I have been painting in oils for a few decades. My artistic life in these decades wove itself around oil tubes, oil brushes, canvases. This were not pre-historic times but I did not know much about any other medium, nor was I interested. I loved oils, I knew them well. Nothing was really missing.
Until about 23 or 24 years ago. One bright day I realized I was painting tight, my work was not satisfying or gratifying and my spirit was asking for more. I was yearning for more freedom, spontaneity, play and less cerebral planning. These are not natural characteristics of my personality and I took note. It was a difficult creative time for me; I was not happy with my art and with the whole process. But I did not know what to do, where to turn.
To prove the maxim that “when the pupil is ready the teacher appears”, I received a Shemer Art Center catalog in the mail. Browsing the classes I saw a 2-day workshop in Encaustics. The literal description escapes me now but I believe it included the word “spontaneity”. Although I had never heard about this medium, I signed up and right there and then the adventure began and my life as an artist was forever changed.
The workshop taught me the basics of Encaustics: how to layer, fusing with an iron, pushing the wax around. I purchased some wax, a non-steam iron, a used griddle. I painted with Encaustics every single day for a year. I taught myself a variety of techniques such as collage, stencil, stamps. I spent 3 days in Los Angeles learning Encaustic Transfers. There were no other workshops being offered in Phoenix. I took the Shemer workshop again the next year. And I continued to push the envelope, to venture into the unknown, to experiment.
I did not stay in touch with that workshop’s participants and the instructor was not local. I had to find answers to questions when the internet was not around (or I knew nothing about it). It was a painstaking, often frustrating process.
After a few yers or working with this medium, finding answers to my questions, learning about materials, etc.a I wrote a 32-page booklet, “The Essential Encaustics”, answering those questions that I, as a beginner, had been asking and struggling with. This booklet is available directly here or at amazon.com, in hard copy and kindle versions.
To complete the circle, I now teach encaustic workshops at Shemer Art Center, where I dipped my toes in wax painting.
How did the honeybees change my art? In all ways possible. They freed me to play, innovate, discover, research, dare and grow. When you work with Encaustics there is no end to discovery, surprises, what-ifs. This is the most versatile medium I have encountered in my art-making decades. I continue to discover ways to work and play with it, how to combine it with other waxes and even with extraneous materials. After all these years, Encaustics continues to please, surprise, keep me on my toes. The honeymoon has never been over!
To share my passion, I have created a few workshops that bring smiles and “wows” to my students’ faces. And since no prior experience is necessary, anyone willing to play and experiment can benefit from and enjoy learning this generous medium.
Honeybees are great pollinators and are responsible for the existence of much of the food we need and enjoy. They are also life changers for Encaustic artists.
It is imperative to stop using pesticides that are killing off honeybees . The disappearance of untold numbers of this species is alarming and the consequences are frightening. Small as they are, their importance must not be underestimated or ignored. Maximum care must be taken to ensure their health and survival.
So when I am covering my wood panels with wax and looking forward to another discovery, a delightful surprise and to a painting with beautiful translucency, I am sending my thanks to honeybees everywhere who change our lives daily and who, quietly and industriously, keep the world buzzing.