Monkey Bowl bathed in light

It still needs a few little things attended to but basically it is done! I really had to emerse myself completely to find my way out. In the process I discovered the only way was through wax. I took a few days to learn about encaustic painting. I learned that combining beeswax, Dammar crystals and Milk Paint on a electric pancake griddle was the secret behind the illusive curtain of Encaustic painting! So I pulled that curtain back and set up shop--in my Kitchen.

Those of you who have followed my progress over the past few years know that bees have been major players in my world. Finding this way to utilize beeswax is both thrilling and meaningful. I have been using Milk Paint recently and have already painted a few sculptures with it. The fact that this path is continuing and being enriched, is taking it to the next level. The third ingredient is Dammar Crystals (pine tar resin), my old friend, I have been painting with you for years and now I find a new and exciting way to keep you on my team!

I painted all the pieces with my homemade encaustic wax. The inside of the main bowl being the most layered. As you can see it is quite translucent and the light brings the piece to life. I achieved this by adding many layers of wax and buffing the crap out of it, between layers. I joked that I was "buffing my Monkey" a little sexual humor to keep me going. I rubbed the heck out of it for days and days!

But the translucent bowl would be nothing if not contrasted by the solid white interior of the middle Monkeys body. It looks like there is a light in that vessel. The little man is reaching upward from the center, with his Micky Mouse ears on. From where he stands he can only see the swirling translucent walls of the main bowl that look like a stormy sky.

I won't lie there were times I got lost--lost hope, but I kept going and surrendered to it in the end. Let go of ego, all thoughts and control, no "I" just "it". I set out to make a sacred object and I feel I did. There are no short cuts. I gave everything I have.

The fourth ingredient is love.

Onward with gusto!