The declutter gene has finally been activated in my world! And, not a moment too soon.
I started by putting all my 4in x 4in practice boards of fruits, vegetables, and flowers in a 24 x 24 in wooden cradle board.
Oh, there’s a Queen Mary one, too, to the left of the dancing zucchini wearing a savoy cabbage hat. Doesn’t everyone need one of those?
And, oh yes, an encaustic cupcake made with a stencil in the far lower right.
My encaustic cities project is an epic floppity flop so far, but hope springs eternal.
Too much heat gun, too little aesthetic. Could be in the dictionary as an example, literally, of “a hot mess”. The one positive? I did it on cardboard instead of a wooden cradle board!
But, it’s given me some new ideas on how to approach it. Honestly, even failures can inspire me after, of course, a new line of swear words have been introduced into the universe.
To save my creative week, I did a photograph of some freesias in my silver pitcher that I then sketched and textured and did a photo transfer that I quite liked.
All to the good. Feeling proud. Then, when I applied the wax, I messed it all up to the point that I now have to start the whole transfer over with a second print. But, I can tell you this: I am getting really, really good at photo transfers and for those who have followed me from the beginning, you know that I had a long way to go.
So, that’s where we are in the studio at the moment, although it is a whole lot more sorted looking today than when I started.
News alert!!! I just found the plastic coffee measuring scooper that I’ve been looking all over for the last month in my encaustic tools tray!
If you are discouraged about your creative efforts take a listen to Martin Bailey’s recent podcast on developing your style. Lots of truths that apply to any creative endeavor but particularly to encaustic photography. We need to put in the time and expense before we get anywhere close to where our aesthetic matches our skills.
Here’s the link to Martin Bailey Podcast.
