I am back at Latrobe and working on a brand new large scale project. This January we are doing silk batiks but not in the normal way with wax. Instead, Mrs. Mack learned a quick process that involves white silk scarves, Elmer's Glue, artistic talent and silk dyes. The students were encouraged by us to pick a theme because their works will then be displayed in a moving aluminum mobile in the center foyer of the school. They chose the theme of birds, feathers and movement.
The first part of this process involved working out their designs on butcher paper the same size as the silk scarves. After using marker on their designs, silk scarf is then taped over top of the design. Using Elmer's glue, they trace over their line work with glue. After letting the glue dry for 24 hours, they paint over the scarf with silk dyes, let this dry for 24 hours and then soak the pieces to get the glue to come out. Our own blunder was not having the correct paper, so we had to soak the scarves and paper to remove everything without tearing the scarves.
Rick and I had Gross Brothers Welding form three circles one with a diameter of 6 feet, 4 feet and 2 feet across. Using fine braided wire, we have three circles which will be attached but also move independently from each other. We will use fishing line and dowel rods to attach the silk scarves and these will also move with and independently from the mobile circles. This is a first for us in an installation of this size and caliber. I am super excited to see the final piece!
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