These are some batik wall hangings I have done.The top image is of a cicada. In Ancient China the cicada was a symbol of resurrection and immortality derived from its life cycle. A jade cicada was placed in the mouth of the dead for protection and to ensure immortality.
The image below is also influenced by Asian designs. It is my take on the eastern dragon which, unlike the western concept of the dragon, does not have wings and is long and snake-like with claws. These dragons were still able to fly as this one does in a surreal sky of beige and berry. This piece was shown in the Everson Museum in Syracuse, NY.
Both of these pieces started out as solid black cotton. I used the wax resist to hold color instead of block it. I then used a weak bleach/water solution to remove the color from the background. I then went back in and painted with some berry colored dye.
I have so much fun with fabrics. I love that they lend themselves to so many different venues, shall we say? I mean you can wear them, drape them on your windows or just hang them on the wall to name a few. Although I must be honest and admit that my sewing skills are such that I am limited to wall hangings ;) Maybe a simple bag here and there. Oh yeah, I can sew pillow coverings too! (As long as they are square or rectangular! ;)
I am looking forward to experimenting with some different natural fabrics. These pieces were both done with 100% cotton, but I would like to try working with hemp and bamboo fabrics as well.
I have a TON of ideas and I can't wait to dig out my dyes and tjanting tools! I wish my hands could keep up with my imagination!
I will be adding some of these and other batik pieces to my etsy shop soon so be sure to check and see what's new at SignatureLeiLei.etsy.com
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1 comment:
You should also mention how the dragon was on display at the Everson Museum in Syracuse.
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