Encaustic Tribal has numerous layers of wax and pigment. Here are six photos showing how this piece was built up from a basic underpainting. You can see what has been done as I peel away the layers. I wanted the flesh to show the buildup of mud and pigment that would have been used as natural face paint by this group of indigenous Africans. I felt it was most effective to use wax accretion to get this texture. I used a torch for fusing and continually painted on layers of encaustic paint and powdered pigments. If you have…
As with my oil paintings, I am exploring the use of Encaustics and Mixed Media for creating figurative images. In keeping with my interest of how indigenous people connect with the earth to inform their lives, this is an image of an African person (whom I am purposely conveying as androgynous) who uses earth pigments to decorate his/her body. I will show a series of progressions with this creative endeavor that I hope will infuse this piece with its life of becoming.
Two nights ago I watched the remarkable documentary, 'Saving Face.' I was deeply moved by the courageous women in this film. As a painter of faces, I have been reviewing in my mind how to honor these women and convey with dignity both their plight as victims of violent disfigurement and extreme acts of courage — facing their tormentors and the government of Pakistan. These women are celebrated as Survivors and that is how I will paint them. The first painting I want to approach is of Zakia. I have been reviewing images of her and have decided to…
During this past year I have been experimenting with drawing from a live model using my left hand. It has freed me up and allowed me to follow how things feel rather than being preoccupied with accuracy of line. I have found great satisfaction in these pieces. They have allowed me to explore places I had not previously entered. To see more of these drawings select the Drawing tag below.
