Yesterday I searched all over the internet for Batik painting classes. Batik is a technique used in Malaysia to dye fabrics. By hand the artisan uses a tool called a canting to outline a pencil drawn out pattern with wax. Then the fabric is dyed using a brush. It seems like a very straight forward process. I find a place called Fine Art Batik Training Center taught by Mr. Sam. http://www.fine-art-batik.com/index.html
I contact Mr. Sam this morning to see if I can visit the classroom. I'm surprised because he tells me he can meet with me at around 11:00 while he's teaching a class. That's in 30 minutes!
After a five minute teksi ride I arrive at the training center which is actually a residential home and meet Mr. Sam, his wife and friendly dog. aww..I miss my dog Katie.. I enter the home and in the center of the living room is a very long table with around 10 women of all ages learning Batik. It smells like burning wax and there's beautiful art work all around the room.
I sign up for class once a week for three hours! Mr. Sam then asks me if I would like to start today for free! I'm not prepared, but of coarse I decide to stay. He gets me to outline a simple drawing of hibiscus flowers and then demonstrates to me how to use the canting. It looks very simple to do, just like using a pencil but when I try to draw a straight line it just doesn't work out! Ha Ha! I had such high hopes. While I practice in silence I listen to the Chinese ladies chatting next to me. I can only imagine what they are saying. Can't wait until next week!
3 comments:
This is going to be interesting to follow you on your class venuture, because I love fabrics. I am always curious as to how the batik patterns are made. Well, I encourage you show me too. Have fun next week.
Maybe I'll even paint something for you to use in your quilt! We can collaborate! : )
Kimmy, this is a brilliant idea! OH the world of opportunity! I'm so excited for how your creativity will flourish during your time there and look at you goo!!!
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