Dyed silk tie

Over the course of a career as a working artist spanning nearly three decades, in which my spirit has found expression as a fasiona designer, jewelry maker and painter of watercolors, I’ve found myself continually inspired and drawn to certain things — the richness of color in medieval, Japanese and vintage textiles; the subtleties of line and texture expressed in florals; and more recently, the architectural elegance of the historic Philadelphia neighborhood where I now make my home.

After studying Fashion Design at Drexel University and Fabric Design at the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science and working with various mentors, my technique has gradually evolved into one that relies heavily upon the ancient wax-resist method of Batik and the use of the “tjanting” the simple wood and metal tool from which my lines flow.

Each piece of white silk or velvet is worked on as an individual canvas. I like to think of my pieces as artwork to adorn the body, then when taken off, to be hung on the wall.

For several years, I designed and produced a line of Batik silk scarves marketed in Japan. I now find it rewarding that my garments and accessories can be found and appreciated in a wide variety of venues, from boutiques to museums and historical institutions, throughout the United States.

Kathy Robinson, Batik Wearables Designer, Website