Nicki Stewart

I make my own paint using beeswax and damar resin mixed with raw pigment and have been been painting in the ancient medium of encaustic since 2007.
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I exhibit regularly in group shows throughout New Zealand, and my work is available from several galleries.

About Encaustic
Although enjoying a current revival, encaustic is actually one of the world's most ancient and archival painting mediums.
Encaustic works such as the Fayum portraits from over 2000 years ago still exist today, well-preserved without cracking, flaking or losing brilliance.
Beeswax is combined with damar or other tree resins which provide the strength and hardness in the work while the wax creates transparency and luminosity.
Working with a hot medium presents a challenge due to the constant metamorphosis of the wax via the heating and cooling process, demanding control unlike that of most other painting mediums.
The hot wax is applied to a rigid ground and combined with graphite, charcoal, ink and pigments in multiple layers sealed in by the wax. It is this interplay between the layers which creates an enigmatic depth and translucency in the work, a luminosity not available through other mediums.

Solo

2011 'Moonlight and Magic’, V.A.S, Greytown
2011 Brackenridge Spa Gallery, Martinborough
2012 ‘HOT STUFF’ Cafe Deluxe, Wellington
2012 Wax Works - Café Baobab, Wellington
2014 50 Shades of Green – Lochmara Lodge, Marlborough
2014 ‘Explorations’ – Village Art Shop, Greytown
2014/15 ‘Remember to Remember’ -
Aratoi Museum of Art and History, Masterton
Expressions Arts and Entertainment, U. Hutt
Carterton Events Centre
Featherston Kiwi Hall
2019 ‘Take Heart' – Miracle Room, Featherston
Group
2009-2018 NZ Art Show
2012/16/18 Artbourne – Wellesley, Eastbourne
2013 Original Art Show, Auckland
2013/15 Timaru Plunket Show - Aighintighe, Timaru
2013 Bijou Eliot Design, New Plymouth
2013 Artrove, Wellington
2013-2018 Wai Art Show, Carterton
2014/15 Life Education Trust, Wellington
2014 Anderson Park, Southland
2015 Martinborough Art Auction
2015 Nelson Expo
2015 Parkin Prize, Wellington
2015-18 Napier Girls High School
2011/13/15/17 Wairarapa Review
2017 Peters Doig, Marlborough
2018 Aratoi Museum Art Auction, Masterton
2014-19 NZAFA, Wellington
2019 Quarry Arts – Ceramic Awards, Whangarei