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INTERNATIONAL ENCAUSTIC ARTISTS NEWSLETTER
President's Message for June
by Gail Steinberg
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“Time is just something that we assign. You know, past, present, it's just all arbitrary. Most
Native Americans, they don't think of time as linear; in time, out of time, I never have enough
time, circular time. All moments are happening all the time.”
- Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess, Northern Exposure, Hello I Love You, 1994
That’s right, isn’t it? All moments are happening all the time…. Which explains why this is your
President’s Message for April/ May and June, 2007. Time is just something that we assign, you know.
As you read this, we are all painting, writing, thinking, talking, traveling, hoping, IEAing, and
more. For me it’s a roller coaster ride, exciting. I could say it’s caused by the scent of molten
beeswax. I could say that but you would know “fuse it or lose it” has to follow, so here we go.
Welcome to the highlights.
We are gathered in Carmel Valley. It is night. The retreat has been intense, full of stimulating ideas,
building friendships, trying out techniques, kvelling over how gorgeous IEA work looks hanging in the
Lauryn Taylor Gallery (Read the reviews on 8IEA8 if you haven’t. All good. No complaints. Possibly a
life changing event.) In the moment, bellies and hearts are full, wine is flowing, someone visiting from
Mars would wonder about the language we are speaking–a few words, something about the Apex, laughter,
and than more laughter, laughter is happening all the time. We are filled with the pleasure of each other.
Words are not needed. I am convinced. A successful retreat is an advance. Thanks be to everyone who has
worked so hard to make this happen, especially Cari Hernandez. Thanks be to everyone who is present. A
big reach out to everyone who has to be part of this as it happens again and fantastic news…Cari has
agreed to co-chair the retreat again next year, partnering with the fabulous Wendy Aiken. We are grateful
this time will replay in our heads forever. Please look at the wonderful installation photos of the Off
the Grid show at LT gallery taken by the multi accomplished Cynthia Johnson Bianchetta posted on our
website and also the Yahoo member list. Our work looks great. We have much to be proud of.
By the way, did you know that using beeswax in candles dates back to the earliest organized religions, that
the Ancient Egyptians believed bees were born from the tears of the Sun God, Ra and that early Greeks
believed bees symbolize rebirth? Feng Shui says beeswax candles bring fire ch'i energy into a room and
passion and expressiveness. Dbure, the Hebrew word for bee symbolizes eloquence and intelligence.
Why would we resist?
We are in San Francisco, in the MM gallery, all bright daylight and brick walls. Tina Lauren Vietmeir,
heading the exhibition team planning the MM gallery show is going over details with Gail Steinberg and
Marina, one of the owners of the gallery. Here and Now, encaustics and time is going to be an amazing show.
The space is very inviting. Jury results will be announced June 15th. Phyliss Lasche is working hard to recruit
the 22 needed volunteers. If you will be in the bay area this summer, please volunteer a few hours at the gallery.
It will fulfill your volunteer obligation to IEA for the year.
We are at the Montserrat Conference. Conrad Wilde, Daniella Woolf, Eileen Goldenber, Hylla Evans, Lissa Rankin,
Linda Womack, Margaret Berry, Cari Hernandez, Mari Marks, Rodney Thompson, Paula Roland and Sandi Miot, Ed Angel
and Joanne Mattera are the IEA members attending. IEA is hosting a reception for all conference attendees. Thanks
to Linda Womack for chairing the reception. Many of our members are presenting workshops. Linda Womack’s new book
Embracing Encaustics is available for conference members to see. Hylla Evans is showing her encaustic materials.
Unfortunately, I am unable to attend because of a scheduling conflict but we are all eager for information on what
is happening.
Renewal of membership time is coming up for many members. Here are the benefits of belonging to IEA:
What is IEA?
Founded in 2005, IEA is the only nonprofit organization specifically addressing the concerns of encaustic artists. In
a relatively short time and with sweat equity from members in lieu of a financial start up base, IEA has become a
thriving community. Our programs explore contemporary work and examines the real impact of evolving technologies.
Approximately 100 members include emerging, evolving and professional artists. Membership in IEA provides opportunities
for critical networking with colleagues around the country and beyond, for meeting and working with gallery owners,
and for learning about what is happening NOW in our medium.. Dues are $75 per year. Each member is also asked to do
a volunteer job each year, something possible to accomplish in their own geographic area.
Networking Opportunities Are Unbeatable
IEA members are extraordinarily supportive of each other. Frequent contact through meetings and email increases what
has become a terrific network on important issues that affect all of us.. Perhaps the most rewarding elements of being a
member are the things that happen informally. When a member’s work was damaged in transit to a gallery across the country
from her home, she was able to call on a member in the same city as the gallery who went over and made the necessary
repair. Another artist told of being invited to stay at an IEA member’s home when he traveled to her city to explore
gallery opportunities. At the annual retreat, several members of the Chapters Team gathered around the lunch table and
discussed visions of developing chapters that motivated all of them. The list goes on and on and we all look forward to
growing it.
Professional Development Opportunities
- Professional training: Team members led by Cari Hernandez work hard to bring the most exciting and
relevant events to members. IEA hosts members-only workshops annually like Joanne Mattera’s workshop on marketing
in 2005, and Paula Roland’s monoprint workshop in 2006. The annual retreat, called by some the Annual Advance,
features guest speakers, panel discussions, demonstrations, and space and equipment to try out everything you are
learning. This is a once-a-year opportunity to meet colleagues from all over the planet, be inspired, have fun and
develop friendships.
- Advisories: Planned for 2008, members will receive quarterly single-topic articles providing timely
information on a broad range of subjects such as specific techniques, marketing, resources, new materials, etc.
- Exhibition Opportunities: IEA co-sponsors a minimum of two exhibitions each year, each at a different
venue. Our spring juried show was at the Lauryn Taylor Fine Art Gallery in Carmel, our summer juried show at MM
Gallery in San Francisco and our fall show at the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art. Possibilities for a show in
North Dakota and another in Ashland Oregon are being explored. Try for awards. Sell your work. Build your resume.
Earn Signature Artist standing through acceptance in IEA juried exhibits. Learn about other opportunities to show
your work through IEA member announcements.
- Free web link: Link to the IEA website. We get lots of visitors and link interested parties directly to you
through our free referral service. Signature Artist members receive a free web page listing with images.
- Assistance with grants: We can act as your fiscal receiver, enabling you to apply for grants from
foundations that usually don't fund individual artists.
- Success teams: In development now for 2008, IEA's unique Success Team Program for members only which will
include professional coaches, 3 months of training/coaching for each team, and the addition of chapter liaisons who
help each team stay on track. Success teams will be available nationwide, including non-chapter areas.
Opportunities to Participate with Fellow Professionals
IEA’s structure and activities encourage participation at all levels of the organization. The Executive Board, consisting
of volunteers elected as officers (President, Vice-President/President-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, and Regional
Representatives) serve as the chief policy-making body. Each elected officer also serves as liaison to teams that are
drawn from the membership. Teams are chaired by members appointed by the Executive Board and charged with specific
responsibilities relating to the fulfillment of IEA’s mission and goals. Volunteer opportunities abound. Chapters provide
a means of participating in IEA programs and a way to learn of valuable resources at the local level. Currently five new
chapters are being developed. The annual member’s roster affords quick access to members' contact information as well as
geographic information. An open line of communication with fellow professionals via 8IEA8@yahoogroups.com, IEA’s moderated
online discussion group provides for the exchange and dissemination of information of vital interest to members.
This is an organization that has a lot going on all the time and is very open to your ideas and suggestions. Please respond
quickly to your renewal request when it comes next month to help us plan appropriately for the next year. All moments are
happening all the time and IEA moments bring terrific returns to participants. Hopefully, I’ll have more up news to share when
I get back from Italy in July. Until then, take lovely care.
Gail
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