A body of artwork created in a rather unique and distinct style is currently on display at Showcase Gallery in 100 Mile House.
The show by local encaustic artist Gisela Gruning runs until Feb. 6.
Encaustic is an ancient painting technique done with heated wax that have coloured pigments added to it. Gruning uses a small hot iron, pointed metal tools, and small special brushes to create a variety of colourful art, from abstract paintings to realistic landscapes, flowers and animals.
All of them currently grace a wall on the main floor of the South Cariboo Business Centre at 475 Birch Ave., where the showroom is located. Her tools are also on display behind the glass.
While Gruning first started working with acrylic and oil paints, she gave encaustic a try about seven years ago, and it has become a favourite form of expression.
“It’s [tricky],” she admits, “but I just love it. I can take my time – layer after layer.
“People think when [the wax] gets hot, it starts running. But no, it is like cement. It stays like it is.”
Gruning was born in Germany and came to Canada in 1977. She moved to the Cariboo 18 years ago. As a member of the Cariboo Artists’ Guild, she has been a part of several group and individual art shows in the area over the years.
A painting can take 20 minutes, or a few days, to complete, the artist explains. Her newest work is of a small seal pup in the snow. Summer flowers and orchids also hang nearby and Cariboo landscapes, too.
Of the creative process, she says: “You have to feel it. Sometimes I sit until [midnight] and I’m really into it.
“I’m retired, so I can do what I want,” she adds with a laugh.
Having her artwork on display is fun, and so is working in encaustic, Gruning continues.
“It is unique. I just love to do it.”
