alena

I was born in former Soviet Union and I have PhD in High Energy Physics. Both my parents and two grandparents are artists. I started to paint before I learned to remember things :) In parallel to studying Physics I finished several painting courses but I do feel luck of instruction in formal art education. My career in science allowed me to live (which is different from just travel) in different countries like US, Italy and now UK.

Among different techniques which I tried in my life, I believe that batik is what brings me to the most inner self.
Somehow batik is not well know in western world. There are several different techniques of textile paintings commonly called batik. In a base of cold batik or silk painting is rubber glue which creates a thin line and does not allow different colors to mix. The most ancient one - hot batik - is a "dye-resist" process in which molten wax is applied to fabric, creating areas that will resist dye, while any unwaxed areas will absorb dye. Generally works goes from light to dark. The process of waxing and dying is repeated many times, depending on the complexity of the design. The wax is then removed from the fabric by ironing the batik between layers of thin paper. The challenge lies in the element of surprise. The final result does not reveal itself until final wax is removed, sometimes artist does not have total control and needs to adapt to outcome. The ultimate work is result of planning, contemplation and patience.