Fragments of Dreams

“Fragments of Dreams” is a mesmerizing and multilayered piece that explores the ephemeral nature of dreams and memories. Tessa Greenfield uses the ancient technique of encaustic painting, combined with mixed media elements, to create a rich, textural landscape that captivates and intrigues the viewer.

The composition is a complex tapestry of overlapping images and abstract forms, each layer partially obscuring and revealing the one beneath. The use of encaustic wax gives the piece a luminous, almost translucent quality, with layers of color and texture that seem to glow from within. Soft blues, deep purples, and warm ochres blend and swirl across the surface, creating a sense of depth and movement.

Embedded within the wax are fragments of printed text, pieces of fabric, and small found objects, each contributing to the narrative tapestry of the piece. These elements float and drift like fragments of forgotten dreams, their presence both mysterious and evocative. The text, partially legible, hints at stories and thoughts left unfinished, inviting the viewer to piece together their own interpretations.

The surface of the piece is richly textured, with areas of smooth, glossy wax juxtaposed against rough, almost sculptural sections. This interplay of textures creates a tactile experience, encouraging viewers to explore the piece not just with their eyes, but with their sense of touch. The use of mixed media adds to the complexity, with metallic leaf and pigment powders adding a subtle shimmer that changes with the light.

In the background, ghostly silhouettes of trees and figures emerge and fade, like memories just out of reach. These forms are rendered in delicate, fluid lines, their ethereal quality enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere of the piece. The overall composition is both dynamic and harmonious, with a balance of light and dark, chaos and order.

“Fragments of Dreams” is a testament to Tessa Greenfield’s ability to blend traditional techniques with contemporary themes. Her use of encaustic and mixed media creates a piece that is not only visually stunning but also deeply evocative, capturing the fleeting, fragmented nature of our inner worlds. The layering of materials and imagery invites viewers to look closer, to uncover hidden details and to reflect on their own experiences and memories.

Through this piece, Greenfield explores the delicate boundary between the conscious and the subconscious, the seen and the unseen. “Fragments of Dreams” is a journey into the depths of the human psyche, a visual exploration of the dreams and memories that shape our reality. It is a piece that resonates on multiple levels, offering a rich, immersive experience that is both personal and universal.