By A Slender Thread, ©2011
Encaustic collage with digital and iPad montage on rice paper
BL Desrosiers




It appears I'm committed to making a go of this encaustic media. I have to confess, it is like coming  home from a journey far away. The return to molten wax is something I have fantasized about for years and now that I have taken the plunge, I can say that I won't be straying too far from it again. (So, dear unknown soul who stole my wax delivery off my front porch, your efforts will not impede my determination to create.)


I began my love affair with wax in the 1970s in Taiwan where I took batik lessons from an artist, Sammy, in our village for two years. We created paintings in batik, not fabrics such as is commonly practiced, or was at the time. I then continued to batik for another 5 years once we returned to the states and loved it. I gave it up due to the toxicity of the dyes at the time and my daughter's asthma. I have always missed the aroma of the melted bees' wax and the challenge of getting the molten wax to the surface and laid as I wish before it hardens. Now I can cheat and use a heat gun, oh joy! 


I owe a great deal of gratitude to my friend, Judy, who has been gracious enough to share techniques with me and be my mentor in encaustic art. Thank you, Judy.


Encaustic is so much more fulfilling also, I can play with the surface and leave texture. No more boiling it all off! My initial efforts are, well, a beginning. I hope to improve with time and continual practice.


The above piece is entered in the show, Elements, at the Art Gallery of Viera.  It is 16x20" and is a marriage of my digital work and wax - a perfect match if there ever was one, at least in my heart!


Peace, 
Barb