charles bremer

American, b. 1952

Bremer has explored a wide breadth of creative medium in his career ranging from photography and drawing to theatre stage sets, sculpture and experimental sound. His work has been exhibited in galleries, museums and art centers both in the United States and internationally. Much of his graphic work explores a synthesis of the natural elements with the human body through a highly developed method of hand painted prints. He is an accomplished master in the technique of encaustic wax glazing. Recent exhibitions have included studies of old art supplies, collaborative projects explore text and image, and a photographic series - Two Dancers at the National Museum of Dance.

Encaustic wax technique is believed to date to the 4th or 5th centuries BC and is a highly permanent medium. Early wax portraits from the first century Egypt found in the Fayoum district are in excellent condition today and require little conservation work. The term "encaustic" comes from the greek en kaiein meaning to "burn in". The process involves applying a combination of hot beeswax, carnuba wax and pigments onto a stable surface and "fixing" with heat. Beeswax is an inert substance that resists atmospheric impurities and is remarkably stable. This technique, though challenging and difficult to work with produces results that have a unique beauty, last quality and a sweet aroma.

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