Silk offers an alive and rich surface that creates interesting challenges when used as a canvas. And, while I have interest in many crafts (making cards, jewelry, pottery, baskets, knitting, tie-dying on cotton, figuring how to recycle items for us), I have tried to stay focused on learning more about surface design and the chemicals which contribute to exploring design and color expression that silk demands.
Technique often becomes my focus: mono printing, drawing and painting, multiple dying, stamping, over-dying, just whatever I can think of to put interesting texture and color and often picture on the silk. I do scarves a lot, larger pieces such as the ruanas and cocoon coats, pillows, ties, table scarves, flat art to frame and even “miniatures” that can be placed on paper to create a card. Subject matter in my designs quite often relates to gardening and flowers, but other times it is an elephant, bird or tiger; then I need a break from the disciplined line and work in the abstract. Silk painting is a time of enjoyment and exploration. I genuinely hope those who buy and wear, or display my designs on silk catch that same experience.