About Nancy
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As an Encaustic and Mixed Media artist living in Atlanta, Georgia, Nancy is keenly attuned to the bond between art and nature. Direct observations during walks in her gardens, hiking, and distant places she has visited continue to inspire her and influence much of her work. Painting primarily with a blowtorch and hot beeswax has become a vital part of her life as an expressive outlet, each piece capturing her interpretation of a single moment in time.
Nancy’s dynamic mixed media pieces are created by uniquely fusing two very old techniques: Encaustic and an alternative printing process called Cyanotype or Sun Prints. She begins a new piece by walking through her gardens collecting plants, flowers, and leaves. The composition is created on a board or paper that has been coated with a cyanotype UV solution. Over several hours, the sun captures the images and then Nancy begins the magic and beauty as she incorporates hot beeswax and color.
Nancy grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania. Her love of art and her artistic talents were evident early in life; exhibiting her work at the United Nations in grade school and having a successful one-woman show in her senior year of high school. She graduated from Edinboro University with degrees in Art Education and Art Therapy, and later attended Wharton School of Business. Her varied right and left brain interests led her to a successful high-tech corporate career. While traveling globally, Nancy continued to gather ideas and photographs that would be incorporated into her art work. She now embraces her artistic talents full time.
Nancy's paintings hang in private homes and businesses across the country. Her work continues to be commissioned by residential and business clients throughout the US.
The word "Encaustic" is from the Greek word enkaustikos that means "to heat or fuse in.“ Encaustic painting was an ancient technique, dating back over 3,500 years ago to the Greeks, who used wax and pigments to decorate warships and the Fayum funeral portraits. The remaining museum pieces still hold their brilliant colors today.
Encaustic wax is applied to a birchwood panel, and each layer is fused with a blow torch. Other materials can also be incorporated into the wax. The luminous outcome provides texture and appeal, unlike any other art form.
Encaustic is a very sustainable medium made with natural materials like beeswax, tree resin and color pigments. The ingredients are non-toxic unlike other art mediums such as oils or acrylics which contain plastic and toxic chemicals. Encaustic paintings also do not require any additional varnishing or protection, as the wax will repel moisture and resist fading or deteriorating over time.
My latest works are created using an alternative printing process called Cyanotype or sometimes referred to as Sun Prints.
This camera-less photography process called Cyanotype (sometimes referred to as Sun-printing) was invented in 1842 by English astronomer, chemist, and scientist Sir John Herschel. He was looking for a way to make copies of his notes. He discovered that by combined two iron salts with water he was able to create a light sensitive formula used to create photo sensitive paper and eventually blueprints. He introduced the process to his botanist friend, Anna Atkins who then produced the first ever book illustrated with photography.
Dry or wet sheets of paper or other materials are coated with the UV solution. Any objects can be placed on the paper, mindful that the opaque areas will block the UV light while other areas are exposed. After exposure, the paper is rinsed in water and the print develops. Materials used, types of paper, added inks, exposure time and location of the sun will impact the final image and colors.
Encaustic/ Mixed Media Artist
