BIRGIT HAZLIN

I am a mixed media artist, but work mostly in encaustic. Encaustic derives from the Greek (enkaustikos) meaning “burning in”. Encaustic painting is also known as hot wax painting. A mixture of beeswax, resin and pigment is heated and applied onto wood or a similar stiff surface. Various layers will be fused together, most commonly with a torch. Encaustic allows for layering, embedding pieces, collaging, as well as creating transparency.

I started learning encaustic a few years ago while living in New York and taking artist workshops. I found the material and processes fascinating and started teaching myself countless techniques while experimenting with different surfaces and different tools. I layered wax, carved, embedded, added ink and oil, scraped back and played with the effects. I engage with my pieces, often work on individual boards for weeks, and thoroughly enjoy the processes and conversations as I reflect on my work.