Artist Statement
The most important factor that drives my work is the influence of the artistic process. I value the journey toward a finished product over the final painting itself. In doing so, I have a closer relationship with my art as I view the creation as a partnership. Encaustic wax painting is a process where wax is applied to a substrate, carved into, painted over, and sealed together with a heat gun. This process has a constant gain and loss of control as layers of wax and color are placed, heated, and cooled. I view this as a symbol of a journey where there are factors within control, and outside of control. I use this process as a form of manifestation of the experiences in life. By accepting these factors, I have found a harmony can be reached of internal peace.
A fascinating part of encaustics is the wax itself. This organic material is derived from none other than a very important insect on Earth, the bees. I view using this natural byproduct to create art as a form of gratefulness to the environment. This wax is then brought to a temperature where it can be dangerous. Unlike other creative materials, hot wax is a hazard to safety which makes it that much more, an exhilarating media. Much of this can also be appreciated from a tactile sense. The satisfaction of the scraping, cutting, sculpting, pushing, and rubbing is of the material is infectious as an artist.
