After moving to Albany 15 years ago I have been able to explore the different mediums and art techniques that are on offer in our wonderful artists community.
My artistic interests have changed over the years but I have a passion for encaustic wax painting which is an ancient process of heating up beeswax and oil paint and adding damar resin as a hardening agent. This is added to an absorbent surface of wood or paper and layered to build up a textured surface. Each layer is fused together with a heat gun and the liquid surface creates an amazing result and after a few minutes it is hardened to a shiny surface.
My exploration of wood and burning has taken me to use a burning tool in the form of Pyrography. A combination of drawing and burning at the same time in order to create tonal qualities in my picture. Then the wood is sealed with a varnish or wax.
Textiles and eco dying create a wonderful effect on fabric and paper using materials from our environment – leaves, flowers, nuts. Then I can use the fabric/paper to add further detail either with drawing, hand stitching or machine sewing.
Free motion machine sewing is another interest I have where you have the freedom of drawing but with your sewing machine. Very liberating as you can go as fast as you like and can then embellish with hand stitching to create a 3D effect.
I belong to an artisan group of Make a Scene Artists Collective and we have regular pop up shops throughout the year. We are on Facebook and Instagram – Make a Scene.
