ARTIST STATEMENT:

I love any process that allows for a more “hands-on” experience, and for over 20 years, I hand-colored my black and white prints. In 2014 I took a “photo encaustic” workshop and found a new way to create original art with my photographs.

These mixed media pieces are created by first gluing an archival pigment print onto a panel. The next step is to brush layers of encaustic medium (beeswax mixed with damar resin) over the photo and fuse it with a heat gun or butane torch. Fusing is required for every layer of wax that is applied.

If handled properly, the surface is extremely durable as beeswax is impervious to moisture, and the encased image will not deteriorate, yellow, or fade.

Embellishments are added to create texture and depth with pigmented wax and oil paints. Only one mixed media piece of each image will be available.