Surface & Process

Each original begins as Susan J. Roche’s underwater photograph before being transformed through hand-applied layers of encaustic wax, oil paint, and pastel. Built upon a 1.5-inch cradled wood panel, the translucent wax allows light to gently enter the surface before reflecting back, creating remarkable depth and luminosity. As natural light changes throughout the day, subtle textures and hidden passages gradually emerge, making each viewing a different experience.

About the Work

Inspired by Oreithyia’s transformation, this intimate work captures the delicate moment between release and renewal.She is the wind and always moving. Light settles softly into the wax before slowly revealing the figure beneath, creating an atmosphere of stillness and reflection.