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Artist Statement - Into the Garden Collection

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I am inspired by the unique and versatile medium of encaustic which allows me to work with it in multiple layers, similar to how I use depth of field in my photography. I work with hot wax known as encaustic that is a mixture of beeswax and the tree sap damar resin. The all natural medium is heated to around 200 degrees to become a liquid form. I then apply the hot paint to cradle boards and fuse the layers with a torch.

 

Being back in my home state of Wisconsin I have always been intrigued by old, worn down and left behind items. Even more exciting is when I find objects that are now left behind in a field where they are slowly being broken down by nature. I am drawn to the textures and colors and the idea that this item, whatever it is, was once important to someone and being used on a daily basis.

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Being able to connect back to the past when life was simpler and more about nature and less about technology is the inspiration behind this series. Mixing materials to create a new and sometimes surreal realm we can escape too provides a sense of peace and wonder for me. The wax layers create a dreamy effect drawing you in, wondering what lies beneath the surface. I hope the following collection "Into the Garden" transports you to a landscape that is special, giving you a few moments away from the harsh realities of our world.

 

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