Currently showing at In-Town Gallery is "Patterns by Nature," a collection of eco-prints by artist Janice Kindred.
Using flowers and plants gathered locally, Kindred has developed a multistep process to transfer their shapes and colors to watercolor paper. She then further enhances those patterns in a variety of ways to produce stunning, original works of art.
The public has the opportunity to view Kindred's creations at a reception on Friday, June 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, 26-A Frazier Ave.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Kindred's father was an artist and she began painting and drawing as a child. However, as much as she loved art, she also loved plants and growing things. She completed a program at the Holden Arboretum and became a licensed grower certified by the Ohio Landscape Association, leading to a career in horticulture.
After moving to Chattanooga in 2011, she turned seriously to art, taking drawing at Townsend Atelier and classes at Art Creations. She was particularly influenced by artist Sandra Paynter Washburn and her classes in mixed media.
In "Patterns by Nature," the artist combines her knowledge of plants and the aesthetics of a working artist to create what she calls eco-prints. These prints begin by gathering plants such as dogwood leaves, clover, seed pods from maple trees, wildflowers and honey locust tree leaves, to mention but a few. These natural materials are arranged in compositions on watercolor paper and placed in a special hot-water bath.
"And at that point," says Kindred, "the process takes over. I'm continually surprised at what results. Often colors I'd planned appear on the paper, but sometimes colors or shapes emerge I never would have imagined."
Once the plants have stained the paper, she allows it to dry before beginning an enhancement of the image. Using items such as embroidery thread, beading, acrylic paints and inks or cutting away negative spaces, Kindred molds and changes the patterns nature has given her.
An example of the end result can be seen in her print, "Study of Acer and Gleditsia #3." Subtle yellows, the filigree pattern of leaf veins, the ghost-like interweaving of stems and the delicacy of small flowers are visible.
Kindred's collection will remain hanging until the end of June. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information: 423-267-9214.