Original Batik

by Bonnie Olendorf

A summer home in Big Rapids, Michigan and a winter hideaway in Florida make it possible for me to enjoy painting the many flowers and birds in my gardens year round.  Having grown up with a love of art, the aide of good books and help from many artist friends,   I have perfected my batik style over the last 20 years. 

            I started my art background painting with oils, watercolors, acrylics and designer colors however my first love is batik. Batik is a process of painting on rice paper with watercolor, using wax as a resist.  I continue painting and waxing until the paper is covered with wax and then I iron the wax out, hoping to find a successful piece of art.Each piece has its own unique look. What is it about batik that makes it addictive? It is a multitude of things - brilliance or subtlety of color; working with and manipulating two mediums, wax and dye, to produce layers and textures; the necessity to plan and occasionally to adapt. Perhaps it is as much to do with the need for infinite patience - batik is certainly Slow Art! My work can be seen at the Bella Galleria on Old Mission, Artworks in Big Rapids, River Street Gallery in Manistee, Secret Garden in Pentwater and Mullaly’s 128 Studio in Elk Rapids.