Batik

My Batik Method

Most painting is additive, placing color on color to create a finished piece. Batik, however, is a process of subtraction, of removing from sight work that has just been finished. Only at the end is the full effect known.

White, textural, rice paper with ragged edges is used; at framing the pieces can be floated to show these interesting edges or can be matted.

Hot wax is painted or sprinkled onto the paper over a drawing; the wax dries instantly preserving the white beneath. Next light washes are added, often allowed to mix on the paper. When dry, the lightest colors are saved by another wax blanket. This occurs for up to five paint applications as the paint becomes gradually more vivid or dark.

Finally, any exposed paper is painted with wax. The piece is then crumpled into a ball, opened, and a wash of vivid color is painted over the surface with the paint creeping at random onto the cracked and exposed areas of paper.

After removing the wax with heat, it’s often a surprise to see what has evolved on this textural paper-in spite of a careful drawing!