Today, we’d like to introduce you to Josie Rodriguez.
Hi Josie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I haven’t thought about this for a long time, and it’s funny to me now that my journey probably began as 5-year-old painting rocks and selling them to the mailman and anyone who would buy them! I think most of my story, though, began after the death of my younger brother, Peter. I felt so lost, and grief just took hold of me until I began making art.
At that time, it was watercolor, acrylic, and collage. Fast forward through many other moments of grieving friends and family members and creating art, I learned of encaustic painting. I was smitten by this medium and haven’t stopped for over 20 years. Working in my studio and teaching others through my encaustic workshops has been a joy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I am very persistent, so I see myself plowing through any lack of inspiration, interruptions, family, and illness. I never wanted creative practices to interfere with my family, children, grandchildren, or extended family.
I believe that I am an artist. I’ve paid my dues, and I pride myself on trying to do it all. I have struggled in the past with comparing myself to other artists, but I have gone past that now, feeling proud and grateful for what I have, which is a full and rich life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work with the medium of encaustic, an ancient form of painting with beeswax and pigment. The word encaustic comes from the Greek enkausticus, meaning heat or burn. Working with this medium is very visceral, tactile, and seductive, with the results being translucent and beautiful.
There is the heat from the hot wax, pigments, heat gun, or torch. Sometimes the wax takes on a life of its own, going in directions not planned. Encaustic is versatile. One can go in many different directions, as you may see in some of my images. I enjoyed learning how to use encaustic in three-dimensional work and assemblage. I think that is what sets me apart from others.
I am most proud of having a solo exhibit at San Diego International Airport and, because of that, went on to have a solo show at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. Teaching workshops from my home studio has been a joy for twenty years, and I am so proud of those students who are now very successful and prolific artists.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think friends and family see me as a risk-taker, and I have come to believe that in myself. I think that one has to be a risk-taker to move forward in life. I don’t mean dangerous or crazy risk-taking, but thoughtful moments of “I can do this.” Sometimes scary, like gathering my supplies, traveling and teaching in another state or country, or giving a speech at a conference.
I am always open to proposal opportunities, some working out and others not. I see perseverance and risk-taking as my strongest characteristics. And I value that in others. I love it when I can develop an idea. Recently created wearable encaustic jewelry. And I think I may have my first sale today.!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.josierodriguez.com/
- Instagram: @josierodriguez1009
- Facebook: @Josie.rodriguez.52
Image Credits
Al Rodriguez
