Transferred and Embedded Imagery with Encaustic. Sherrie Posternak. February 19th & 20th

Description

Description

February 19th and 20th, 9 am – 5 pm.

Participants must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

The medium of encaustic -beeswax plus resin (sometimes with added pigment)- marries well with many other materials and techniques. One characteristic of encaustic medium lends itself well to receiving transferred or embedded images. These techniques enhance the ability of the artist to represent ideas using layering, perspective, and graphics. I use transferred and embedded images extensively in my work, and have experimented with a large variety of materials and methods.

In this 2-day workshop, you will play with and rate your photo transfers on sample boards, using seven different types of printed surfaces, three methods of transferring, and six different ways of “sealing in” your transfers. We will also spend time learning how to correctly do a “dammed” pour which prepares for the transfer. We will also transfer other materials besides photo imagery, such as oil pastels, metallic foil, and charcoal pencils, onto both smooth and textured, clear and colored surfaces.

Then, using students’ and instructor’s imagery printed on sumi paper, habotai silk, Japanese tissue, and commercial napkins, we will embed these images into wooden panel bases which have received an “overpour” of encaustic medium. Students will learn the over pour technique as well as the adherence and “setting” techniques necessary to form a strong bond between the encaustic medium and the printed materials. Multiple overlaying embeds will create visual dimension, and the top layer may even receive a transfer. In addition to working on sample boards for transferring and embedding, students will have the opportunity to combine their skills and sensibility in at least one finished piece.

In Sherrie’s words…

Encaustic painting has consumed me since 2007. The process allows me to truly transfer what is in my head and heart, onto and into the finished piece. In some cases I combine other materials like photographs and natural and other mixed media materials with the encaustic medium, but it’s the wax that grants the work texture, amazing graphic, color, and a depth that is difficult to produce any other way.

Prior to working with encaustic, I had explored various other media and artistic endeavors. I designed and fabricated jewelry from 1977-1988. For several years in the early 80’s I worked at Peters Valley, a residential crafts community in northwestern New Jersey, in capacities including gallery assistant, assistant to the director, and programs chair. From 1988-1997 I owned a fine crafts gallery in Middleburg Virginia. Towards the end of that project I learned and practiced the art of mosaics. I also enjoy photography, mixed media, and collage.