A look into the hive…

 

 Meet Pat from Onawhimsey!

 

How did you begin working in encaustic?

Earlier this year I came across the word encaustic.  Didn’t have a clue what it meant but felt drawn to finding out the meaning.  The whole idea of burning  fascinated me and that really got me going.

 

What do you find most rewarding about working with encaustic?

I love the texture of the wax, the smell and the fact it decides on which road I am to travel.  Once started the wax will lead me in many different ways until I come to a point where I have to stop.  That is the hardest part, knowing when to stop!  Sometimes you might think, I will just add this or that there and the impact of the picture is ruined.  So, there really is a fine line between continuation and stopping.

 

Where do you find your inspiration for your work?

Much of the inspiration for my work comes from water; from the seashore, cliffs and the mighty power of the sea.  I guess being a Pisces might have something to do with that?  I love the ever changing moods, colours and effect of water.

 

Do you plan your pieces before you start?

I have tried to plan a piece by doing a sketch of a subject, preparing my waxes, support but invariably the painting will not be a success.  The painting will not come out as I wanted it to.  So, now I, literally, go with the flow!

 

Explain a bit about your process of creating with encaustic.

Creating a painting in encaustic, for me, is like no other experience.  A welling up of creativity occurs within me to the point I have to get the waxes out.  I never know in which direction they will take me but when I am in one of those moods I have the overwhelming urge to create.  The image then creates itself as if a spirit takes over.  Sounds pretty melodramatic but that is as close a description as I can give.  The creation comes from deep within my soul and is a very spiritual experience.  Once completed there is a wonderful feeling of relief and achievement.

 

What type of supports do you use? Have you tried other supports and/or substrates and if so, how did they work for you?

Being very new to this medium I primarily use encaustic card as a support.  I do have a few wall tiles that I have my eye on (we have builders in at the moment) and intend to experiment.  Wood is another support I would love to try.  So many things to try but so little time!

 

Can you explain what an encaustic card is?

It is especially prepared for encaustic artwork.  It is high quality sealed card which can be used for wax painting or rubber stamping – it doesn’t absorb the elements!  Normally white in colour but many other colours are available and sizes as well.  The smallest I have is for ACEO size (3.5 x.2.5″) and the largest is what we call A3 or roughly 16.5 x 11.5″.

 

What is your favorite technique and why?

A favorite technique?  I love my little iron, my faithful friend!  However, using a blowing technique with a hairdryer is also a fascinating way to develop a picture and style.

Tuberlance is one of Pat’s recent pieces using this technique.

Tell us a bit about your studio and the atmosphere when you create. Do you have a ritual or something you do before you begin or while you are creating?

You would laugh if you saw my studio!!!  I have a room in which I store all my equipment for sewing and encaustics and anything else I am involved in.  So, it is pretty cluttered although I promise myself that one day, I will sort it out and thus make more room. One day!!!!  The most important thing is that it is MY room which I don’t have to tidy at the end of the day.  I have my laptop there to keep in touch with the world and depending on what I am doing that day; I clear a space to work.

 

Do you have a favorite artist? If so, who and what draws you to their work?

One of my favorite encaustic artists is called Mysticmoon.  She is Silvana from Holland and has been painting in encaustics since 2004.  A very talented lady whose work can be seen at this link . She, too, describes how she finds the encaustic medium to be so fascinating and calming.  Depending on her mood her creativity often takes her to surprising places.

 

Do you have any advice for an artist that is just starting to use encaustic medium?

Having just found this wonderful medium I guess I have to say, go with the flow!  Don’t try to copy another style because it won’t work.  Develop your own style and always push yourself that bit more to achieve better works.

 

Do you have some advice you can give us on having a successful ETSY store?

Promote, promote, promote!!  The worst part of selling, for me, is marketing.  It takes up so much time and effort which I would rather spend with my waxes!  However, if I only paint and never tell the world about it then how can I possibly expect to sell anything?  Join groups like the BEE Team where you can exchange ideas and encouragement.  In UK, for instance, there are not too many encaustic artists.  Not like the US or Europe.

Join in forum discussions, write a blog.  I started a blog specifically to promote encaustic art and my work.  Try a website!  I did this a month or so ago.  I have achieved some traffic due to referrals and directly from the internet.

Advertise!  Check out Project Wonderful to purchase very reasonable advertising slots which link directly to your Etsy shop.  For instance, I often advertise on the Etsy Challenge blog .   You can also arrange for them to suggest or advise you of other slots that become available on other sites.  You choose which will get the most traffic.

Most of all, believe in you!  That belief will shine through into your work and your very own being. Trust your own sense of direction and follow it.  By all means take advice but only you can decide whether you will need to accept it.

Pat’s Etsy Store

Pat’s Art Blog