BEESWAX, PAINT, AND COLLAGE BLUR LINE BETWEEN PAINTING AND SCULPTURE

Jodi Reeb is a visual, fine artist from Minneapolis specializing in fine art abstract, collage, sculptural, contemporary, landscape, acrylic and encaustic paintings (https://jodireeb.com). 

The process of change in nature is a constant source of wonder and inspiration that Jodi mimics in her work through the combination of beeswax, acrylic paint and texture. This process of change and transformation is supported by integrating many different media such as collage, encaustic (molten beeswax), printmaking and acrylic paint on various sustainable substrates.

As a mixed-media artist, Jodi creates art on various substrates such as wood, canvas and paper. “Primarily working on commission, I enjoy collaborating with clients to create artwork that leads me to the next step in the progression of my process and development, while complementing an existing space,” said Jodi. “The focus of my artwork has always been about the magnificence and beauty of nature and finding inspiration from nature’s extraordinary colors and light. As I explore this idea, I have been intrigued with nature’s ever-changing seasons and I often try to depict how nature relates to our own cycles of existence.”

In her recent series of circular paintings and encaustic with photo collage paintings, she uses contrasting materials and substrates to create works that oscillate between painting and sculpture. She uses solid substrates made of wood and circular acrylic panels using encaustic (beeswax) and acrylic paint, as well as metallic paints that transform or react when combined. Combinations are discovered, explored, proposed, rejected and accepted as part of the art-making process. Components are moved around in varying compositions. Some paintings are created to be part of a series and some are partnered through discovery. 

“Through this approach, I discovers relationships between the elements creating rhythms, patterns and visual textures that are nature-based, as well as abstract. Over time, contrasting or common elements form connections, which is what I am really hoping to explore through this interaction,” said Jodi.

She applies changes in texture and color by painting diverse surfaces with unusual materials such as beeswax and metallic paints that patina when they interact and create something new. She begins with a layer of paint or a structure, and from that point on, it becomes about process – making marks and textures, applying materials, responding to each action with a reaction. In this way, spontaneous connections are valued as highly as are planned compositions. As each work evolves, it gains an identity that eventually solves itself through process, positive and negative space and dimension.

Jodi offers art study coaching and a variety of workshops at her studio. “I’ve been dubbed the ‘Painting Doctor!’ I support you to find your unique voice and further your artistic development no matter the medium,” she explained.

Jodi received a BFA degree from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design, where she instructed printmaking for over nine years. Her studio is at Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art where she has been a co-op member for 15 years. She is an owner and partner at Kolman & Reeb Gallery in the Northrop King building in northeast Minneapolis (https://kolmanreebgallery.com). Her work is also shown at sold at Everett & Charlie gallery in Linden Hills.