Batik:wax resist painting

I have fallen for a new art medium: Batiking. Batiking is a wax resist method of painting on fabric. I learned how to batik last year just by doing some research, and watching a few youtube videos. Once you have the right supplies, the process is somewhat soothing. I paint hot wax onto a stretched piece of cotton, and then paint with fabric dye onto the fabric. Whereever the wax is the dye cannot go. After the first layer is done I iron off the wax and then apply a new set of wax to the areas I painted, and the process continues like that until I'm satisfied that it is finished. There is a definate process but applying either the wax or the dye is a relaxing, calming process for me. I was sort of antsy all night last night until I started a new batik and sudddenly I had found some peace. I've also tried a dip bath for the batik instead of painting it on which requires a bit more thinking to make sure that all the layers of colours will together properly. Here is my first batik ever. It was using dye baths. The top piece shown was on display at the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library this past fall. The second piece is another batik that I made this padt winter. I have had a few problems with my computer the last little while so I haven't been able to post pictures, but I may be closer to getting that problem resolved.

Icarus and the Tree Herder by Ian Worrel

I love the animation and the drawing style set to motion in this animated short by artist Ian Worrel. It is called Icarus & the tree Herder. https://vimeo.com/5921562 Here is a link to his blog: http://enworrel.blogspot.ca/

Melanie Hoff-Visual Artist

In searching for tree artists today I found this artist Melanie Hoff who lets electricity run through pieces of plywood and as it burns the wood it creates tree-like or lighting burn marks. She posted a cool stop motion on the project https://melaniehoff.squarespace.com/#/15000volts/ Check it out.

All these things....

Alright here's my confession: I got lazy about blogging. I built up a good rythm for blogging for a while there, and then it kind of fell to the back burner. It is my new year's resolution to start blogging again. I'd like to catch you up to speed as to some of the things that have been going on since the blogging slowed to a trickle: •I was married in December! As much as I would like to think I wasn't a bride that let a wedding get in the way of other things in my life, I was like that to a point, but then wedding and social stuff took over pretty much from Sept-December. All that is now done, and I"m easing into married life with my new husband and am thoroughly enjoying having time back (and a husband!). •My work hours were bumped up in Sept, so I am kept busier with that than I used to be. •Aside from my regular teaching hourse I started teaching an after school children's art class again through continuing education which ended yesterday, so I'll get a little time back to work on my own things. •I travelled to newfoundland, and hit up other major cities along the way for most of August. •House repairs/renos have unfortunately consumed more time than I'd like. My art room ceiling had to be replaced and I've been slow with putting it back together. I set up space in the basement so I have at least had working space. Our bathroom is also under construction which I've been helping with. •I am taking the course titled "The Art of Managing your Career". It is a course offered through the Arts and Cultural Industries of Manitoba and taught by Heather Bishop. Each class has offered more and more wisdom, advice and is really motivating me with business plans and my artistic goals. I will be posting more about that soon.