Printing Results

Here is the report from the silk screen workshop I took a few weeks ago.

The house heat eventually came on and I was able to dry the packets to set the pigment.

I lay the packets on the radiator.

Rinsing.

bubbles in the sink

I was so pleased most of the print was still visible.

I did not lose any of the designs.

I love the textures I've created.

Not sure yet what I will do with these pieces.

Printing Workshop

I took a workshop at ColourVie with Gunnel Hag; Deconstructed Screen Printing.

It was a silkscreen printing workshop using textured items to make designs. Loved it! It is exactly what I focus on when doing my art- repurposing items like plastic and using things that are destined for landfill.

One part of the technique that is important is keeping the fabric wet and moist after it has been printed. Heat is needed to set the dyes...which of course proved difficult for me as today is Day 9 of NO HEAT in the house...a reminder for people: I live in Canada and winters are cold! (anyway they are installing a new boiler today so I will be ok this evening)

I wrapped the printed fabrics in plastic and tried to keep them warm tucked into a pile of quilts.

I will have to give you a report later on after I heat the fabrics and rinse them. It could be that I lose all the colour and nothing sets!

I really hope I won't lose all my work.

The packets are wrapped in plastic, then in a cloth bag
then tucked into the middle of a pile of quilts while I wait for the radiators to get hot.

Finnish Textiles

Maker.

signature of Finnish creator, Armi Ratia

She and her husband established a printing workshop in Finland in 1951.

Her strong colours and designs became known all around the world.

Vesimelooni (watermelon) pattern
1963
screen printed cotton
design by M. Isola for Marimekko

Marimekko's philosophy shaped a new approach to living through fashion and design.

Pienet Kivet pattern 1956
screen printed cotton
design by M. Isola

Everything I saw looked so NOW.

Her designs have transcended time.

my favourite -great angle 

Curator, Shauna McCabe, included some great ads throughout the exhibit.

Vesimelooni (left)
Silkkikuikka (great crested grebe) pattern (right)
1961
screen printed cotton
design by M. Isola

I owned a Marimekko bag when I lived in Vienna in the early 80's....where did that bag go??

Basso pattern (left)1975
Oona (right) 1969
Both are screen printed cotton
Both designed by M. Isola
for Marimekko

It was wonderful to be surrounded by such large fabrics; large in size, large in importance, large in influence, LARGE

The retrospective is on till April 21 at the Textile Museum in Toronto.