A Bit of Bee’s Wax
I have been told by several friends how sad it is to visit this site and find out that it hasn’t been updated in, well, almost three months. And, yes, I concur with all of you that it’s pretty pathetic. The problem is that usually I have a horrible memory. I can’t remember five minutes ago let alone the details of a funny moment with my kids. So I feel so often I have nothing of any worth to write about. Especially artistically, since I haven’t done anything in a while (even though some of you gave a few ideas… which I am still considering).
The Christmas holiday came and left. I got caught up in what seemed like a lot of hullabaloo that only now seems like nothing all that crazy. But it caught me up nontheless and left me thinking that only someday will I have the energy to post again. I kept putting it off until I had something cool to post about.
Well, I guess I have something very incredibly cool to post about: An art safari. I am going to learn about something called Encaustic style painting. It is a method in which pure pigment is mixed with molten bee’s wax to create a rich medium that is applied to canvas. I can hardly wait to go. It is going to be amazing. The toughest part is that I am leaving my family and going across the country alone without them for four or five days. I have traveled alone before, even all the way to Cali, but this time seems especially hard. I have three kids now and the idea of saying good-bye to them just rips at my heart.
Sure, I don’t have to go, of course, but the deposit was put down as a gift and the plans have been put in motion. And maybe I am only fretting because of PMS. I mean, I have had many (MANY) days where I have wanted to run off and accomplish some amazing artistic endeavor. But I have always thought of it in terms of close by or for a day or so. This, here trip, is big time. It is serious learning… and relaxing. Which is what I am always striving for, but this trip seems big and scary. Granted it looks amazing, but how much will I get out of it if I am just thinking about how I can’t give my kids a kiss goodnight? Or hug my husband at the end of the day and feel like I can breath again?
I know myself well enough to know that I am going most likely. And as it nears I will probably welcome the idea more and more. Day dreaming with longing for when I will feel the paintbrush in my hand and watch as it glides along the canvas in a syrupy coating of molten wax. Yeah, it will be good… very good.
I think…
Anyway, here are two links to a few pics and an explanation of encaustic painting. One from some random guy’s studio. And another from some really amazing encaustic painter I found on Google.
Wow! The color saturation and texture in the samples you linked is incredible- and so luxuriously beautiful. I think you will find the time away will give you renewed energy to be the great mom and wife you are. We all need a little time to nurture ourselves.
I’m glad you posted!
that sounds really awesome.. I took bee-keeping as a course at UD, so maybe one day I can provide you with the wax
mindy, that sounds so awesome! Did you say the trip was a gift? if so, what a thoughtful and unique present…I am sure it will be hard to say good-bye, but the time will go quickly and, like Susan said, you will come back a renewed and creatively restored mom and wife…I am excited for you!