Illusions Gallery Carrollton

Janet Searfoss - Batiks

Gabriel	Archangel Michael	d Dragon Flight	Liquid Light	Soul Angel
Silva Spirit	Tiki Rose	Guardian Guide	Hope	Serenity

Batik is an art form dating back 2,000 years ago.  Batiks were found in the tombs of Pharaohs and are now associated 
with Indonesian culture.  The Indonesian word "Batik" means "wax writing".  The wax resist process is also referred to as "Rozome" 
in Japan.  The Japanese version of batik consists of direct application of dyes and wax on silk.  The Indonesian technique usually uses 
cotton cloth and does immersing into dyes and also direct application.  The wax resist process consists of applications of hot wax 
onto fabric using brushes and  tjanting tools.  Tjanting tools are made of a wooden shaft with a metal reservoir with a tiny metal 
tube that allows wax to flow onto the fabric leaving  lines or dots..  The fabric is then immersed into dyes and only the unwaxed areas 
accept the dye.  The process is repeated to attain each new color working from the lightest color to the darkest.  The waxed areas get 
bent and the cracks or fractures allow the dye to penetrate leaving fine lines of color referred to as "crackle" or "ice". Janet refers 
to the crackle as the thumbprint of batik.  The wax is removed through ironing the fabric between newsprint which absorbs the wax.