Meet the Students
The wonderful growth and increased demand for being creative spawned by Covid has led to a saturation of online and in-person workshops, making it challenging to choose the right learning opportunity. Since 1996, I've been teaching Encaustic Painting and my unique Encaustic Collagraph Printmaking method in my studio and in collaboration with partners in Mexico, Ireland, and Canada. Over the decades, I've enjoyed sharing my artistic growth, discoveries, and innovations with students from around the world, helping them achieve their creative goals. In the Meet the Students collection at the workshops link, I present a glimpse of their aspirations and reflections.
—Elise
Karen Cornelious | Manitoba, Winnipeg Canada
“Participating in Elise’s Encaustic Collagraph workshop in Guanajuato was one of the best things I’ve ever experienced. The setting was magical, with a rooftop printmaking studio right there at our beautifully & authentically restored hotel, delicious nourishing Mexican based breakfasts, a daily happy hour in the rooftop bar, and evenings walking the charming, musical cobblestones streets of the town. Our days were filled with colllaboration, learning, exploring the techniques of this uniquely creative and challenging medium.”
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Karen Cornelius spent her formative years in the Congo's lush landscapes near Lake Albert, where the Ituri Forest at the base of the Rwensori Mountains shaped her profound love for nature. Despite a lack of formal art education, Cornelius's passion for creativity thrived, inspired by local artisans crafting wonders from banana tree bark. This resourceful upbringing, marked by using natural materials for installations in the forest, instilled a mindful approach to art and environmental consciousness.
After completing high school in Kenya, Karen Cornelius faced cultural shocks upon moving to North America. Enrolling at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia proved pivotal, introducing her to the enchanting world of printmaking, particularly etching. Post-graduation, a transformative workshop with Nigerian artist printmaker Bruce Onabrekpaya inspired Cornelius to explore unconventional printmaking methods.
Karen Cornelius embarked on a global printmaking adventure, teaching and exhibiting across continents. Her commitment to environmentally responsible printmaking methods, from electro-etching to waterless lithography, reflects a dedication to pushing artistic boundaries. The themes of "Place" and "belonging" infuse Cornelius's work, shaped by diverse experiences worldwide. Explore Karen Cornelius's artistic odyssey on her website, offering insights into exhibitions, residencies, and exclusive interviews through her art adventure newsletter. Join her as she navigates the dynamic intersection of art, culture, and environment.
Scott DS Young | Oakland, CA
“I was most pleased with the Encaustic Collagraph Printmaking Retreat in Guanajuato, Mexico, especially what I took away. My second class was with Elise (the first one in her studio in Portland), and I did not have any printmaking experience. Elise is a detailed, generous instructor (and press assistant Hugo, owner/artist of the Alma del Sol owner/artist). She is very knowledgeable and articulates her information with care. I Learned so much ‘more’ the second time – no matter your level, you cannot go wrong jumping on this retreat (or her other workshops).
I now own a mini-printing press!”
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As an artist, Scott DS Young passionately merges urban life with ecological consciousness through illustration and printmaking, incorporating reusable objects. His aim is to bridge the gap between the urban population and nature's essence, forging connections beyond aesthetics. Recycling and repurposing materials infuse depth into his work, conveying a strong sustainability message. Through Scott's art, viewers are invited to witness nature's beauty within the urban jungle, emphasizing our profound connection to it. He strives to raise awareness and cultivate a stronger bond between urban dwellers and the natural world, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the surrounding beauty.
In his dual roles as an illustrator and printmaker, Scott DS Young's art serves as a quest to inspire observation and cultivate an appreciation for simplicity. He explores the textures crafted by nature, repurposing found objects to create a fresh existence. Scott's work acts as a sanctuary, allowing him to discover simplicity within complexity.
Valaree Cox | Port Hadlock, WA
Taking an encaustic class with Elise Wagner at her new studio in Astoria, Oregon was thrilling and extremely useful to help me move forward with my work. Seeing the art of someone who has been working in encaustic for 30 years was inspiring and motivating. Elise was ready and willing to answer all questions, and to demo techniques that she specializes in, and that interested me. Astoria is on the magnificent Columbia River, the town has good restaurants and galleries, plus plenty of history to add to my wonderful experience.
Sandy Simonian | Palm Springs, CA
“I was living in Honolulu at the time and wanted to take Elise's workshops for two years. I was finally able to coordinate my schedule and take a three day workshop in November 2018. I loved every minute of time with Elise as well as learning new encaustic techniques. It was my first time with encaustic collagraph .. I loved it so much I signed up for her Mexico workshop in January 2019. I also will be signing up for more classes in the summer of 2019. Elise is very easy to work with and has a wonderful studio workspace. She is a very talented instructor and artist, I feel fortunate to be able to learn from her.”
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California native Sandy Simonian divides her time between her home state and Maine, where she immerses herself in a full-time dedication to art. Formerly engaged in jewelry making and clothing design, Sandy has honed her craft through classes with renowned artists, showcasing her work at conferences and exhibitions, earning accolades for her photography.
Sandy embodies the spirit of a fearless adventurer, collector, forager, and curator. Focused on the often overlooked minutiae of life, she strives to elevate these details in her art. Constantly pushing boundaries, Sandy explores uncharted territories in both her artistic endeavors and travels, fearlessly venturing where others hesitate. Her meaningful connections with people worldwide are a testament to her adventurous spirit.
From photographing diverse cultures to collecting sand from over 90 beaches, Sandy delves into and appreciates her surroundings. Intrigued by the world's intricacies, she discovers beauty in everything, finding order within chaos. Through her intricate and thought-provoking works, Sandy invites viewers on a journey of discovery, incorporating eclectic pieces found along the wayside into her art.
Cheryl Ramette | Northfield, MN
“Elise’s teaching was stellar. She worked on her own pieces, which was highly instructive, and she provided teaching sessions on using the wax to build plates, inking and wiping plates, and printing the piece — each in and of itself a process one needs to master. Even when we were all immersed in our own work, Elise would gently make the rounds to see what support or guidance she could offer. I never felt stranded, or hovered over. That takes teaching skill.”
We took time to learn about each other’s style of making art, which was so interesting, and then to review the results of the week on our final day together, which was an affirming way to pull it all together and see our work as a whole.
I highly recommend this workshop, especially for someone looking to learn an unusual process and/or a way to add depth to their work.”
Jessie Swimeley | Boise, Idaho
“It was such a pleasure being able to take a workshop from Elise. She is generous with her knowledge and excited to share her vast experience. Her studio is comfortable and spacious with everything an encaustic artist could need. Her demonstrations were clear and then she allowed me to explore the different techniques and offered her guidance when I needed it. I enjoyed working at my own pace in an open and stress-free environment. Elise made me feel comfortable and encouraged me to push myself. I very much enjoyed talking with her about her work, her experience as an artist, and as an innovator. I am looking forward to the next opportunity to learn from her. I highly recommend taking a workshop from Elise!
Sally Hirst | Norfolk, England
“I first became intrigued by Elise’s work and process some ten years ago. I experimented with encaustic collagraphy but simply couldn't get the results I wanted. When I saw she was teaching online I grabbed a place! I'm an experienced printmaker but I'm now on a new journey of discovery thanks to Elise. Through her excellent guidance, I realised what I was doing wrong before, and can now produce successful prints. I have begun to master the process, explore it, and make it my own. Teaching online has meant it is possible for Elise to share her knowledge worldwide. She makes you feel you are there with her in her studio, and provides positive and constructive feedback.”
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Sally Hirst's art is a fusion of personal and creative journeys, expressed through paintings, paper works, prints, and collages. Her studio becomes the crucible where different mediums harmonize, resulting in captivating masterpieces.
Informed by urban textures, colors, and structures, Hirst's practice draws inspiration from abandoned buildings, city walks, maps, and shadow tracings. Though predominantly abstract, her work is rooted in fleeting images, imagination, and experiences.
Beyond her role as a Master's-educated artist, Hirst, a seasoned teacher, imparts her knowledge through online courses. From her Norwich studio, she connects with students worldwide, guiding them at various stages of their creative odysseys. Sally Hirst's art extends beyond canvases, touching the imaginative horizons of aspiring minds globally.
https://sallyhirst.co.uk/portfolio/
Deborah Webster |
Pescadero, CA
“Every year I try to take at least one art workshop or class where I learn new techniques and skills from an experienced artist. This year I chose to travel to Astoria, Oregon, to the charming home and studio of master Encaustic Collagraft Printing artist, Elise Wagner.
The two-day workshop, "Encaustic Collagraft Printmaking" was one of the most skill-intensive and inspirational classes I have taken in my artistic career! Elise is a gifted and generous instructor who will shares her wealth of knowledge on all the elements of the process she developed. She first assesses your level of knowledge, listens to your learning objectives, and then partners with you to develop your confidence and skill.
For Elise, sharing and inspiring others seem integral to her life and teaching style. I especially enjoyed viewing her art pieces and hearing about their development and the various techniques she employed.
She was direct, thorough and kind in her feedback, gently pushing me out of my comfort zone to experiment and learn as much as possible. And, as I departed after the last day of the workshop, I knew I had the ability, thanks to Elise and her printmaking technique, to apply the learned process in some way in my own distinctive style. I believe the best instructors plant seeds and encourage you to blossom on your own terms.
Not only will I return to Elise's workshops in the future, I will also send other artists her way.
With gratitude and excitement for the possibilities!!”
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Deborah Webster, an artist deeply attuned to her surroundings, strives to convey emotional impressions through her chosen medium. The gratification she derives from knowing that her art resonates with others fuels her creative journey, where each piece becomes a unique exploration of discovery and learning.
Webster's artistic process often begins with experiences during nature walks, triggered memories, or even the evocative power of a single color. While her work can take on an illustrative style, its ultimate purpose is to communicate a distinct mood or feeling.
Her preferred mediums, cold wax, and encaustic painting, are chosen for their ability to imbue depth and luminosity. The interplay of the blowtorch's ephemeral heat and the unpredictable responses of pigments add an element of challenge and joy, creating an immersive experience within her art.
Though primarily self-taught since 2016, Webster's artistic style and voice continually evolve through exploration and guidance from generous artists in the United States and Europe. In reciprocation, she finds particular joy in teaching art to youth and aspiring women, sharing her passion for artistic expression with the next generation.
www.deborahwebsterart.com
Colleen Davis | Victoria, British Columbia
“This class provided foundational techniques, clearly and thoroughly with expertise by instructor Elise Wagner. Her respect of each participant’s abilities along with her encouragement resulted in numerous beautiful pieces. Personally, Elise’s extensive knowledge re-inspired me to get into the studio and start creating again. I’d confidently recommend taking her class if you want to learn about encaustic in a supportive and fun environment.
I’m forever grateful.”
