Getting Under the Surface: The Allure of Encaustic

Encaustic is the little mystery of the art world. Most people aren’t familiar with it, although it’s been around longer than  many more widely known mediums. So what is encaustic? It’s simply a painting medium created with beeswax and tree resin (not to be confused with the synthetic resin that you see more frequently) It’s ancient...literately used by the Ancient Greeks, Vikings and Egyptians.  Encaustic came from the greek word “enkaustiko” which means “to burn in,” referring to the fusing process that must be performed after each layer is applied.  First, molten encaustic medium is painted to the surface. It cools, and a torch or heat gun is used to melt or “fuse” the paint to underlying surface layers. In this way the  surface is built up allowing you to see through to the  color or imbedded objects below.

I came to encaustic because I was looking for a surface treatment for my sculptures that had a creamy texture....most ceramic surface treatments fall into the shiny glass or porous matt category. I decided to work with it a bit while the kiln was being installed in my home studio....and the rest his history.

How that velvety, translucent encaustic surface seemed alive beneath its layers. Hints of hidden depths emerged, revealing the soft murmurs of what was concealed beneath. Encaustic wax flowed smooth and clear, with vibrant colors swirling and soft bubbles forming on glossy, rich layers of hue. Watching the encaustic fusing process for the first time is genuinely mesmerizing. There's something magical  in seeing this transformation happen. I was hooked instantly. It was love at first sight, and I haven’t looked back since.

I have also realized that this spectacular painting process is worth sharing, and it’s revived my, long dormant, passion for teaching.  It is surprisingly easy to create a beautiful painting despite the movement that takes place during fusing. Students in my workshop express a freeing feeling...a loosening of the stress and tightness. It’s a beautiful way to live in the moment. Art can have that affect, but especially through this very unique process. It’s possible to literally melt away the stress, and give your brain a rest from the chaos of life.

What you are left with is a refreshed spirit and a beautiful art piece of this memory to hang on your wall. I find that gazing into an encaustic surface can trigger these feelings and deepen my sense of awe and appreciation for the world that we live in.

I am so excited to host a 4 day retreat June 5-8th where we hope to explore this connection between encaustic and nature in the beautiful

Canaan Valley, West Virginia.  You can find out more about this and the encaustic process on my website listed under the “instruction” tab.

I hope to see you in the woods and in the studio soon!

Retreat Information