My Silky Friends - Special Holiday Feature

Dear Friends and Family,

As this year comes to a close, and the holidays are close upon us, I wanted to take a moment to say Thank You to a handful of very special artists who's positive energy and incredible talents have all had a hand in inspiring and supporting my continued Silk Painting adventures this past year.  Each lady being featured here is someone who I truly admire and as all artists have a very different voice and style, it is my pleasure to introduce and share them with you!

1. Name: Fiona Stolze 

Store Name:  Silk & Art

Angel’s “nick name” :) : Mistress of Mandalas

About the Artist:  Fiona is known for her incredibly intricate mandala silk paintings in gorgeous and vibrant colors, which can be found on scarves, pillows, greeting cards, you name it!  I cannot believe the amount of detail that goes into her pieces!  Her energy is a healing and positive one, and therefore no wonder that so much of her work has ended up in environments of meditation, therapy, and healing.  We have had many conversations on silk painting and other various topics that arise in the Silk Painting community.  She is well known in the Silk Painting forums as an active teacher giving generously, her expert advice on varied silk painting techniques and for her graceful, spiritual nature.  I look up to Fiona as a silk painter, business woman, and great marketer of her amazing creations.

When asked what she loves most about silk painting, Fiona's response was, "The thrill I get at seeing those luminous colours on the silk. The huge contrast between the stark white silk and the vibrant dyes I add, step by step. Just standing back again and again and soaking up the colours with my eyes. That’s quite exhilarating at times."

"Return of the Sister Bride" by Fiona Stolze

Favorite Piece:  "Return of the Sister Bride"

When asked why she is proud of this piece, Fiona's response was."  I was inspired to paint it after attending a workshop on the topic of Mary Magdalene being Christ’s no. 1 apostel. All of the symbolism linked with Magdalene’s followers and the myth that was build up around her is incorporated into this painting, including the rose at the centre. Mary was called the Sister Bride. And I feel proud when I look at that painting because it shows my attention to tiny detail as well as the sacred geometry within it. I drew a few circles onto the silk and then began to construct the six pointed star within it. I was fascinated to see that the intersections of the 2 equilateral triangles exactly sat on one of the circles I had drawn. How perfect is that? And my hand didn’t even shake when I retraced the lines in gold."

Learn more about Fiona by clicking HERE

Fiona's Holiday Promotion:  Order a 12 pack of Mandala cards between now and December 31st and you will recieve $3.50 taken off the regular price of $23.00.  Just add "MUSE" in the instruction box when you order, and you will be refunded after purchase!

Shop Fiona's Silk & Art store by clicking HERE

2. Name: Maria Jürimäe

Store Name:  Singing Scarves

Angel’s “nick name” :) : Silken Nightingale

About the Artist:  Maria is an amazing, energetic force who is known for her love of painting one of a kind, custom scarves for special customers.  She has amazing talents to create any idea you can think of!  She loves to paint and sing at the same time and as Maria says, "People from Estonia, the small Nordic country I come from have used the power of song to influence their lives.  Maybe you have heard of our song festivals... and we even sang ourselves free from the Soviet Union."

When asked what she loves most about silk painting, Maria's response was, "I love to paint custom silk scarves that carry special and very personal good wishes."  I know for a fact it is a true joy to receive a lovingly painted scarf from Maria as I have one in my own home of happy dancing bears that makes me smile every time I look at it!  :)

Family Portrait by Maria Jürimäe

Favorite Piece:  "Family Portrait"

When asked why she is proud of this piece, Maria's response was, "One of the most difficult tasks I've had was painting a family portrait on silk (5 people on silk with the things they love to eat).  Painting a portrait on silk is already a challenge, but painting five of them on the same piece is five times riskier.  If one member of the family feels s(he) is not like himself/herself then... "

Learn more about Maria by clicking HERE or HERE

Maria's Holiday Promotion:  She has surprises waiting for your in her Etsy shop - seven can take a small scarf they have never seen with VERY special price (2 are already gone, 5 left).  She is offering one custom large silk scarf for half price and some scarves are currently discounted up to 30%

Shop Maria's Singing Scarves store by clicking HERE

3. Name: Joy Light

Store Name:  Joysilk

Angel’s “nick name” :) : Mermaid of Ashland

About the Artist:  Joy is such a pleasure to know!  When I think of her, I see her smiling face modeling gorgeous, large silks being draped, like waves over her shoulders.  :)  Her studio is amazing, and even has published a video taking a peek into her creative work space which I just love!  Joysilk is known for their gorgeous ruanas and scarves with beautiful textures and rich colors.

When asked what she loves most about silk painting, Joy's response was, "The beauty of this work is that it is for wearing. In the wearing it finds its purpose; transforming the wearer with its light, channeling human energy into a unique presence. Bringing pleasure from the eye to the heart, each piece has its own personality, a life of its own, channeled by the artist into our world."

European Series by Joy Light

Favorite Project  "European Series"

When asked why she is proud of this piece, Joy's response was."This series was a big departure from my usual abstract color washes.  Each scarf was painted on a different weave of silk, each design was completely different from the nex.  I was proud and encouraged by my ability to paint in a new style."

 

Learn more about Joy by clicking HERE or HERE

Joy's Holiday Promotion:  Take 50% off at Joysilk.com with discount code ANGELRAY.  Offer good through 12/15

Shop Joysilk's Etsy store HERE  and her home page HERE

4. Lynn Meek 

Store Name:  Silk Siren

Angel’s “nick name” :) : Floral Goddess

About the Artist:  Think you've seen a pretty watercolor floral scarf?  Think again.  Lynn Meek's work simply takes my breath away and I am always inspired by her insane talents on expressing detailed, beautiful watercolor floral, landscapes, and even tigers onto gorgeous silk pieces.  Lynn's work has become known for her large scale, shawl-type wraps - no two alike!  Meek has developed her own signature watercolor style using slightly thickened dye applied in a more painterly manner without resist.  This technique lets her paint wet-on-wet letting the dyes mix and meld on the silk - a tricky and unforgiving process!   But.. they are ohhh.. so lovely!

When asked what she loves most about silk painting, Lynn's response was, "Color, color, color!  Luscious dye dropped onto sexy silk  - I was hooked the first time I did it!  AND, as I've continued on this journey, the wonderful, supportive and creative family of silk painters I've met along the way! (... let me add "crazy" and "fun" to those adjectives as well :)"  

Shamrock Scarf by Lynn Meek

Favorite Piece:  Shamrock Scarf

When asked why she is proud of this piece, Lynn's response was."This was for a 30 something young woman with the most gorgeous long, thick curly red hair which would soon be gone to chemo treatment.  I designed a bright, colorful square of silk she could use as a head wrap, tucking some lucky shamrocks in the design as well as her name in Celtic script.  I was truly honored to create this for her."

 

Learn more about Lynn by clicking HERE

Shop Silk Siren's Etsy store HERE  or by special appointment at her studio - just email her at lynnmeek@bellsouth.net

5. Name:  Marcia Ferris

Angel’s “nick name” :) : Maestra Mia

About the Artist:  Possibly one of my number one supporters, and fellow mushroom obsesser is this lovely lady! Marcia is a self taught artist who is a self-proclaimed " Technique Artist" in silk.  She is known for her amazing "Alter Ego" scarves, interesting textures, and jacket collections.  She has probably tested out every possible way to create interesting textures on silk than you or I could possibly think of.  And what is even better?  She loves to share her knowledge and give classes to budding silk artists, and experienced ones alike.

When asked what she loves most about teaching silk techniques, she replied "I recently taught some groups of women who had never silk painted before.  We had so much fun.  They went home with beautiful scarves and happy faces."

Children's Quilt by Marcia Ferris

Favorite Project  "Childrens Quilt"

When asked why she is proud of this piece, Maria's response was, "I am most proud of a children's quilt I made last October for a raffle to help pay for the hospital and medical expenses of a very sick child that I knew.  It was inspired by a beautiful matching children's game with interesting animals, wild life, flowers, etc.. I used scrap painted silk to create the squares and then machine quilted.  The raffle went quite well.  Of course it is unavailable now."

 

Marcia's pieces are only available via private request.  You can email her at marcia8401@gmail.com and she is happy to answer your silk painting questions as well.

6. Pauline Wherrell
Store Name:  Pauline Wherrell on RedBubble

Angel’s “nick name” :) : Crystal Ice Princess

About the Artist:  Pauline is more of a mixed media artist, who also paints on silk as well as canvas, paper, and currently exploring more in photography.  I've had many critiques and discussions about art with this wonderful lady and feel quite close, even though we are oceans apart.  She is known for her incredible interpretations of crystal blue (her favorite color) and high contrasting pieces.  While most of her artwork feels cool to me, she is in reality such a warm, friendly and talented person!

When asked what she loves most about silk painting, Pauline's response was, "The thing I love most about silk painting is its unpredictable nature when painting freely and the vibrancy of the dye colors."  

The Pond by Pauline Wherrell

Favorite Piece:  The Pond

original silk painting with dupont dyes on charmeuse

I love Pauline's delicious use of cool blues and vibrant purples in this, and all her amazing artwork! 

When asked what piece she is most proud of, Pauline's response was, "I am proud of anything I do that has occured as an accident that nobody, not even I can reproduce.  I am at the present exploring photographic creations with ice and clear quartz."  

 

Learn more about Pauline by clicking HERE

Shop Pauline's RedBubble store HERE

7. Jasdeep Kaur

Angel’s “nick name” :) :  Silky Queen of New Delhi

About the Artist:  Jasdeep has been an enthusiastic supporter of my work through her comments and energetic responses over the past year, and although she does not sell in a store online, yet, she does beautiful work herself, and I wanted to share it with you.  She is known for her happy, vibrant and colorful motifs filled with positive and lively designs!  Her forte is hand embroidery, but has begun to explore silk painting in the past few years

Butterfly Inspired long silk scarf by Jasdeep Kaur

When asked what she loves most about silk painting, Jasdeep's response was, "Since this art is relatively new to Indians, at least in the northern part of the country, wearing a painted outfit thrills them, giving me all the more reason to be happy and proud of the fact that I have yet another medium to express my feelings... put my thoughts from my mind to the ever gorgeous silk.  It is a proud feeling to give something so unique and exclusive and boast about it!"  

To learn more about Jasdeep and view her silk painting gallery, click HERE

 To All my Silky Friends both featured here and all over the world, thank you for your continued support and friendship.  Wishing you all the best for a healthy, happy, safe and warm holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

All My Best,

A.R