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. |
