Vesica Pisces

"Vesica Pisces" is the mystery that came home with me from my third encaustic class. Our teacher demonstrated intaglio lines (cut and fill), stencils, making transfer paper and molding into the warm wax and filling. It is priceless to see someone with a lot of experience demonstrate how to hold the tools and carve away the wax; the first time I tried it I had very little control. Our assignment was to play around with the new techniques and get a feel for the wax; I was drawn to the way the material veiled the color layers beneath and the foamy texture I could get with the side of the brush as the wax cooled. The rest is a mystery; no matter how much we study and meditate it comes back to that central truth.

The next week promises to be the busiest of the summer with Art & Soul happening, my wonderful Carla coming as a houseguest, a date tonite with the butt-kicking Mary Ann, classes, Birthday celebrations and more. My email program dumped a pile of emails between here and the beach so if you haven't heard from me that is probably why. I'm preparing for all of it by drinking more coffee than usual and carrying a clipboard everywhere. If you're coming to Art & Soul, I'll be the one who looks a little wild-eyed and dithery. Here goes - wheeeeeeeee!