I have used encaustic wax in the past, as can be seen here: https://joanneforrest.org/portfolio/sunflowers/ In my previous project I experimented with colour and various techniques. More recently I have been experimenting with incorporating the found object and using clear encaustic wax.
Encaustic wax is a mix of damar resin and beeswax – the perfect combination to ensure the wax sets, but is not brittle. When using encaustic wax, the most important element is heat – the wax, the applicator brushes and the surface to which the wax is to be applied all need to be warm – applying warm wax to a cold surface does not work! I use a domestic hot plate to melt the wax and warm the brush. I heat the surface with a heat gun, apply a layer of wax all over and just as the wax is turning ‘milky’, I fuse the wax into the surface by using the heat gun over it. Each layer of wax is brushed on in the opposite direction of the previous layer and fused. If the layers are not fused, the layers of wax resemble flaky pastry and are not stable. Once several layers of wax have been applied, the found objects are coated in wax and fused onto the piece. Excess wax can be scraped away and the surface re-heated to create a smooth finish.
The images above show how as the wax melts, it develops a lustrous shine. This can dull once the wax has cooled, but can be buffed up again with a lint cloth if required. I have been experimenting with fabric formed concrete, as shown in the images below, in which concrete is poured into a fabric and takes it form – a very literal explanation. I added mouldy tea leaves to the concrete and wait for it to set. I didn’t like the end result, it was neither geometric or organic in form and the initial skin of mould became dull and uninspiring. However, I did like the revealed pattern left on the fabric I used. It is this fabric that I used to create this encaustic piece – wrapped round a piece of MDF. I then added the pulled threads and an avocado skin, which seemed to fit the form and colour of the work.
