Technique

History of Silk Painting and the Process

The ancient tradition of painting on silk can be traced back to China
and India in the second century AD. Later, the batik process of dying
fabric became popular in Indonesia. This involved a design which
was stamped on using hot wax and the fabric was submerged in dye.
The French later developed the serti technique, which uses “gutta”
resist (derived from the gutta-percha tree) to draw on the stretched
silk. The resist lines serve to trap each color and stop the dyes from
spreading when it is painted.

Paula uses this serti technique, and watercolor
style painting create her art. Many of her
inspirations come from photographs she has
taken. The white silk is stretched onto a wooden
frame and the design is drawn onto it freehand.
The powdered pigment dyes are mixed
individually and the silk is painted with a brush.
Special effects and textures are created using
salt and other household chemicals.

After the painting is complete, the dyes are left to
cure. The silk is then washed, dried and ironed to
restore it's soft texture. Finally the edge is sewn
or it is finished with complimentary silk fabric.

Fabric Care

All items are painted by hand on 100% silk and signed by
the artist. They can be washed with a mild detergent when
needed, rolled in a towel, and hung to dry. The silk is
colorfast and can be ironed and steamed. Each piece is a
unique creation that is meant to be enjoyed for it’s soft
texture and radiant color.