I don’t often get ‘serious’, but just this once, since we’re talking about batik, I’m going to take the time to answer a question that people ask me all the time. “How do you feel about all the people who are doing your batik technique?”
We’re going to finish up our batik that we started on last week’s blog, today. This particular piece happens to be the very first batik I ever did. That was 28 years ago. Do you know anyone who’s been doing this technique longer than that? I doubt it. Way back then I had just become a mom for the first time and was sitting in my studio staring at the wall – wondering how I could make the fabric batik I was doing at the time, safer. I could no longer use all of the dyes and chemicals with a baby girl around.
It was that particular thought that became the inspiration for this technique. I tried the rice paper sitting against the wall in my studio and regular watercolor in place of the dyes I currently used. And THIS is that very first batik I did that day, way back in 1986. Yep, the one we’re doing together now.
So, to answer the question, “How do you feel about all the people who are doing your technique”, the answer is simple. It’s a matter of common courtesy, actually…..treating me as you, yourself, would want to be treated.
When someone is courteous and respectful, I have no problem at all with them using my technique and even my designs. I won’t spell out my copyright here, but it is fully explained on www.KathieGeorge.com and I am happy to answer any questions at all. I am very generous with my designs, even allowing them to be entered into shows providing you simply make note that it is my design. It’s a matter of mutual respect between the two of us. I share everything I’ve learned in the work I’ve done for the past 28 years with you, and you respectfully do not claim the technique as your own, but just admit you learned it from me, or perhaps someone who learned it from me. Sigh. Seems like a no brainer, doesn’t it?
Yet, here are just a couple of situations that I think would be difficult for the offender to live with:
- Making prints/cards and giclees of my designs and selling them through a national online gallery without a mention that the design was ‘borrowed’.
- Dropping by in the midst of a class to say ‘hello’ to the teacher (who has been a long-time friend), hanging around just to learn the technique so they could teach it, claiming it as their own.
- Attending a class and befriending the teacher. Then promptly making a DVD of the technique without a mention of where she learned it.
But, for every bad story there is a good one. Thank heavens, because there have been times I’ve felt like a salmon swimming upstream and thought of giving up batik entirely and moving on.
But people look out for me. They write to let me know of potential copyright violations and of those they worry are taking advantage. They have my back.
For the most part, I don’t say anything about the violations. I know who those people are and what they are doing.
They say that life is too short to worry about these things, and I agree. I’m not saying it was easy to learn to ignore – after all, it’s how I make my living! But after much thought and worry, I decided that I must get on with it.
So, let’s get on with it! Let’s finish this batik today. Before we do, thanks guys for asking the question and letting me get that off my chest. Onward and upward we go. We have too many new adventures ahead of us…let’s get started with our first one.
NOW WHERE WERE WE?
I believe that after last week’s lesson we were about to do the final steps to our Iris Batik? At this point you should have worked through all four waxing diagrams. Then I also asked you to coat the entire front of the piece with one more coat of wax, just to be sure that every little bit has been covered.
When it has cooled, peel the rice paper from the waxed paper, then gently crinkle it into a ball. Small cracks may form in the wax….or not. It doesn’t really matter because we are about to make our own texture.
Flatten the paper, being careful not to brush or shake off loose pieces of wax, then apply one final wash of color over the piece, using your favorite color from the palette. Some of the wash may go through the cracks, but most will simply bead up. It is these beads that make the texture you see in my pieces. Without waiting for the beads of color to dry, apply one more coat of wax right over them and sealing them into the wax. The size of the little beads determines how big of a blotch you’ll see on the finished piece. So, if this is your first time, go lightly! It can be quite a shock to see a bunch of splotches of color on your finished piece. Soon, though, you may find that you love that look!
TAKE IT OFF
Lay out several sheets of newspaper and place your batik on top. Layer THREE additional sheets on top making a sort of “batik sandwich”. Use a very hot iron (cotton or linen setting) to press firmly down onto the pile. The heat will melt the wax and the newspaper will soak it up. When it’s fairly saturated, you’ll see it begin to seep through the top layer and that’s when you know to change the newspapers. Repeat this process, usually about 4 or so times, until all the wax has been removed. (Don’t worry about the ink of the newspaper transferring to your batik. It won’t happen. Today’s printing is very permanent).
FINISHING TOUCHES
Did you wax an unintended place – like a drip in the middle of a sky making a white moon? Fear not, all is not lost! Two things work well for adding color to any areas that might need it. First, try painting it. Painting on rice paper after wax has been removed will feel completely different. A tiny bit of wax remains on the surface, so you’ll have to coax the paint into the paper by wiggling your brush. Once you get past that waxy surface, it will flow right in and stay right where you place it. For small touches of opaque color, or when outlining is needed, pastel pencils are fun and easy http://www.kathiegeorge.com/shop/cretacolor-pastel-pencils-24-piece-set/. Finally, because the rice paper is semi-transparent you should mount the batik on a piece of white or off-white matboard using double-sided or linen tape.
That’s it! You’ve completed your very first batik! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. PLEASE ASK YOUR QUESTIONS VIA THE COMMENT BOX (BELOW) rather than through the website because it would be great if everyone could learn from your question.
In the meantime, don’t forget to register for our SPAIN GIVEAWAY! There are fourteen days left to enter! Come with us to our workshop in Spain next May.
When everything is said and done, I consider myself to be one of the luckiest people on this earth. This very moment, when I paused to think of what to write next, my mind was flooded with thoughts of the many, many wonderful people I know across the country, and the world, actually. YOU may have just crossed my mind.
Thanks so much for reading. Now go out there and have a wonderful life!
Kathie xo
Kathy you are wonderful teacher and person. You are so giving of your self and talent. It is so sad that people feel the need to tread on what you offer so freely.
I appreciate all I have learned from you and being able to enjoy the time we have spent together. Wish it could be more often
Kathy, thank you so much for these Tuesday tips! I took your workshop in the villages in Florida last year and loved your teaching style and your techniques. I went to a meeting in Ocala at the OAG and saw that someone was doing a batik workshop using your “slice of Italy ” batik, the same one we had done with you and I was upset but someone told me that you give permission for people to teach batik , that they are certified by you. I hope this is true . I know billy Edwards is really excited about going on your painting trip and I’m envious but maybe someday I’ll go too . Thanks again for your inspiration, Fran
Yes, Fran, I do have a good working relationship with many teachers. They purchase the batik packets for their classes from me and I give them a discount and a freebie for respecting my copyright. In this case, I did know about the class and Maria Luisa is a wonderful teacher, by the way. As for Bille, I am so excited she’s joining us! Do you think she’ll behave herself? ha.
Kathie, I’m counting the days until September 3!
Perfect explanation, Kathy. With a generous spirit, you called on your followers to give thought to what is fair.
It is stealing to take credit for someone else’s designs, especially when u do it for financial gain or prestige in a show
Even when some people are taking advantage of your talent, you found a way to be kind about it. That is the kind of person you are and why you are so well-liked as a person as well as for the very good, patient, fun teacher you are.
The process you created looks like a fresh, contemporary stained glass and I have enjoyed the pieces I painted, with your guidance, in classes thru the years!
Thank you, Kathie for sharing this beautiful iris batik with us. I can’t imagine it was your first piece. No wonder everything you do is fantastic. I love this piece. Now on to the scary part of crinkling the rice paper. Can’t wait to see my finished piece. You are so right with this technique helping you to loosen up! This and your drawing challenge has helped me so much. Thank you. See you soon!
Crinkling the paper is only scary the first couple of times. Soon it will become your very favorite part…..it’s like Christmas when you iron off the wax and see what you have. Remember, not too many dots of color on top the first time. Give yourself time to get the hang of it.
Let me know if any of you have problems…..cuz I can help!
I am just greatful that you came up with the batik process on paper. I love it and am going to get to your class someday somewhere somehow.
Hoping none from Argentina didi such ugly thing!!! Thank you for being an amazing teacher with us!!!! Miss you and your beautiful classes!!!!!! And Painted a lot of Iris as a gift for my dearest friends!!! Hope see you soon!!!
That Iris is the first batik I painted in your class in 1994, and my sister is the proud owner of it. It’s always an honor to tell people who I learned the technique from, how long I’ve been painting with her, and, oh by the way, she is the most fun instructor and if you ever get the chance to take one of her classes, don’t pass it up! Thank you Kathie, for your inspiration and encouragement!!
Hi Kathie,
Even though I have taken classes from you, and have had the pleasure of teaching one of you designs, I thoroughly enjoyed your sharing of your very first project! I am truly getting hooked on your batik designs and can’t wait to do more!
Thank you so very much, Kathy
Kathie; Thank you for sharing. I would love to see some photos of the “non-safe” batiks. I bet they are gorgeous too! SW
Hi Kathy so happy to find you. Have been a fan of yours for a long time. Met you in Vegas and you are a special artist and person.have a lot of yr packets and hope to paint them all sometime,best wishes
I have a granddaughter who loves art and is very good and she loves me to share art with her. I think she is old enough now to try batik and this lovely project will be perfect. She draws very well and that inspired me to take the drawing challenge. We had fun talking about the techniques you covered. I love taking your batik classes.
Kathie,
As usual, your wealth of knowledge and your enthusiasm to share, blows my socks off. I love the iris and will give it a try. Your drawing challenge was phenomenal. You are so wonderful and talented.
Thank you
Susan
I look forward to your Tuesday tips newsletter w/ my morning coffee. No matter what season or time of year it has continued to inspire so many of us! I don’t think I ever heard the story about how you started the batik 28 years ago. I’m so glad that you decided not to quit batik – it’s got your signature all over the idea and it’s brought so much joy to all of us! You just don’t know how grateful that we all are that you continue to share and inspire us all!! Only you – with your adventuresome spirit can be like the “piped piper” and lead us where we don’t know we’d love to go! Can’t wait to see you at HOOT again this year for some experimental fun w/yupo.
Thanks for the batik “refresher”. Ummmmmmmm……..if we go to Spain……..we have to ummm….behave??? Yes, I do promise I’ll do my best! ha ha I’ve read the brochure over and over and what a great adventure it would be!!
Thanks Kathie for another great Tuesday!
I love your patterns! Have bought some but still haven’t got up the courage to try yet. Would you please explain the difference in how you rate your patterns? The differences between beginner and advanced? Thanks, Carolyn
The beginner packets are smaller and have less ‘steps’. Both of those factors make them easier. The majority of the packets are intermediate, I think. Once you’ve done one beginner piece, you could easily move on to most of the intermediate. The advanced projects are definitely challenging, though.
Yes I do believe in the Karmic law of life.
I did this piece several years ago. I scanned the piece, and it is now the front of a sympathy card I send to friends. I have received many complements on the card and many thanks for sending it. What does it say on the back of the card? It says “Design by Kathie George”. It is not hard to give credit where credit is due. Thanks, Kathie, for your generous approach to your work.
Thank you ,,,,THANK YOU!!! The CRINKLE part and results is one of my favorite steps!!! Love it!!!
How do you want to be acknowledged when I use your technique for batik but my design? Do I write on the front of the picture – Technique by Kathie George, Design and Painting by _____ ?
Also, on your patterns, how do you want to be acknowledged. Do I write on the front of the painting – Design by Kathie George, Painted by ____ ?
Thank you.
Anna, if you are using one of my designs, just write “from a design by Kathie George” on the back of the piece. That’s it. For your own design, you don’t have to write anything about me on the piece. I just appreciate it if you mention you learned it from me, should someone ask.
Thank you Kathie for always being so sweet. The truth is that I always get really fantastic students either at the OAG or OTOW. I completely agree with you, this is why I always tell my students to give credit to the original artist.
I am so glad you are coming to Florida next February 2015, because there are so many people that love your artwork and are constantly asking about you. I hope you have a great summer!
I start each day w/ coffee & checking email. I recommend the site gratefulness.org.
You can sign up to receive their WORD FOR THE DAY. (Left hand column of home page, in the middle.) It gets sent each day around 1:30 a.m. ET, so it’s the first thing I read on my computer each morning. It draws on sources from all walks of life.
today’s quotation:
WORD FOR THE DAY
Tuesday, Jun. 17
If we open our hearts, we will also find open hearts – it is always mutual.
Abbot Leo von Rudloff
A Benedictine Legacy of Peace; The Life of Abbot Leo A. Rudloff
I think Kathie’s thoughts today are a manifestation of the truth of this quotation.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said:
Insist on yourself.
Never imitate.
It is painful when others do not treat us with the honesty, respect, & courtesy that we all deserve. But we must press on with our own more important agenda, as Kathie has demonstrated.
Thanks, Kathie.
Thank you, Leslie. I’ll check it out!
Well said Kathie! It bothers me “a lot” when I see your designs painted and billed as original.
I say something to the artist, letting them know, I know who designed it.
I put on the back of any project I do with you or another teacher, who’s design it is. If it’s one of yours I say , “This is a “Kathie George AWS/FWS Design, painted by me in a class type setting.” My family needs to know what painting I have done to learn, and who’s design it is. And they need to know which painting are my originals. “Common Sense” and “Respect”.
I will also add to any of my original Batik’s, ” This Batik was done in Kathie George AWS/FWS Batik Technique” It “IS” the right thing to do! Thank you for everything you have taught and shared with me.
Kathie, you are so generous to give us the gift of painting the iris batik, it is such a nice reminder of all the steps involved. I could hardly wait for this Tuesday Tip to finish the piece.
Thank you
Kathie, I thought of the following old Amish proverb, when you were telling about others using your ideas and failing to mention where the artistic, creative designs and method came from…..Every woman must live with the woman she makes of herself. To thine on self be true and never lie about or embellish your artistic journey. Another new proverb to at least ponder on, when moving into someone else’s drama, especially theft, theft in the art community, just remember this…..NOT MY CIRCUS! NOT MY MONKEYS! But stand up for wnat you believe in and protect your creations and creativit thanks for freely sharing your knowledge.
Thanks so much, Martha. I’m going to print this out and hang it in my studio. Nice words to read every once in a while.
(And …..not my monkeys…..he, he. very funny)
Best blog ever! Kathie, you are the most kind, understanding and generous person I know. And it is such a pleasure to call you my friend!! Never give up your batiks! They are a part of YOU! I get so many compliments on the ones I’ve done with you in classes. People think I’m a “real artist”!! ( ha ha!) Soon I hope to back to painting and when I am, the first thing I’m doing is your Sea Turtle for my grandson in Florida!!
I like the person above me who said “not my circus, not my monkeys!” I say ( and I “borrowed” this from a good friend) “it’s not in my HOOP!” I even put a hula hoop around me to prove my point!!
Kathie,
I have Batiked on fabric with dyes many times but UNTIL YOU taught me the technique of doing this on Rice Paper I had no clue with Water Colors so THANK YOU and to you I give the credit. You are the best.
Blessings,
Meg Smither
And you paint BEAUTIFUL scarves!
I know this elegant and classy lady! You are the best!
Hi Kathy, you are amazing to help all of us every Tuesday. The reminders are wonderful and it makes me go to my art room and create something even if it’s not a batik.
Looking forward to your workshop in February of 2015 in the villages , now we have to decide what you will teach
Oh my what challenges can we offer??
Bev Hennessy
I was bopping right along, and I was excited to do the crinkling. Then I was dismayed that big patches of wax began falling off! I must have put too much on. So I panicked and picked several huge flakes off. Then I realized that wouldn’t work, so i pulled out my Old Milwaukee heat gun and began melting the remaining wax and spreading it with my brush. Then I wasn’t as aggressive with the crinkling, and unfortunately I dont think any paint went into a single crack! I am going to do it all again after you tell me what went wrong! If it indeed did go wrong. Maybe I just got scared. I remember one of my art teachers saying “Don’t panic…it’s just a piece of paper.”
Thank you for sharing your amazing talent. I hope to meet you soon and take a workshop from you. This is a technique I would love to pursue.
Nancy, I’m thinking about answering this is the next TIPS on Tuesday. If I don’t, I’ll come back here to answer it. By the way, you were very creative with that heat gun!
Oh, great! Can’t wait until tomorrow’s post! I am prepared to begin again. I even went to my local art store to buy three colors you used, and I did not have, so I should be closer to the vibrancy you have in yours, if I mix it all right! Also, I had a hard time using a #6 round brush to apply the wax to the smaller areas. I wasn’t good controlling it to be as small as I thought it should be. What size do you recommend for the white highlights on the flower edges? Is there a need to buy a metal batik tool that holds wax and allows one to apply it in tiny areas for better control? This is all so new to me, and I treasure all your hints and tutoring. Yes, the heat gun worked like a charm! I am sure it drove the wax into and through the rice paper, too. It took quite a lot of newspaper passes to get all the wax out.
Thank you for sharing not only your talent, but you sweet spirit!!! I smile every time I look at the pieces I’ve done with you… love the batiks… remembering my sweet teacher!!!
I tried the Iris and before I got a chance to iron the rice paper tore down the middle, woe is me. Mine didn’t come out anything like yours, of course. Wish I could post a picture for you.
Wonderful advice from you and also from all your students. It is sad when an artist feels like they have to take credit for something they did not spend years developing or give credit where credit is due. Really enjoying watercolor, wax, and rice paper. Working on painting my pictures from scratch, and learned a lot from the iris project, so still using all your beautiful packets. One of these years I will get to take a trip with you and the group. Congratulations to the winner!
Dear Kathie, I was one of those who took your class in the 1980s in Mt.Pleasant Michigan. You shared so much of your art and yourself and I fell in love with batik. I still love doing batiks. I do mostly birds and some flowers. You gave me a life time gift and I thank you.
I also have had some bad experiences with sharing and sadly it’s usually with a friend. I just tell myself, “I don’t want to be like that”. So thank you for sharing and continuing to do so.