This technique requires a special kind of mixed fibre cloth. Silk-viscose velvet is the most common but I also use satin and georgette versions to great effect. Chemicals are used to burn away cellulosic fibres (viscose in this case but it attacks cotton and linen too) leaving the silk mesh behind. You can play around with the chemical reactions and create a resist by applying alkaline dyes first so that when you print or paint over with (acidic) devore paste, one will neutralise the other. Sounds like a chemistry lesson doesn't it?
I like the fact that you have to think and plan carefully to achieve the effect you want. It requires some mental gymnastics because the places where the devore paste is applied will be eaten away so often the design needs to be reversed.
My photos show this week's sample which was inspired by the rich crop of blackberries that adorn the walls and hedgerows of my walks. I printed blackberry shapes first and then painted a tangle of briars in a vibrant rust colour. Next I applied the devore paste with a brush, working freehand in loose leafy shapes. Once I had activated the paste and removed the cellulose fibres I painted the background with a mixture of Autumn colours. The viscose fibres absorb less of the dye leaving a silvery shimmer to the pile. Mist and mellow fruitfulness!
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