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What is Batik ? - The Batik Process, which has been around for many hundreds of years is a unique and
at the same time traditional method of applying colour-dye to porous surfaces, and most commonly to fabrics.
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Examples of batik can be traced back over 1,500 years to Egypt and the Middle East.
Samples have also been found from previous centuries in India, Japan, Turkey and China.
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The fact is that the concept of batik produces some of the
most beautiful art-work in the world.
However,
the implementation of the batik art-form is not easy and
usually involves a very labour-intensive and complex process
involving multiple procedures with many hours of dedicated and hard work.
What is Batik ? - The First Step in Batik is to design a fabric pattern and
have an idea of what you would like to create. Wax is then
placed in specific areas on the fabric using a "Canting"
tool.- wax acts like a barrier to the colour dyes and allows
a colour to remain while the remaining non-waxed fabric
absorbs the dye. The wax is then removed by soaking the
fabric in hot water.
These processes of dyeing and waxing can be repeated to
build elaborate and colourful designs and patterns as the
same wax can be removed and re-applied several times.
What is Batik ? - Contemporary or Modern Batik Craft, whilst
owing much to the past, is markedly different from the more
traditional and formal styles.
For example, the artist may use etching, discharge dyeing,
stencils, different tools for waxing and dyeing, wax recipes
with different resist values and work with silk, cotton,
wool, leather, paper or even wood and
ceramics and the ever widening range of techniques available
offers the artist the opportunity to explore this unique
process in a flexible and exciting way.
What is Batik ? - In Thailand Batik Kaftans and Sarongs are
designed to be used as wraps for casual beachwear.
especially In the southern Thai island of Koh Samui, where
batik is easily found in the form of resort uniforms, or
decorations at many locations, and is also used by the local
residents as casual wear in the forms of sarongs or shirts
and blouses.
It is the most common, and symbolic product for those
visiting Koh Samui Island.
The Batik of Koh Samui mostly shows the
beauty and attractions of the paradise island and its
culture, such as the coconut shells, the beaches, palm
trees, the island's tropical flowers, fishing boats and its
rich water life and environment.
Friday September 30 2011
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The Batik Workshop
Batik Fabric Art-work from Thailand [ Kaftan Style 17 ]
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We
sell Cotton Batik Kaftans - but what is Batik ?
