Transforming Wax and Flames into Art

Beeswax, a blowtorch torch and damar resin are the unlikely ingredients that form the basis of Sharon De Valentin’s upcoming solo exhibition ‘Fused’, which is exclusive to Corowa Art Space.

Federation Council General Manager, Adrian Butler said, “Sharon is a Riverina based artist who specialises in the medium of encaustic. Unlike traditional painting from wet to dry, the encaustic technique is hot to cold. Encaustic, from the Greek word enkaustikos meaning ‘to burn in or fuse’, is an obscure process where fire is used to melt layers of wax and mixed pigment to create images. The process ensures that the artwork will stand the test of time without fading once the medium is cured, making encaustic pieces a great investment.“

Sharon’s textural works are influenced by the Australian landscape and its flora and fauna. The ode to nature continues not just thematically but also in the construction of her pieces. She handcrafts her panels and frames of birch and meranti and creates her own colours with dry pigments, lending itself to her philosophy that “every part of this labour intensive, time consuming, extraordinary process, is part of the artwork itself.”

“All aspects of Sharon’s work are carefully considered. The wax sourced locally is a creamy, honey-yellow hue from the citrus and natives in the 2km area where the bees pollinate. The cradle board edges of the works are treated with a traditional Japanese method of wood preservation called Yakisugi. By charring the surface of the wood without combusting the whole piece, the wood becomes water-proof through carbonization,” he said.

Sharon says “My ultimate goal is to have a sustainable arts practice that promotes this fantastic medium of encaustic. I also want to produce art that the buyer not only loves but really feels connected to because of the story behind it, because of the bees that made the wax, because of the tree that grew the resin, and because they know the process it took to create their unique art piece.”

‘Fused’ explores the rugged beauty of banksias, the majesty of native gums, and the lively presence of magpies. Delicate roses, vast landscapes, and intricate stag head sculptures are complemented by small works crafted from found seeds, nuts, and papier-mâché clay.

‘Fused’ opens at Corowa Art Space on 11 October and ends on 17 November. Entry is free and opening times are Wednesday to Friday 10am – 4pm and on weekends 10am – 2pm.