Barbara Meynell

Inspired by light and colour in nature, my technique involves painting on silk using Kniazeff dyes and wax as a resist. The fine wax lines drawn by the 'tjanting' recreate reflections of light in a landscape. Skies are painted as in a watercolour and preserved by a layer of wax.

Working from photographs and sketches, the main design is drawn first on paper and outlined boldly. A frame with stretched and pinned silk is positioned over this and the first wax applied preserving the colour of the silk. After successive waxing and painting the silk is completely covered in wax. It is then crushed selectively and dip-dyed to create the distinctive 'crackle' of batik. The first dyes used are light and translucent contrasting with the final undiluted colours. The silk is ironed between plain newsprint then steamed for fastness and to remove any traces of wax. The finished picture is stretched and mounted on acid free board and framed professionally.

I have exhibited my batiks widely in the North West and have taken part in a touring exhibition with the Guild. I have taught batik to adults in further education locally and also run sessions for adults with special needs in Manchester. Besides creating batiks, I produce a range of silk-painted scarves and ties to order.