Layers of Meaning

U.K. Silk Painters Guild

There are at least two silk painters guilds that I found on the internet - one in the U.S. and one in the U.K. Information about the U.K. Silk Painters Guild first: They appear to be a fairly active lot with a quarterly journal, an online gallery ("The website features more than 200 paintings by over sixty painters from around the world."), a well written and illustrated section of projects, events and classes (mostly in the U.K.) and a well organized links section of international artists and resources.

The site's founder and president Mandy Southan, has an extensive background in textile design: "Mandy Southan worked as a textile designer before setting up her own studio producing hand-printed and painted fabrics. She then taught painting and drawing and silk-painting at Hastings College for over ten years ... She has produced four books for silk painters" Southern offers one o one tutorials in silk painting from her studio in Hastings, England.

The gallery reveals the diversity that is possible in silk painting, featuring "more than 200 paintings by over sixty painters from around the world." Even better, the guild has an open invitation for silk painters to display their work whether they are members or not: "We would like to remind silk painters, wherever you are, that our gallery of work is open to all. You do not have to be a member of the Guild to have work featured in the Gallery. It is there to show the range and diversity of styles and techniques and to be an inspiration to everyone." As a result, the gallery offers a panoramic shot of contemporary silk painting. The work ranges from representational (with a level of incredible detail) to abstract.