When I started using books as a metaphor, the books were presented in the open position. The symbolism of that work focused on the central spine. A strong vertical line is prevalent in a lot of my work and has to do with having backbone; inner strength.
My Library
My Library, 8.5x34x3 inches, Encaustic and found objects on books
Jackets
Jackets, encaustic and found objects on a book, 7″ x 41″ x 2″
Authors’ Notes
Authors’ Notes, 7x30x2 inches, Encaustic and found objects on books
Henigman Bruce – Words
Words, Encaustic & oil on board with found objects, 7.5″H x 48″W x 2″D
Henigman Bruce – Black Book, 5
Henigman Bruce – Black Book, 5″w x 7″h x 3.25″d, Encaustic and oil on a book
Kim Henigman Bruce – Black Book, 5
Henigman Bruce – Black Book, 5″w x 7″h x 3.25″d, Encaustic and oil on a book
Kim Henigman Bruce – Illumination
Henigman Bruce – Illumination – Light bulb, pull chain and encaustic on a book, 4?w x 7?h x 3.5?d
Kim Henigman Bruce – Illumination
Henigman Bruce – Illumination – Light bulb, pull chain and encaustic on a book, 4?w x 7?h x 3.5?d
Kim Henigman Bruce – Pocket Book, encaustic & found objects on book, 7
Henigman Bruce – Pocket Book, encaustic & found objects on book, 7″w x 4″h x 2″d one side
Kim Henigman Bruce – Hope is a four letter word (other side)
Henigman Bruce – Hope is a four letter word, encaustic on book, 4″w x 7″h x 1″d other side
Kim Henigman Bruce – Hope is a four letter word (one side)
Henigman Bruce – Hope is a four letter word, encaustic on book, 4″w x 7″h x 1″d one side
Henigman Bruce – Knowledge
Henigman Bruce -Knowledge, Encaustic & found objects, 7″ x 4′ x 1.5″ – SOLD
Henigman Bruce – Zen Gon_
Henigman Bruce – Zen Gon_, Encaustic, needle, thread, string on altered book, 9″ x 7″ x 1.25″ (one side) Sold
Henigman Bruce – Zen Gon_
Henigman Bruce – Zen Gon_, Encaustic, needle, thread, string on altered book, 9″ x 7″ x 1.25″ (other side) Sold
Henigman Bruce – Nautical
Henigman Bruce – Nautical (front view), Encaustic and found objects, 7″ x 4″ x 2″, Sold
Henigman Bruce – Nautical
Henigman Bruce – Nautical (back view), Encaustic and found objects, 7″ x 4″ x 2″, Sold
KimBruce_pearl
Pearl, encaustic and found objects on a board, 22.5″ x 9″ x 3″
KimBruce_fox
Fox, encaustic and found objects on a board, 25″ x 9″ x 2″
As the work progressed to using actual books, it took a turn. I was sealing the books closed, making them inaccessible, and unable to open. It was then that I realized what the work was truly about.
My mom, an avid reader, considered education key to self-empowerment, self-sufficiency and independence. She made sure I received an education and lead by example as she is a very strong and independent woman herself.
I use books as my canvas to present views about education for girls. I want viewers of the work to come away with a clearer understanding of the importance of education and the role it has in shaping future generations. If girls are educated and given choices they can influence the world. Books are knowledge and in turn, knowledge empowers.
