Encaustic Arts Magazine Spring 2024 | Page 20

JOHN ANGELL , Ho Chi Minh City - Over and Above , photo encaustic , mixed media on floating Baltic birch panel , 12 x 12 x 1.5 inches , 2022
I am sometimes asked how long it takes me to make a piece . This is hard to answer since sometimes my work starts with images taken before the person asking the question was born .
• Concepts often come to me as I am trying to fall asleep .
• With concept in mind , I start with image selection and prepare the image digitally , whether it is simple balancing or more radical manipulation .
• I then print the image using archival ink on acid free translucent paper .
• I primarily use floating Baltic birch panels which I cut and assemble myself . These are coated with special encaustic gesso and sanded smooth .
• I give the panels a base coat of hot encaustic medium which I heat to form a smooth silky surface .