Jan Mayer

I begin each silk painting with pure white woven silk fabric which is first stretched as taut as possible. French watercolor dyes are then applied with long finely pointed Japanese brushes. Salt, gutta and wax resists and marbling techniques are often used for special effects. I am constantly trying new techniques to make my work more interesting and often employ a hybrid of techniques. After painting/dying, all work is steamed for several hours to ensure color permanence, then washed and ironed. I have one assistant who helps with the painting and one who helps with cutting, sewing, washing and ironing. All surface designs, color combinations, and clothing patterns are original. Each piece is individually hand painted, so no two pieces can ever be identical. Absolutely no pre-fabricated clothing, reproductions, kits or commercial patterns, nor any form of mass production is ever used.