Artist Statements
Encaustic and Mixed Mediums
I use purified Beeswax with dried pigment and damar crystals (tree resin) for hardening.
I heat the wax to a molten point where I can apply the wax as liquid to a rigid surface such as masonite or wood, coated card stock or absorbant paper.
Each layer is fused to the next with a heat source, thus a commitment to the composition evolves. I work spontaneously as I create the composition.
The process may include techniques such as ironing, carving, embedding materials, transfer techniques, stamping, drawing and painting. I believe encaustic is a forgiving medium that includes a multitude of modalities and creative opportunities for expression.
Encaustic is a natural preservative that allows me to capture time, my story and the human spirit.
After decades of exploration of mixed mediums, methodologies and art styles, the artist reveals a visual language that reflects heart and soul.
Heather Hennick, associates ' Symbolism' with an emphasis on emotions, feelings, ideas, and subjectivity rather than realism. Her works are personal and express their own ideololgies, particularly the belief in the artist's power to reveal truth.
Dry Wool Felting
I use a barbed pin to push the wool fibers through the wool canvas.
Wool fibers entangle on each other to form a cloth. As fibers curl around each other, the scales catch on each other and become entangled. Another name for feltmaking is massive entanglement. The fibers are entangled enough to have created a fabric which holds together as one mass. I use this process to create a painting from wool fiber. The sensation of felting allows me to meditate with every stroke. It is a meticulous process which reduces stress and drives my imagination. I enjoy working with natural materials of which connect me to a state of mindfulness. Doing hand work activates our parasympathetic nervous system. We are naturally calmed making it easier to handle what ever else might be coming up.
The natural 100% wool presents as a dry, safe, flexible and tactile medium that allow me to feel from the inside out and then from outside in.
My sessions offer a safe, supportive environment which respects the pace and limits of each group member. No art experience is needed. Open to all ages. Please email hennick905@gmail.com- to register. I welcome any questions you may have.
A. Encaustic and Mixed Mediums- Art as Wellness
In sessions, participants use molten beeswax to give imagery to their feelings, thoughts, and imagination. These images may begin with exploration of a dream, a memory, or an emotion; a specific idea or simply an urge to play. This meaningful play often provides a new mode of expression which allows a lively, insightful relationship with personal imagery. Creative writing is supported as part of the wellness process.
No experience is required.
Private or semi private available.
email: hennick905@gmail.com
blog: art4therapy.blogspot.ca
www.heatherhennick.com
www.canadianarttherapy.org
Heather Hennick joined Pixels on April 28th, 2008.
