In these works, I explore the expressive potential of encaustic — a medium composed of molten beeswax and pigment that is layered, fused, scraped, and reworked to reveal both translucence and depth. Encaustic invites a tactile, process-driven approach: each layer holds the memory of every gesture beneath it, building a surface that feels alive and luminous. Through heat, the wax shifts from liquid to solid, transforming the work as I respond to its movement in real time. This project embraces that alchemical process — the push and pull of addition and subtraction, where texture, embedded materials, and the play of light become integral to the final composition.

Encaustic is one of the oldest painting methods, rooted in ancient practices where artists and builders worked with beeswax for its durability and natural luminosity. The technique was famously used in the Fayum mummy portraits of Egypt and on Greek and Roman ships and architecture — places where color needed to endure heat, light, and time. The word “encaustic” comes from the Greek enkaustikos, meaning “to burn in,” a reference to the heat required to fuse each layer. Though the medium eventually gave way to fresco and oil painting, it experienced a modern resurgence in the 20th century as artists rediscovered its sculptural qualities and rich, tactile possibilities. Today, encaustic continues to offer a unique balance of history and innovation — a material shaped by fire, with a depth and permanence that feels both ancient and alive.