A R T I S T A B S T R A C T S
Linda with Wastetopia | Jan 2024 | PDX
contributions:
The Blue Hole
The Portholes
The Galactic Mermaid
L I N D A P E T E R S
Discard Collector & Montage Artist
’I have been collecting and upcycling discarded gems from various categories, including found objects and curbside discards, for many years on my property. These treasures have found their place in my labyrinths and hulls, where I convert them into artistic clusters inspired by my own amusements and perspectives. I enjoy creating and telling stories that reflect my spiritual insights and energies that come to me through these relics and scraps, in quirky and unconventional ways.
The "Port Holes" in Wastetopia are small collections that tie into my artistic renderings of the Bagua, which is a map of areas that carry powerful messages, and creative and free-spirited interpretations from the past, present, and future. These nine distinctive areas are layers of earth elements, fairies, spirits, and energies from previously owned items - as I have experienced them.
Each area consists of carefully gathered and curated items from interesting sources along my various roadside journeys, scavenger hunts, and neighborhood curbside discards. They are playfully placed and magically spun into a connectedness behind my artistic eye.
For the past several months, I have been assembling my story and the illusions that tie to this year's theme: "What Glows Under Pressure". Working outside during the day and illuminating areas that come to life under the dark has been both challenging and invigorating. I have been amused and inspired by many people: neighbors, friends, and strangers walking by who stop to talk, ask questions, or donate objects.
Participating in the 2024 Winter Light Festival seems like an extraordinary experience to share my dwelling, yard, electricity, and environment in the name of immersive art. My intention all along was to convert my vicinity into a wonderland with something memorable for everyone’
impartguru@gmail.com
Wendy | PDX studio 2023
contributions:
The Crystal Portal
The Flotsam and Jetsam Walkway
Handpainted Barrier Reef Curtain
W E N D Y D A N I E L S
Regenerative and Visual Artist
’I am more than excited to be part of the Portland Winter Light Festival because it has brought me closer again to the mediums I adore, awakening in me a spark that was waiting to be re-lit. The creation of the Crystal Energy Portal culminated in many months of luminescence that resurfaced from deep within. Utilizing scraps and discards as well as a mountain of gems and chachkies only deranged collectors understand, I’ve melded them with found relics in glass, crystal, metals, plaster, (even old CDs), and more. I’ve transformed each piece with vivid and inoculating fervor. With the addition of fluoro paints, resins, and shimmering glazes, new colors have found their way to my palette with a revival of my altruistic self that perhaps was relocated like a lost treasure - under the sea. With these new depths, I share my intentions by presenting this immersive and transforming experience.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in the medium of glass and textiles. For 20 years, I owned and operated a high-end catering business in Portland, Oregon. As an entrepreneur, I chose to work closely with clients that benefited our planet. I traveled the world collecting and curating beautiful tabletop ware to create food displays befitting a grand feast. Catering taught me the value of timing and attention to every single detail.
Although it's been a while now, the many years I spent creating beautiful environments and experiences have allowed me to incorporate elements of my creativity into my work. One aspect of my collection that I'm particularly proud of is the use of glass, crystal dishes, and serving ware. The irony is not lost here’
Post-exhibit relics will be available to the public, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Portland Winter Light Festival. Available for commissioned creations.
wendydaniels39@gmail.com
Joya at Area 15 | December 2023
contributions:
The Ocean’s Eye
Reflection Reef
Flotsam and Jetsam Walkway
Website Design
J O Y A M E N A S H E
Concept Designer and Artist
“As long as I can remember I’ve had a paintbrush in my hand drawing or painting anything and everything I came in contact with. But my main inspiration has always been from nature. I am a Portland native designer/artist, et al. I think it’s important to say that because I’m loyal to this city. I get it. Recently, I’ve been inspired by a few trips to Meow Wolf - which opened me up to the power and joy of Dayglo and Neon, an inspiring segue into this show. I take pride in being somewhat methodical with the creative process and a contributor when brainstorming is essential. Anyone who knows me knows… if ideas are being tossed around I'm already sketching them while we speak.
Ironically, this year’s Winter Light Festival Theme is “What Glows Under Pressure”, because I have felt for many years as an artist and in my profession that I thrive under pressure, easily meeting that elusive word: deadlines.
I co-created the concept of this exhibit with Linda Peters. We have partnered on approx 15 art shows over the past 24 years. We are each other’s Yin and Yang regarding these events. It’s a team effort, putting it lightly…. and that equates to magic if we are lucky. Independently, I designed and created the Reflection Reef, as well as the Ocean’s Eye,
This exhibit has not been without its challenges: Outdoor installation with a major Ice storm, in the winter… what were we thinking? An interesting journey with my fellow artists: Linda Peters and Wendy Daniels, and the collaboration has been inspiring. Each of us contributed our visions and ideas in this 6-month+ process. I hope that anyone who plunges into our undersea Wastetopia adventure takes away some spark of enchantment’
Joya currently works as a Creative Marketing Director for Rose City Laboratories in Portland, OR, and co-owns Flixwix Candles with her life partner Vaune.
joyamdesign@gmail.com
Many thanks to the following for their Help - Support - Donations - On loan items
Ears-to-the-Bitching as well as celebrating our joy in the Success & Triumph of this installation
Kate O Halloran
Annie Haul
Cheri Thomas
Vaune Kemp
Rachelle Menashe
Dan Huson
Lisa Schroeder, Mother’s Bistro