Silk Painting

Created and Presented by Ms. Steinmetz

Where does silk come from?• The bombyx mori

moth; “Silkworm”

• Needs human intervention because it cannot fly.

Where does silk come from?

What is silk?• An animal protein (similar to

our hair)

• The strongest natural fiber. For it’s weight, stronger than steel! Used in parachutes and hot hair balloons.

• Archival- dating back to before 6803 BC.

The Art of Silk Painting

• Began in France in the early 19th century with the discovery of gutta (resist).

• Dyes are applied to the surface of silk using a brush (or dipping). The dies bind instantly to proteins becoming part of the silk thread.

• Steam locks the dyes into the fiber. Pheasants in a Peony Garden - Chinese

Painting on Silk, 18-19th century, 60x36 inches

Marbling/ Watercolor Method

^^^ Salt to create “starbursts”

Resist Method

Similar ProcessesBatik

To make a batik, selected areas of the cloth are blocked out by brushing or drawing hot wax over them, and the cloth is then dyed. The parts covered in wax resist the dye and remain the original color.

After the final dying the wax is removed by ironing and the cloth is ready for wearing or

showing.

Brainstorm!

What kind of subjects lend themselves to this process?