The original Encaustic
process (encaustic means to burn) was the ancient Egyptian practice of mixing Beeswax and Damar Resin, (tree sap in it's rawest form) melted and applied onto gilded paintings.
The early Religious Iconic Art in Pharoah's tombs contain Encaustic wax paintings, this technique which is seeing a revival in a modern context, by encasing Fine Art Photographs in wax mounted on Board. Not only do I enjoy the painterly surface the wax creates,the longevity of the medium and non-toxic materials but also the gradual decline of the global Bee population, is just as important to me.
I am combining modern photographic printing techniques with ancient crafting techniques to achieve a work of Art which is long lasting, tactile, archival & painterly.
The original digital image is
layered with photographs of textures such as canvas brush strokes,
or scratches. The final image is printed onto 300 gsm Smooth Fine Art watercolour paper
using a large format archival, inkjet printer.
Once the board has been
prepared with Gesso I mount the image with acid-free adhesive and coat with U.V
varnish.
The edges of the image are sanded and stained in ebony oil stain.
The hot Beeswax and Damar Resin are now applied and
worked with a heatgun and metal spatula, finally using a hot flat iron to
finish the effect, which is buffed with a cotton cloth.
British Beekeeper's Association
Image:
Fine Art Photography . Archival Giclee Printing . Photo Encaustic Artblocks
