By Jo Watts
Painting on silk has become a passion ever since I visited Singapore and met Said Sarkasi, the “Baron of Batik”. Since then, I’ve modified the process a bit. What I do now is much easier for students and for me; I have never had a student leave a class unhappy!
For our Hafla workshop, we will paint on 15” circular scarves. My normal size is either 36” square or 15” X 60” and those can take as long as 8 hours to complete! These will take about 2 hours or less and free up everyone to take advantage of some of the other exciting Hafla activities.
I will have everything you need to complete something beautiful to hang on your wall; bring nothing but yourselves, perhaps an idea of what you wish to paint, and an enthusiastic attitude.
A bit about myself: at age 5, I announced that I would be an artist and have never wavered from that decision; it wouldn’t have been possible! Traveling with my husband, Tom, and raising three sons fit right in with my plan.
In 1984 we arrived in Dhahran and I immediately joined the DAG, riding the bus from North Camp several days a week to make use of the pottery shop. Six months later, we found ourselves in Ras Tanura and the RTAG. What a blessing it was to meet all the wonderful artists in both places. I’m grateful to have learned so much from them.
My focus then was clay and drawing, but things have expanded. I now live deep in the heart of Texas and love the life God has blessed me with. To Him I give all the glory!