Photographs take on new look with process that dates back to 800 BC

Feb. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- ST. PAUL, MN (February 21, 2011)—Sometimes the process of creating a piece of art can be as intriguing as the work itself.  Ironically in today’s instantaneous fast-paced world a laborious old-world process that flourished nearly three thousand years ago is the medium of choice for artist Clare O’Neill.

Currently living in Minnesota, O’Neill has borrowed the age-old encaustic (en-kaw-stik) process, a wax-based medium that originated to waterproof and decorate ancient Greek war ships. She has perfected a ten-step process of transforming her photographs into works with a three-dimensional quality. Her materials include molten beeswax, pigment and dammar crystals. Her images begin as high-resolution digital images; O’Neill then applies and re-applies multiple layers and textures, both digitally and with wax, until her interpretation of the image feels right.

“I love the physicalness of the medium as well as the interesting tonal effects, subdued colors, and range of textures that I can create,” says O’Neill. ‘I like knowing that those who own my photo encaustics can smell the beeswax, feel the textured surface and see the layers as the light penetrates the surface.”

A select number of artists are working in this ancient process yet it’s still relatively new to many collectors. Perfection and control in photo encaustics is impossible. The imperfection of the work is its own elegance and is attracting a growing number of serious buyers who are looking for artwork that’s both classic and out of the ordinary to enhance their collections.

Clare O’Neill is a visual artist who works in a wax-based medium, which adds a dream-like sense of mystery and intrigue to her photographs. Her one-of-a-kind encaustic photographs are held in private and public collections across the United States and Ireland. Learn more about encaustic photographs and view additional work at http://www.ClareONeill.com. Sign up for photo of the month to receive exclusive offers.

   /Note to Editors: Clare O'Neill is available for interview.  Photos available.

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Clare O’Neill is a visual artist who works in a wax-based medium, which adds a dream-like sense of mystery and intrigue to her photographs.