Debra Zumstein

My work combines photography and encaustic wax to create botanical photo encaustics. Encaustic, an ancient painting technique derived from the Greek word meaning “to burn in,” involves painting with molten beeswax and fusing each layer with heat. To create a stable and workable medium, the beeswax is blended with damar resin, which hardens and preserves the surface once cooled. This medium can be used in its natural form or mixed with pigments for added color.

I photograph seasonal plants and flowers, most often from my own garden. Using white boxes and studio lighting, I capture detailed images, which are then printed onto a delicate, semi-transparent rice paper. These prints are layered onto prepared wood panels coated with encaustic gesso and wax. Multiple layers of hot wax medium are brushed onto the surface, creating a smooth, even base. I then embed the photographs into the wax, using a heat gun to fuse the paper seamlessly with the surface. Additional layers of molten wax are applied and fused, repeating the process many times until the image is fully sealed and integrated within the luminous wax surface.

Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, NC. BA - Art and Communication/Arts Management
BUNAC, Work Abroad Program, United Kingdom
Southwest School of Art and Craft, San Antonio, TX
Advanced Darkroom Techniques
Photography as a Metaphor
Location Portraiture

Solo Exhibitions
2025 Botanical Encaustics, The Parlor, Savannah, GA
2011 Horizons: Panoramic Photography, Indigo Sky Gallery, Savannah, GA
2007 Art Tastings, Seaboard Wine Warehouse and Wine Bar, Raleigh, NC
2003 Nurturing Space, EVOO, Raleigh, NC
2001 Images from Kew, A Good Read Bookstore, San Antonio, TX

Group Exhibitions
2016 Span the Gap, A Bridge Art Exhibit. Oglethorpe Gallery, Savannah, GA
2013 Panoramic and Invented Landscapes, Jewish Education Alliance, Savannah, GA
2012 T.I.M.S., Gallery on Washington St, Savannah Arts Academy, Savannah, GA
The National Arts Program Exhibition Savannah, Gallery SPACE, Savannah, GA
Salt Marsh Show/Sale/Benefit for the Center for a Sustainable Coast, The Book Lady Bookstore, Savannah, GA
2011 Home & Abroad, thinc art, Savannah GA
Hospice Savannah’s 3rd Annual 5×7 Show, Hospice Savannah Art Gallery, Savannah, GA
The National Arts Program Exhibition Savannah, Gallery SPACE, Savannah, GA
2010 Artists for Haiti, Indigo Sky Gallery, Savannah, GA
The National Arts Program Exhibition Savannah, Gallery SPACE, Savannah, GA
2009 The National Arts Program Exhibition Savannah, Gallery SPACE, Savannah, GA
2008 The National Arts Program Ex...