I am drawn to encaustic because of it’s lush, luminous quality. The layering of translucent hot wax paint produces a richness unique to this medium.
Encaustic is an all-natural paint consisting of beeswax and tree resin mixed with pigment. I make each batch of the wax medium and paint colors I use in my studio. Each layer is applied with a brush, then heated and fused using a torch. The fusing serves to bond each layer to the previous layer - creating a durable, moisture resistant surface.
This historic painting process was first used by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians – dating back over 2000 years. The word encaustic comes from the Greek word meaning to "burn in" which refers to the process of fusing the paint.
The wax surface of an encaustic painting is the protective finish, nothing needs to be added to preserve the paintings; they will not deteriorate, or discolor. Paintings are best when allowed to breathe and do not need to be varnished or kept under glass. Under normal conditions, encaustic is a very stable medium, with a melting point between 160-180 degrees. As with any artwork, encaustic paintings should be kept out of direct sunlight.
Working primarily with two-dimensional, abstract forms – I draw and paint, incorporating graphite, oil paint, beeswax, and other media on paper and panel. I use both fabricated and found objects in three dimensional and installation works. Layered color, repetition of shape and line bring depth and subtlety to my work.
I have trained in painting, mixed media, metals, enamels and encaustic (a wax based painting medium). I have been working primarily with encaustic for the past six years. Within the last year I have become serious about drawing, exploring organic forms composed of tiny circles. I am currently working on an installation which uses clay as the primary material. For me, experimentation with different materials fosters new ideas to materialize within my work and allows me to create works which stimulate my artistic growth.
price range
$180 - $7,500
All rights reserved.