This encaustic and mixed media piece was made as I began to explore using wax as a medium for painting flesh. I like wax’s translucence and the ability to carve it and give it texture. I used an image from a 15th century fresco of an apostle as inspiration for this piece. What I like is the wax’s ability to surprise. I used a torch for fusing the wax which allowed me to move the wax about as I added other medium for texture and tone. I was especially pleased with the emergence of the texture of his flesh and beard. As I worked on him for a few days he transitioned between saint and mariner. This is one of my favorite pieces. He truly bloomed from his wooden substrate and helped to define the series Revelations.
