Welcome to my first blog post ever. My intention is to focus on what's happening behind the scenes in my batik studio, hopefully about four times a year. Check back occasionally if you are interested in this sort of thing: and if you would like notification of a new blog post by email, please fill out the form on the contact me page.
I have intentionally put this year aside from any shows or classes to experiment with my technique, and take some chances without the looming fear of a flop on a deadline to hold me back. I even have "Be Wreckless " taped to my desk.
My graphic design background trained me in composition and color theory, and a lifetime of drawing, especially in pen and ink, directs the way I use the tjanting tool to apply melted wax. Now five years into learning the medium of batik, and focusing on achieving detail, I can see that there is also a process of leaving some details out. All detail is not equal, and as I study what I'm drawn to in others' art, a common thread is undefined areas. It's much more interesting to put a lot of detail in some areas, and leave other areas with just a suggestion. And this skill has not been quick for me to come by. Over the last few months I have had my share of successes and failures, and have yet to feel like it is a natural instinct. But I do have a new direction! Here are two recent batiks that I was the most successful in maintaining that balance.
Cindy Wilson
I worked hard to keep detail in the grasses only in the foreground, and transition to simple blocks of color gradually. The trees at the top are only suggested in the highlights, while the shadow areas remained flat. I'm learning the shapes have to be dynamic enough to pull it off.
Lopez Island Hillside
16x26" batik on cotton (framed 22x32")
$1100 available
The detail in the poppies, contrasting with the rough splatters to suggest white flowers was nerve-racking to try, I had to splatter the white before I began dying anything. What looked like a mess in the beginning paid off, and I held back a lot of detail in the background, so it wouldn't compete with the flowers.
Poppies in Paris
13 X 13” batik on cotton ( framed 21 X 21”)
available $580