Beneath the Surface

"Beneath the Surface" is a deeply introspective exploration of identity, transformation, and the passage of time. Using the tactile and labor-intensive process of encaustic and collage, I sought to capture the complexity of self-discovery. At the heart of the work is a colored pencil self-portrait, which symbolizes the core of who we are. It is mounted on a wooden board, intentionally exposed and vulnerable, yet framed by a series of layers that evoke protection, experience, and sometimes, concealment.

The act of wood burning created an intricate pattern around the portrait, representing the impressions and marks life leaves on us. As I built up layers of paper, fibers, and found objects, I envisioned the way we accumulate memories, experiences, and emotions, each adding texture to our being. These layers act both as shields and as burdens, creating a visual and emotional frame around the self. They suggest the constant process of growth and change, yet they also pose a question: what is hidden beneath?

Encaustic wax was used to seal the piece, adding a hazy, almost dreamlike veil over the portrait—reminiscent of how our true selves can sometimes become obscured by the layers we’ve added or the roles we’ve played. The final act of scraping away the wax revealed the self-portrait beneath, marking a moment of revelation, vulnerability, and acceptance.

This process, from layering to unveiling, became symbolic of the personal journey reflected in the accompanying poem—a journey of shedding, revealing, and embracing the self, in all its scars and beauty. "Beneath the Surface" embodies the courage it takes to peel away those layers and stand authentically, facing the world as we truly are.