For me, painting is about finding an honest voice in the midst of today’s constant noise. My work looks at how we experience the landscape—not as something fixed on a map, but as a place that resonates in the mind.  

 

Using oil and cold wax lets me treat the surface like a living memory, holding the mark of every change, much like how our own perceptions build up over time. I’m drawn to the idea of “geological layers” of experience—how a single moment of clarity can emerge through the physical act of scraping back, building up, and revealing what’s underneath.  

 

These pieces don’t show specific places; instead, they chart a world of signs and symbols—universal maps meant to nudge the viewer into rethinking their sense of presence and the sublime.  

​​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Technical Addendum: The Oil & Cold Wax Medium

 

Medium Composition

​

The primary medium is a specialized blend of cosmetic-grade beeswax, damar resin, and a small amount of solvent, combined with artist-grade oil pigments. Unlike encaustic painting, which requires heat, cold wax is worked at room temperature, allowing for a more spontaneous and iterative layering process.

​

The "Open" State and Curing

​

• Extended Workability: The addition of wax to oil paint alters the molecular structure, extending the "open" time. This allows for complex techniques such as sgraffito (scratching through layers) and solvent washes long after traditional oils would have skinned over.

• The Curing Process: As the solvent evaporates, the wax hardens (cures) to a durable, matte finish. This creates a "breathable" surface that is less prone to the cracking or yellowing often associated with heavy resin varnishes​

​

Structural Integrity and Layering

​

The work is built through a series of "interventions." By manipulating the ratio of wax to pigment—typically ranging from 1:3 for transparency to 1:1 for structural impasto—the following characteristics are achieved:

• Geological Stratification: The wax allows for the suspension of pigment in translucent veils, creating a sense of deep, internal light.

• Haptic Surface: The medium supports "broken" marks and sharp edges that hold their shape, giving the painting a three-dimensional, sculptural presence.

• Archival Permanence: Once fully cured, the wax acts as a protective binder, encasing the pigment and providing a natural moisture barrier.

​

​​

Conservation and Care

​

Paintings executed in oil and cold wax are remarkably stable. The finish is intentionally matte or satin, avoiding the distracting glare of traditional gloss varnishes.

​

• Maintenance: The surface can be lightly dusted with a soft, lint-free cloth.

• Stability: Because the melting point of the wax component is significantly higher than ambient room temperatures, the work remains structurally sound in all standard residential and gallery environments.