Under Turquoise Skies

When I first came to New Mexico in 1959, I immediately fell in love with the clear blue skies, the mountains and the red-rock landscapes.

You can find that same enchantment in my silk painting. The interplay of color, light and texture is wonderfully exciting. My original designs are inspired by the landscape, cultures and myths of the Southwest; my experiences with children; travels; gardening; and love of impressionist and abstract art.

My silk art is a uniting of fabric, color, design & drape.

Silk fibers are smooth and triangular when viewed in cross-section. The smoothness gives silk its gloss and the spinning and weaving of silk bends the fibers, so each section becomes a tiny facet which reflects light. This jewel-like sheen of fine silk is highly prized and enhances the intensity of colors used in painting these wearable art pieces.

Although this particular art-form is called "painting," the color is not a layer of pigment on the fabric which may be worn off. The color comes from dyes which bond with the silk fibers, permanently coloring them, with no residue on the surface of the fabric. I use dyes from the Sennelier Company, which has a long-established reputation for high quality dyes.

These pieces painted in the sense that I use brushes to control the application and blending of dyes within areas defined by a resist medium called gutta. I draw and paint each piece freehand, sweeping across the silk with fluid motions. Each of my designs is original and copyrighted. After the painting is complete, the dyes are permanently set with steam and the gutta is removed by dry cleaning. The silk scarves and blouses are washable and the other garments can be bulk dry cleaned.

I create a variety of styles in my sewing clothing, classic, time-honored designs to take advantage of the texture and drape of the fabric. Scarves are painted so that a focal point of the design may be seen while being worn. You can enjoy them also as wall hangings. In 1997 I began to develop some sculptural silk pieces in collaboration with my daughter,
Susan Ball.

Prices range from $40 to $70 for scarves, and $200 to $450 for vests and jackets. I welcome custom orders as an opportunity to blend my artistic vision with your dreams.

Education

Gallery Representation

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LAST MODIFIED: September 24, 2007