In 2008, at the One of a Kind craft show, I happened upon my first encaustic painting. I was instantly drawn in and felt a deep pull to explore this medium. I have always been intuitively creative, but until then never found anything that truly resonated. I took my first encaustic class and from that moment on I was hooked. The process of working with this medium was so raw, luscious, and magical that I couldn’t help but fall in love.

Committing to my creativity gifted me the ability to know myself better and has helped me find my voice. Showing up at the canvas always brings to light something I need to be made aware of, reminding me to be present. Painting has truly been a source of healing for me, giving me an outlet to express more of what I want to see in the world.

As I found my voice through my art, I was encouraged by loved ones to start sharing my work with others. Taking this step felt so vulnerable but with each new opportunity I realized what a gift this was. I started to witness others get emotional while experiencing my work and I realized I had found a new means of connection. There was a beautiful exchange taking place where I unleashed my heart and soul in my art and by doing so others felt seen and understood. It is a reciprocal honouring of each other’s journey’s.   

I have two primary approaches to my work: abstract and photography. Each piece has anywhere from 10 to 30 layers of beeswax. My work can be found at The Love Loft, in Prince Edward County. This studio space is also home to intentionally curated items that infuse more love and positivity into the world.

Come explore my current work by browsing through my various collections and visiting me at The Love Loft. I can't wait to meet you & share my art with you.

I invite you to follow me on social media.

Website:    http://www.theloveloft.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jannethaitasencaustics

Instagram: @jannethaitas 

                  @the_love_loft

ABOUT Encaustic

Encaustic has a long history, dating back to 100BC.  It is an ancient process developed by the Greeks and literally means "to burn" or to "burn in". Encaustic involves melting beeswax with damar resin (crystalized tree sap) to create the medium then adding pigment to create the paint. The paint is then brushed on when it is hot and each layer is fused (or re-melted) to adhere the layers together.  

Because the beeswax is sealed to moisture, encaustic paintings will not deteriorate. There should be no fear of the work melting in normal household conditions. The beeswax and resin will not melt unless exposed to temperatures over 160 degrees fahrenheit.

Hanging a painting in front of a window with direct sunlight is not advisable. Some encaustic colours may tend to become cloudy over time. If this occurs, simply rub the surface with a soft cotton cloth or a nylon stocking.  Over time the surface remains its gloss as the wax medium continues to cure and harden up to 3 years.