Sculptural Basketmaker and Encaustic Artist Matt Tommey adds encaustic medium to his kudzu baskets.

What is Encaustic Art?

Encaustic painting is an ancient painting technique which combines beeswax, damar resin and then either oil paint or natural powdered pigments to give it color.  Encaustic wax is a hot wax method where the medium (beeswax and resin) are heated to around 170 degrees Fahrenheit and then color is added to make a hot paint.  In paintings, artists typically paint on wood or canvas.  In my work as a sculptural basketry artist, I paint the encaustic wax directly on my baskets to create a unique surface treatment.

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Using Encaustic Wax in Sculptural Basketry & Woven Sculpture

I started experimenting with encaustic wax within my basketry work back in 2011.  My friend, encaustic painter Julia Fosson was kind enough to share some basic information about using encaustic wax in my art and armed with enough knowledge to be dangerous I launched into my encaustic art journey.

In my work, I use encaustic wax in two different ways.  First, I use the clear medium as a preservative on almost all my work by infusing it into the natural fibers after I create a piece.  This has proven to be a very successful way of preserving my baskets, adding rigidity, making them water resistant and easier to clean.  

The second way I use encaustic wax in my art is to combine natural pigments and oil paints with the medium in order to create interesting surface treatments.  From layering to scraping to embedding objects, I love the combination of encaustic wax and the natural materials I use in my basketry like bark, vines and foliage.  To my knowledge, the techniques I use with encaustic wax in sculptural basketry are unique to my work.

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Examples of My Encaustic Artwork 

Take a moment to see more of my encaustic art below.  From sculptural art baskets to woven wall hangings and fireplace mantel sculptures, encaustic wax is a beautiful addition to my basketry work. I hope you agree!

Sculptural collection in driftwood where encaustic was used to color and embed natural elements.

Closeup of a wall hanging where I used encaustic wax to color baskets and embed natural elements.

Sculptural baskets nested in Harry Lauder branches and covered in encaustic wax.

A collection of sculptural baskets covered in encaustic wax.

Natural fibers dyed and infused with clear encaustic medium.