Crayon Melt- Butterfly

 

Crayons melted over unprimed canvas, 30x24

This piece is special to me because it was the last project I created in Mr. Bill Rapin’s art class during my senior year of high school. Even after the seniors were released for the year, I stayed behind to finish it. Mr. Rapin taught me how to stretch canvas and use a heat lamp to melt crayons across it, a process that took real patience: heat, tilt, heat some more. Honestly, it broke my heart to finish it. If I could, I would have stayed in Mr. Rapin's art class forever, and in my soul, I suppose I have.

Mr. Rapin's gallery advert 1986

Mr. Rapin had invented the concept of crayon paintings himself after his daughter accidentally left crayons on the windshield of the family car during a camping trip. Watching the wax melt together into vibrant patterns, he recognized the beauty in it and turned it into an art form. His crayon paintings were displayed in The Village Gallery in Brooklyn, Michigan, and many still hang in his island house and in his cabin in the woods. He always encouraged his advanced students to make their own crayon paintings at the end of the year.

Mr. Rapin was the best teacher I ever had. I love him dearly and think of him each day. I would like to try making crayon paintings again.