New alt_space exhibition in September August 24 2017

Wendy Tatter
Batik Impressions of Florida

On View: September 2- October 14, 2017
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 2, 4-7 PM
Artists Talk: Friday, September 8, 11 AM
Cracker Cows by Wendy Tatter
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Wendy Tatter is known for her batik renditions of people and places from her travels, but for this exhibition, Batik Impressions of Florida, she is highlighting scenes indicative of the Sunshine State, where she currently lives and works. Examples include close-up botanical compositions and sprawling landscapes featuring subjects as varied as cows lounging in a North Florida woodland field to a crowded dog beach in Key West. Wendy describes her compositions as “taking viewers on a sensory tour, full of sea breezes, dappled sunshine and tropical colors.”  She continues by stating, “I love tropical plants, the changing colors of the water and sky, and expressions on faces, human or animal.  I want people to see my work and get a feeling for the way I see things.  I want the colors to make them smile and the paintings to make them feel the movement of the moment.”

Wendy specializes in batik, a process that uses alternating layers of molten wax applied with a brush or tjanting tool, and cold-water dyes. Each color must be covered with wax before moving on to the next dye bath.  The wax is ironed out into multiple layers of paper once the design is complete. As a resist process that involves blocking out areas with wax, there is an element of chance, which makes it impossible to know exactly how the finished product will reveal itself.  Wendy learned this process during a workshop at San Miguel, Mexico’s Instituto Allende and has since dedicated her time to experimenting with this technique, eventually developing the unique style for which she is known. 
 
About the Artist

Raised in Maryland, Wendy’s brief college career includes time at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Maryland Institute College of Art before dedicating her time to her travels.  Fascinated by the tropics, she spent time living in the West Indies, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Brazil before setting up her studio in St. Augustine, Florida, where she works today. In 2013, Wendy was a recipient of the Dr. Gail Pflaster ROWITA Award (Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts).  The ROWITA Award is a lifetime achievement award for women who have made significant contributions to the St. Johns County arts community.

VIEW EXHIBITION