Submissions to A Little Me, a Self Portait Challenge From Cloth, Paper, Scissors

Ever since I left University, I have looked for opportunities to make art to a theme and on a deadline. That was one of the things I loved about being in school. I am good with deadlines, and while I don't really plan out my work before I get started, aside from the medium I plan to use, I do like to have a direction to go in.

Authentically Me by Tiffany Teske
Encaustic collage on wood
6x6"

I created this for the Cloth Paper Scissors "A Little Me" challenge. It is called "Authentically Me". It is a 6x6" encaustic collage. I first used a colour copy of a gelatin monoprint I made using a self portrait image I took of my own feet and hands. I combine a black and white copy of the image with printmaking inks and a flower which left a negative print. I combine the colour copy of the monoprint with beeswax, then using a stylus I hand wrote adjectives I would use to describe myself. I then rubbed a Shiva paintstik in iridescent copper over the words and removed the excess. This piece is "authentically me" because it is how I see myself and because it contains flaws in my spelling and hand writing. I don't generally plan out all aspects of my pieces so I accept "mistakes" as something that happens when a real person makes art. Perfection is impossible and can get in the way of making good art. This piece also includes a wire bird nest with gemstone bead eggs that I made. Much of my work contains birds, feathers, eggs, and nests, so it just seemed right to include it as one of those things people identify with me and as something that is close to my heart.

Detail of Authentically Me

I am Unique (Like Everyone Else) by Tiffany Teske
Encaustic collage
6x6"

This is another submission for the Cloth Paper Scissors challenge. It is entitled, "I Am Unique (Like Everyone Else)" because it is true and because I have always liked that saying. It is a 6x6" encaustic collage. It has many layers and meanings. I started with a colour copy of a Polaroid transfer of a self portrait I made on handmade paper. I layered beeswax on top of the copy, and then, using a stylus, I hand wrote information about me across the piece. I then rubbed a black Shiva paintstik over the words, then layered it with more wax and fused. I added a feather and ribbon, two eggs (one that is broken and contains another egg), a wire and gemstone bead nest I made, and a twig I painted, distressed, and added vintage paper flowers to and dipped in wax. I made a little pouch from a wire edged ribbon, sewn together with wire, that contains the word "remember" and some turquoise beads. Turquoise is said to take on the characteristics of its owner. I selected the word "remember" because much of my work has to do with memory. The eggs represent my children and the nest the home I have created. Much of my work contains birds, feathers, eggs, and nests. This feather represents my travels through life and the ribbon my childhood. The flowers represent growth. I made them on a twig because I derive a lot of inspiration from nature and I live in a National Park.The phrases are personal things about me. The whole piece is a bit complicated, and eclectic, like me.

I am Unique (Like Everyone Else) Detail

I am Unique (Like Everyone Else) Detail

I am Unique (Like Everyone Else) Detail

I am Unique (Like Everyone Else) Detail

My Skin by Tiffany Teske
Encaustic collage
6x6"

And for my last submission to the CPS challenge... It is entitled, "My Skin". It is a 6x6" encaustic collage. I started by writing my thoughts onto carbon paper with tissue beneath. I then added the tissue to my substrate using wax. Next, I transferred a colour copy of a Polaroid emulsion lift self portrait I made onto my encaustic surface. I added the words, "I feel comfortable in my own skin" to the wax surface by writing with a stylus onto carbon paper. I added a wire and gemstone bead nest I made, a feather I found while out exploring with my daughter, and a distressed ribbon in my favourite colour, dipped in wax. The nest represents the home I have created, the feather my need to travel and discover, and the cheerfully coloured ribbon ties these things together, bound by the wax, as they are entwined in me.

My Skin Detail

Thanks for taking a look at my work... I am always happy to share it!