In July, I seriously resumed studying dyeing. Over the next six months, I will learn the basic techniques: wax-resist dyeing during the first three months, followed by stencil dyeing (Japanese page) during the final three.
The practical lessons in wax-resist dyeing have already begun, but to be honest, I am struggling.
Struggling with the Freehand Drawing in Wax-Resist Dyeing
Wax-resist dyeing uses melted wax applied with a brush or a special tool. The waxed areas resist the dye, allowing patterns to appear. One of the technique’s attractions is its broad, freehand quality.
The problem is that I am very!! extremely!! bad at freehand drawing!!!!!
That is why I have mainly made work using techniques that do not require it, such as shibori resist dyeing (Japanese page) and stencil dyeing, while deliberately avoiding wax-resist dyeing.
And yet my very first assignment was wax-resist dyeing…. What kind of design should I make!? Because drawing by hand is so difficult for me, I could not even think of a motif.
Visiting the National Museum of Ethnology in Search of a Freer Design
With that in mind, I recently visited the National Museum of Ethnology, hoping to find inspiration in the generous, free-spirited textiles of Africa and South America.
▼ The broad and free atmosphere I would like to express through wax-resist dyeing
At first glance, it may look simple, but I cannot reproduce this feeling: broad, bold, and free. I may be able to imitate it, but when I try to draw an original design, it refuses to take shape.
Of course, I tried many times, but nothing satisfied me. In the end, I half gave up and told myself, “Well, I am not African….”
Since I have resumed studying dyeing, I still hope to attempt a bold and generous piece in the near future. For this first assignment, however, I decided against an “African-like design” and chose an East Asian motif instead.
Choosing Hōsōge for the Design
▼ The hōsōge design I chose after much hesitation
Hōsōge is an imaginary composite flower motif. Its design combines several plants, including peonies, lotus flowers, and pomegranates.
In Japan, the motif can be seen on treasures preserved in the Shōsōin and at Byōdō-in, which I have also introduced on this blog. It is often used as a repeating pattern like arabesque ornament, but I added a small personal variation to this design.
Dyeing a 40 × 100 cm Length of Cloth
The assignment is a 40 × 100 cm piece of cloth, large enough to serve as either a table runner or a wall hanging.
Next, I will transfer the design to the cloth, apply the wax, and begin dyeing.
I am not good at drawing by hand—so how will this turn out!? Please look forward to seeing what happens.