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.
Kim Henigman Bruce – Face Value
Henigman Bruce – Face Value, Encaustic & string on a book, 7″h x 6″w x 2″d
Kim Henigman Bruce – Book Of…
Henigman Bruce – – Book Of… Encaustic & rosary on a book, 15″h x 5″w x 1.75″d overall
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 – 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 – 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 – Pocket Book, encaustic & found objects on book, 7
Henigman Bruce – Pocket Book, encaustic & found objects on a book, 7″w x 4″h x 2″d other side
Henigman Bruce – Bound To
Henigman Bruce – Bound To, Encaustic, chiffon, thread, hooks & eyes, brass nails on repurposed book, 7″h x 4″w x 1.5″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″
Henigman Bruce – Acknowledgments
Henigman Bruce – Acknowledgments, Encaustic, found objects on a book, 7″h x 4.25″w x 1.5″d (one side)
Henigman Bruce – Acknowledgments
Kim Bruce -Acknowledgments, Henigman Bruce – Encaustic, found objects on a book, 7″h x 4.25″w x 1.5″d (other side)
Henigman Bruce – Focus (detail)
Henigman Bruce – Focus (detail), Encaustic, found objects on altered book, 7″.75h x 4.25″w x 1.5″d (girls side)
Henigman Bruce – Focus
Henigman Bruce – Focus, Encaustic, found objects on altered book, 7″.75h x 4.25″w x 1.5″d (boys side)
Henigman Bruce – Focus (detail)
Henigman Bruce – Focus (detail), Encaustic, found objects on altered book, 7″.75h x 4.25″w x 1.5″d (boys side)
Henigman Bruce – Focus
Henigman Bruce -Focus, Encaustic, found objects on altered book, 7″.75h x 4.25″w x 1.5″d (girls side)
Kim Bruce – Coil, Encaustic, found objects on a book, 7″h x 4″w x 1″d (other side)
Henigman Bruce – Coil
Henigman Bruce – Coil, Encaustic, found objects on a book, 7″h x 4″w x 1″d (other side)
Henigman Bruce – Coil, Encaustic, found objects on repurposed book, 7
Henigman Bruce – Coil, Encaustic, found objects on repurposed book, 7″h x 4″w x 1″d
Henigman Bruce – Sad Tail
Henigman Bruce – Sad Tail, Encaustic, needle, thread on altered book, 4″ x 7″ x 1.25″ (the other side)
Henigman Bruce – Sad Tail
Henigman Bruce – Sad Tail, Encaustic, needle, thread on altered book, 4″ x 7″ x 1.25″ (one side)
Henigman Bruce – Leather and Lace
Henigman Bruce – Leather and Lace, Encaustic & found objects, 8″ x 5″ x 1.5″
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
Kim Bruce – The Deceiver
Kim Bruce – The Deceive, Encaustic, staples & string on a book, 11″h x 7″w x 1.5″d overall
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.
