Group revives art form

More than 2000 years after the ancient Egyptians applied heated beeswax to wooden boards in tribute to their mummified leaders, a group of Mandurah artists will showcase the age-old art form known as encaustic painting for the first time.

Mandurah Arts and Crafts teacher Brian Norman said artworks from 12 local painters, who have painstakingly created individual pieces using traditional hot wax and an iron or stylus, will go on show at the Tuart Avenue centre on Sunday.

Mr Norman said encaustic, which means “to burn in”, was a vibrant art style which allowed its creators the freedom of playing around with different waxes and materials, and then identifying what they saw in the finished product.

“They’ve been doing a bit of encaustic in Pinjarra and other country places, but there aren’t that many places in WA that do it,” he said.

“It’s very diverse because it can go on any material whether its paper, wood or glass — I’ve even been making T-shirts.”

Mr Norman said group members had been busy creating colourful Christmas cards and presents, in preparation for Sunday’s show — the first time the group has publically exhibited work.

He said the community would love the unusual and striking works, which come in a variety of sizes.

“It’s not an easy type of art to do, but you can see so many different things in them — an encaustic painting would make the perfect Christmas gift. “We are also looking for some new members.”

Pop down to Mandurah Arts and Crafts, 1 Tuart Avenue, Mandurah between 9am and 4pm on Sunday to find out more.