THE PROCESS: ENCAUSTIC ART

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PHOTO:  My hives in front of an 18th century barn.

THE PROCESS: 

Encaustic is derived from a Greek word meaning “to heat or burn in (enkaustikos).
Heat is used throughout the process, from melting the beeswax and resin to fusing the layers of wax. A 100% organic mixture of natural bees wax and darmar resin (crystallized tree sap), the medium can be used alone for its transparency or
 adhesive qualities.  Pigments oils are then added  to enhance the opacity and color. Photo Encaustic is the addition of a photograph that is fused into the medium.  I fuse several layers over the photograph and then paint with pigment oils. The addition of stencils, collage and sculpting in the warm wax are additional affects that I incorporate to texturize the piece. And many times I use the encaustic medium to paint the image in. The blending of wax, oils, embedded objects give the piece a texture and feel that is dreamy and esoteric.