Carole Schrading

I create art to share who I am and how I experience the world. Sometimes I start with an idea, sometimes an object or scene, and sometimes simply a color palette I feel drawn to at that moment. My inspiration usually originates in the natural world; interesting shapes and forms, textures, and animals. Each piece evolves over time and I’m not always certain of the direction the artwork will take me. That, to me, is the beauty and bravery of creating, and it holds especially true in encaustic art because I must often relinquish control and let the wax guide me.

I love the fact that I am engaging with a very old tradition of art making (2,000 plus years!), but that I am learning all kinds of new applications and ways to explore this incredible medium. Encaustic allows me to paint with vivid and lush colors and to build layers into my work, creating interesting effects and textures. Encaustic painting is a very labor-intensive and loving endeavor because I spend a great deal of time with each work. From laying the initial foundation, to building and fusing each layer, to doing surface burns and manipulations, I enjoy every part of the process.

I truly hope that my paintings bring joy to others, reminding us of the profound beauty in the world and the way that art can transport a viewer through time and place, connecting us to one another.