Silk To Display

I have created a number of silk-paintings for display!  These have been painted with the same serti technique I use to create my silk scarves, but have been stretched and wrapped over wooden frames, and wired for hanging, much like a painting on canvas would be.  To maintain and be able to enjoy the qualities of the silk fabric, they are not covered or coated, only treated with a UV protectant to prevent fading.  They would make a vibrant and unique addition to your home or workplace!

Silk to Wear

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The Technique

I use the French Serti (closing or fence) technique to create my hand-painted silk art.  This is the silk painting technique where designs are outlined with gutta or water-based resists, which are applied to white silk that has been pre-washed, dried and stretched (on a stretcher). Once the gutta or water-based resist has dried, it acts as a barrier for the dye or paint—keeping the color within the outlined areas of the design and allowing you to achieve sharply defined borders. After the dye or paint has been properly set, the clear gutta or resist is removed and a defining line the color of the original fabric remains.

Each of my silk designs begins with an original drawing that I create for it on paper.  I place the drawing under the stretched fabric for use as a guide as I redraw the design in resist.  The gutta resist I use is a rubber-based, thick, gooey liquid that is dispensed using a small bottle fitted with a metal tip.  Since the fabric must remain suspended, preventing contact with any surface, this is the most challenging step and requires a very steady hand.  Once the resist has dried, I paint the color using silk dyes and brushes.  I find it similar to watercolor painting.  A variety of special effects can be created with water, alcohol and salt.  The hand-drawn, hand-painted components, together with each piece of fabric accepting and reacting to the dyes in a unique way, meld for a one of a kind creation!