The Technique
Silk painting is an ancient art. It is believed to have originated
in India around 200AD and soon spread to Indonesia. Silk
painting was brought to Europe during early trading with the
Far East and became popular in colonial America in the early 1800s.
The pure white silk is stretched to create a rigid surface.
A resist – traditionally beeswax – is applied to form shapes and
create a barrier to contain the colors. Fabric dyes are applied
with a brush. This technique is called batik. The artist combines
batik and freehand painting to create the fluid image.
The painted fabric is steamed to set the dyes. It is then rinsed
and ironed dry. Finally the painting is re-stretched and framed
to form the unique piece of fine art.
