Individual tiles and framed, mini-murals by Lisa Maue are currently
on display at the Capitan library as part of its program that showcases
local artists and craftspeople. Maue, who lives and works from her
home and studio on Ski Run Road, airbrushes transparent, low-fire
glazes using hand-cut acetate templates onto standard six-inch tiles
that are then sprayed with a clear glaze and fired in a kiln, making
them suitable for use as trivets, in trays or gift box inserts and for
larger indoor applications.
Many of the scenes are local: the Capitan Mountains, Encinoso,
Sierra Blanca and churches in Tularosa, Lincoln and San Patricio.
Photographs serve as a beginning point. Each color is identified
and sprayed separately. The templates are reusable, so different
color schemes can be achieved. Airbrushing allows for a single
color gradient from light to dark and the blending of one color
into another. The technique, developed by Maue over many years,
results in a realistic, yet stylized appearance that nonetheless relies
on abstraction and underlying, simplified forms.
Lately Maue has been experimenting with fewer templates.
Future works will incorporate detailed silk-screened elements
including original poetry, slogans and words to evoke more
emotional responses while still paying homage to the
complexity and unique character of the area.
Works are for sale and a percentage of each sale will be donated to the Capitan library.
The show will continue until March 1.
