Silks From Around the World - July 2, 2012

I was marveling how fantastic it is to be connected with all my silk painting colleagues around the world and how stimulating it is to keep abreast of not only their works, but their techniques, challenges, exhibitions, sales events, and personal tidbits via social media! For instance, on Facebook, I'm part of a group called The SPIN, also known as Silk Painters International, the annual conference is to be held in New Mexico this month Silk in Santa Fe. . . the Soul of Silk, July 22 - July 27, 2012. Silk painters click to join SPIN here.

Official SPIN 2012 artwork by Ron Gutman

My colleague Ron Gutman of Allentown, Pennsylvania designed and painted the poster for this years SPIN conference. Ron is more than proficient in a number of media, he's also an accomplished sculptor, and ceramic artist. Click here to visit his website, Studio VII where you can browse his galleries and purchase his clay flower sculptures, silk scarves and ceramic creations. 

Joy Hand Painted Silk by Joyflower on Etsy

Another group I'm affiliated with online is Etsy Silk Artists, seventy-seven individuals world wide who sell our wares via Etsy.com where you can buy unique handmade and vintage items directly from independent sellers around the world. I have my shop there, where I sell all manner of hand painted scarves and jewelry. Some of the folks in this group are also members of SPIN, but there are unique individuals in both groups! 

Silk painting techniques are as variable as anything else in life. The common thread we silk painters share is our fascination with color on silk, whether our paintings are realistic or imaginary, traditional or modern, in our virtual silk painting organizations, we openly share our experiments with new materials and time tested favorites, we are able to share our processes, successes, challenges and heartbreaks with one another from our studios all over the world!

I've learned that silk painters create a friendly creative atmosphere where questions are asked and answered and appreciation is shared amongst virtual colleagues. Here I will share a few pictures of some of my online artisan friends. I hope you will take a moment to enjoy the beauty and to explore the world of silk painting! 

Banana Leaves by Lynn Meek

Lynn is a member of both groups and her work is divine! All her original paintings are inspired photos she's taken and while she's painted for years, Lynn has more recently discovered that painting on silk is a rush! I agree with her when she says "it's much more fun to wear it than hang it on a wall" 

One of a kind, made to order by Maria Jürimäe

I am the proud owner of two gorgeous Singing Scarves from Tartu, Estonia, Jürimäe has painted on silk and taught silk painting for over 15 years. She loves to sing while painting, she says "in the old Estonian and Finno-Ugric tales the power of song is really strong -- it can influence our lives, it can create new worlds." Her silk scarves and hand painted silk ties carry the joy and good wishes that are specially painted into them. 

Return of the Sister Bride Mandala Greeting Card by Fiona Stolze

Silk and Art by Fiona Stolze of Bristol, UK is another one of my favorite colleagues online. I'm enthralled by the precision of her resist lines and the intricate imagery and the exquisite range of colors and tints. Fiona is inspirational to many silk painters and others via her her lovely blog Inspired Art & Living.  

As always, your comments are welcomed. Do let me know if you would like to be featured or share one of your favorite silk painters and I will do my best to feature them in future posts on Planet Joy!