The History of Fabric Painting

 Being the incredibly expressive and creative species that we are, it is no surprise that we have been creating art for as long as we have known how to, or at least for as long as we have had the resources to actually create art.

Fabric painting, both as an art form as a type of symbolism, showing various messages, giving status to royals and people of power, etc., has been around since at least 3000 B.C, the earliest date at which printing blocks have been discovered in various parts of the ancient world.

Using these blocks, weavers and artisans used minerals and colours created from plants and animals to leave printed patterns and symbols on fabrics, which were then sold or given as gifts to elders and affluent members of society. By 300 B.C, painted fabrics were common among even regular people in India, and would soon become popular around the world.

One of the most common uses of fabric paint was for the creation of house flags which were carried into battle to show which families were being represented. The patterns and colours used were personalized to each family or city, and were later used to brand clothing and all kinds of possessions, and even weapon sheathes and homes.

By around 1000 B.C, a form of fabric paining called Kalamkari, literally meaning ‘pen work’was developed in India, and made use of brushes made from animal hair, sticks and bamboo shoots to draw patterns on cloths. While cotton sheets were most commonly used, as they allow the paint to be absorbed easier, later examples of silk painting has been found, obviously from after the artists found ways of making it hold the paint properly.

By around 200 A.D, as painted fabrics were traded and sold to other societies as the world started to expand and explorers began discovering new worlds, different techniques started forming in countries such as China and Japan, who commonly used stencils and resists in order to create even more detailed patterns in a shorter time than it would take if done completely by hand.

These techniques, while they have obviously changed over the last 19 centuries, remain commonly used to this day. We make use of much more advanced tools and paints, which allow us to both, make fabric art that lasts a long time, while increasing the variety of colours we are able to make use of in painting.


Written by: Wesley Geyer
Creative writer

Six Tips for Creating Incredible Fabric Paintings

Whether it’s your first time trying your hand at fabric painting, or you’ve been doing it for a while, and are just looking to get better and change up your style, or if you’re having some trouble getting something to come out the way you want it, asking the Internet for help is always going to be your first port of call.

There are too many tips that can be given to aspiring fabric painters to be covered in one simple article, but a lot of the fun of learning to paint using a new medium, or challenging yourself to getting better at fabric painting is in giving it a shot yourself and learning from your own mistakes.

Here is a short list of tips to help you get started, and some things you should remember before getting started: 

1. If a fabric is loosely woven, the paint you’re using might seep through the threads before it's dry. This will reduce the intensity of the colors and leave less paint sealed into the fabric, meaning that it could also wash out quicker and become patchy. A finely woven fabric is also easier to paint detail on than a loosely woven one.

2. You’ll want to wash the material you’re using before starting the painting process in order to remove any sizing added during manufacture which may prevent the paint from adhering to the surface. It also gives it a chance to shrink, if it's going to. To test whether a piece of fabric needs to be washed beforehand, drop a little bit of water on it. If it beads up on the surface, it needs washing because there are chemicals soaked into it that are preventing anything from being absorbed. If it sinks in, the paint you're going to use will also likely soak into it and get locked up permanently.

3. Wetting the fabric with clean water before painting it encourages colors to flow into each other, like in a watercolor. But don't add too much water, as it'll dilute the colors; the fabric should be damp, not soaking.

4. Remember when painting a t-shirt to insert something a few sheets of newspaper, a bit of card or plastic inside the shirt so the paint doesn't seep through onto the back of the shirt.

5. Stencils can make fabric painting easier. To get the best look when stenciling, begin by applying the paint with a sponge to keep the paint from leaking out under the stencil.

6. Heat set the fabric paint to protect it in the washing machine. You can do that in one of two ways: hold a hot iron over the painted section without touching the paint, or turn the garment inside out and ironing over the opposite side of the fabric for five minutes or so. Wait at least 24 hours after painting before trying to heat it up, or the paint will loosen and might run into each other or seem put of the material.

Written by Wesley Geyer

Creative writer

What is the difference between acrylic paint and fabric paint?

There are many people who believe that it is perfectly okay to paint on fabric with a regular acrylic paint, and many more who believe that you should only use fabric paint when working with fabric.

The difference between the two kinds of paints is something that should be considered before making your choice, however, since it will affect how successful your painting is, and what can be done with it afterwards.

Fabric paint, for instance, contains a binding agent that is specifically designed to cling onto fabrics, and will adhere better than acrylic paint will, since it is thicker and more likely to stick only at a surface level.

You can easily turn an acrylic paint into a fabric-suitable paint with special mediums. When mixed equally, the medium adds the adhesive agent that is found in fabric paint to the acrylic, which will allow it to stick more successfully and permanently.

Standard acrylic paint, however, should only be applied to fabric if the fabric does not need to drape, or to be loose at all, such as a curtain, a t-shirt or a flag. Acrylic paint, when dry, will harden and create a layer over the material, so any bending that is done under the paint may cause cracks in the paint over time, whereas fabric paint seeps into the material, leaving it free to move around without cracking or chipping off.

Both types of paint are water resistant once dry, but in order to securely set fabric paint; it is advised that you set it using a source of heat, such as an iron or a blow dryer. Once that is done, washing the fabric will not cause the paint to chip or fade in any way. Acrylic paint, however, even though it is water resistant when dry, is more likely to crack under heat in the washing machine if it hasn't been mixed with the medium mixer mentioned above.

Written by Wesley Geyer
Creative writer 

Top 5 books that have been turned into movies

With many classic books being turned into movies ever so often, there is always the big debate as to whether the movies based on books, are ever as good as the books themselves. 

Despite the debates, many book lovers flock to the cinema’s to watch their favourite books come to life on the big screen. 

This list of the top five books that were turned into movies contains some of the most popular bestsellers and blockbusters.

1. The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a 2008 science fiction novel by the American writer Suzanne Collins. It is written in the voice of 16 year old Katniss Everdeen who lives in the dystopian, post-apocalyptic nation of Panem in North America. Since its release, The Hunger Games has been translated into 26 languages, and is the first in the Hunger Games trilogy. The film adaption released in 2012, was met with critical acclaim.

2. Harry Potter

Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The books chronicle the life and adventures of the main character, a wizard named Harry Potter and his friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Since the release of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, on 30 June 1997, the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide. The last four books consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history.

3. Twilight

A series of four vampire-themed, fantasy romance novels by American author Stephenie Meyer. It charts a period in the life of Isabella "Bella" Swan, a teenage girl who moves to Forks, Washington, and falls in love with a 104-year-old vampire named Edward Cullen. Since the release of the first novel, Twilight, in 2005, the books have gained immense popularity and commercial success around the world. The series is most popular among young adults; and the four books have won multiple awards.

4. The Hobbit  

A fantasy novel and children's book by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. It was published on 21 September 1937 to wide critical acclaim. The Hobbit came to life and was made into a film in 2012. The Hobbit follows the quest of home-loving hobbit Bilbo Baggins to win a share of the treasure guarded by the dragon, Smaug. Bilbo's journey takes him from light-hearted, rural surroundings into more sinister territory.

5. The Chronicles of Narnia

A series of seven high fantasy novels by author C.S. Lewis. It is considered a classic of children's literature and is the author's best-known work, having sold over 100 million copies in 47 languages. Set in the fictional realm of Narnia, a fantasy world of magic, mythical beasts, and talking animals, the series narrates the adventures of various children who play central roles in the unfolding history of that world. The movie was also met with critical claim when it was adapted into a film.

Source: Wikipedia

Written by: Thulisile Khumalo

What is the difference between fiction and non-fiction?

Fiction

This refers to a book or piece of literature that is created from imagination. These are books that are made up by the author, and are not true.

This type of literature or book may involve science fiction; fantasy; mysteries; romance and crime thrillers. The fiction storyline is made up by the author, and can be based on a certain time period and event in that period, but the characters and the sub storyline of the characters are made up. 

Such examples of fiction include JK Rowling’s popular Harry Potter books, which the author created from her imagination - as none of it was based on anything true. Another example is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, as the characters and storyline were also made up.

Although fiction describes a major branch of literary work, it may also refer to theatrical, cinematic or musical work.

Non-fiction

While fiction describes work of the imagination, non-fiction contrasts this. Non-fiction refers to books or literature based on facts - literature about real things, people, events and places.

Therefore, non-fiction books are factual books that deliver details or information about specific things or events. They are stories based on real facts and information.

Such examples of non-fiction work include memoirs, biographies, historic facts and other works that are factual.

Written by: Thulisile Khumalo

Why is reading so important?

For many people, there seems to be so many other things to do with one’s time than pick up a book to read. However reading is important for a variety of reasons. 

Let’s take a look at some of the fundamental reasons why reading is important:

1. Reading develops the mind 

The mind is a powerful human tool that needs exercise. Reading and understanding written words is one way the mind grows in its ability. Reading also helps young children develop their language skills. Through reading your ability to listen is enhanced, as it helps you focus on what someone else is communicating.

2. Improve understanding

Through reading, you begin to improve your understanding of a variety of topics. The more you read, the more you understand the world more. Therefore, through reading, you create a structured path towards a better understanding and better actions to take in the future.

3. You discover new things

Through reading you are able to expose yourself to new things, new information and new ways to solve problems. A person who knows how to read can educate themselves in any area of life they are interested in. Exploration begins from reading and understanding.

4. Enhance communication skills

Communication is the most important tool which can be transmitted through reading. When you read, you understand more and thus you can communicate better with people. You are able to connect and share information with people. Reading connects you with the world.

5. Boost imagination and creativity

Reading develops the creative side of people – it exposes people to a world of imagination, showing them that nothing is impossible in this world. When you read you are able to travel, without moving. As André Maurois says “The art of reading is in great part that of acquiring a better understanding of life, from one’s encounter with it in a book.”

There you have it, the reasons why reading is important - now there is no reason for not picking up a book and exploring it. 

Written by: Thulisile Khumalo

What makes the Mona Lisa so great?

The Mona Lisa is arguably the most famous painting in the world, painted in the early 16th century, somewhere between by 1503 and 1506, by Leonardo Da Vinci. 

 

The artwork was painted on a canvas block after being commissioned by a wealthy French businessman who wanted a portrait of his wife painted by the Italian Master, however, once it was completed, Da Vinci failed to return the product to his customer, perhaps because he was struck by its beauty and wanted to keep it for himself, or for another mysterious reason. 

 

Whatever it is, what is certain is that people from around the world have been drawn to the painting in the Louvre for some reason.

 

For the most part, the Mona Lisa is famous simply for being famous. It is certainly not Da Vinci’s most ambitious artwork, but it remains his Magnum Opus. Many people have said that what makes the Mona Lisa so mysterious is that her smile and gaze have never quite been figured out. 

 

It is said that she is smiling because she knows a secret, an idea that originated immediately after her unveiling to the public who, during the renaissance era valued knowledge and truth over anything.

 

Perhaps her secret is one about the artist, or the universe, but after all of the speculation, it is quite obvious that she hasn't opened her mouth to tell anyone.

 

Any mystery and simplicity that comes through in the painting does not in the slightest remove from the epic artistry of the painting, because simply put, it was the beginning of a style of portrait artistry that has continued to this day. 

 

Traditionally, portraits were full length, and the fore and background details were equally vivid. The Mona Lisa, however, whoever she may in fact be, is painted from the waist up, with her arms folded on her lap. 

 

This closeness gives the artist the ability to provide more detail to the face and more noticeable features, and the background noticeably becomes more out of focus, making the viewer stare at the subject instead of the surrounding area.

 

To this day, no one can really say what it is that makes the Mona Lisa so special, and it may well be that this, in fact, is what has cemented her place as one of the most recognizable figures in the world.

 

Written by: Wesley Geyer