Endless Possibilities: a new take on encaustics

Endless Possibilities: a new take on encaustics

At our most recent New England Wax meeting, we met in the studio of Kay Hartung at Western Ave. Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts. She has a beautiful, sunny studio and gave us a demonstration which included creating encaustic pods.  Encaustic can be used in many different ways, but Kay’s pods captured my attention. Each one is unique in shape and color. I love the organic forms. 

She starts by filling a balloon with cold water and tying it off. Different sizes and shapes are created by tying string (or not) to construct spheres or irregular forms. Using a hangman-type stand she designed for this technique, the top of the balloon is then suspended. Several layers of encaustic medium are applied to the outside of the balloon with a large brush. Wax has an accretive property, as you add layers, the surface becomes more and more textured. Accretion creates a surface that reminds me of lumpy-bumpy gourds. 

Once she has built up several layers of wax, Kay pops the balloon and lets the water drain out. She then removes the balloon, leaving an opening on one end. She adds color to the surface by applying metallic-colored pan pastel with a small makeup sponge and fuses it lightly. 

The result is so beautiful. I have been working with encaustics for many years now, and continue to be delighted and inspired by its endless possibilities.

Written by Lola Baltzell, a member of New England Wax