Artist Statement

When my dad retired from farming he took up gardening, and right about the same time, so did I. In time I became a certified Master Gardener and through gardening met some of my best friends. I also met the bee-keepers of south-east Texas and from them I learned about the bee and wax industry. My use of the encaustic process started with the making of hearts for Valentine's Day more than a decade ago.
 
I was at a time in my life where I wanted to do something new and yet still paint. Encaustic gave me that opportunity. Encaustic is a technique more than two thousand years old and there are as many ways of doing it as there are artists using it.
 
I've worked on my technique for more than ten years—still learning every time I go into my studio. I've developed a technique that I think honors the original encaustic approach while bringing it in into the 21st century. I've combined the ancient wax process with space-age polymers and digital photography to produce something new and exciting!

When I go into the studio after pouring the finished product, I have to think that I'm the luckiest person alive. To be able to use my camera, to use my garden, and to paint is what means the most to me.

My greatest joy is seeing the reaction in others when someone sees my paintings for the first time. Once I've completed a painting, I love knowing that I have created something beautiful when the world is filled with so much sadness. Someone else can paint the ugly.
 
I will always find happiness in seeing the smile on someone's face when they see my work. I am ever so thankful for being able to create and enjoy what I do. I know that artists sometimes never find the fulfillment of coming into their own element. I think I have.

– Darrell Ray Troppy