Els van baarle textile artist clothing

  • Els spent years learning traditional batik methods, and then she moved those techniques forward in new and different ways that are remarkably engaging.
  • Els van Baarle's fascination with batik came to life during the 'Flower Power' movement of the 70's.
  • In this new book, they have come together to look at how to approach textile work whilst following a theme and how one theme can be developed differently.

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    Els van Baarle: Pushing the boundaries of batik

    This article was first published in November 2020. Sadly, in November 2021 Els Van Baarle passed away after a long struggle with cancer. We are honoured to have had the opportunity to interview Els and hope this piece serves as a fitting tribute to a passionate and talented artist.

    You’ve likely heard the saying ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.’ Why tinker with tradition?

    Textile artist Els van Baarle has an answer to that question, as well as a gorgeous body of textile art that demonstrates the power of expanding and building upon tradition in new ways. Els spent years learning traditional batik methods, and then she moved those techniques forward in new and different ways that are remarkably engaging.

    Els’s work comes to life slowly and carefully using traditional batik tools, wax, and paint. It takes time and careful planning to create layer upon layer of colour, paint and mark making.
    She then embellishes her pieces with si

  • els van baarle textile artist clothing

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    Interpreting Themes in Textile Art

    An inspirational and practical book on how to interpret and collaborate on different themes in textile art. With foreword bygd Marie-Therese Wisniowski, who runs Art Quill Studio.

    This stunning collection showcases the work produced by renowned textile artists Els van Baarle and Cherilyn Martin, and explores how - even when working from the same starting point - textile art can producera a myriad interpretations of shape, form, colour and technique. Els and Cherilyn have chosen six themes for their own starting point, each full of inspiration and artistic potential: Memory (both personal experiences and historical events); Graven (cemetery) images and idols; Books as objects; Pompeii and archaeological excavations; Walls; and Everyday items.

    For each of the themes the authors have provided a personal interpretation of the work and a description of the techniques they used, along with step-by-step instructions. In the chapter on memory, for examp

    •

    An inspirational and practical book on how to interpret and collaborate on different themes in textile art. With foreword by Marie-Therese Wisniowski, who runs Art Quill Studio.

    This stunning collection showcases the work produced by renowned textile artists Els van Baarle and Cherilyn Martin, and explores how – even when working from the same starting point – textile art can produce a myriad interpretations of shape, form, colour and technique. Els and Cherilyn have chosen six themes for their own starting point, each full of inspiration and artistic potential: Memory (both personal experiences and historical events); Graven (cemetery) images and idols; Books as objects; Pompeii and archaeological excavations; Walls; and Everyday items.

    For each of the themes the authors have provided a personal interpretation of the work and a description of the techniques they used, along with step-by-step instructions. In the chapter on memory, for example, Cherilyn demonstrates