Lara Plecas

New Year

2012-01-10T00:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome 2012!
We are so happy to start this new year with so much to look forward to...Our daughter Olivia Elizabeth was born November 9th, 2011. It is an exciting time! I am just getting back into the studio after taking a maternity break. We are collaborating with Scientists from ASU for the Science TECH show coming up in February-March. I am collaborating with Sisi Gao, who researches the nature of Pinyon Jays up in Flagstaff. I will be producing one piece that will be at our group show at Eye Lounge opening January 20th.
Art Detour right around the corner in March-April, I will also be showing a new piece at Eye Lounge for our annual Art Detour group show.

Studio

2011-10-27T09:53:00.001-07:00

I just moved my studio from Grand Avenue, where I have painted for the last five years. I now have air conditioning, which is a first! I moved the studio into my guest house & it is wonderful having my workspace so close. I am currently working on 7 panels that are photo-encaustic 10'' x 10'' that will be a part of a mural that is permanently installed in the lobby of Good Samaritan Hospital on Mc Dowell Rd. I have also just completed a commission for a client in Prescott, that was similar to the original "Northern Migration" piece. I currently have work in the Chaos Theory 12 Group Show until the end of November. I also have 3 pieces in "EYE CANDY, an Eye Lounge Benefit Show", this will be up until November 13th. One piece "Love Boat" is being auctioned, which runs until November first friday. I will be taking a short break from working until January, our daughter is expected to arrive any day now...

upcoming exhibitions

2011-08-18T02:49:00.000-07:00

Legend City's Chaos Theory 12
October 7th, 2011
over 50 local Artists will be exhibiting in this annual show
(located downtown Phoenix, on Van Buren between 5th and 7th ave. )
not to be missed!

   Eye Lounge
Second solo exhibition as a member of Eye Lounge

   "Hope Chest"

will include ten new photo-encaustic based pieces

   October 21st- November 12th 2011

   www.eyelounge.com

Art in Provincetown

2011-06-14T14:18:00.003-07:00

The galleries in P town where great!
They had all of the gallery openings on friday night during the conference. The Kobalt gallery hosted an Encaustic Invitational that exhibited many of the Instructors and Artists attending the conference. Here are some images of work that captured my eye while strolling through the galleries during the night. Enjoy!

Carol Roll

Milisa Galazzi

These images below are from a show that was up at the Truro Center for the Arts Gallery during our post-conference workshops.

Kim Bernard

Catherine Nash

Miles Conrad

Fifth Annual International Encaustic Conference

2011-06-12T12:22:00.001-07:00

   I just returned home from 10 days in Cape Cod for the 5th Annual International Encaustic Conference. The main conference was June 3rd-June 5th at the Provincetown Inn in the west end . The post conference workshops were held at the Truro Center for the Arts the following week, which is in the next town over from Provincetown.

   P town was larger than life, a town rich in history of pilgrim settlers and artists. It is a small Portuguese fishing village that has been a home to many artists and evolved into a liberal playground for the gay and lesbian lifestyle. It is charming! The houses, the light houses, the beaches, the accents.... I enjoyed my time biking back and forth on Commercial avenue, strolling the art galleries, walking the pier and tasting the local food. It was a wonderful setting to be in during our conference.

   I attended Lynette Haggard's worksop on working with a torch on Monday. This class will be helpful to get me comfortable working with a torch and to be able to work on a larger surface than my current 4' x 4' panels.

Tuesday and Wednesday I took Photo and encaustic with Elena De La Ville. This class was my favorite, and I was able to work in the studio both days, completing four new pieces. Elena was a dynamic teacher, and it was a real treat to learn some new techniques in this class.

Now, back to the studio to begin my new series.... I will be delving into large scale woodcarving, incorporating photography and drawing from my recent experiences in P town. The next show will be my second solo show as a member of Eye lounge, which will open October 21st- November 13th.

Phoenix Egotists article

2010-12-21T22:44:00.001-07:00

Territorial Nature - Lara Plecas

November 16th, 2010 / Comments (0)

On November 19th, Lara Plecas opens her exhibition, “Territorial Nature,” at Eye Lounge, starting at 6 pm. According to Plecas, her encaustic works “explore the connection between people and their environment . . . The problems of the past continue to trickle down through time; often repeating themselves; whereas animals learn to adapt.” Take in some luscious artworks, and enjoy some special musical performances by Snow Songs, Project, and Monophonic Hillside. Music gets started at 9 pm.

Interview and artwork preview, after the jump.

What was your motivation behind your current exhibition?

History . . . I find it fascinating to rediscover the past, how man has struggled and shaped our future. I am really interested in the lives and struggles of the native peoples of the United States. We have a dynamic and often tragic history here in America. The native people had to fight and often surrender their land to new settlers that had immigrated to the United States. I have a very diverse background, and my ancestors' struggles are of great interest to me.

How does the medium you work with affect your subject matter?

The subject matter has a life of its own, it is an idea or feeling really . . . The medium is just one way to convey these ideas in a visual context.
Roots: Lara Plecas
What do you feel makes you stand out?

I am one of the few artists around that has chosen to work in encaustic, which is a wax- and resin-based medium. It is applied while it is warm and in a fluid state, and presents more of a challenge when working in the desert climate. I am grateful that I haven't encountered any real issues with shipping or working during the summers here, but I admit it was intimidating when I was first starting out.
Northern Migration
I am a working artist, and I devote much of my free time to painting. I have a day job that I work at five days a week that is very flexible. I can usually be found at my studio working evenings after work and on my days off. I have often pondered working full time as an artist, but it isn't easy. I have been reluctant to give up the security of health insurance and 401k that my job offers. It may take me longer to accomplish my own goals with painting, but I am constantly growing as an artist and serious about my intentions.

How does the space in which you create influence your paintings?

I can see a huge influence that living in Arizona has on my work. The colors are soft and subtle, and I am continuously drawn back to the horizon.
The Artist's Studio
Are you a Phoenix native?

I was born and raised in a small town in Kankakee, Illinois. I moved out here the summer of 1996 to go to college at A.S.U., and never left . . .

Who are your cultural influences?

I am influenced by so many things, people, places . . . I think I am always gathering inspiration throughout my life. I have to say that the places I have visited have left a strong impression: Espana, Australia, Costa Rica. I am a huge sucker for an open road in the countryside . . .
Artists that have strongly made an impact on me would be: Egon Schiele, Goya, Agnes Martin, Andy Goldsworthy, Vincent Van Gogh, Odd Nerdrom & Tony Scherman.

Ed. Note: Want to know how to create encaustic art? Workshop details to follow.

Images courtesy and copyright of Lara Plecas.

Newtimes

2010-12-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

As urban renewal takes over downtown Phoenix and its art galleries, mixed-media artist Lara Plecas (formerly Kupcikevicius) brings a little bit of nature and history into eye lounge with her new show Territorial Nature.

This is the first solo show at the collective gallery for Plecas, who says she is very interested in exploring the cultural heritage of societies and the struggles that people have endured. Plecas created ten encaustic paintings using the beeswax-and-resin-based medium. Not only are the subjects inspired by nature, but the natural world is also incorporated into the paintings themselves since she framed all works with reclaimed wood.

While the show might be heavy on history, she relates her work to todays issues. The series is a reflection of how man relates to his environment and assumes ownership of space, says Plecas. It is very relevant with the current issues of immigration, especially living in a bordering state.

Fri., Nov. 19, 6-9 p.m., 2010

Article source: http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2010-11-18/calendar/raw-deal

2010-10-16T12:11:00.004-07:00

Coming up in November:

I will be showing a new series of Encaustic paintings titled

Territorial Nature

This will be my first solo exhibition at Eyelounge

November 19th- December 15th 2010 6pm-12am

Special event at the opening reception live

performances of local talent Snow Songs, Project & Luke Mathers @ 9pm

I will be teaching an Encaustic Workshop Series at Eyelounge during my exhibition:

Wednesday December 1, 2010 12-4pm

Introduction to Encaustic

This workshop will introduce you to the world of Encaustics. You will learn how to set up your studio, create encaustic medium, discuss safety concerns, importance of fusing,substrates and basic technique. $100 + $25 supply fee

Saturday December 4, 2010 12-4pm

Beginner Encaustics

This class will help to develop your technique and begins to explore the variety of ways to work with this medium. We will explore utilizing different materials in the wax, and learn techniques such as inlaying and incising. $100 + $25 supply fee

please contact Lara for registration at lkupcikevicius@yahoo.com

Eyelounge

419 east Roosevelt

Phoenix, Arizona

eyeloung.com

upcoming shows

2010-06-30T00:38:00.003-07:00

-I will be showing new paintings at Eyelounge in the project room

July 16th through First Friday in August.

-Chaos Theory show in October at Legend City in Downtown Phoenix, AZ.

-I am currently working on a show that will be in November, as well, at the Eyelounge.

This will be my first solo show at Eyelounge, since becoming a member.

www.eyelounge.com

Art Detour 22

2010-03-03T09:35:00.002-07:00

I will be showing work at Eyelounge, Monorchid & my Studio over Art Detour 22 this weekend.

Stop in and say hello!

1020 w. Grand Ave- Studio

214 n. Roosevelt- MonOrchid Gallery

Roosevelt Row- Eyelounge

February First Friday at Monorchid

2010-01-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

Eye lounge

2009-11-04T12:50:00.003-07:00

I recently became a new member of the Artist run gallery collective Eyelounge, which is located on Roosevelt st. in downtown Phoenix. I will be part of a group show there this month, which is celebrating ten years since the gallery and collective began. 50% of the profits will be donated to the collective to help support future improvements needed on the building. This begins on the third Friday of November, as well as Brian Boners' exhibit which will be in the East gallery. Stop in to see the show in November! I will be donating two new 3d panels, inspired by a recent 3D workshop taken at Conrad Wilde Gallery in Tucson.

october first friday

2009-09-25T19:39:00.001-07:00

Chaos Theory 10

Legend City Studios

over 50 local artists

7-12 midnight

521 w. Vanburen

Phoenix,AZ

May First Friday 2009

2009-04-29T13:23:00.002-07:00

FIRST FRIDAY MAY 1st

stop by the studio 6-11pm

Bean 5000 spinning music all evening!

Lucky Rabbit

1020 n.w. Grand avenue

art detour

2009-02-11T14:24:00.003-07:00

March is Art Detour
We will have the studio doors open!
Please join us....

also showing work at the studio:

Abbey Messmer

Ami Minnick

&

Lee Hazel

hours: friday 6th 6-10pm/saturday 7th 10-6pm/sunday 8th 12-6pm

LUCKY RABBIT STUDIO
1020 n. grand avenue
(just south of 11th ave)
contact for more information...

october

2008-09-28T09:11:00.002-07:00

Chaos Theory 9

Legend City Studios

521 w. Van Buren

phoenix, az 85003

october 3rd 2008

6pm-midnight

annual local group show

Rancho Linda Vista in Oracle, Arizona

2008-09-09T09:59:00.002-07:00

I am working this month for a few weeks down in Oracle, Az at Rancho Linda Vista. This place is very special; being an old dude ranch taken over by a group of artists in the late sixties. The original families still live on the ranch, and consist of many established painters, sculptures, woodworkers, teachers and a psychiatrist. It is very much in the middle of the desert, with breath taking views of Mt. Lemmon. I am working on a portrait for the Chaos Theory show at Legend City first friday in October.

Current Project

2008-06-23T14:11:00.003-07:00

I am currently working with a designer based in California, on a project for Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant in the San Diego and old town Pasadena area

Roy's - Pasadena Opening - August 2008 641 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena CA 91101 -->

Roy's - San Diego Now Open! (619) 239-7697 333 West Harbor Drive San Diego CA 92101

If you are in the area stop by to see my new work, it will be permanently installed. There will also be an interview and write up in late summer in Art World News; covering the complete "Green" remodel of the Pasadena location.

contact:

2008-03-31T11:11:00.003-07:00

Lucky Rabbit Studio
1020 N.W. Grand Ave
Phoenix, Az
602-367-4019
~open first friday & by appointment

March 3/7-3/9 2008

2008-02-22T22:35:00.005-07:00

Art Detour 20
*************************************************
Lucky Rabbit Studio
1020 N. W. Grand Ave.
Phoenix, Arizona

Visit the studio of Abbey Messmer & myself during the weekend, and see our new work~

hours during Detour: 3/7-3/9
Friday 7-11 pm / Saturday 12-6pm / Sunday 12-6 pm
and by appointment 602-367-4019

February at Bragg's Pie Factory

2008-01-22T21:37:00.001-07:00

***Bragg's Pie Factory***

New Work by:

* Ami Minnick ~ illustration

* Lara Kupcikevicius ~ encaustic

* Jason Grubb ~ photography

1301 N.W. Grand Avenue
Downtown Phoenix
(S. Roosevelt, on nw corner of McKinley)

Bragg's Pie Factory January 2008

2007-12-19T23:38:00.001-07:00

Bragg's Pie Factory
1301 N.W. Grand Avenue
Phoenix, Az
(@ McKinley)

On the Horizon; an artists perspective

January first Friday art reception (group show of several Arizona Artists)
and
third Friday -(1/19th) -music by Times Beach/Lonna Kelley/Colorstore starting at 9pm

Please join me as I gather several local talents together for a group show of Painters and Photographers with their own perspective of a landscape... don't miss this show!
curated by yours truly...

http://www.myspace.com/timesbeach

http://www.myspace.com/lonnakelley

http://www.myspace.com/colorstore

La Mancha

2007-10-25T00:52:00.000-07:00

This was such an amazing moment on our trip in Spain. Clint and I were driving down the road and happened upon an image that I used in one of my paintings. Holland gave Spain several windmills in 1570, as a friendly gesture. They are located in the La Mancha region, near the town of Consuerga. There is also the Castillo de Molino that shares the hill with the windmills. They certainly were beautiful.

Chaos Theory Show

2007-09-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

Legend City presents their annual Chaos Theory Show

__________october 5th,2007________________

Don't miss this group show! First Friday in October

Legend City Studios
521 West Van Buren Street Phoenix, AZ 85003

Skate D e c k show

2007-08-06T22:49:00.000-07:00

This years skate deck show will be held at Bragg's Pie Factory on Grand Avenue

in October for third Friday (the 20th)

and

November First Friday

check out the Molten Brothers website for more information!

local art resource

2007-07-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

For upcoming local art events check out http://www.showup.com
also,
my personal artist profile can be viewed at:
http://www.showup.com/?app=profileDetail&id=104#gallery

Lucky Rabbit studio

2007-07-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Recently added a page for the studio at a local site called Phoenix Art Space.
check it out for future shows and news...

Encaustics June 07'

2007-06-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to finally be working in Encaustic. During my month long residency at Rancho Linda Vista in Oracle, Az; I took a beginner workshop with Miles Conrad of the Conrad Wilde Gallery in Tucson. He has over fifteen years of experience in Encaustics, and a beautiful gallery that is located on 4th ave in the heart of Tucson. Read more about his gallery at www.conradwildegallery.com. Encaustic consists of pure beeswax infused with damar resin (to make it harden), and pigment for color. It is a beautiful medium, you actually paint with in wax. It also borrows from print making and ceramics, in the different ways you can manipulate the surface. I look forward to this new series of paintings; my studio is just about set up to work with the wax and I have twelve empty panels. Abbey and I plan to open up the studio again sometime in August/September for First Friday.

Lucky Rabbit Studio
1020 N.W. Grand Avenue
Phoenix, Az