Marina Elphick

Batik is almost a daily activity for me, and has been since my teens, when I was introduced to it in an art lesson at school. 30 years later it still keeps me very busy.

Drawing and colour are my main interests and I find batik is the perfect medium to combine and express both. All my batiks start with a detailed drawing directly onto the cotton; which has to give as much information as possible and be bold to withstand numerous dye baths. I work figuratively using wax as a painting medium, applying it with a range of brushes, cantings and kyskas to achieve fine detail, subtle tones, texture and rhythm.

I studied Art at Goldsmiths in the early eighties, when my style of work wasn’t fashionable. Though sometimes disheartening, the experience opened my eyes and left me determined to be true to myself. Fortunately I was fuelled by a desire to explore and create and felt strongly that batik was my chosen medium. My artwork is inspired by colour, natural forms, people and the countryside. Portraits are my speciality and I get regular commissions. I find them challenging and rewarding, allowing scope for expression, imagination and the creative process.

Over time my work has evolved and I’d like to think that my technique has improved, but there is often a boldness and clarity in earlier work. There is still so much to discover and learn about batik and I have many projects I want to explore.

I am now working on a series of themed batiks. I draw from life when ever possible and these batiks will involve life study.

My studio is next to the house; conveniently close, but separate enough to avoid domestic distractions. I have three exhibitions planned for 2009 and more portraits in the pipeline. I will be taking some time out to paint a 10m x 4m garden mural in a house in Dulwich Common, it will be the largest piece I have ever worked on.

The Batik Guild is a great source of information and inspiration for batik artists. It enables us to make contact with kindred spirits, compare notes, discuss methods and pass on useful tips. Batiks shown in the web Gallery are so varied; it is sometimes hard to believe they have been made using the same technique. It goes to show just how versatile this medium is.