|
Curried Myrrh
Encaustic literaly means burned in . It is a wonderfuly eccentric medium composed of beeswax, dammar resin and pigment. It is heated to melting, between 200 and 225 degrees, and applied to the substrate in many layers, each one bonded with heat. The surface hardens quickly, alowing for a plethora of manipulating techniques. Scraping, carving, and burying images on paper within its translucent and glowing layers are just some of the methods of expression in encaustic painting. Encaustic is one of the most ancient mediums of artful expression. It represented the epitome of preservation and vitality. Encaustic painting was practiced by the Greeks as far back as the 5th century B.C. It was used in Ancient Egypt for the painting of portraits on the sarcophagi of nobles, scenes of mythology on panels, and for the coloring of marble and terra cotta. Eventualy it became used in the decorating of ships, such as Cleopatra s Barge. Mention is even made by Homer of the painted ship of the Greek warriors who fought at Troy. I chose to work in the encaustic medium for its depth, luminescence, and exotic versatility. The color, movement and intensity is reminiscent of a heightened state of sensation as in a dream, or when one experiences something so profound and unutterably exquisite that it is simply burned in the memory . Movement and stilness explain the underlying theme in my work. The existence and participation of both states is the essence of living, and loving life. To be fuly engaged in the ripening thunder of movement, and to be conscious and capable of being captivated by stilness; this is the quality that compels me to reproduce its essence. My background as a sculptor trained me to seek subtle dimension, and the core of what gives a subject life . My experiences with plastering and antiquated surface finishes drew out my attraction to and appreciation of the intrinsic subtleties and natural beauty of organic mediums. The historical and cultural applications of encaustic are compeling and mystical. The quest to manifest this ambience of nature in my art is the inevitable conclusion. I continue my journey down the trail into the wonders of beeswax, expounding upon the wonders of stilness and movement.
Curriedmyrrh.com ~
Site Info
Whois
Trace Route
RBL Check
|
|
|
|