My current work is in exploring the limits and versatility of encaustic painting (molten beeswax applied hot, resin and pigments) in two dimensional and three-dimensional forms. My explorations include traditional encaustic paneling on panel, but I also working three dimensionally with the wax to find out how far it can be removed from its' support. I manipulate the wax using heat, and combine it materials that are not used in traditional encaustic painting. I then examine how it is affected by light, motion, and heat. This work is about process and experimentation, and is a rejection of art as surface design only.
What is encaustic?
Encaustic is molten beeswax, resin and pigment applied to a rigid surface and fused using heat. It is an ancient process, which is becoming increasingly popular because of modern equipment such as griddles, heat guns, crock-pots and the availability of pre-made encaustic paint (R & F Paints will become your Mecca when you experience their encaustic paints). Encaustic paint has a luminosity that rivals oil painting, and is unique in its ability to be at smooth or textural with little effort. Check out the Encaustic Resources on my blog for more information.
Although there are lots of sites dedicated to Encaustic painting, I have found little describing the challenges and experimentation of bring wax into the round. I have decided it was time to delve deeper into the world of Encaustic sculpture.
My blog "Art Making is a Journey by Jaime Lyerly" is where I talk about art techniques, art marketing, life of an art student, my successes (and failures) and most importantly, the process and experimentation of making art.
Here is a hint of what I doing from my blog post "Unique Encaustic Sculptures" in May 2009. This is a conceptual work, which is why words are needed to describe the process and reason for existence. I will be posting more about my own work and the work of others working in Encaustic Sculpture. I have other encaustic writing projects that I will share with you as the site is set up. It will be very exciting!
Encaustic/Beeswax and Mixed Media Sculptures by Jaime Lyerly, May 2009
3-D encaustic sculptures, detail view, © 2009 Jaime Lyerly
3-D encaustic sculptures, cast shadows view, © 2009 Jaime Lyerly
3-D encaustic sculptures, detail view, © 2009 Jaime Lyerly
These sculptures are so much fun to make that I want to make a hundred of them to fill a gallery. I have been thinking and planning for encaustic sculptures that destroy themselves and ones which are created from the melted wreckage.
Wax on! ~ Jaime Lyerly