Angela Falcone

I am a batik designer living and working in Helsinki in Finland.

One of my favourite interests is the mysterious and fascinating civilization of Ancient Egypt, and I often use this theme in my batik works.

Batik, the creative art of painting on fabric, has a long history. Fragments of batik dating from the first century BC have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, and evidence of early batik has been found all over the Middle East and India.

Of all the characters in the ancient world, Queen Nefertiti is perhaps one of the best known, and her beauty is legendary. My piece 'Queen Nefertiti' was created on silk. I embellished it with crystals and natural stones which I specially polished and positioned to catch and reflect the light. The beauty of the queen's crown and necklace are my own interpretation of the fashions of the time. I carefully mixed the colours applied to the fabric to enhance the jewels.

'Mask of Tutankhamun' is also created on silk and uses similar techniques. I particularly chose gold and silver coloured stones for Tutankhamun's necklace.

I am currently working on a piece depicting one of the most magnificent women of the ancient world, Cleopatra, in the dress she wore at her marriage to Caesar. Other works in preparation include ancient Egyptian figures such as Got Set and the Sphinx. I am also hoping to develop my creative business, with a range of women's clothing and accessories using these techniques.