Northwest Native Anne Anderson paints on silk. This unique art form is similar to both watercolor and batik. However, the process is quite different in that the vehicle is a combination of silk, dye, wax, and steam. Anne has traveled extensively abroad and it was in France that she first saw the silk painting technique. She then made it her goal to become proficient in this technique and it would be 12 years before she attained that goal.
Anne’s compositions are derived from many sources. As she traveled through Europe, Australia, Africa, and the American Southwest, she developed a great love for prehistoric petroglyph rock art. Then her eye was turned to the beautiful botanical paintings of Georgia O’Keefe who became an important influence. Peaceful landscapes are also a favorite subject.
I love the play and contrast of light and color, on the petal of a rose, or on a rugged rocky cliff at sunset. My eye has always been drawn to color, and the shades and hues of each color. It is fascinating to see how different colors are combined to solicit our reactions. Thick, luscious silk is the perfect vehicle for me because of its natural luster and saturation properties. It almost radiates color.
It has taken Anne years to perfect her paintings. The compositions are first traced on to the silk with melted bees wax. The wax line saturates the silk and makes a resist line which keeps the colors separated. Then she paints dye on the silk, completing the painting with the palette of dyes she has created. The process is extremely difficult to control and mistakes cannot be erased or covered up. After the painting is finished, the piece is steamed in a large kettle for an hour. Steam sets the dye and the painting is now color and light fast. At this point the painting is thoroughly washed, dried, and taken to the dry cleaners to remove the wax. Now it is ready to frame. In recent years Anne has experimented with painting acrylics over the white lines left by the wax. She has now completely adopted this final touch with her work, pleased with how this brings even richer depth to her paintings.
