Personal Stories
December 7th, 2012 - Wellsville, Pa
Artist Denise NIckey:
I had always dreamed of becoming an Artist. As a young child I had a sense that I wanted to create something that was so amazing, that it would have such a profound effect on humanity. So, I attended art school for commercial art and learned that this was not my hearts desire. Art school felt very limiting to my spirit. So I gave up my dream of being an Artist. I then spent years floundering and caught up in the illusion of finding my purpose, making money, having material things, then ultimately becoming a successful Massage Therapist. I spent the next fifteen years, doing what I felt was service to others but still felt unfulfilled as an Artist. After many years of feeling disconnected from my own heart and spirit , I experienced a major health crisis. I spent years exploring all types of alternative therapies, completely changed my lifestyle, just searching for some way to feel vibrant again. I believe that every practitioner, every therapy, all of the supplements, helped in my recovery. But it wasn't until I started painting last spring that I felt alive again. One day in my search for non-toxic pigments, I discovered Encaustic Wax. The wax is made of mostly organic pigments, a damar resin and beeswax. I had no prior experience with this medium, so I watched a you tube video of how to get started and that is when the magic began. I started playing with the wax and something began to open inside of me that was waiting for the right moment to emerge. It opened a whole new world and a completely new view. I have never felt more free, more alive, more vibrant, and more who I really am as a spirit. Through playful exploration and completely opening to the moment I have created a technique or process of my very own. It starts with the original encaustic piece, which is created by painting layers of different colors of wax on a wood panel then melting and blending these colors with a heat gun. This results in a very cosmic looking painting. I then hand carve lines and shapes into the wax using my pottery tools. After that is complete I photograph the piece using a kaleidoscope and mirrored image lens. The results are mind blowing. I always experience a profound movement of emotions and gain very high wisdom. The images are like nothing I've ever seen . I am still in awe of the divine guidance that I'm shown. Throughout my journey, Art has always brought me back to my soul! Moving forward in this magnificent time of awakening, I feel that my artwork will assist those who choose expansion in consciousness. It is my wish for all those viewing my art, to be moved in a way that will awaken their spirit and enliven their soul. In love, gratitude and oneness.