I am involved with a weekly artists illustration challenge at illustrationfriday.com Each week a different word is presented and a challenge to illustrate that word. The work is then presented on the forum. The biggest obstacle for me is my medium. Since each dye bath takes 24 hours to fix and most batiks take 7-8 dye baths, they can't be completed in a week.
I try to accept the challenge anyway. Each of these words causes me to think outside my box and stretch my own creative ideas. For that purpose it is very good.
This weeks challenge word was popularity. What an interesting word and how on earth would you illustrate it? It can denote positive or negative connotations, depending on your experiences. What makes one popular? What makes anything popular? The media and pop culture dictates what is popular on a very shallow and superficial level.
I looked over my gallery of batik work and nothing seemed to fit the theme. Maybe it is my perception of the word that needs adjusting. After all, isn't art a powerful tool in changing perceptions?
The piece I chose is "Welcome Mats at Windows" The title is as much the message as the actual art. It is a state of being. Not only should we open the door to experiences, understanding, love, awareness, friendship, connections, etc, we should throw open every window and invite every experience God and Life have to teach us. Instead of focusing on "what is popular? Who is popular? Am I popular?" and trying to fit our thoughts, ideas, ideology into that criteria, welcome Life and all the experiences, joy and learning it has to offer. Wouldn't that be nice if that were the popular thing to do?
Kris..you always using a reactive dyes(portion Dye)But your time can save if you using VAT dye and NAPTHOL.I can teach you how to use that both dyes.It's take only 25 minutes or 30 miniutes only.(only for dyes)I don.t knoe how lon you take for vaxing?good luck.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kavi, I do need to explore other dyes and processes! We will talk soon. Be well my friend.
DeleteThis is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rita!
DeleteCaptivating! The batik textures invite lingering. I feel as though this window were just around the corner somewhere on my daily rambles, and if I were to find it and stop across the street to stare, someone would wave out the window and there would be tea...
ReplyDeleteThe batik process is so captivating.. It almost creates itself and is always a surprise.. Thank you for the post!
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