In “Claiming Space” artist Marilyn Banner continues her exploration of the earth’s forms and energies through the rich medium of encaustic. The initial inspiration for this work was her strong visceral response to lichen, to its variety of colors, textures, and shapes, and the way it proliferates on the surface of stone and bark. The colonies grow next to each other and on top of each other. They respond to their environment, to light and moisture in the air. They live together in concert, each species claiming space, and all co-existing peacefully.