The following is my Q&A with Elise Wagner. She is a nationally known Encaustic artist and was recently featured in Art in America. Her MindGlo classes have received rave reviews. The most exciting thing for the learners is bringing home their very own piece of hangable art. The amazing thing is that they did this in 4 hours with no experience. The image to the left is just one example of their work. You can find a variety of Elise's upcoming Encaustic classes here: http://mindglo.com/courses/category/13/arts-and-crafts. Visit her website here: www.elisewagner.com.

When did you discover that the Encaustic medium is your passion and talent?

I saw a demonstration of the medium while in college back in 1992, before the internet.  I taught myself through bits of information here and there that I found at the campus library.  What made me passionate about encaustic was its ancient and rich history, its smell, texture, translucency and quick drying time. I often work in layers and the medium enables me to continue working on a several pieces at once without waiting for them to dry.  I've never really thought of encaustic in terms of being my talent rather, that I'm a painter that happens to use encaustic to best execute the vision I have for my work.

What is it about art that motivates you to keep producing your pieces?

As long as I am continually inspired by the world around me, I will produce art in one form or another. I am not all that concerned with contemporary trends in the art world proper.  Making art is a daily habit and ritual for me.  Coming up with specific methods and ways to use materials towards an idea that pops into my head makes producing art fun and exhilarating for me.  Selling my work is a bi-product that helps also but is not the primary motivation.  The primary motivation for me simply stems from a compelling need to create, period.

Is there a certain place that you feel your most creative in?

The bathtub is where most of my ideas generate.  My studio is the main place I feel most creative in primarily.  I have quirky daily rituals that I stick by in there.  I like to sit in my window, journal and look at the cloud formations.   And, like Ellen, I dance around to loud music just before I get to work.

Your art has been receiving national recognition. What has occurred recently that you are most proud of?

The thing I'm proud of most recently would have to be the full-page color ad in Art in America for my first solo show in Boston which has brought me many opportunities.  The ad is something I have dreamed of since I was about 16.

Overall, taking the big leap of faith from the day job and having the opportunity to show at a gallery in Boston were pivotal points for me.

Why is finding time to teach important to you? Why MindGlo?

Making art is a solitary practice which I enjoy very much and I can get into hermit mode if I am not careful. Teaching helps satisfy my extroverted side.  I enjoy sharing what I do with others and especially enjoy sharing the encaustic medium.  I guess MindGlo because the class sessions are short and pack in a lot of fun.  MindGlo makes it affordable for any learning level to be exposed to an entirely new and ancient painting medium.

If you could do anything else in world what would you do and why?

Doing something else has never really occurred to me.  I suppose if I had a choice, I would move to Italy and write a book.  My life has taken many turns to get where I am that go far beyond being an artist and encaustic.  There are many stories I walk around with as we all do.  I look forward to a slower time in my life that will afford the opportunity to tell my story.  I think the European pace would help me write.

If you could give one piece of advice to the MindGlo learners, about anything, what would that be?

Expect nothing.  Be gracious.  Take risks.  Be true to yourself.  See everything as an opportunity to grow.  Find your true talent and take it all the way.  Be the navigator of your own creative ship.