The work always leads the way. Recent paintings from my last exhibition speak to the quality of wax, unique combinations of materials, and the spaciousness that working large allows.
Titled Second Wind, the show and the same named painting revisits previously explored techniques and color combinations. I have been painting vigorously with encaustic for over ten years, and the energy that is required to keep the paintings moving forward visually with freshness is exhausting and frustrating at times. Fortunately with hot wax, it is difficult to replicate the same thing more than once, so each painting becomes a cousin or shadow of the last but not a replica. I try to be consistent in the work without the work becoming derivative, yet knowing fully that I am influenced by the work of others, art history and even my own habits. Torrent, Tempest and Second Wind are all made with panels that have random trips and marks directly onto the panel. I then spread light colored layers of wax over these drips and marks. From there, I see what emerges and those responses helps direct the theme and composition of the painting. I never actively know what a painting will look like when it is done. They always surprise me!