Kim Jacobi

BATIK Batik is resist method of dyeing and decorating fabric. Melted wax is painted onto the fabric to prevent the dyes from penetrating the fibers. Traditional batik involves dyeing in stages from light to dark. So, if you start with white fabric the first application of wax is used to preserve white areas then the lightest dye is applied. When dry, melted wax is again used to preserve that color and so on. I use a combination of traditional and modern methods. I feel that by creating "pools" of dye dammed in by melted wax, a more diverse palette can be achieved. Some of my pieces are discharge batik. This method involves beginning with black or other dark fabric and removing or "discharging" the color in stages. Unlike painting on canvas, which is surface design, the dyes chemically bond with the fibers, making the design virtually the same on both sides. When held up to light some pieces look like stained glass.