UNE鈥檚 Biddeford Campus Center exhibits batik art by Piper Bolduc
An exhibition of artwork by local artist Piper Bolduc will be on display at the 51品茶鈥檚 Biddeford Campus Center from Oct. 29 through Nov. 30.
Bolduc creates her work by painting watercolors on rice paper, which is then treated to a process known as batik. Traditionally applied to cloth in Javanese culture, the process involves applying layers of melted wax over select areas of the work to protect them from a final dye bath. Bolduc further develops some of her works by creating three-dimensional areas within the paintings using fabric.
Whether featuring a traditional landscape or a single flower, Bolduc鈥檚 subject matter is influenced primarily by nature, and the integration of fabric into her pieces has enabled her to capture nature鈥檚 essence in ever-evolving ways. 鈥淐ombining my traditional watercolors with my love of fibers has pushed me in a direction that is exciting and fresh,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t has allowed me to create paintings that bring my gardens and the outdoors within the walls of my home during the cold winter season.鈥
Bolduc was born in Brunswick, Maine, and received a B.A. in art education from the University of Maine in Orono. After thirty-seven years of teaching art in grades pre-K through 12, she accepted a position teaching at the Maine College of Art. Now retired, Bolduc focuses her time on her own art-making processes.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. Masks are required indoors for all visitors to UNE鈥檚 campuses. The Campus Center is located at 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, Maine. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, contact Diane Noble by email at dbmn27@maine.rr.com or phone (207-284-6394).