Mixed Media Maven Darlene Engellenner of Rosville
Mar 29, 2016 05:02PM ● By David Norby
Although Darlene Engellenner didn’t begin studying art until adulthood, as a young girl she was constantly drawing. These days, the artist’s work—consisting of bold block prints, contemplative collages, stunning sculptures and mixed-media masterpieces—are nothing short of spectacular. Engellenner, who’s inspired by the enjoyment of everyday life, has shown her work in numerous local venues: Blue Line Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art Sacramento, Gallery at 48 Natoma, and Harris Center, to name a few. The artist is also involved in this month’s Art Studio Trek taking place April 23-24, and received the opportunity to participate in Sacramento’s innovative Art Hotel 916, a temporary art exhibit that filled the historic Jade building with various art installations from February 5-13.
HLB: How did you discover your process for mixed media and fusing together different elements?
DE: My first love in art was clay. It’s addictive and a great teacher on what not to do to make things work. There are lots of tricks and solutions involved in creating a successful outcome. That was the beginning of my investigation on turning 3-D art into a 2-D art form. I’m always looking for new elements to transform into art and finding solutions to make them work. I recently tried encaustic (beeswax), and at first, became frustrated with how to handle it; then, something told me to melt all the wax I had on hand and pour it over a solid foundation, which was successful. It’s all about experimenting!
HLB: Are there any competitions or awards you’re most proud of?
DE: I’ve been doing this for a long time and tend to hang in there, just so I don’t go away. I was excited when I covered a six-foot-tall ribbon in patina copper squares for a breast cancer awareness program. The Roseville City Council voted to give it a permanent home in the Civic Center rotunda. That’s what I call “hanging in there.”
HLB: Where do you go locally for inspiration?
DE: I visit a lot of art galleries, museums, and other artists’ shows. All artists feed off the creations of other artists. You think, “If they did that, I wonder what would happen if I did this?” It’s just taking it into your own world.
HLB: What do you find most challenging?
DE: I think it must be finding an audience and exposing your art, then building up a strong ego so you don’t take rejections personally.
HLB: Why do you love the arts in your community?
DE: The art scene is growing locally and there’s a lot of support from galleries, which also welcome volunteers. It’s [easy to] become very involved and [feel] welcomed. Through being involved I was on the committee that designed the Blue Line Gallery interior (when it was known as Roseville Arts).
HLB: Do you belong to any local artist organizations?
DE: I’m one of the original members of the Art Studio Trek: Art and Chocolate. This month’s event marks our 10th year! The gallery and the tour bring a lot of education to the local community about the breadth of the art experience, and the more art education, the better.
