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Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.

The art of silk painting
How we do what we do

In July of 2012 we took a class in Berkley  for a couple hours one evening and became obsessed.

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The Process

Chances are no one cares about the process as much as we do so we'll keep details to a minimum.  We purchase silk, as well as most of our supplies, from an art supply store in California, Dharma Trading.  There are numerous methods utilized, but one technique is to stretch the silk on a frame slightly larger than the silk and apply dyes with a brush.  Mixing colors, lines, shapes, salt, thickeners, for various effects. 

Setting the color

When the silk is dry it is rolled between sheets of paper on a large spool and steamed for 3 hours.  Our steamer was built by Bob, Mary's clever and talented husband.  The steam is produced from a steam generator used to bend wood. 

Another excellent tool made by Bob - a light table w/ tons of storage - on casters

Finishing

Once the steaming is finished, the silk is rinsed until the water runs clean, softened with a fabric softener, and ironed just before it's dry.  The silk colors are permanent and the steaming brings out gorgeous vivid colors.

Art studio - where the magic happens!!

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To further our training and skills we took a week long class in the
 south  of France at LaCascade in Durfort.  Our teachers, 
Steven Mason and Ann Mason are a mother and son team from England.

October 2015 Silk Painting class in Port Angeles WA, w/ Master Silk Painter Karen Sistek

Advanced workshop
w/ Karen Sistek, Master Silk Painter, Port Angeles, WA