© Melinda Schawel 2006

       
 
Lingua Franca relates to an ongoing interest in the evolution of language and the roles played by the conscious and subconscious in the interpretation of words, symbols and nonverbal cues.

Multiple layers represent differing degrees of understanding and misunderstanding in the communication process. The paintings and works on paper are transformed by adding and subtracting various water and oil-based media including india ink, dry pigment and varnish. The finished pieces may be opaque or layered as transparent glazes or scraped, wiped down or sanded.