Contemporary Batik Painting

Contemporary Batik painting is a technique where wax is applied to fabric using water-soluble dyes. Contemporary Batik technique is an innovatively repackaged application that accords the artist freedom to enhance the detail of an image on fabric using a bristle brush to apply wax and dyes on  fabric. The effect that can be achieved through resistant waxing and dyeing often produces remarkable textures and tones in some cases totally unexpected while in others anticipated, contrary to traditional batik art .Contemporary Batik designs can be as complicated or as simple as the artist’s desires. They can be illustrational, purely expressive or highly stylized. The ultimate goal, when working with Contemporary Batik art, is to embrace the medium and let the versatility of wax and dyes come to life on the chosen surface. Although contemporary batik technique is fun and enjoyable to experiment with it demands concentration and precision because mistakes are not easy to cover up as is the case in other art media such as water colors, oil, acrylic etc. The upside is that  it leads to more discoveries and lends itself to personal creativity and self expression. It is an effective and strategic technique that is engaging and therapeutic to participants of all categories.

BATIK

1. Introduction
2. What is batik? Origin, Types of batik,

The African Factor

3. Preparation/Precaution.
4. A) Wax is highly flammable. B) Dyes stain clothes. C) Clear work area befoere, during and after working.
5. Materials:

a) Fabric; preferably 100% natural fibres, ie unbleached cotton(muslin), silk or linen.

b) Blanket.

c) Paraffin/bees wax.

d) Cold dyes or procion dyes.

e) Sisal bristle brushes.

Each student will need 3 different sizes of brushes. the largest being of 1/2 inch  

f) Fountain pens.

g) Plastic cups.

h) Paper towels.

i) Stove/hot plate/burner.

j) Old newspapers/news print or brown paper.

k) Irons.

l) Hair dryers.

A crash batik workshop takes 4 -5 hours. 

A class would comprise of a minimum of 12 and maximum of 24 people, depending on the available space.
At the end of the workshop, the participants would be able to take back a finished batik painting.
All materials to be provided by me except burners or stoves workspace, Irons, hairdryers, stove, old newspapers and paper towels.

Each participant is required to pay $65