Molly Cliff Hilts of Portland, Oregon has distinguished herself by creating compelling, encaustic paintings that are an exuberant celebration of life. Vibrant, semi-abstract, depicting organic forms and landscapes, Cliff-Hilts paintings radiate joy and speak of the tangible sensual world that demands our engagement. Her recent work is layered and more abstract. Utilizing a variety of mediums, Cliff-Hilts creates opulent surfaces and spatial depth with wax, oil paint, powdered pigments, litho and inks
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Profound and intimate, Cliff-Hilts paintings speak to themes of loss and renewal. “My paintings are about connectivity, deeper way and an unwavering desire for a fuller moment.” Cliff-Hilts lives this belief by strengthening notions of connectivity and community by hosting salons in the large, lovingly-restored 19th century Portland home where she lives with her husband. They display her paintings while featuring performances by poets, writers, and musicians from around the US.
In 1981 Molly Cliff-Hilts received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of California Santa Cruz, CA. Her work has a strong presence throughout the Northwest United States. Her paintings have been featured on PBS’s Oregon Artbeat. In March and August of 2006 her work was exhibited at New York’s Synchronicity Fine Arts Gallery. Her work can be found in notable private and corporate collections across the United States including the private collection of Bill and Melinda Gates. Molly Cliff-Hilts lives and works in Portland, Oregon.
