Lori Austill ’85
Painting has been at the center of Lori Austill’s life since 1985. For 25 years Lori created mixed media paintings on plaster. In the last 14 years she has been making encaustic paintings. Encaustic painting is an ancient technique using hot pigmented beeswax and a special tree sap (Damar crystals) which elevates the melting temperature and acts as a hardener for the wax. Lori uses a hot griddle as a palette for the melted colorful wax. Each layer is fused to the next with a torch. Lori finds that painting is a challenging but wonderful conversation between herself and the creation occurring before her eyes. Being present in the moment is required and that is a beautiful thing. Social justice, creating deep humane connections to each other and our planet, the natural world in all its splendors, color, music (particularly improvisational jazz), and dance are her ongoing inspirations.