A few months ago, a new exhibit titled ‘Resist’ was announced by the Fibre Art Network.
The exhibit overview says:
‘Resist’ explores resist techniques while preserving the unique individualistic style of each artist. Resist – an art technique that uses several layers to expose or define a design in negative space. Resistant substances are applied as a coating to protect a surface during some process e.g. prevent dye adhering.
Resist can be created using wax, crayons, inks, paints, pastel/ oil sticks, tape, masks, paper cut outs, stencils, stickers, glue, medium, flour paste, crackle paste, and/or fabric that is bound, scrunched, clamped, etc. Resist can be be artistic, positive, negative, frightening or enlightening…..to stand firm or hold out (against), not yield (to), fight (against). To resist something such as change – you refuse to accept it and try to prevent it…..resist temptation of…..couldn’t resist teasing or laughing at…… Each piece must incorporate one or more resist technique.
I’m not very familiar with resist techniques and found it a struggle to decide how to proceed. A number of my fibre art friends generously demonstrated several resist techniques – so many techniques, none of with I had any experience with! I eventually settled on mono-printing with acrylic paints using a gelli plate.
The next decision was what type of resist to use. With the help of several friends and much time spent referencing books, websites, videos, etc., I experimented with a variety of techniques including layering with grids, sequin waste, strings, and shapes cut from paper and plastic.
My favorites were the ones where I had used grids and strings as resists. I kept experimenting with different color combinations until I had quite a pile of samples. Most of them were 5″ x 7″ – the size of my smaller gelli plate.
I decided to cut my favorite samples into 2.5″ squares and arrange them in a grid formation. By this time, I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole process, so decided to lay them out in a somewhat random pattern. I checked that the values were evenly distributed, then sewed them all to the colorful background fabrics.
Here is the finished artwork. It’s 16″ x 16″. I called it ‘Grids and Strings and Other Things’.
I’m linking up with Nina-Marie’s Off the Wall Friday, where you’ll find many other creative and inspirational projects.
Love your resist piece! The bright colours are great and of course I love grids too!
Awesome prints, Terry… a terrific color play and all of the great grids! Magic. Thanks for sharing… inspiration reigns!
Hi Terry, that sounds like some great experimentation! I really like your piece. I have a lot of the equipment but haven’t had a chance to play with them yet. I just retired, so hopefully within the next few months!