Sievers School of Fiber Arts

Learn, refresh and reflect

Batik & Beyond

By

It was 1982 when Mary Jo Scandin first came to Sievers and offered a class in Batik and Direct Dye Painting. Every year since then we have delighted in the return of “batik week”. Some of the students in this most recent class first came for batik in the mid-1980’s! What a wonderful journey it’s been together.

Mary Jo’s piece, “Nighttime on a Hill” appeared on our brochure cover last year. Now, thanks to her, it is part of our permanent collection, a gift for all who walk through the doors of Sievers.

Batik is a multi-step process and there are both active times dyeing and rinsing and quiet, meditative times drawing, waxing and ironing. The results are beautiful.

Pam S. shared her “Sievers Story” with us last year about creating an abstract piece in Batik & Beyond. It reads, in part, “…pleasing to the eye, warm and inviting, it represents, to me, the thought of everyone and everything being connected. I am grateful for the valuable (class) challenge that further developed my tools and techniques…” She described the week as “a rich and satisfying Sievers experience including: a Luna moth visitation, new friendships, coaching, learning…encouragement, suggestions, laughter and inspiration!”

All of those elements could be considered the “& Beyond” part of the class. In our eyes, Batik always goes beyond!

Comments

  3. Never thought I’d like this form of art BUT….love it!
    I’d better do some of the things I’ve started before thinking of another project.
    My leg/ankle has been bad since Dec. The sores get worse ….. Been staying off my foot but it’s not helping. Just can’t get any healing. Thankful that Nancy is so patient….I won’t be able to work too long at a time (unless a miracle happens. I am losing patience. Going to another doctor on the 15th.
    Love to all the Sievers’ friends!!!
    Eileen
    Love your beautiful pictures Carolyn!