As an art major at the University of Vermont I was encouraged to explore a variety of mediums, (painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, etc.).  The final senior project was to learn a technique I knew nothing about and present my work for evaluation.  Because oil painting, (landscapes), was one of my favorite mediums, I chose to learn the art of batik, rendering landscapes on dyed fabric with wax resist.

Upon graduation I moved to Boston, waitressing to support myself and selling my batik landscapes on the side. Five years later I moved to New York, just outside Manhattan, to help run a family business my parents had started, fully intending to return to Boston once the business was off the ground.

Now, some 40 years later, with three grown, married, daughters and two grandchildren, I am dividing my time between New York and Vermont, where my husband and I have a second home.

During those child rearing years I switched from batik landscapes, to black and white photography setting up my own darkroom. When my daughters were finally old enough I began oil painting again. One day I came across an encaustic piece in an exhibit and was fascinated. None of my artist friends knew anything about it. I eventually took a workshop and have been immersed in the process ever since. It combines my love of painting, photography and working with wax, all in one medium.  

I have been fortunate to be a member of New England Wax for the past 12 years. A group of dedicated encaustic artists who exhibit in shows around the New England area. I am also a member of NAWA (National Association of Women Artists), who sponsor juried shows on the east coast. Some of my work can be seen and purchased at the “Synchronicity Gallery” in Wurtsboro, New York.

Thank you for visiting and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.​​​​​​​

To learn more about Heather read her interview with New England Wax: http://belowthesurfaceblog.com/member-interview-heather-douglas/