Batik As Fine Art

Professor Helen Carkin, California State University, is the instructor for this hands-on approach to the art of batik: the alternate waxing and dyeing of cloth. Opening with a brief discussion of the history of batik as practiced in Indochina (known as "the Javanese method"), Carkin offers advice on supplies one can use, and then begins the start-to-finish creation of a new batik piece. Using title chapter cards, the program walks step-by-step through the process of making and pinning a wood frame, drawing the pattern on the dry silk, applying the first wax, applying the first dye, continuing the wax/dye cycles, and eventually mounting the finished piece. In addition, Carkin talks about the various color choices available, cautions viewers with wax safety tips, and discusses some of the techniques used in creating her own finished batik pieces. Although the video and audio qualities are only average, the close-ups shots are well-planned, and Carkin is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructor. Recommended. (See AHA CALLIGRAPHY: POINTED BRUSH WRITING for availability.)