Artist Statement and Bio
ALL IMAGES AND TEXT ON THIS WEBSITE ARE UNDER COPYRIGHT BY LINDA DEMPSEY. © 2021.
Biography
As a visual artist, I work in the mediums of Encaustic, Painting, Drawing and Mixed Media.
After graduating with a BFA in illustration from Southern Ct. St University in 1990, I moved to NYC to pursue a career in illustration, fine art, teaching and consulting.
Living in the East Village for 17 years, I was exposed to a variety of art and culture and had the opportunity to show my work in a few small galleries. I eventually became restless living in my tiny NYC apartment, so in 2007, I gave it up and moved to a larger seaside home in Newport RI. This is where I learned the techniques of encaustic and had the space and ventilation necessary to pursue this form of painting.
In 2014 I moved to another seaside town in New Bedford Massachusetts, and completed my graduate degree in art education at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. I teach art and maintain a studio in historic New Bedford, which is open to visitors and clients by appointment.
All work is available for sale, commissions are welcome and giclée prints of many works are available.
Artists Statement
Through my artwork, I try to find that elusive quality which can transform a figure or a landscape from the ordinary. Working with encaustic is effective in that regard; allowing me to convey that sense of place by capturing its fleeting magic with hot wax and a heat gun.
Attempting to convey the light quality is important to me, it is always the light that interests me most about any subject, location, or dreamscape. It is my inspiration and often my greatest struggle, and I utilize many mixed medias and surfaces in attempt to capture that quality.
My recent body of work is about the environmental destruction dooming our natural world, from seas to bees and butterfly's to arctic drilling; these beautiful and delicate elements are at critical risk, as is our entire population and planet.
“While I recognize the necessity for a basis of observed reality, true art lies in a reality that is felt.” Odilon Redon
Current Shows and Exhibits:
The Whaling Museum. New Bedford MA
Gallery 4. Tiverton RI
The Barn Gallery. New Fairfield CT
Deblois Gallery. Middletown RI
Bailey Gallery. Dartmouth MA
New Bedford Regional Airport Gallery. New Bedford MA (Commission)
Past Shows and Exhibits:
New Bedford Art Museum. 2018
Star Store UMass Dartmouth 2018
Grimshaw Gudewicz Art Gallery. 2017
Newport Art Museum. 2015
Spring Bull Gallery Newport RI. 2010-2018
Bristol Art Museum Bristol RI. 2019
Prince St Gallery NYC. 1999-2005
First Street gallery NYC. 2008
Rivington Gallery NYC. 1995- 2000
Art Space New Haven Ct. 1989-1995
City Gallery New Haven CT. 1987-1998
Publications:
Thesis: Social Justice Art Education and Personal Practice: Teachers who do Both.
Presented at National Arts Educators Association Annual Convention, Seattle, WA. May 2018.
50 Markets of Illustration, by John Roman, 2014. Published several pieces of my work.
Memberships:
NAEA: National Arts Education Association.
MAEA: Massachusetts Art Educators Association.
SCAA: South Coast Artist Association.
RICA: R .I. State Council on the Arts.
CAA: CT Arts Alliance.
