Elise Wagner
Elise Wagner was born in Jersey City, NJ in 1966 and is an artist based in Portland, Oregon. Elise is a 2015-16 recipient of The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant. For several years, the main focus of her work has explored her fascination with contemporary scientific discovery, specifically that in physics and astronomy. Living in the Pacific Northwest has had a profound impact on her work which is made evident by the many references to topographic, geologic and cartographic surfaces. Through her use of the ancient medium of encaustic, Elise employs a certain alchemy with her materials; continually navigating within them the contradictions between the chaos and unpredictability of nature and science’s heroic efforts to understand our universe and changing climate through the wonders of its exploration.
Artist Statement
As a lifelong creator, I have often felt as though I am a vessel combining different art materials to navigate my interpretation of the human experience. Making art has always been essential for as long as I continue to have something to say and feel compelled to create. My work attempts to abstractly synthesize my observations in nature and science and distill it into some form of beauty as a reflection of our rapidly evolving contemporary world.
Motivation for my work often stems from or coincides with contemporary scientific discoveries in astronomy, physics, meteorology and climate science. My most recent work is inspired by the human impact that is causing global warming and the ice shelves to recede.
Art has the power to transcend and express a deep and profound understanding of society, nature, technology, culture, science, the climate and geo-politics. My hope with my work is to elevate our awareness of the growing and critical crisis of climate change that our world faces.