ARTIST STATEMENT
Words are powerful and they can deepen our understanding to make better sense of the world. The center of my art encompasses language and or text. I am inspired by humanity, history and how our world has evolved in communicating. My art is minimal in composition, thought provoking, abstract, non-figurative works of art that are rich in symbolism.
As an emerging artist, creating art has always been a part of who I am. I have explored many mediums as a self-taught artist which lead to my discovery of Encaustic. I have experience in using mediums such as acrylic, oil, ink, clay, fiber and woodworking, defining my artistry as mixed media.
Encaustic is my primary medium. I fell in love with this medium for its versatility, transparency and depth. The process of using encaustic wax is captivating.
Encaustic is beeswax and damar resin (a tree sap from Asia). The bees wax and resin is heated to a molten state. When it is liquified, pigment is added for color. A layer of wax is applied to a substrate using an artist brush or tool. Each layer of wax is heated and fused together using fire from a torch. Encaustic can be carved into, embedded with materials and used with other mediums such as oil, ink or natural fiber. I use a pyrography (wood burning) technique and use wax instead of wood to “burn into” the artwork with language or text.
I create art from my art studio in Wabasha, Minnesota.