Tanya (Tatiana) Tate

I grew up in Central Ohio and completed my architecture degree at Kent State University. I have always had an interest in visual arts and creating. I‘ve recently begun working with encaustics which has a satisfying unpredictability to the materials. Building up transparent layers lets me work with distance in a direct way.

Encaustic is an ancient painting medium. It’s durability and richness make it satisfying to work in. By building up and fusing successive layers of wax each piece is a reflection of the contemplative process. I need to work with care not to overheat, but also ensure even fusing. 

My shellac burn encaustic work is influenced by the medium itself. Each layer of wax spreads under the torch in its own way. Temperature, pigment, and time all impact the way the shellac reacts to the flame. I love the way successive layers of wax blur what’s underneath. The physical depth increases the visual depth of the work.

My current works remind me of the Lake Erie shoreline, where edges meet and shift. There is both pattern and randomness, a fractal aspect, in these natural spaces which is mirrored in the cracks and bubbles of the shellac burns. Evoking an atmospheric interest is my main intent.