Ester Roi & her Icarus Board

[BeaSue]

I am sooo tempted to try this! Ester Roi has developed a device she calls an Icarus Board. You put your paper on this board, turn it on, and begin drawing on your paper with waxy artist's crayon or colored pencils. The board heats the paper, thereby melting your media. Such exciting effects!

http://esterroi.com/blog/post/2014/10/river-pebbles-no.-13

I have been following her for a couple of months now, and find her techniques so exciting. Of course, trying this would include a, not insubstantial, investment of $$$.

By clicking on other links here, you can watch some short YouTube videos on the process of using the Icarus board with  waxy artist's crayons or pencils.

[C.Bodine]

Her work is beautiful! I didn't see her method, just her work. Crazy question .....If it is a matter of heating the crayon you put down on the surface, could you not create your own hot surface with a electric griddle(like for pancakes) with a temperature dial? I am suggesting this without actually seeing her technique, so this may be a completely off the wall idea! 

[BeaSue]

Christina, I'll bet you could use a griddle if you could make sure the temperature didn't get too high and burn the paper. Wouldn't THAT be unfortunate? 

You can see some videos here:  http://icarusart.net/technique.html

[BeaSue]

I just remembered that I have an old heating tray--the kind of thing you use when you want to keep food warm--and it has a "high" and a "low" setting. I might give this a try using that tray.

[ncwren]

Cookie sheet on a heating pad might work well also.

[BeaSue]

Cookie sheet on a heating pad might work well also.

Good idea, Natalie.

People here are so inventive!

[C.Bodine]

That's pretty cool! The "home-made" versions may be worth trying, before you invest in something expensive. Let us know if you try it!

[nolan]

it sounds like great fun

[May lynn]

Dear BeaSue;

A very unique art form.   Your idea of using an older
style warming tray might work just as well as the fancy
one used in the videos.   The good thing about that is
most thrift store have plenty of them kicking around for
about $2.00. 

If you do experiment with yours please report back
and tell us how it worked.

May lynn

[BeaSue]

Well, I just ordered Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Artists' Crayon Set (15 artist's crayons), so I'll dig out my vintage (circa 1968) food warming tray and give these a try when I get my crayons. I'll share the results here.

[mucciad]

This is gorgeous! I can't see to see your work!

[thegrindre]

This is absolutely fascinating! 
  for sharing it. 
I can certainly see the horrible mess I would make if I tried it. 

[BeaSue]

Aw, c'mon, Rick. Give it a try!

[thegrindre]

Aw, c'mon, Rick. Give it a try!

Oh, you bad girl... 
I can see it now. I get up from the table, knock it off onto the floor... FACE DOWN... 
I'd never get that stuff outta the carpeting. 

 

[Val]

Don't feel bad Rick.... that's why I often get banished to the cockpit back home...we can just hose it down!!