about the encaustic process

Derived from the ancient Greek word "to burn in," encaustic refers to the use of hot beeswax mixed with pigments. Encaustic painting dates back to 1st century B.C, first utilized by Greek artists as a method for preserving paintings.

The contemporary application of encaustic in conjunction with photography emerged in the late 20th century. Wood frames are prepared by sanding, painting the image area with a white coat of gesso, giving the paper a neutral backdrop as the wax application can cause parts of the paper to be translucent and staining of the edges. The photograph printed on paper is adhered to the board. Layers of melted beeswax are painted on top of the photograph. Special paper is used that can withstand the heat of the wax as well as the heat bonding each wax layer receives before another coat of wax is applied. The wax layers are manipulated using various tools, giving the artistic freedom to enhance or obscure different aspects of the photograph. This technique introduces a unique tactile quality and ethereal dreamlike atmosphere to the image.