Each Edgar Award honoree receives an original work of art by a local artist.
2009 Artist: Allen Young
Encaustic monotypes are one-of-a-kind prints painted with wax colors fixed with heat. Encaustic literally means “to burn in.” It involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The liquid paste is then applied to a surface, usually prepared wood, paper, canvas or other materials. The technique was first used over two millennia ago by the Romans on their sculpture and by the Egyptians for wax portraits. Allen Young has taken this ancient technique and placed it in the contemporary realm. As with all fine art, encaustic monotypes should not be placed in direct sunlight or in high heat areas.
Allen Young has been creating and showing his work since 1970s. His art has been collected by Community College of New Mexico, the U.S. Embassy in New Guinea and as set dressing for Aaron Spelling’s “Pacific Palisades” production, among others. He has shown at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the City of Albuquerque’s Magnifico Invitational Exhibit and galleries in Sedona and Honolulu. Currently, his works may be seen at Albuquerque’s Weems Gallery.
Encaustic monotypes are one-of-a-kind prints painted with wax colors fixed with heat. Encaustic literally means “to burn in.” It involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The liquid paste is then applied to a surface, usually prepared wood, paper, canvas or other materials. The technique was first used over two millennia ago by the Romans on their sculpture and by the Egyptians for wax portraits. Allen Young has taken this ancient technique and placed it in the contemporary realm. As with all fine art, encaustic monotypes should not be placed in direct sunlight or in high heat areas.