Stephen Whitehead working with ME & helping others in hospital to enjoy encaustic art Stephen.Whitehead@ukgateway.net

I was first introduced to encaustic wax painting at a craft fair at a centre for people with learning disabilities. For 50p I was able to create my first wax picture. Later, at a craft shop, I found a small range of encaustic supplies. I bought an iron, stylus and wax set. I found painting with wax highly enjoyable, but then I became ill. It was only then that I could appreciate the therapeutic qualities of art using wax as a medium. For me, the most demanding part of the entire process is getting the work area set up. Having done so the pictures can be produced easily in a short amount of time and using only the minimum amount of energy.

The pictures do not even have to be representational. The patterns created with an iron have a depth and spontaneity that dazzle me every time I see them. I can sit and look at them whilst also searching my soul for answers and strength that can sometimes seem lost. I have always been a fan (and extremely amateur writer) of science fiction and fantasy. Wax landscapes can become the settings for many of my characters. I think it is this depth, this mystery, that can always make me feel better. When handled correctly, encaustic wax almost always conjures up images that people can be pleased with. The ability to create beauty gives people pride.

I have recently been feeling a bit better, although I still only have a very limited amount energy. I attend St Peter's Hospital Teaching Centre, where they cater for anyone in full time education who is either in hospital or unable to attend a normal school because of their illness or injury. This means that the pupils ages range from 5 - 18 yrs. On Wednesday afternoons art is on the time table. It has always been a favourite lesson of mine, and I'm sure of many other pupils. One week I brought in my encaustic iron and waxes to the class. The teachers had already seen wax paintings of mine and had expressed an interest.

I decided that, as well as showing people how I paint with wax, they might enjoy being able to have a go themselves. It was a great success! I made sure that everyone had the chance to paint there own picture whilst also making sure they didn't hurt themselves, and didn't try to make the picture too complicated. I have always found that the best pictures come from a simple idea. When things get too complicated pictures never live up to expectations.

Two of the younger children needed help. One was nervous of the iron, and the other shook with epilepsy. Therefore, I held the iron and they took hold of my wrist. They could sweep the iron as they wanted, and did not run the risk of burning themselves. They were all entranced by the bright colours and interesting patterns. Many, like Laura here, proved very skilled. She was very pleased with the result and has been considering buying her own wax supplies.

I use a lot of the abstract patterns I paint to complete card and bookmark blanks I have bought from Craft Creations. They can be easily constructed, and the nicely coloured blanks give a good border to the wax. They make the perfect card for any occasion. They can be tailored to the right person by using appropriate colours. I have sold many of these, and that too adds to my feeling of well being. It is good to know that you can produce something that people would pay for.

Encaustic Art has provided a chance to express myself when I thought I would not be able to. I feel that the abstract patterns of wax art have opened my mind to the more modern and conceptual art that might have remained closed to me. It has given me a confidence which can sometimes be very difficult to find in my situation.

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