Batik workshop

The word batik originates from the Javanese tik and means to dot. 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 colour.

They were made in Egypt, possibly Syria. In central Africa resist dyeing

using cassava and rice paste has existed for centuries in the Yoruba

tribe of Southern Nigeria and Senegal. Indonesia, most particularly the

island of Java, is the area where batik has reached the greatest peak of

accomplishment.

Batik is a "resist" process for making designs on fabric. The artist uses

wax to prevent dye from penetrating the cloth, leaving "blank" areas in

the dyed fabric. The process, wax resist then dye, can be repeated

over and over to create complex multi-coloured designs.

During the workshop following topics will be covered ...

• Introduction to batik and other resist dyeing techniques

• Creating artwork • Understanding of materials

• Wax combinations and effects

• Wax application • Preparing dye bath

• Dyeing process

• Wax removing process

All materials will be provided to create a one colour batik artwork on A3

size cotton fabric.