CORA ENNIS MORRIS’ latest collection of work “Driftwood Beach” series draws photographic inspiration from the enchanted oaks of Jekyll Island. This quaint island along Georgia’s coast is often described as a hidden-gem of a destination. The untouched beauty of the island’s landscape was inspiration for this serene coastal collection.
Eight original pieces will be on display at Dick Blick’s Gallery Nov. 2 through Nov. 29. Two, of the ten total original pieces from the collection are on display at Photopoint Gallery as part of the “High Tide/Low Country” exhibition until Nov. 21.
“My vision was to try and capture the raw beauty in nature after years of getting beaten down by the elements. It’s amazing that the trees are still standing with a gnarled and almost petrified appearance,” explains Morris.
Idyllic muted-pastel coloration—that is uniquely her own vision—transports you to a tranquil place with misty-ocean air. Morris’ subjects are reflective of nature, depicting breathtaking oaks with exposed roots that coyly lay in the low tide.
“I was approached by Photopoint Gallery owner, Joy Dunigan who was looking to pull together a group show of photographers with “High Tide/Low Country” as the common theme two pieces from each artist. I immediately thought of my newest series completed this past spring based on Driftwood Beach would fit in perfectly with her vision for the show,” explains Cora Morris.
Morris uses encaustic as a medium for its texture, raised layers of wax and overall sculptural look.“The Aetna Gallery within the Buttler McCook House in Hartford, CT was a pivotal point in laying the ground work for my current style of encaustic, painting, and photography,” she recalls. Her work consists of digitally manipulates color, applies canvas to a wood cradle panel, and fuses layers clear and colored layers of encaustic medium on top of an image. Her process includes experimenting with new techniques that enhance and constantly evolve her work.
“I immediately felt energized by the fusing of molten bees wax and damar resin. So much so, I took this knowledge and produced a series of ten pieces inspired by my travels to Morocco. My process always starts by an inspiration found in nature of my curiosity to explore the world. I like to think I inherited my travel bug from my dad, who joined the navy at age 17,” she recalls.
Cora works in her charming sunlit Savannah art studio just above her house, producing an abundance of new work. She speaks of her in-studio collections “South African, through my eyes,” “Low Country Inspired,” and “Savannah Notables.” She’s been inspired by Savannah since moving here with her husband from Connecticut in 2017.
“I’ve been so taken with the abundance of beauty here. I’m especially impressed with the city’s thoughtfully planned out historic district and abundance of green spaces distinctly unique to Savannah. In fact, I have another completed series titled, “Squares and Live Oaks,” that I hope to showcase when more venues become available in 2021,” she explains.
“How could I not be inspired among our majestic live oaks and Spanish moss?” Morris says.
