As a former consultant to Fortune 500 companies , Dawn Gaskill discovered her passion for color , texture , symbolism and art as she traveled throughout the world . These ancient symbols , images , archetypes and differing spiritual and cultural beliefs are the inspiration for her dynamic paintings .
As a former consultant to Fortune 500 companies , Dawn Gaskill discovered her passion for color , texture , symbolism and art as she traveled throughout the world . These ancient symbols , images , archetypes and differing spiritual and cultural beliefs are the inspiration for her dynamic paintings .
A long-time resident of San Miguel de Allende , México , Dawn is an exceptional artist who uses the ancient medium of encaustic painting to express the power of spirit , symbols and mysticism in the world . Her work has been shown in the Dallas Museum of Art and galleries in Luxor , Egypt , Denver , New York , Chicago and Santa Barbara .
As a multi-faceted creative , she has designed products for the Mirage , Rio , Luxor and MGM hotels in Las Vegas , Nevada , created home interiors , painted murals and commissioned works of art prior to developing what she now calls Intentional Art .
“ Archetypes are unconscious ideas or stories that are universally present in our individual consciousness , says Dawn . “ Having lived in Italy and visited many sites of world culture and religious significance , I came to understand that symbols and archetypes convey powerful intentions and evoke unconscious memories in us .”
Yet it was the connection to inner joy that made Dawn the artist she is today . “ I have always had a great love of color , symbolism and texture , but in years past I was blessed with a spiritual teacher who told me that I could live my life through Joy . It was a life-changing moment to know that Joy was a choice !
“ Choosing to live a life of Joy , I defined my artistic mission as , « To joyfully create beautiful art , product designs and environments that capture people › s imaginations , lift their spirits and nurture them in their daily lives . In a way that integrates ancient symbols from diverse cultures and belief systems into contemporary designs for use in homes and work environments that support their pursuit of personal and professional intentions so that they can accomplish their goals ,» notes Dawn . In her San Miguel studio , Dawn integrates the ancient symbols with contemporary materials and scenes , blending the old with the new to depict the oneness and continuity that underlies all life . “ I had been seeing images that were luminous and iridescent in bas-relief and found that encaustic is the medium that enables me to create them . Encaustic painting , also known as hot wax painting , involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added . The liquid medium is then applied to a surface , such as prepared wood , canvas , and other materials .” “ Once I see the images in my mind ’ s eye , I begin by creating my medium and colors based on the inspiration . A painting may involve up to 60 layers of color and wax , each fused with a torch .” Stories within stories are layered within each piece of Dawn › s mixed media artwork , bringing a fresh perspective to ancient designs and concepts . “ Some paintings have resin figures I have made that support the Intention of the painting while some hold gemstones – or both ! To deepen and enhance the creative process , I chant while I am painting .” The power of her intentional approach is felt by many . “ I find that people are moved by the stories I tell through the symbols and imagery and often have an emotional response to the inspiration and energy that reside in each painting ,” notes Dawn .
Flower of Life ~ Turquoise Bee Encaustic with gemstones
I have had the magical experience of being visited by turquoise bees in my studio ... I thought they were a myth … because the 6th Dalai Lama called himself the Turquoise bee and declared that love was the path to enlightenment . The first one came every day for five weeks , the second came every day for 3 weeks ... except they never came on Tuesdays .... even though I › m in my studio seven days a week .... the third one came one day to circle around the Turquoise bee painting I was making ...