Rozome Intensive: Japanese Batik on Silk

Using non-petroleum soy-wax and natural beeswax, we will explore the outstanding Rozome Masters’ batik techniques. Informed by historic Japanese rozome-batik with its 1200-year history, we will explore the actual techniques that have produced the stunning Japanese folding screens and kimono of the 20th / 21th century.  This all levels course will explore the textural and pattern possibilities of over ten different wax application techniques including rokata (wax stencil), ro-etching (wax etching), ro-fubuki (wax snowstorm), ro-roller (rolled wax pattern), momo-otoshi (rub and remove), shikibiki (wax trailing). The bokashi (ombre) shading technique and two other additional dye-application styles will be included as well as the direct-application yardage dyeing that uses the sansei-senryo, non-toxic dyes of the kimono industry.  All the techniques we will practice are applicable to either silk or cotton fabric. We will use authentic Japanese dye and wax brushes. This is an excellent class for those who would like to experience the joys of wax and dye on cloth and as well as for quilters and fiber artists who want to add their own textured dye and stenciled images to their work. If you have some rozome experience, a stimulating “workshop style” option is available with reviews of techniques, critiques, and individual support to move your work forward. The class will introduce rozome using natural beeswax in addition to soy wax, a non-petroleum, renewable-source, resist medium that supports American farmers. Presentations of historical slides, the work of the Japanese rozome masters and the instructor as well as historical and current samples will all be included. Beginners to advance students are welcomed.

Questions: email kiranada03848@gmail.com

 Materials Fee: $60 payable to instructor at first class. Fee includes:

• One Japanese #8 rofude wax brush
• One #5 surikomi dye brush
• Stencil paper each plus tracing and carbon paper for class use
• One wax dauber
• A 23-page booklet on rozome techniques, background, glossary, references and resources.
• Joint Use: Soy/ Beeswax, Five colors of Japanese sansei-senryo dye

Special Tools or Equipment: Please bring these items

• Pencil/ Eraser/ Sketch book
• Some of your own designs or symbols to refer to for stencil cutting or some stencils of your own
• Exact-o knife or blade with handle for cutting stencils
• Scissors
• Rubber gloves/ Apron or cover-up
•  1 ½ – 2 yards of medium weight silk. 100% pure silk. Not thin China silk (5-8mm), but medium weight (12 -15 mm+)   Prepared for Dyeing i.e. washed of all sizing.  (Silk types: Fuji Silk Broadcloth, Dupioni, Habutai, Crepe de Chine available at Dharma Trading Co, Thai Silks, etc.)
• 4 -5 small glass baby food jars with lids for mixing dyes… plastic or small yogurt cups NOT a substitute and tall spice jars are awkward.
• 1 larger water jar (could be a large clean yogurt tub)
• 2 small clean, white absorbent towels (Dollar Tree!)
•  A rubber brayer or roller with metal mount … Dick Blick sells theses (cat# C40101.) The Linzer Mini Paint roller with high density foam roller may substitute (#C 04301-1020) also from Dick Blick.
• 4- 5 few clip clothes pins
• 1 cello sponge
• Two cheap 2” – 3”  ‘chip brushes ‘with natural bristles (not synthetic). A large hardware store (Home Depot) has these.
• A stretching system for silk cloth; maximum 14” x 26”.   You can use a wooden painting stretcher frame available at art supply stores. A second frame (large embroidery hoop) is handy. NOTE: adjustable frames or pipes with lengths 30” – 36” long are difficult to manage on a joint waxing table. Again, long stretchers are not convenient for working on a table shared with others.
• Push pins if you are using a wooden frame. A small hammer helps here.
• A nail for etching
• Any dye application brushes you have. I will show you how to ‘make’ some as well from sponge and clip clothes pins.

Workshop Policies: Please be sure to read our policies before you register for a workshop which can be found here Workshop Policies