Artist Statement
"“Anything but Basic”
Whitney Buckingham Beechie is a contemporary mixed media artist from the Pacific Northwest, best known for her innovative techniques. Her abstract work primarily revolves around utilizing torches and fire to create Encaustic paintings and her Avant-garde work with Indigo Dye.
Fire
Known for her unique approach, she combines encaustic with diverse materials; often incorporating paper, fiber, paint and tar. Whitney pushes artistic boundaries, creating textured mixed-media works. She adeptly explores the texture, depth and design possibilities of this medium.
Water
She is known for developing a novel technique, which she calls “Rambunctious Indigo” that involves working with Indigo dye in an unprecedented way.
Sculpture
Whitney is able to richly convey metaphors about the multi-faceted nature of womanhood and feminine power through her evocative three-dimensional “Strong Women” series. Her life-size female body sculptures are made from delicate materials, plaster and fabric, yet portray an underlying strength and stability through their layered forms.
The “Strong Women” series explores the paradox of femininity – the tender softness and sensuality on the surface belying the hidden inner strength that allows women to support their families and communities. She adds an encouraging voice to the dialogue around perceptions of women through these bold sculptural statements.
Teaching
Whitney is passionate about teaching and sharing her artistic talents within her community and internationally. She teaches Encaustic workshops at her studio, galleries, conferences and international workshops, guiding students in creating encaustic paintings employing diverse materials and techniques.
Education
She studied art at Whitworth College (received BA), University of Washington, Bellevue College, and Edmonds College. She has also attended many workshops, conferences and conducted independent studies in the US and throughout Europe.
Buckingham Beechie has exhibited her work in more than 50 shows and competitions since 2016, including many solo shows. Her work is Internationally collected and has been shown in cities including Seattle, Portland, New York, Marrakesh, Dubai, and Amsterdam."
