As a photographer I was searching for a different way to express myself when I learned about photo encaustic. While photography is technical and controlled, encaustic is tactile and flowing. Both are creative but the use of hot wax presented additional challenges. After exploring the technique and materials, the idea of using photos of rock formations surfaced. The wax depicting swirling winds transformed the photos. It is a metaphor for today as we are caught standing in a windstorm changed by the forces around us. Similarly, the challenging experience of applying wax to photos changed my perspective on how I photograph.