The Magic of Encaustics

What is, changes. What isn't, awaits in the shadows of possibilities created by this change.

I must start off this post with a gratitude deeper than a post can express. Several weeks ago, a beautiful creative soul named Kym (find her at Bliss Artworks Studio) released materials she was no longer using. Through her kind heart, she sent them to me...

From wax to pots, brushes to oil paints, books to DVD's, ...I'm still working my way through all of the goodies.

Not only have the materials found a new life, but I have as well. (And I remain humbled by her generosity. Kym, thank you again and again and again.) (For those curious, my work with acrylics and some with watercolor does continue!)

While I've been playing with encaustics (melted and fused wax) for awhile, I simply haven't had the proper tools to fully explore the medium. (You may recall some of my fun attempts with crayons. Don't worry...those experiments will continue too.)

Through this gift, my creative spirit is again enlivened. Possibilities for creations now have become probabilities.

Why do I enjoy encaustic work so much??

Working with encaustics demands mindfulness. Without it, you might (quite literally) get burned.

Working with encaustics also requires the ability to go with the flow. Wax in its liquid form can have a mind of its own.

Working with encaustics makes me face my fears. I had to play with fire. (Again, quite literally)

Wax asks the artist to have a sense of humor. Something that goes from solid to liquid to solid in a matter of seconds is like playing peek-a-boo with potential.

Encaustics promote the ability to work with layers and depth. You can build onto what you have or dig deeper into what is there. Either way, those layers are what create the beauty.

Encaustic work can be done with almost any other material. The creative potential is endless.

Playing with encaustics is a very sensual experience. The sweet smell of beeswax, the smooth finish of a layer of wax, the beckoning translucence of rich color....

Beeswax (a primary material for encaustic work) invites the artist to be mindful of nature. Upon reflection of the process through which beeswax is obtained , the sheer miracle of the creation, the number of steps and bees and flowers required to make what the artist holds in her/his hands, one can only smile in awe of the surrounding world.

I could go on. And in my studio area, I will.

The preparation: Canvas covered with scrapbooking paper (for proper adhesion for the wax) then several layers of beeswax. (For those encaustic artists out there, I know canvas isn't a rigid medium.)