Works in Wax: Contemporary Women Encaustic Artists

Works in Wax: Contemporary Women Encaustic Artists

The use of heated wax in painting dates back to the Greek painters of the 1st century BC, who utilized the technique to protect and decorate ships. In fact, the term encaustic is derived from the Greek word enkaustikos, meaning “to burn in”. The medium — ­consisting of heated beeswax, resin and pigment —grew in popularity for its durability, textural qualities, and rich color.

With the accessibility and convenience of portable heating devices, there has been a resurgence of the medium in modern and contemporary art. Artists are drawn to encaustic for its ability to be reheated, create distinctive layers, and adhere materials to a surface.

This exhibition features a group of twelve women artists who use the medium in various ways, utilizing the encaustic tradition in conversation with contemporary sculpture, painting, photography, and collage.

This exhibition was co-curated by SAM and Terri Yacovelli.

Artists Featured:

Christina Brady

Andrea Carracedo

Tracy Casagrande Clancy

Alaina Enslen

Joan Ffolliott

Gail Haile

Sally Hootnick

Kathy Hughes

Lorra Kurtz

Michele Randall

Trudie Wolking

Terri Yacovelli