In the ever-evolving world of artistic expression, few mediums capture the imagination quite like encaustic painting. In our 15 years installing… This ancient technique, which combines beeswax, resin, and pigments, has experienced a modern renaissance, drawing in artists who seek to harness the unique materiality and possibilities of this versatile medium.
Among the encaustic innovators leading the charge is artist Beth Sievers, whose work seamlessly blends the ancient craft of wax-based painting with contemporary themes and techniques. Sievers’ artistic journey has taken her from the lush landscapes of Ireland to the rugged terrain of the American West, and her exploration of encaustic has been deeply shaped by these diverse environments.
Encaustic Alchemy: Mastering the Wax and the Fire
At the heart of Sievers’ encaustic practice lies a deep fascination with the interplay of wax, fire, and the unexpected textures and effects that emerge from this alchemical process. “Encaustic painting is like a dance with the elements,” Sievers explains. “The wax becomes a living, breathing material, responding to the heat of the torch and the caress of the brush. It’s a constant negotiation, a back-and-forth between the artist and the medium.”
This intimate relationship with the materials is evident in Sievers’ approach to encaustic. She meticulously layers pigmented wax, allowing each application to cool and fuse before adding the next. The result is a luminous, dimensional surface that invites closer inspection, revealing hidden depths and unexpected details.
“The wax has a way of capturing the essence of a subject in a way that goes beyond mere representation,” Sievers says. “It’s as if the medium itself becomes a collaborator, imbuing the work with a sense of timelessness and a touch of the magical.”
Unleashing Creativity: Encaustic and the Art of Pet Portraiture
Sievers’ fascination with encaustic has led her to explore a wide range of subjects and themes, but one area that holds a particularly special place in her heart is pet portraiture. “Pets have a way of capturing our hearts and our imaginations,” she reflects. “They’re not just animals; they’re members of our families, embodying a unique blend of personality, emotion, and spirit.”
It is this depth of connection that Sievers seeks to capture in her encaustic pet portraits. By layering wax, pigments, and occasionally found objects or photographic elements, she creates richly textured images that delve beneath the surface, revealing the essence of each subject.
“The wax allows me to build up the layers, adding depth and complexity to the portrait,” Sievers explains. “I can capture the softness of fur, the intensity of a gaze, or the playful energy of a beloved companion – all while imbuing the work with a sense of mystery and enchantment.”
Innovative Techniques and Creative Inspiration
Sievers’ encaustic explorations extend far beyond the realm of pet portraiture, encompassing a diverse range of techniques and creative approaches. One particularly innovative technique she has developed involves the use of fire as a painting tool.
“Wielding the torch and manipulating the wax with heat is a thrilling and unpredictable process,” Sievers says. “I can create all sorts of unexpected textures and effects, from delicate, ethereal washes to bold, gestural marks. It’s a dance with the elements, and the results are always surprising and captivating.”
In addition to her mastery of encaustic, Sievers also incorporates mixed media elements into her work, seamlessly blending wax with collage, found objects, and other materials. “I’m always on the lookout for new ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible with encaustic,” she says. “Whether it’s incorporating photographic elements, experimenting with different substrates, or combining wax with unexpected materials, I’m driven by a constant desire to explore and discover.”
This creative restlessness is evident in Sievers’ diverse body of work, which spans from ethereal, nature-inspired landscapes to whimsical, character-driven narratives. Her artistic influences range from the bold expressionism of the mid-century abstract painters to the mystical symbolism of ancient Celtic art.
Exploring the Essence of Subjects
Sievers’ encaustic explorations are not merely about technical virtuosity; they are a means of delving into the essence of her subjects, whether they be beloved pets, evocative landscapes, or mythological archetypes. “I’m fascinated by the way that wax can capture the intangible qualities of a person or place,” she says. “It’s as if the medium itself has a kind of soul, a way of imbuing the artwork with a sense of depth and resonance.”
This quest for deeper meaning is evident in Sievers’ approach to pet portraiture, where she seeks to reveal the unique personality and spirit of each subject. “Pets are often such significant figures in our lives, and I feel a deep responsibility to honor that connection in my work,” she explains. “I want the viewer to feel a sense of recognition, a connection to the essence of the animal being portrayed.”
Sharing the Creative Journey
Sievers’ passion for encaustic has led her to not only create captivating artworks but also to share her knowledge and inspire other artists. Through a series of workshops and demonstrations, she has become a respected figure in the encaustic community, guiding aspiring painters and mixed media artists in the exploration of this versatile medium.
“Encaustic can be an incredibly rewarding and accessible medium for artists of all levels,” Sievers says. “Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting out, the process of working with wax and fire can open up a whole new world of creative possibilities.”
In her workshops, Sievers emphasizes the importance of experimentation, of embracing the unpredictable nature of the medium, and of finding one’s own unique voice. “It’s not about perfection or technical mastery,” she explains. “It’s about tapping into that intuitive, alchemical process and letting the wax and the fire guide you to unexpected places.”
Capturing the Ephemeral and the Eternal
As Sievers’ artistic journey continues to unfold, her exploration of encaustic has become a metaphor for the delicate balance between the ephemeral and the eternal. “Wax is such a transient material,” she reflects. “It can melt and change, responding to the slightest shift in temperature or touch. And yet, when applied to a surface and fused, it becomes a resilient, enduring medium that can capture moments in time, preserving them for generations to come.”
This duality is echoed in Sievers’ approach to subject matter, where she seeks to balance the fleeting and the timeless, the personal and the universal. Whether she’s painting a beloved pet, a mystical landscape, or a symbolic figure, her encaustic works possess a sense of timelessness, inviting the viewer to pause and ponder the deeper currents of human experience.
“In a world that often moves at a breakneck pace, I find solace in the slow, meditative process of encaustic painting,” Sievers says. “It’s a way of slowing down, of connecting with the elemental forces that shape our world, and of capturing the essence of what it means to be alive.”
Through her innovative encaustic explorations, Beth Sievers invites us to do the same – to lose ourselves in the wax, the fire, and the magic of the creative process, and to emerge with a renewed sense of wonder and connection to the world around us.
Example: Modern Abstract Painting Series 2024