Wilfriede AxsmithI am a juried member of the Reading Berks and Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and a member of the State Standards Committee. To me painting on silk represents the freedom to create, using the silk as my canvas. Just like working with watercolor, the hallmark of silkpainting is movement and fluidity. I use many different techniques when designing my one of a kind silk scarves and jackets. My favorite is using French dyes and the Guta Serti technique. In this particular process each scarf must be steam set for several hours to make the dyes permanent and washable. I also batik (a wax resist process) pieces of my work as well as using the Shirobi Technique (pleating and folding). The selection of fabrics used range from lightweight China Silk to Silk Rayon velvets.
I am always experimenting to improve my craft. I apply to my work what I learned at advanced classes with nationally known silk painters and artists to create new and what I hope are innovative designs.