Batik is happening! Beeswax is flying and dyes are splashing and cats are playing and napping in the studio. Summer and warm sunny days help the process of aiding the dyes by setting them in the warm sun, and drying the clothing outside in the sun in between speeds up the process as well.
The SUN is my assistant.
All batik must drip dry and in the winter in an underground studio it takes a long time.
I spend a lot of time figuring out the dye colors - imagining what the colors will look like combined. I have about fifty(?) Procion dye colors to choose from. I have several tried and true combinations that I learned from my batik teacher that I occasionally use, but mostly I am enjoying the process of experimenting and discovering my own combos.
One thing that is a fine line with the dye process and batik is that the dye combo can look amazing after the first or second bath when the design is not yet finished - and I question if I should continue the design or just stop because of the stunning dye color, and thereby choose the color over the design. I have to remember if in doubt choose the design over the dye color! I am a Batik artist after all, not a Tye Dyer. The Batik design is the most important part if it comes right down to it.
Sometimes the design can get away with just a one off - I've done it consciously on some hoodies. But this situation with the "Dragon Skirt" this week that was not a possibility and not planned at all - yet the color was so compelling - but after I realized the design was just not finished and had to go through another layer - this means another layer of dye - I chose design over color as is the golden rule of the batik artist.
The solution here was to use a light color dye - so I chose Sea Glass - a greenish blue tone - and thankfully the skirt came out stunning! It still needs the boil out but I can tell it will be a winner. I will likely keep the skirt for myself as that was the plan when I got the skirt some months ago... but now that I have two Brick & Mortar shops to think of I may have to just sell it!
Yes I'm excited to announce another Brick & Mortar shop "Bootyland" located on Capitol Hill is interested in hanging some of my Wearable Art! This is so exciting to me and of course It's inspired me to work everyday on Batik now! I have soo many ideas - like the moths and butterflies and dragons and norse gods/goddesses
The Batik Apparel hanging at Mind Set Apothecary on Vashon Island is selling which is also super inspiring! People are pleased with the unique and one of a kind designs and the best part it's on comfortable everyday clothing - stuff you wear everyday and all in breathable cotton - t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, crop tops, camis, leggings, house dresses, tunics, hoodies, jackets.
I heard the Purple Haze jean jacket sold at the Apothecary. Now I'm keen on making more of these jackets. I made myself a red pomegranate jean jacket years ago - my first batik jean jacket - and I find myself wearing it often and thats notable considering the size of my closet.
Of course I'm a clotheshorse. Clothes and colors fascinated me and I'm glad and lucky I can imbibe in creating wearable art. As an artist I must be creating things every day or it's a wasted day. I'm happy the Batik is taking off enough for me to feel both confident and inspired to keep going.
Now I just have to finish my oil painting - "Lot's Wife" ie; Seven of Swords is patiently waiting for the last finishing touches ...