ArtOnSilk's Page

Art On Silk by Paula Maxfield

I was working for myself as a designer dressmaker, specialising in silk wedding dresses, when I became enthralled with the beauty of silk. I am now a self taught 'Painter of Silk', painting handbags, scarves, ties, pictures, greetings cards, bookmarks, cushions, key rings and brooches. I paint not only using silk painting methods, but also those of batik and shibori. I am also a member of The Guild of Silk Painters, Silk Painters International and The Batik Guild.

The art of silk painting - my greatest delight is to watch the dye spread into the silk and work the colours as they dry before me. Painting on Silk is a 'direct' method as it is not easy to remove dye or gutta once it is applied. I decide what I am going to do and how I'm going to do it before I put any gutta or colour onto the silk. In this way I can work confidently and purposefully to complete my task before the dye dries.

The charm of silk lies in it’s unexpected behaviour and it’s inability to be controlled. Silk is one of the most luxurious materials known to mankind and it’s history stretches back into the mists of time. The finished fabric has a sheen and glow quite unlike that of any other fibre, and when completed with an original hand-painted design, the result has a magical and unique effect.

Silk painting – is a method of painting on silk, allowing the dyes to flow on the fabric. An outline resist can be applied to the silk before painting, allowing the artist to create a line around each area to be dyed. The resist acts as a barrier, and many colours can be used in the painting. Batik is different, because selected areas of the cloth are blocked out by wax. The parts covered in wax, resist the dye and remain the original colour. The process of waxing and dyeing is repeated, allowing new colours to be added, creating more elaborate designs. After the final dyeing the wax is removed, and the cloth can be used. Shibori is the transfer of dye through layers of fabric by folding, pleating, twisting and then tying or wrapping to create unique one-off designs.

Art on Silk is just that, hand painted art on silk. I produce a large selection of painted silk, which I then make into, scarves, ties, purses and handbags, framed pictures, light catchers, bookmarks, keyrings and greetings cards.

Visit my website to see more examples of my work and to visit my online shop.

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