I'm getting into painting more jackets and vests these days because I love layering hoodies underneath them, and the classic jean jacket style is so flattering! In the Pacific NW we know all about layering here. The jean jackets, vests and hoodies are everyday wear and like I say - if you're going to wear it why not wear some art and show some individuality? The best part is Batik doesn't fade or peel off it is part of the fabric forever. I'm also starting to experiment with other sorts of jackets and I may be adding some fabric painting and a little bit of sewing in there. My imagination is going wild with all the possibilities. Being an artist is truly a blessing because as I learn everyday as an art teacher - kids need to have the ability to express their imagination, to bring it from the darkness of our minds and into the light of this world in whatever medium speaks to you. I was so happy to hear from one of the parents that their child, a first grader, loved the perspective lesson I taught so much that he went home and taught his mom how to draw perspective, and then he has been experimenting with making things look smaller as they go back and bigger as they move forward. He is also noticing the world around him more and pointing things out - like look at the horizon line, the flat plane, and how the colors fade into blue and look how the objects close to us are warmer in color and more detailed! It's truly a gift to be able to teach art to children, I cannot think of anything I'd rather do honestly, besides making my own art! Of which I do on the daily. Painting Batik Apparel is so satisfying to me. I am a lifelong lover of clothing and accessories and having a simple yet very individual style on the daily.
The featured jacket on the picture is my "Green Goddess" jean jacket and I love it so much I may have to keep it for myself. The back has a green goddess elfen face on the back which I am thinking I may bring out more with some fabric paint! Having master painting skills it should be a no brainer that I will move into fabric painting - but only to accentuate certain pieces. I don't want to take away from the beauty of the batik in anyway.
We'll see - it's an experiement I am going to go into this holiday! My last day of teaching is Thursday so I'll have almost two weeks of just working on my art - I'll be starting another oil painting for Tarot of the Pomegranate, Ace of Swords perhaps, and doing Batik! I'm also in the midst of editing a campy horror movie with Jackie Hell that we are collaborating on. Maybe there'll be a show at the Jewelbox Theater next year 2025. It'll be five years since the last one?! How the time flies..