What came next: Wheat Paste Resist
In last week’s post I was exploring surface design with painted patterns, enjoying an unusual palette. I ended by writing that I thought I’d add a wheat paste resist. So I did.
At the end of this post, I’ll get to the issue of WHY?
Just a bit about resists: there are lots of kinds of resists. I am not the inventor of any of them. Beeswax, soy wax, glue, tempera paint, wheat paste and paste from other kitchen supplies can all be used as ways to block out paint or dye. Some will also create a batik-like crackle effect.
I like the crackle. So, I am using wheat paste. (Secret recipe to make wheat paste at end of post) Like this:
POUR
SPREAD
NOW DO SOMETHING ELSE Now you have find something else to do for at least 24 hours. The paste has to dry till it’s stiff and crunchy. We had a few good hours of sun this afternoon so I set mine outdoors to let the sun do its work.
CRACK. I don’t actually scrunch up the fabric. That makes the dried paste just fall off in chunks. I try to work from the back – using my fingers or a big wooden spoon, and push the fabric till it makes a lot of all-over hairline cracks.
PAINT: PUT IT ON Your goal is to get paint down into all the little cracks to make an image on your fabric.
Today I used my favorite big natural sponge. Sometimes I use a large paintbrush, and I have used a paint-covered brayer.
You will only be able to see the results of some of what you are doing at this stage. It’s a walk-by-faith part of the process.
DO SOMETHING ELSE AGAIN Maybe a few hours, till paint is completely dry.
Then you dunk the fabric in water to let the wheat paste soften up so you can get it off. I left it soaking for a few hours.
PAINT: TAKE IT OFF Now the fabric can come out of the water. That nice dry crackly wheat paste has turned into mushy sludge, and the acrylic paint is attached to the pasty mush. It’s gross. It’s got to go.
I generally scrape the bulk of it off with the side of a spoon. Then I slosh the fabric up and down in the water some more to get rid of most of the sludge. I like to do the final clean-off outdoors with the garden hose.
DRY I let it air dry OUTDOORS.
SO, WHAT’S THE PURPOSE?
Here that question is at the end of the procedure, and it’s really the most important issue.
On this particular bit of yardage, the purpose of adding the crackle has been to unify all the disparate colors and patterns, to create some unity. I like the way the deep color of the crackle adds depth to the piece.
But, beyond this particular piece, why create original fabric? It’s so tempting to fall in love with the process and then to fall in love with a particular piece that you’ve created.
But that’s not the reason for doing it.
When I create fabric it’s so that it can be used in a piece of artwork. I’ve discovered that using original fabric is artistically pleasing to me, and connects me to the work in a way I would not be if I used commercial fabrics.
And, as a quilter who frequently digs into storytelling in my work, every bit of detail and layered pattern can be a part of the story.
I’ve created two works recently this summer that use my own fabrics, and that incorporate the fabric into the narrative of the artwork. Below; Breathe In and Know, Entering Untold Stories
If you’d like to learn more about these works, please visit them on my website at these links:
How to make wheat paste: Secret Recipe!
It’s flour + water. Mix it in a bowl, till about the thickness of pancake batter.
For all the artmakers: Happy creating
For all the art lovers: Happy appreciating
Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi
How I keep in touch:
BLOG POSTS - once a week: If you would enjoy receiving blog posts by e-mail, please subscribe here: I post and send by e-mail each Sunday evening. BLOGS-BY-EMAIL
NEWSLETTER – about once a month: If you enjoy more detailed behind-the-scenes stories, as well as FIRST LOOKS at new works and members-only discounts, I hope you’ll become a Studio Insider. You’ll hear from me about once a month. NEWSLETTER