An Introduction to Batik

Spend the weekend learning the ancient art of batik and create your own unique batik paintings.  Jo has over 20 years experience of working as a batik artist alongside teaching batik to adults & children.  This weekend course is suitable for both complete beginners and those with some experience.  Batik is both an art and a craft, which is becoming ever more popular and well known among contemporary artists all over the world, as a wonderfully creative medium. The art of decorating cloth using wax and dye, has been practised for centuries in many parts of the world including China, Japan, India, South America and Europe.

In Java, an island in Indonesia, batik is part of an ancient tradition, and some of the finest batik cloth in the world is still made there. The word batik originates from the Javanese word “tik” which means to dot. Batik is both a verb (to batik) and a noun (a batik – an object made by batiking!). Batik is usually made on a fabric surface (such as cotton, silk, linen, rayon or hemp), but batik techniques can also be used on paper, wood, leather and even a ceramic surface.

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There will be an introductory talk on Friday evening, where Jo will discuss the history of batik and talk about how she produces her batik paintings (techniques we will then be using over the weekend).  There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions & discuss individual projects ready for the next day. 

Jo will bring plenty of designs for you to choose from, but you are welcome to bring your own, or find inspiration from our beautiful setting at Moor & Sea.   

On Saturday - for those new to batik we will be going through the stages from design to producing a simple 2 - 3 layer batik by applying wax as a resist & painting on silk paints, before dipping it in a dye bath to create the characteristic batik effect.   You will also have time to start your next piece.

Sunday - an opportunity to hone your skills on your second batik painting, as well as starting a 3rd if you have time. There will also be time to iron the wax out of the paintings & a discussion on how to finish your work.

All materials (including frames) are supplied and the approx size for designs is 35cm x 45cm & 35cm x 35cm.