Critical Feedback with Kay Walkingstick

Wind and Water
encaustic by Edie Morton

A number of workshops were available after the encaustic conference. I applied for the critical feedback session with Kay Walkingstick . Ten applicants were accepted based on a statement of intention and a CD including images of recent work. I was thrilled to have this opportunity. We had an extensive group critique session. Kay encouraged all of us to push beyond our present limits or comfort zone. She strongly recommended spending time each day drawing and keeping a journal. Kay suggested that art is more interesting when the artist incorporates symbolism and imagery meaningful to the artist. Journal keeping can help with this process and unveil clues to answer the question “what do I want to say or evoke in my work?”

I brought the painting above, “Wind and Water”, to the critique. The elements of wind and water often occur in recent works. The changing weather patterns are an influence. It feels as if the earth is trying to heal herself and return to a more balanced state while catching our attention with frequent and drastic storms.