About Amy
Encaustic is a very physical, sculptural medium. The viscosity and heat of it move me. At times I attack the surface, other times the warm malleability requires a deft, delicate touch. To create my work, I pour and paint encaustic wax including dripped, carved and etched lines and textures. These are filled with either more encaustic or oil bar colors, building geologically to embody a relief or sometimes 3D form. A hot iron or torch is used to fuse each layer. To build depth and surface, the translucent layers are progressively carved, painted and partly scraped away to selectively reveal the texture, form and colors beneath.
More recently, I’ve returned full circle to jewelry making as well. I’ve been making beadwork jewelry since the 1990’s and always wanted to learn metalsmithing. I’ve been slowing adding tools, and honing my skills in soldering and stone-setting. It’s gratifying in a similar way to painting, because it satisfies my inner sculptor, but challenges me to spend time on design and precision while learning new skills and ways of thinking.