Wax forms the unifying surface for my compositions . After viewing the encaustic work of Jasper Johns and the opportunity to meet and hear Tony Scherman speak about his paintings , I was inspired to work with the wax and a relationship with the medium began . The process of harvesting bees wax is very unique and it is humbling to think that those annoying bees make my encaustic work possible .
Stelco City , encaustic on partial copper plate and panel , 10 x 10 inches , 2012 / 2014
Working with wax is challenging ! Wax is spontaneous , unpredictable and has a life of its own ! It seems to dominate and demand respect before it is willing to co-operate . Through the application and scraping back of the wax a mutual understanding , rhythm and harmony is developed .