Layers of Life

Life, much like art, is composed of intricate layers — each one adding depth, texture, and meaning to our personal narratives. Discover how these four artists who you will find at the Spring Show, April 25 – 27, use layered techniques to create dynamic pieces where beneath every surface lies a rich story waiting to be uncovered. 

Pam Hamilton explores fantasy to portray empowered women that emerge as strong protagonists, commanding attention and respect. Her female figures offer a vision where strength and femininity are not mutually exclusive, but rather intrinsically intertwined.

Tell us about your work.

Pam: My process unfolds through dynamic application of layers, gesso, mediums, graphite, and acrylic paint — in a spirited and unrestrained manner. My own stories become entwined within the evolving layers, creating a nuanced and veiled narrative. The deliberate choice to render faces abstractly encourages viewers to actively engage, prompting them to unearth their unique interpretations within the artwork.

What does your work represent?

Pam: I am drawn to painting strong, empowered women, often set in dreamlike or fantastical environments. These figures represent resilience, transformation, and inner strength. Nature also plays a significant role, with elements like forests, animals, and wings appearing frequently. Wings, in particular, symbolize freedom, ascension, and perseverance, reflecting the idea that no matter the challenges faced, we continue to rise. 

What do you enjoy most about creating? 

Pam: What I enjoy most about what I do is the process itself — the act of painting, layering colors, and watching the figure emerge from the canvas. There’s something magical about seeing a piece come to life, evolving with each brushstroke as if it has a spirit of its own.

Andrea Cira is a paper artist and illustrator who grew up in Mexico surrounded by vibrant colors and traditional crafts. Andrea meticulously creates detailed dimensional illustrations and 3D paper models, drawing inspiration from her Mexican heritage and the things she loves in life. 

How do you bring your ideas to life? 

Andrea: Each piece starts with research and sketching — understanding the subject, its history, and the feeling I want to convey. From there, I break the design into layers, choosing colors and textures that will bring the story to life. Once the design is set, I cut each element, carefully assembling them to create depth and movement. I love how paper allows me to play with light and shadow, making each piece feel alive.

Do certain themes emerge frequently in your work? 

Andrea: Yes, several recurring themes and symbols appear in my work, many of them rooted in my Mexican heritage and my appreciation for nature. I often incorporate elements like plants, animals, and traditional folk motifs because they feel like a connection to my culture and the things I grew up with.

What makes your work unique?

Andrea: What makes my work unique is the combination of craftsmanship, storytelling, and cultural connection that goes into every piece. Each artwork is handmade, with a deep focus on detail and texture. This slow, intentional process allows me to create work that feels personal and alive.

Painter, Kelley Kozloff creates art that evokes the peace of mind that she experiences when viewing a large body of water or a landscape that is simply earth and sky. Her paintings are abstract creations from her imagination intended to lead the viewer to their own place of peace.

What does your artistic workflow look like? 

Kelley: Each piece starts with layers of bold colors and striking patterns which are added on top of a textured base in a loose and unconstructed way. Gradually, I simplify the composition, as textures and details emerge to evoke the mood I am looking for in the final artwork. As a result, my work has multiple layers, with the final painting revealing hints of the creative process along the way. 

What keeps you creating? 

Kelley: Painting is playful, and the discovery process frees my mind as I experience the evolution of the composition. In a way, each completed work is a surprise that I’ve been unwrapping, and once it is revealed, I am eager to see what the next canvas will become. 

What do you hope to convey through your work?

Kelley: The additional layers of paintings below the surface of my work add not just texture but context as the composition emerges. The hints of what is below the surface intrigue and engage the viewer beyond the initial calm and serenity of the overall composition, much like the experience of looking out at an uninterrupted horizon over land or sea. 

Gina Wolfrum creates mixed-media pieces that blur the line between realism and impressionism, inviting contemplation through textures and the interplay of gemstones, mica, and glass, reflecting her deep reverence for the natural world. 

What is your creative process? 

Gina: I often start with a rough sketch and reference photos before layering paint to establish form and atmosphere. The final stage is the most intricate — placing gemstones and textured elements to enhance the piece’s luminosity. This process requires multiple layers, curing times, and adjustments, ensuring each work captures shifting beauty of light and perspective. 

Are there any reoccurring themes in your work? 

Gina: Yes, recurring themes in my work include light, reflection, and nature’s brilliance, often represented through gemstones, shimmering surfaces, and fluid landscapes. These elements stem from a childhood experience where I nearly drowned but was mesmerized by the way light danced on the water’s surface. This memory stayed with me and shaped my fascination with sparkle and perspective. 

What’s been a pivotal moment in your career as an artist?

Gina: A pivotal moment in my career was when I transitioned from decorative art to fine art and introduced my Gemstone series. I had always loved working with texture and natural elements, but when I began incorporating gemstones, glass, and mica into my paintings, something clicked.