most important. This continued practice with your own work is the basis for the inventions and energy that you will bring to your students. In the world of yoga, the practice itself is revered as the ultimate teacher. The daily ritual of coming to the mat (or art studio) becomes the testing ground for all your inventions and theories. Following close behind an established teacher or tradition is also key. Self-study (or svadhyaya, a yoga term) is also of great benefit. Get to know yourself, the art you like, read lots of books, discover new artists, travel, stay open and maintain a curious mind. If you are interested in taking your understanding of art, the student teacher relationship and modern encaustic to a new level, consider the upcoming Encaustic Teacher Training/Advanced Study with me in my Montana studio. I'd love to help you envision and become the teacher you have always dreamed of being!
http://shawnamoore.com/encaustic-teacher-trainingadvanced-study/
(Shawna demonstrating at a workshop in Jenny Learner's Chicago studio)
In addition to the Teacher Training program in 2014, I have a new book of my recent paintings. These are self-published catalogues which trace my visual expression over the years. There are now three in the collection and they are available on the website.
http://shawnamoore.com/videos-books
My biggest teaching project to date is the online video tutorials. They were a huge time and financial commitment. I still find myself adding comments to the written comments that come as part of the purchase. Also available on the website, they guide students through the techniques which I have found are the most effective and/or misunderstood. Please take a moment to watch the preview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrGaGi5rAy0
The paintings of 2013 reflect a desire to take on a bit more recognizable imagery. In my teaching, I warn students to not let the wax paint become their master. You can experiment and watch, but at some point you need to take the reins and drive the imagery and materials into the direction that is an expression of your own experience. Red wax melted at a certain temperature, scraped, fused, and marked emerges as a similar product among artists performing the same techniques. This is the basic starting point. It’s what you do with the basics that matter. How much of your baggage or vision can you unpack into each wax surface? What do you need to say and how are you going to say it? These are the concerns of the fine artist. It’s more than technical, it’s personal.