Encaustic Fibre Art

2-day class with Cherilyn Martin (NL/UK)

Encaustic is a versatile medium which is suitable for use in both 2 & 3 dimensional projects. During this workshop you will learn how to use specialized equipment and gain insight into the artistic possibilities of Encaustic.

This 2 day workshop offers the opportunity to recycle fabrics, papers and mixed media. Your own collections of materials will be used to create individual artworks with a personal story.

A Powerpoint presentation will be given as introduction to the world of contemporary Encaustic Art.

Day 1.
We will work on the warming plate to create textured collages, building layers of wax, fabrics and papers to create complex surfaces. Layering plays an important role in this process; depth is achieved as layers of wax are added, each layer is fused with the heat of the warming plate or with use of either a heat gun or a torch burner. Text and graphic elements can be added by inserting printed papers, or by writing and drawing on the surface with coloured Saral & carbon papers, India ink or transfer foils.

A hot wax stylus can be used to draw or write with encaustic paint. Colour will be explored by adding coloured and printed papers, and by layering encaustic paints, which are available in a wide range of colours. Texture can be added with unusual mixed media (novelty threads, dried flowers, metal flakes, dried tea or coffee etc). Stencils will also be used to create surface texture or to add a variety of motifs. Photographic images can be transferred using laser printed photocopies, which will strengthen the story-telling aspect of the work. ‘Markal stiks' or  R&F pigment sticks can be used on the finished surface to add colour or to emphasise texture.

Collages are suitable for framing or assembling into artist's books.

Day 2.
Will be dedicated to working in 3-D. We will explore the possibilities of stiffening and shaping fabrics and papers with encaustic medium. We will consider various construction techniques using hand or machine stitching and folding. Layering and transparency will play an important role in these spatial objects. This is an opportunity to incorporate (unfinished) textile projects, such as water soluble samples or fabrics with interesting surface design effects.

Participants will be asked to prepare a personal theme to work with, so that everyone will produce individual art works during the workshop.

Spoken language: English

SDA members have priority to enter this class.
Non members may register as well as from august 15.

Inschrijven niet mogelijk

During this workshop we will use Encaustic Medium to create artist's books and 3d objects. To ensure that each student produces unique work, it is suggested that you prepare a personal theme before class begins. Your choice of materials will be based around this theme, your selection of papers, colours, mixed media and fabric will be informed by your choice of theme.

PAPER
-A large selection of paper e.g. Tissuetex, oriental specialist papers, handmade paper, drawing paper, rice paper etc. "recycled" paper - old books/pages, old letters, used teabags, old documents, Brown packing paper, maps, newspaper, etc.
-Decorative paper -  decorative serviettes, tissue paper etc.
-Laser prints  / photocopies (no inkjet copies or prints)

FABRIC
-Plain silks or thin cotton pieces
-Painted silk, cotton scrim, cheesecloth etc.

MIXED MEDIA
-Any mixed media which is suitable for your theme - eg dried flowers or leaves, sand, grit, dried coffee or tea, small found objects, photocopies/texts, threads, lace, cake doilies etc.

OTHER MATERIALS
-Encaustic medium
-Encaustic wax paints  from R&F or Enkaustikos
-Heatgun (not a paintstripper) or an Iwatani torch with butane gas
-Hot wax stylus tool
-1-2 pieces of plywood 8" x 8" (ca. 20x20 cm) baltic birch is the best - No coating on the surface - rigid and absorbent. Any thickness is ok.
-Saral paper / carbon paper
-Textile foils / joss paper /gold leaf (either/or)
-Rubberstamps/molding mats and stamp cushion
-Flat "hake" brushes nr 1", 2"
-Apron, latex gloves, scissors, pencil, kitchen roll, x-acto/craft knife & metal ruler with cutting mat, notebook and pen.          
-Teflon sheet, silicone sheet (for use in the oven) or non sticky baking paper
-Roll aluminium foil (thicker/heavier type)
-Masking tape
-OPTIONAL Sewing machine with both straight sewing foot and darning foot, machine threads
or
-hand embroidery needles and sewing threads.

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES
-Paint stiks (Markal/Shiva or R&F Paints)
-There will be the opportunity to work with water soluble fabrics, for this you will need -a selection of fantasy threads, Aquabond and Soluvlies to create lacy samples - or if you have some readymade samples at home, you can use these in your work.

NOTE
specialist materials are available for sale in my studio/shop during the course.