The Encaustic Process

What is encaustic?

Encaustic art is the use of heating and burning to incorporate elements into a piece of artwork. The encaustic process in the art world often refers to the process of heating beeswax and varnishes while working with continued heat to fuse together layers of wax art.

How I Incorporate the Encaustic Process into my Baskets:

When I first discovered the encaustic process, I was seeking a way to bring more color to my basketry sculptures. Using natural beeswax, I am able to maintain the natural aesthetic while accentuating the uniqueness of each basket. Adding color with encaustic wax allows for greater detail and design in a way that enhances the woven structures. Beyond the color, the wax seals the materials and serves to protect the artwork to be a long lasting piece. 

Matt's Work:

Over the years, I have experimented with many different techniques. I found the encaustic process early on and have been using it ever since to enhance and complement the baskets I weave. 

Encaustic wax covering handwoven kudzu baskets