To smell beeswax melting on a hot griddle and to see an artist at work is a learning opportunity unto itself. It is not often that one has the privilege to visit an exhibiting artist’s studio. On July 31, the Sabatini Art Gallery volunteers and I set out to have some of our longing questions answered and discover new curiosities. Our current exhibit Waxing Poetic: Encaustic Paintings by Philip Hershberger is unique because the process itself (encaustic) is an ancient one, labor intensive, and seductive. The environment in which he lives is for the most part, reflected in his paintings. The color scheme in his home as well as potted plants is placed almost strategically throughout and is also an important aspect in the paintings. Philip mentioned that while the work is void of people, the objects represented can take on a figurative element.

The volunteers were intrigued with the artist’s tools, sketchbooks, and demonstration. It was a real delight to peer inside one of Philip’s sketchbooks where most of his sketches are done in ball point pen. Did you know that the floor is Philip’s easel? Yep, he works on the floor folks. He also uses encaustic paint bars and blends with additional beeswax when needed. We also learned that Philip will add paper collage elements onto the wax surface and it is done in a way that is so subtle one would hardly notice. This studio experience was so engaging it had to be documented and shared with all of you. We are grateful to Philip Hershberger for opening his studio/ home to the Gallery volunteers for a special tour and demonstration.