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Dying for a Batik
While on the island of St. Kitts last week, I learned the wax resist art process was ancient and many places claim to be the originator: Java, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Africa, and the Lesser Antilles. At any rate, the stunning works of art created at Caribelle Batik on St. Kitts are unique.
Batik is created by painting a design with hot wax, followed by a dye bath, drying, hot wax on another piece of the design, dye bath, and so on. When the design is complete, the wax is removed. It’s as blindingly beautiful as an ocean sunset one can’t stop looking at, longing to capture the color in memory. One panel of batik can take several hours or days to complete. Island cotton, silks, filmy synthetics can become wall hangings, clothing, pillow tops or handbags with batik designs. They are all so beautiful. My favorites are dyed with indigo. You might say I’m dying to have one.
With typical American impatience for speed and ease, this process is done on YouTube video using Elmer’s Washable Glue, and paint on unbleached muslin. It’s a resourceful and economic craft experience for kids and their Scout leaders.
The Caribelle Batiks from St. Kitts, however, are absolutely one of a kind, that cannot be copied. Even in the Caribelle workshop, no two are alike. This is not mass-production, but a true cultural handcraft.