2022 ConVergence – Wax on the Water

All demos and presentations are included in the Retreat Registration. 
Pre- and Post-retreat workshops may be purchased separately.
Click here to go to the registration page.

DEMOS

Caryl St. Ama: R&F Pigment Sticks – What When How Why!
This demonstration will give artists a working vocabulary for R&F Pigment Sticks. Caryl St. Ama will begin with a brief history, introduction to the product line and information for safe handling and studio practices. Discussions 

about appropriate substrates and preparation of paper, panels and canvas will be followed by demonstrations highlighting the versatility and variety of approaches; alla prima, plein air, printing making, glazing, impasto, etc. What additives you may use and basic rules for combining pigment sticks and encaustic will also be covered. Artists from all levels and backgrounds will have a chance to see how this product can enhance their work or start a new direction all together.  Workshop: April 11: “R&F Pigment Sticks from Start to Print.”

   

Megan MacDonald: Exploring Visual and Physical Texture
One of the oldest forms of painting, encaustics holds a myriad of possibilities to the modern artist. Encaustics have a beautiful otherworldly depth and a tactile, sumptuous surface. The encaustic painting can be as smooth as glass or it can be built up, scraped back, drawn on and craved into. The combinations are endless.  During this demonstration, we will discuss the difference between visual and physical texture and explore ways in which each can be created.

Using Encaustic paints and R&F pigment sticks, demonstration will include use of heated palette for mixing and blending colours, utilizing various techniques to create both visual and physical texture, mark making under, on and in the encaustic painting and finishing pieces using R&F Pigment sticks and blending medium.  Workshop: April 6&7: “Intro to Encaustic Painting – Creating Visual & Physical Dimension in Wax”

Dietlind Vander Schaaf : Layers, Translucencies + See Throughs
This demo provides a taste of Dietlind Vander Schaaf’s two-day expanded workshop. She will demonstrate how one can create paintings that suggest luminosity, depth and dimension through the accumulation of marks and drawings at varying levels in the work.  Workshop: April 11&12: “Layers, Translucency & See Throughs”

Lyn Belisle:  A Lotus from the Mud: Recycling and Book Making
In a demonstration based on her recent article in Wax Fusion magazine, Lyn shows you a creative way to reinvent old encaustic paintings and collages that may be stashed in your “frustration pile” by cutting them into squares for lovely little Lotus Book covers. The Lotus Book is a traditional symbol of beauty and serenity, all the more precious because it grows in the mud.

Even experienced encaustic artists can have fun trying experimental techniques and recycling the best of old work on these little square surfaces without investing too much in time or expensive materials.  Also, the size of the covers (4.5 x 4.5”) encourages experimentation. One need only to remember the impact of the late Nancy Crawford’s Love and Gratitude series to see how eloquent a small encaustic work can be. These Lotus Books have a similar appeal. Dip the edges of the cut squares in wax, and the covers are ready to adorn your origami-folded Lotus Book.  Workshop: April 11&12: “Postcards from the Verge – A Mixed Media Workshop for Every Creative Voyager”

S. Kay & Gerry Burnett:  A Gargoyle in Paris: Creating 3-Dimensional Whimsical Characters
S. Kay and Gerry Burnett will show you how to create armatures for 3-dimensional whimsical characters using simple wood and paper forms, wire, and paper clay. They will share tips on techniques, provide examples of tools and supplies, and bring lots of examples of armatures at the various stages. And you’ll even get to meet some of the characters they’ve brought to life.  All retreat attendees will be able to download a free copy of their instructional ePub “Creating Whimsical Characters” and receive a printed copy of “A Gargoyle in Paris”, their children's picture book illustrated with encaustic sculptures.

PRESENTATIONS

Michele Randall : Cyanotype and Encaustic Fusion
Michelle will provide a PowerPoint presentation covering the cyanotype process and how it can be utilized with encaustic medium. The presentation will include a brief history of cyanotype, examples of contemporary cyanotype artists, how to create an at- home studio set up using minimal materials, best practices for exposure and development, and methods for toning and finishing the prints. I will touch on paper selection, adhesion, and the incorporation of encaustic medium. She will conclude the presentation with an introduction to my artistic practice and the use of vintage ephemera, plastic waste, and botanicals to create her narrative prints.  Workshop: April 12: “Cyanotype & Encaustic Fusion”

Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch : Seeing with New Eyes
Have you taken time to dig deep into your creative practice? Do you ask yourself the questions behind the desires, so that you have begun to realize the depth of meaning, integrity, value, and truth that comes to life in your work?  While not every person, corporation, or community might recognize it as such, the point of life is to bring something new, in each element’s unique way, to life. When we realize this and begin to more fully align to it our work, no matter if 'creative' in identity, becomes more richly empowered and empowering.

In this presentation Trish shares slides and speaks to the myriad ways in which she has persevered in one direction, so that at this point in the journey it has all tied together to become her unique path. This is given in hope that you identify, and spark your own determination.  Workshop: April 11&12: “Listen to Your Life: An Immersion into Intuitive Abstract Painting”

Michelle Belto: Authentic Art: Creating from the Inside Out
This interactive presentation is about using art making as a means of personal transformation. No matter your level of experience, art provides us a way to tap into our inner wisdom where our most important work is done. Not all of art coming from our studio is profound or life changing, but we each have the ability to create from a place of power and be changed by what we create. This presentation will show you how. 

Through guided exercises, personal story and group discussion participants will generate imagery that is both personal and immediate and learn to set up a studio practice that move us ever closer to creating 100% authentic art.

Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook or sketchbook along with pencil or pen to the presentation.   Workshop: April 11&12: “Found Objects: Creating a Cabinet of Curiosities”


Lora Murphy: The Gift