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Sculptural Encaustic Photography Process

Some History

Encaustic medium (called paint by some) is melted  beeswax  and tree sap (damar resin) and was first used in Egypt about 3,000 years ago. 

Because it sealed out moisture, it was used on everything from ships, architecture, statues & sarcophagi--to paintings. 

Today, it’s used mostly to paint and sculpt. When used on photographs, beautiful textures can be crafted, sculptural details emphasized, and  embellishments added. 

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My Process

Whether I make my own encaustic medium or purchase it, I always begin with a primed [white] 1.5" deep cradled board matching the size of my image.

I select my photograph based on a combination of the following:

• impact
• what moves me
• what moves the client (if it's a commission) and
• the elements that I want to highlight. 
  

I print the photograph on paper or silk. Then, using encaustic medium, I paint two layers onto the primed board, lay the picture on top, and use heat to bring the wax up through the picture. When I'm done, the picture should be evident--not the wax. The wax  should be so thin that only the texture--feeling the surface--gives it away. For some pictures,  I add embellishments. or  use wax to raise up, emphasize, or color specific elements in the image.

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