I am a printmaker who transitioned into Encaustic (wax, resin and pigment) several years ago. There are many similarities between Printmaking and Encaustic. The wax allows me to do several of the things I enjoyed so much about etching; the use of fine line detail, employing a slower process of image making and the fun of choosing colors. Building up the wax on the flat surface adds a tactile element to each work. I get lost in the obsessive and meditative line work of every piece.
In my current series of Encaustic paintings I am experimenting with the use of alcohol inks, compressed air to move the inks and shellac. These elements adhere to the wax surface by using a torch. The textures and patterns that result are absolutely unique and beautiful. The process is not easy to control and often result in very surprising and wonderful effects.
When the wax is on the burner my studio smells like honey and bees like to sneak in.
