Frances Hider Designs - Hand Painted Batik Art and Textiles

WHAT IS BATIK

Although uncertain, the ancient art of Batik probably originated in the Far East. In more modern times the practise of Batik has been developed and perfected in Indonesia particularly Java. Today the method is used and experimented with by artists throughout the world giving rise to a rich and varied artistic expression.

The underlying principle of Batik is that a substance, such as hot wax, is applied to a fabric (or paper) in the form of a design or pattern.

The wax penetrates the fabric so that a subsequent application of dye is resisted in those areas where the wax has been applied. Un-waxed areas, however, take up the dye.

Batik Techniques of wax resist, use hot wax, which is drawn using a tjanting (pronounced chanting), brushed or printed onto fabric before a dye is applied. After successive dye applications, infiltratration of dye into cracks in the wax can occur. The result, a patina of fine lines over the surface of a work, which place Batik apart from other art forms and add to it’s overall charm.

USEFUL LINKS:

Living in Indonesia
Wilkipedia
BBC how to: Batik