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....It all begins with a white piece of silk
Although I am an Aquarian British citizen, I was born, raised and lived most of my life in a little chocolate kingdom called Belgium where I learnt the art of painting on silk. I came to Anna Maria Island in Florida, a real little paradise, in 1993.Painting on silk has absolutely nothing to do with silk screening or batik. This kind of art, at least in its modern form, seems to have originated from France. Indeed, during the Russian revolution members of the Czar's family fled to Paris bringing with them the secrets of painting on silk using a substance called Gutta - a milky latex collected in Indonesia from the Pallaquium tree. Gutta is used in the Serti Technique to control the flow of the dyes. I use French dyes which need to be set by steaming (several hours in a special machine). Steamed colours are more vibrant, more brilliant, more permanent, more light resistant, more soft to the touch, more lively and more flowy. The very best. 
In the 1920's, unique fabric designs appeared in French haute couture, reflecting the influence of the art deco period. Over the years the Gutta Serti Technique has become part of the French culture and is considered a traditional French craft.In the US, the art of painting on silk reached Greenwich Village in the late 70's. It is in the early 80's that the first fabric design studio in the US, using the Serti Technique, produced a collection of designs on silk for the American textile industry. Showing an original design on silk instead of paper was much easier to sell. Silk is a noble and superb material to work with. There are several types of silk weaves (China Silk, Habutai, Chiffon, Crepe, Charmeuse..) found in different weights. The weight of silk is expressed in a Japanese unit of measure called "Momme". I apply and mix together many different techniques, e.g., the Serti Technique, the watercolour technique, salt, alcohol, spraying, sponging, etc... Painting on silk is a long process. For instance, I must wash the silk several times: once in water with Synthrapol, before being painted - once in Naphta after being steamed and then once again in water and Synthrapol. I add vinegar to the final rinse. That takes a lot of ironing too. In order to be painted the silk needs to be stretched. I mat and frame all my paintings myself and sew the cushions. |
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write, call or email: Silky Dreams c/o PO Box 1033 Anna Maria, FL 34216 Phone/Fax: 941.778.4709 Email: Silky Dreams Ultra Violet Expressions 1999 for Silky Dreams All rights reserved |
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