Small scale sculpture experiments for the Winter 2020 class
We played with a variety of ways to use encaustigraphics in an introductory class offered at the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center on February 29, 2020.
We began by learning how to make the e*graphics with provided prints, and then branched out into using the material to create “super simple sculptures” with fun and easy techniques. We experimented with the many ways the material can be used— for sculpture, window art, books, jewelry and more— and then we worked with the students’ own images (digital photographs and scans of artwork) to translate those into various creations. I also demoed how to construct large forms like those shown on the home page of this site.
Great group of students and a fun creative time. If social distancing allows, I’ll be offering the class again in November 2020.
The 18 page article includes a history of the process, many photographs of my work and even some basic instructions on how to create e*graphics.
Click here to find out how to purchase a digital copy. Single issue price is $2.99,which goes to support the Encaustic Art Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico. {Please note that there is also an option to order more expensive hard copies, but that money does not go to EAINM).
I’m very excited to have information on the encaustigraphic process available to an international audience, and I hope you enjoy learning more about e*graphics, how it came to be and where it’s heading!
This is a second spread from my article on encaustigraphics in Encaustic Arts magazine. Click here find out how to purchase a copy of the issue.
I’ve been intrigued with the possibilities of remesh (the steel grid material used to reinforce concrete forms), so I purchased some to play with. After cutting the large piece into various frame shapes, I found creating the digital files to fit was its own challenge, but I was pleased with this first try. Each square opening is 6″ and the “hug” is a retention ring (found on the inside of hubcaps). Found materials are always a fun way to stretch the imagination.
Big Kiss— encaustigraphics sewn onto a remesh frame, with an added “hug” from a hubcab retention ring.“Big Kiss” hanging outdoors. Encaustigraphics sewn on frame made from remesh and added retention ring “hug.”
For each of my holiday greetings this year, I enclosed a snowflake made from e*graphic material using a plotcutting device. The material worked beautifully with the blade and the resulting forms feel magical, suspended from lights using a single silver thread.
I’ve been experimenting with layering pieces and parts of e*graphics using tabs, fusing, and cutouts. This mandala also has a glow-in-the-dark center element that appears to float when the lights are turned out.
I wanted to use driftwood as a rustic frame to hold an encaustigraphic collage. “Love for Trees in Midwinter” is the result. I also incorporated polymer clay, stone and glass to make this quite an assemblage of colorful and natural materials.
This encaustigraphic mandala leads off a suspension of playful pieces made from a variety of materials. The e*graphics process combines well with other materials, including beads, polymer clay (especially translucent varieties), driftwood, wire, and found objects. Although the main circle is 8″ in diameter, it is extremely lightweight and moves beautifully in the breeze.
