“Thaw” by Christi Meril

This stunning contemporary mixed media wall sculpture captures the transformative moment when winter surrenders to spring. “Thaw” is an abstract meditation on seasonal renewal, where cascading forms and vibrant color bursts emerge from a foundation of precious old-growth Northern California redwood.

The piece features an innovative combination of clay, canvas, acrylic paint, high-gloss resin, paper, and nails that create dramatic dimensional depth and movement. Meril’s signature sculptural approach transforms traditional painting into a multidimensional experience, with elements that seem to flow and drip like melting snow giving way to new life.

The reclaimed redwood sourced from centuries-old Northern California forest adds profound historical resonance to this exploration of cycles, renewal, and the powerful echoes of time. Each weathered grain and natural imperfection in the wood speaks to endurance and transformation, themes that resonate throughout the sculptural composition.

Bold color applications in jewel tones burst against neutral passages, creating visual rhythms that mirror nature’s own timing. The interplay of smooth resin surfaces with rough, organic textures invites both visual and tactile engagement, while carefully positioned elements cast ever-changing shadows as light moves across the piece throughout the day.

This 51″ x 39″ sculpture represents Meril’s continued exploration of the relationship between urban and natural environments, drawing from her experiences immersed in both Dallas’s dynamic cityscape and the serene landscapes that inspire her multidimensional practice.

Medium: Mixed media sculpture – clay, canvas, acrylic, resin, paper, steel nails on reclaimed old-growth Northern California redwood
Dimensions: 51″ H x 39″ W