Meet the Artist: Rachel Rivas-Plata

Encaustic wax art & Jewelry | Wolf Pup Studios

Rachel Rivas Plata- Wolf Pup Studios

"Born and raised in northeast Ohio, I obtained a B.A. in Studio Art at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, concentrating in drawing and ceramics. I have also completed courses in pottery, drawing, and graphic design. I discovered encaustic wax medium in 2018 and immediately fell in love with it. Using both heat and molten beeswax was, to me, an obvious connection to my background in ceramics. While I can control many aspects of what I create, some results are out of my control. Versatility and the element of surprise with the medium always keeps me challenged and interested. I use many different media with encaustic - digital images, photography, watercolor, and oil pastel to name a few, Covering a canvas or photo in encaustic gives it a surface and luminosity like no other artform.

I find my inspiration in nature and patterns found in the environment. A unique collection of photos and artifacts from my Western Reserve ancestors also serves to aid and inspire much of my work. I have always gravitated to fairy tales, enchanted forests, Hobbit houses and the like. My work is most gratifying to me when it emits an otherworldly feeling, while maintaining a foundation of realism. Pieces of my art have been shown at the West Woods Nature Center, Peninsula Art Academy, Reithoffer's Art Gallery, Stella's Art Gallery, Beachwood Arts Council, and the May Show at Lakeland Community College.

Visit wolfpupstudio.com to see a collection of my art as well as an artist blog where I show some encaustic processes and tell stories of inspiration on particular pieces. Also there you'll find links to my art events and online shop. I donate 10% of my business profits to the local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in hopes to help those in our community who are affected by mental illness."