The Answer at Pearl
I’m asked quite often why I’m working so hard to learn encaustic painting. On a hot day when it isn’t going well, I tend to wonder myself. I could be working effortlessly in watercolor and rather comfortably in casein but instead, I’m struggling with a third medium.
Today I was reminded of my reason, or at least one of them. While visiting New York’s Chinatown for Dim Sum, we stopped at Pearl Art Supply. I love the white building with red trim and fire escapes. I wanted to check out their encaustic supplies and see if they had any aprons - I need a LONG apron to salvage a few pairs of pants from my wardrobe. I’m dribbling wax down the right leg of every pair I own!
Walking through the large store, I was reminded of when I was there a few years ago. As a watercolorist, only a small segment of the store meant anything to me and that was annoying. It felt like a statement on my ability - my limited ability, that is! I remember that visit well and now I realize it was significant enough to contribute to the changes I’ve made.
Today I related to the store in a much different way. I wandered through looking a different kinds of paint, brushes, boards and paper. I looked at clay tools that could be used with wax and boards that could be used for casein. I pondered items that were meant for one medium as a possibility for another.
It felt good to relate to the supplies from a more informed position and even better to feel like I had used my past experience in the store to spur growth. There is always room for improvement and I’m not ashamed to celebrate my baby steps.
