In reflection of “how did I get here?” It is a story I am asked all the time, and each time I answer it, I add or leave off tidbits of information depending on who asked, but mainly because it is an ordinary story and I’m not the type of person to embellish to make something more than it is.
I could start with the personal awareness I have that threads weave their way into my life and I always seem to have this understanding of which ones will keep going and which ones will circle back.
When it comes to working with wax though, I feel as if it has danced into my life in so many ways, from the typical childhood experience of melting crayons, to making candles, and then onto batik.
Little did I know that a few years later, after taking a job at Rochester Art Supply, that I would be working for the company that also owns Enkaustikos. There is no question that I was certainly intrigued with the encaustic medium and the owners, Mike and John, were very supportive of my interest to further my knowledge. The desire to learn everything I could about manufacturing encaustic paint and learning everything about the process landed me the position of managing the company. In 2008, I began to dedicate my attention full time for Enkaustikos.
I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would be working for a paint manufacturing company, but in hindsight it makes all the sense in the world. I got to make encaustic paint, to personally work with the paint I helped to create, talk with people from all over the globe about encaustic, and meet so many talented and dedicated artists. My comprehension of artist materials has sky rocketed. Pigments are fascinating, understanding how they work well together is like alchemy, being able to share what I know with people about encaustic - dare I say it - priceless.
There is something about wax, about working with it, the versatility of it, the way it looks and feels, and even where it comes from that makes me appreciate it so very much. I work in other mediums like pastel and oils, but I have to say that wax is my main dance partner and I am still learning to dance.
My connections to Enkaustikos is still strong. I continue to work with the company on special projects, like developing custom colors for professional artists!!! However, in early 2015 I made the decision to follow my strong desire to focus on my own art and to begin teaching again. I have opened my own business; Kathryn Bevier ArtWorks.
And so the journey continues. Please check out the Workshop link in this blog for an up to date list of learning opportunities that I offer you.
My connections to Enkaustikos is still strong. I continue to work with the company on special projects, like developing custom colors for professional artists!!! However, in early 2015 I made the decision to follow my strong desire to focus on my own art and to begin teaching again. I have opened my own business; Kathryn Bevier ArtWorks.
And so the journey continues. Please check out the Workshop link in this blog for an up to date list of learning opportunities that I offer you.
