The dye colors blend and flow as the brush touches the Silk- weft and warp drinking the dye, thirsty for more. Water spray follows the flow of dye in a gentle stream down the trellis of fibers. The artist watches as the scarf's edges contain the flow. The dye has a creative life of its own; I can only give it direction then back away................................
I remember it is not the breaths we take in life that matter, but the moments that take our breath away that count. My breath is halted as the dye itself finishes its job. The dry scarf waits as I wrap it in clean paper preparing for the steam process that puts luster on the faric's hand- luster that shines from the depth of the Parisian dye itself.
Yes, Paris is the home of the dye I use. It was when I was fourteen years old that my Mom, upon return from a second honeymoon trip to Europe handed me a Silk scarf from Paris. I was delighted with it! When I discovered Silk painting for myself I realized this Parisian scene of a black cat ambling across the scarf's corner was hand painted. Lines of resist delineated cat and paving stones.
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Silk Painting then became my dream, and my love- Art on Silk!
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Poetic as this description is, if you wrap yourself in imaginative creativity it's pretty realistic. Whether Salt Dye, Over-dye, Serti, or an untried technique, give me a blank canvas of Silk and I can't wait to get out of the starting gate- or maybe after a snack to give me the blood sugar to go the distance. What makes an artist tick? A marriage between left and right brain- the right side being creative while the left articulates the creative spark. Silk fabric is like no other canvas.............................................................
My creative mind is not magic. Twenty five years has taught me to go with the flow, remembering that creativity can be learned, can be practiced. Even though I was born with a creative spark, a gift from God, I can come up as blank as the Silk is white. But it is like riding a bicycle, once you learn you never forget. In a word Silk painting is a life's work. Reaching for the feel of the pedals of the bike, as I take the brush in my hand, dip into the dye, approach the Silk and go for it. The new bike was wobbly as I gained balance enough to steer straight, progressing to curves in a serpentine. I relax into the movement of dye on the Silk.................................................................................................
As the years have gone by, you are a key to this art. Your critique has been my ongoing inspiration. After all a girl can only paint so many scarves for herself- I need you to see what I have done, touching the Silk, enjoying the colors and designs. Nothing inside me alone can create art. Art needs outside input and that is your job. We are creative partners- I'll bet you didn't realize that!...........................................................
Thanks for the inspiration you have given me!
Helen Glidden ~ Silk Artist
Unique Original Wearable Art
Creating Beautiful Silk Clothing for You
Easy Care ~ Fun to Wear
Machine Washable
email for Prices
hglidden@hgliddenartist.com
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