Silks By Christine Sutherland

Vitae

The Artist

With a Bachelor of Science in Art, – emphasis in Illustration, I am a self-taught silk painter. Discovering the medium of dyes on silk in 1999, I knew this was my medium of choice. Its vibrant colors combined with texture in the weave gives dimension and substance to my paintings.

The Process— the end is a result of many altering processes. Prior to painting, silk must be washed removing silk gum, then stretched like canvas for an oil painting. Applying Dyes and a resist I begin to layer. The fabric’s ability to absorb, the order in which dyes are layered, all contribute to the hues and tones of the final painting. The painting is taken off the stretcher and is carefully rolled in an absorbent paper. After sealing the roll of paper and silk, it is placed in a special steamer and is steamed for 3-5 hours, fixing the dyes. This generates a chemical reaction from heat and moisture bonding dyes to silk. After steaming, the silk must be washed, ironed, and dry cleaned. Silk is resilient and durable enough to withstand all the processes retaining its natural beauty.

Artist's Statement

Rapidly spreading on silk, transparent dyes cause the artist to swiftly create the painting with spontaneous action. My painting process is similar to a jazz musician; I begin with a general vision in mind, sketches alongside, and I go with the flow, capturing the mood of the day, trusting my experience to improvise.

I alter the natural environment, simplifying and shifting color, extending and exaggerating depth of shadow, creating new a quality form and visual experience. My visual vocabulary is expressed with bold and powerful colors juxtaposed with gentleness and harmony found in the shadows and designs created by nature, suggesting both strength and peacefulness.

About silks and dyes

More information is available in the document, Silk and Dye Fact Sheet, which can be downloaded by clicking on the title.



Home Gallery About the Artist About dyes and silk Calendar Galleries • Purchases	`Vitae` The Artist With a Bachelor of Science in Art, – emphasis in Illustration, I am a self-taught silk painter. Discovering the medium of dyes on silk in 1999, I knew this was my medium of choice. Its vibrant colors combined with texture in the weave gives dimension and substance to my paintings. The Process— the end is a result of many altering processes. Prior to painting, silk must be washed removing silk gum, then stretched like canvas for an oil painting. Applying Dyes and a resist I begin to layer. The fabric’s ability to absorb, the order in which dyes are layered, all contribute to the hues and tones of the final painting. The painting is taken off the stretcher and is carefully rolled in an absorbent paper. After sealing the roll of paper and silk, it is placed in a special steamer and is steamed for 3-5 hours, fixing the dyes. This generates a chemical reaction from heat and moisture bonding dyes to silk. After steaming, the silk must be washed, ironed, and dry cleaned. Silk is resilient and durable enough to withstand all the processes retaining its natural beauty. Artist's Statement Rapidly spreading on silk, transparent dyes cause the artist to swiftly create the painting with spontaneous action. My painting process is similar to a jazz musician; I begin with a general vision in mind, sketches alongside, and I go with the flow, capturing the mood of the day, trusting my experience to improvise. I alter the natural environment, simplifying and shifting color, extending and exaggerating depth of shadow, creating new a quality form and visual experience. My visual vocabulary is expressed with bold and powerful colors juxtaposed with gentleness and harmony found in the shadows and designs created by nature, suggesting both strength and peacefulness. About silks and dyes More information is available in the document, Silk and Dye Fact Sheet, which can be downloaded by clicking on the title.

	CHRISTINE SUTHERLAND PHOENIX, ARIZONA, USA 1 · 602 . 284 . 4388 All artwork ©2007 Christine Sutherland. All rights reserved. No reproduction, republication, duplication, printing, commercial or non-commercial use is allowed without the expressed written consent of the artist. Contact Silks By Christine for details.