EncaustiCamp!

Mid-summer bliss. Nearly a week of camping in a dorm and sharing encaustic learning with some of the nicest and most talented people in the encaustic world. I taught 2 days and got to take a class from Sue Stover. That's her palette above.

Sue's background is in textiles and design; batik, dyeing, weaving and related fields. In her class we made batik paper and used hand made wooden and rope stamps to paint in colored wax. Please visit her site here; she is one of my favorite artists ever.

We painted with tjanting tools and got to play with an electric tjanting tool that keeps the wax hot and is very easy to control.

Here Sue does a demo while we all look on.

One thing you will love about EncaustiCamp is the small class sizes. Another thing is the variety of classes the teachers offer. 

I taught painting from the hot palette for the second year in a row. The portrait above was the first portrait this woman had ever painted. She was overjoyed to see what she could accomplish. 

I almost didn't get photos for you; I was so caught up in the moment. 

The weather was perfect; high 70's to low 80's and sunshine.

The food was amazing; I ate so much and dessert too at every meal. I love going a week without doing dishes!

I had 22 students in 2 days but these were the only photos I captured. My apologies to the rest of you who made equally amazing paintings.

 Here is the woman behind EncaustiCamp; Trish Seggebruch. She brings light and love to everything she touches. And next to her is her 16 year old son who captured every heart. Yo Patrick.

And below's another shot of Patrick with Jess Greene, who is on her Jumpstart Creativity Tour to promote "Seek Your Course" and to encourage all of us to be creative.

Jess also taught 2 classes here and her focus was on personal meaning and symbolism. We had good conversations on how difficult it is to teach meaning, style, symbolism, and so on. Difficult but the whole point once you've mastered technique.

Patrick was a treasured part of the EncaustiCamp experience. He came to help us schlep but ended up being a source of continuous laughter and good spirit. Quick witted, warm hearted, a hilarious story-teller; I think we all fell a little bit in love with this guy. He's a credit to his mother who raised him, to teen-agers and to redheads everywhere.

In the evenings we sat together and talked about art, told our stories, and laughed to unwind. 25% of the attendees were returns from the previous year and we all agree we're coming again. 

Splashing in the fountain in the center of the quad; an EncaustiCamp tradition.

By the end of camp we are all friends. We are inspired and full of ideas for new work. Trish has so many exciting plans and changes coming in her life that she shared with us but you'll have to keep up with her for those announcements. She is a model for brave living and kindness. Maybe you can tell I really loved this week and this camp and these people. Yes indeed. 

 Next year Trish is moving the camp from Oregon next door to Washington. Put a little seed in your mind about joining us then. Imagine summer, welcoming new friends, stimulating conversations about art and meaning and a week of creativity you'll never forget. 

So without even unpacking I took my camera into the garden to share.

Mid-summer. Sandals, lemonade, blooming lavendar and sunshine.

A sunflower called "Teddy Bear".

Blue Salvia.

The farmer can't stop building structures. This one to protect the blueberries from birds. Ladders and houses. Such beautiful things.

And check out those blueberries.

John waters tomatoes that are fast outgrowing their structure.

Trying to push through the roof.

And corn. Nature's candy.

Yucca in bloom and swarming with bees.

Peace rose is covered with blossoms and blackspot. I still love her.

And is there anything more cheerful than nasturtiums?

Or more elegant than onion flowers.

The time is now. This is the perfect moment. Take a deep breath and invite the calm. I hope you are well and content. xo