making art on a pancake griddle.
so. i have been making art on a borrowed pancake griddle on my kitchen counter.
last fall, i was introduced to a newish technique for making encaustic monotype, and i have fallen hard.
i paint sometimes in an open studio at a local community center. it's good for me - to have a place to go, to have other people around, to be accountable, to have space to spread out. most of the time i set up in the corner near a big window and work on my own (i've painted the field - the one you see in the print below - out that window over and over again these past few years). but last fall, the teacher - an amazing encaustic painter and now a friend - taught a workshop in encaustic monotype and i was first in line.
i had made monoprints before. but this. oh my.
you can read more about the technique and equipment here. or you can trust me when i tell you that the wax melts on the hot plate and it's luscious. that the rice papers absorb or don't absorb the wax and deppending on the surface, the wax sways and swirls in all sorts of unexpected ways. that sometimes i like the image on the reverse even better than the than the one on what's supposed to be the front. and that's all part of the beauty of it.
i've been playing with papers. playing with the paints. playing.
i'm reluctant to write more about the specifics because i'm afraid it might be boring. and really, there's a lot of figuring it out as i go. but i'm happy to share if anyone is interested.
i've sent eight tiny prints to the enormous tiny art show 11 at nahcotta gallery. the show opens february 3, and it's full of all sorts of tiny goodness. i hope you'll check it out.
shininng egg
Reader Comments (10)
(some of us would like details). Also, I love these. I am so enchanted by encaustic.
Yes! Very interesting! And beautiful.
I love these so much. The swirly effect and riot of color, all swishing into each other really creates a stunning effect!!
emily! they're so gorgeous. i can't wait to see them in person next week. and please, tell us more. i love hearing about process.
Interested! I bought some initial supplies to get started in encaustic painting but am worried about the ventilation issues as I can't afford a set-up for that. Your prints are stunning! I'd love to know more.
Really beautiful. I totally get the work in a shared space concept. I struggle with how much time I spend alone in my house. Trying to get more disciplined about writing or whatever task I have at hand, but it's hard.
i wish i could see them in person. they are all gorgeous. xo.
love these. you have a lot of talent. :)
Playing, yes, playing can sometimes be best of all. I really like these pieces and their colour play. You can see you had fun with these and that, for me, is a very good thing to be able to see.
Enjoy!
Your description of this process is wonderful and it seems the outcomes are even better.