Echo Ukrainetz has no memory of being without art in her life. It’s one of her great passions. “I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember,” she says.
The Montana artist works in the medium of batik, a difficult method of making art that uses wax. She is entirely self-taught.
Dance By the Light of the Moon, batik with gold leaf, 24 x 20”“I learned through trial and error,” she says. “This has yielded many happy accidents as well as a few disasters. Over the years I have learned how to manipulate the wax and dye to create desired effects; however, it is very unpredictable. With each piece, I try to push the medium further to the point that the pieces take on a life of their own. After about four or five dye baths on the face, I can hold it up to the light and see the eyes looking back at me. That allows the person looking at the artwork a communicate with the subject.”
Vera—Rodeo Trick Rider, batik with gold leaf, 24 x 20”Ukrainetz—who frequently collaborates with her husband, Ron Ukrainetz—explains her procedure: “Upon removing the wax, I am often surprised. It can take a month or longer to create one batik that will have as many as 200 to 300 applications of dye and wax.
Little Big Man, batik with gold leaf, 31 x 17”
I am intrigued by vibrant color combinations, which are especially interesting given that my reference photographs I use aren’t in color. I am especially drawn to photographs by Gertrude Käsebier, Frank Rinehart and Carl Moon, among others. I have an intense interest in history and do research on each piece thatI incorporate in a personal or educational story.” Ukrainetz has participated in The Russell and the Out West Art Show & Sale, both in Great Falls, Montana, and she has also shown at the Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas. —
Want to See More?
Ukrainetz Fine Art Studios
2104 Fifth Avenue South, Great Falls, MT 59405
(406) 899-2958 | (406) 899-4134
echo-eukrainetz@mac.com
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