What is the most interesting thing you have painted/sculpted and why?
JuliAnne Jonker: I would say posthumous portrait commissions I have found them rewarding, meaningful and almost spiritual. I feel that it’s a privilege to in some sense give the person who has lost someone a piece of their loved one back. One of my favorites was a man who was 96 years old. I created an encaustic wax painting of his wife when she was in her 20s, when they fell in love.
I really enjoyed getting to know him, his family and their story. I have also painted/ sculpted several deceased artists who I admire, and have found this to be a wonderful, inspiring experience as well.
How did you develop your unique style?
JuliAnne Jonker: I paint and sculpt with wax. First introduced through the lost wax method used for bronze sculpture, I fell in love with heating the wax and moving it when it’s malleable. I was next introduced to encaustic painting also involving heating and sculpting the medium. Finally, from studying with abstract painters I learned to paint with cold wax and oils. These experiences have all informed my current style which I share with my own students.
To see more of JuliAnne’s work, visit:
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