FROM THE INSTITUTE
As we keep seaching for new and diverse encaustic artists to represent the medium in each magazine issue , I am reminded about three things that are evolving . The first thing is the vast number of artists who have been painting in this medium for a long time , and how many established and newly developing artists are taking the medium up daily . Secondly , like none other before , the encaustic / wax medium has attracted artists previously married to their mediums - to take it up and either adopt it ultimately or blend it with the medium they are already using . Thirdly , and the most important , is how quickly the awareness of encaustic / wax medium is growing , with broad range acceptance .
I still hear from artists that some galleries won ’ t deal in encaustic because of the fear of handling and selling the medium . However , I believe that along with the efforts of this magazine and the many encaustic organizations nationwide , galleries , and the public , are understanding and appreciating encaustic ’ s beauty and ancient history and are seeking it out .
The Encaustic Art Institute celebrates its 10th year of an endless pursuit of getting the word out to the public about the medium this year . Through its members ’ diverse representation of encaustic / wax medium and the new 4500 square foot facility , we can now house over 250 works of art . With the momentus move into Santa Fe , the second largest art market in the nation , we aim to expand our reach further as an institute for learning and a gallery for viewing .
What is ancient is now current . What was virtually unheard of 15 years ago is now the fastest-growing medium in North America . This issue is filled with accomplished artists who seek to give us their inside track on encaustic and wax art . I thank them for their willingness and effort to share their lives in art .