The Leaves design below left came into being very quickly and was the start of many circular themes,including the one to its right. But that one was more of a struggle - resolved by a serendipitous cork! I decided the more flowery idea I had before needed to be simplified,and printing the cork slightly off-centre to the design aided the rhythm...
Looking at the row below that, serendipity produced one of the supporting pieces from a wooden wine box that I had hoarded a while ago, which I used with that same cork! And the shaft of an old paintbrush provided the perfect circle for my 'dancing diamonds' print, which was inspired by Mary Fedden paintings.
Looking at the row below that, serendipity produced one of the supporting pieces from a wooden wine box that I had hoarded a while ago, which I used with that same cork! And the shaft of an old paintbrush provided the perfect circle for my 'dancing diamonds' print, which was inspired by Mary Fedden paintings.
I print on wool and on silk; I buy the silk scarves in different lengths ready hemmed, and design my block sizes and layouts accordingly. I dye the silk scarves before I begin, as they arrive very white. I usually retain the natural colour of the wool scarves though. The large design below right I have printed on a wool gauze - it was inspired by a visit to Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin, which has a wealth of medieval floor tiles. The silk scarf next to it is also inspired by a tile there. The 'tree in a pot' design was one from a sketch in my college work book.
Below are some of my favourite designs:
Tumbling Blocks
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Ikat
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Invaders Ikat
Pennants design on the left. Top right are designs patterned with paste resist (flour and water) - the stripes are made with a decorator's comb. When the paste resist is dry, I can paint the dye colour over. I am using acid dyes on silk and wool. Bottom right an ikat and a zigzag... |