This show will grow on you

A new exhibit is blooming at the Newport Visual Arts Center.

“Botanical Alchemy,” featuring work by Jennifer Smith opens this Sunday, Dec. 3, with a public reception from 1 to 3 pm, including light refreshments and an artist’s talk at 1:30 pm.

Inspired by daily hikes in the Pacific Northwest, Smith was drawn to botanical printmaking to reflect the beauty of the trees surrounding her. Her process begins with the gathering of leaves and a search for wool and silk that she can up-cycle.

“My desire is to share the rich beauty I see in nature,” she said, “in appreciation of the varied patterns, colors, and textures in the trees and leaves.”

Smith’s unique process treats the viewer to an intimate experience with the flora of our coastal home, featuring colors that are as soothing as they are exciting.

“Beyond beautifully executed technical innovations and experimentations, Jennifer has an eye for exquisite compositions,” said Chasse Davidson, director of the Newport Visual Arts Center. “Through her botanical prints, each leaf is brought to the forefront with rich, bold color combinations.”

“In my studio,” Smith said, “I intentionally place the leaves on the wool, cover this with hand-dyed silk for transfer of the background color, tightly roll the fabric around a copper rod for direct contact, then submerge the bundle in hot water to cook for several hours. This helps to extract the pigments contained in the leaves — to transfer the leaf print and coloration onto the fabric. When unwrapping the bundle, I feel excitement as I discover the unpredictable and unique results.”

The Newport Visual Arts Center is located at 777 NW Beach Drive and is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4 pm. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-6540.