My encaustic paintings are culminations of color, form, line and texture embodied within layered films of wax. Within these layers of translucent beeswax, torn papers and fabrics accrue to create deep and delicately textured surfaces.
My process is twofold as most color is achieved with pigmented rice papers alone. Working the paper as much as the wax, the papers are first pigmented using acrylic stains, watercolor and/or inks. In the most recent paintings, color, line and form develop on the rice papers via an encaustic monotype process. Pigmented beeswax melts as it is applied to a heated plate. Paper is then laid upon the plate absorbing the color and imagery.
Once pigmented, rice papers are torn, cut, crumpled then laid down upon the painting surface where clear molten wax is brushed on. The thin paper absorbs and is absorbed by the wax, becoming one. The torn shapes provide form and color; their edges, line. Fabrics, threads, string add even more texture. Layer upon layer of clear wax provides depth of field.
My imagery is grounded, yet fragile; still, but silently in motion. Within the quiet of the composed space, I seek to challenge the very stability of the structure itself.
Deborah Winiarski
New York City, 2012