Barbara Woods
I began painting silk in the early 1990’s creating fashions for women. After years of designing clothes and feeling limited with fashion I began designing wall pieces and lampshades, collaborating with ceramic artists and my husband, Tom.
The work has evolved into lighted silk and clay sculptures. These sculptures use a broad canvas which allows my designs to be more expressive and the light creates a soft ambience that enhances any room.
A desire for more control over the completed piece motivated me to study ceramics. After several years and many classes I discovered that slab construction and carved porcelain clay gives the desired result. The addition of sand blasting, china paint and multiple glazes now allow me to match each clay body with the colors of the silk.
My Chrysalis series of lamps and wall sconces investigate and develops the nature of winged creatures. Light emanating through the wings creates a magical effect, not soon forgotten.
The French Gutta resist technique of silk painting is my preferred method. I work with 4 to 5 yards of silk at one time, first penciling in the design and then laying a resist. No screens or stencils are used. Dye is applied by hand with brushes and steam set for maximum color fastness and extra depth is achieved through multiple dye layers. Finished paintings are mounted on layers of white styrene and vinyl to maintain the form without the use of wires and structural components. The sculptures should be dusted frequently and may be wiped with a clean damp cloth. The silk is illuminated with low watt fluorescent bulb.