Encaustic is the art of painting and texturing with melted beeswax.  The name comes from the Greek word, Enkaustikos, which means to "burn in".  It is an ancient art form used in Greek icons and decorating of ships but also used in Egyptian art.  Each painted layer of wax is fused to the one before by using a torch or heat gun, depending on the desired effect.

Paula says,

"Encaustics have the added benefit of being luminous and I love the feeling of depth from the layers upon layers where markings or objects recede and at times almost disappear, creating the dreamy quality that I'm seeking.

I purchase my beeswax from our local Apalachicola beekeeper and it has its own natural amber color which suites my pallet beautifully.  Once the beeswax is melted -- at 200 degrees -- I add dry pigments to achieve the desired colors.  I also purchase "processed" beeswax that has had the amber color removed and becomes a clear wax to which either oil paint or dry pigments can be added.

The materials I use in my Apalachicola series are cultural and industrial remnants that I find in and around Apalachicola, usually along the water's edge.  I collage rusty metal parts, pieces of old wood, recycled rubber, and even plant materials.  There are other objects I alter so they look time worn and aged.  I like to emphasize the feeling of history and the passage of time.

Being surrounded by all this particular history of a working waterfront, I like to add historical images along with my own photographs of oystermen and oyster boats to my encaustic collage and assemblages.  The overall effect is a feeling of floating in time and space."

Following are some examples of Paula's Encaustic Art.  Some of these pieces are availalble at the Bowery Art Gallery in Apalachicola while others may well be already sold.  If you are interested in purchasing one of these pieces or any other piece by Paula, please contact her using this form.