Art by Vars, Mallick on display at Madd Matters

PALMER — “Passionate” might be the best word to describe the artists and their art featured at this month’s Second Saturday opening reception at Madd Matters. Both names, Judy Vars and Brandy Lee Mallick, are pretty well known here in the Valley.

Vars has an international reputation as well. She is best known for her encaustic wax paintings, an ancient technique employing beeswax, resins and pure pigments that she sometimes grinds herself. This form of painting is so ancient that vibrant works are still visible thousands of years later in Egyptian ruins. Though the method is ancient, Vars’ work is outstandingly contemporary.

Vars also produces wonderful oils. In either case, she is also cognizant of the limitations and the particular expression within the mediums. Vars’ work is both emotional and meaningful, far from the ordinary or mundane. Even her flowers and landscapes rise to the level of art — an incredible accomplishment when surrounded by the typical gold-pan artist so common in our woods. It is a sign of a real artist that they can and will buck peer pressure and the market as well.

Another thing that separates Vars’ work, and possibly another reason she is collected, is it smells and feels good. Yes, her work is meant to be touched. Its textures and variations are thrilling to the fingers while the aroma — the smell of honey and blossoms — brings the work to an extreme level of sensuality. Her work, like the artist herself, is mysterious and vibrant.

Vars lives in the Meadow Lakes area with her lakeside studio, idyllic surroundings and artist husband Peter Vars.

Brandy Lee Mallick is a Palmer woman through and through. A graduate of Palmer High School and a proud mother, Mallick produces vibrant acrylic works in dense color. She refers to her work as “organic imagery art.”

Her work is expressive and bold and meditative, yet her symbolism is very subtle. She tends to use long simple brush strokes that carry a wave-like feeling. Mallick’s work would be considered “modern art” and suitable for almost any environment.

Their work is part of Palmer’s Second Saturday Art Walk, which also includes the Palmer Food Drive to replenish the local food bank. So bring canned goods to donate, view great art, hobnob with artists and even get discounts at local merchants.

Mallick’ and Vars’ work will be at Madd Matters, 1088 S. Colony Way, Palmer, until Nov. 8. An opening reception is from 3 to 8 p.m., Oct. 13.

Gregory Gusse is owner of Madd Matters in Palmer.