Blue Tsunami (Donna Nakasone)

Medium: Textile Dye on Silk
Dimensions: 33.5 x 33.5
 

This painting employs the wax-resist/dye technique known as batik, but specifically, in the ancient Japanese tradition of rōketsuzome. In this method, multiple layers of wax and dyes are applied to the surface until the desired color saturation is achieved. The painting is then ironed to remove the wax, steamed, washed, and ironed again. The entire process can take several months to complete. In Blue Tsunami, I experimented by brushing, sprinkling and dripping the hot wax onto the silk. The results are rich, spontaneous and never predictable.