Kathryn Gastelum

About the Process

My artistic process starts on canvas with oil paint and cold wax medium surrounded by jazz music! As I work abstractly, I like to begin by priming my canvas with a color, then using my jet black charcoal pencil, I create interesting marks on the surface. Next, using various palette knives and used gift cards, I begin to add, scrape and remove mixed paint onto the surface while rotating the canvas until something interesting begins to emerge. At that point I continue to work the painting making sure the composition and design elements work well together for an intriguing painting. For my Silk Scarves, a white silk panel is stretched onto a frame and pinned down. Then using Jacquard French professional dyes and gutta as my resist, I begin designing spontaneously to create colorful, beautiful scarves in various sizes as well as eyeglass cases. When the design is complete, each scarf is signed, then wrapped in paper and steamed in order to set the dyes. Next it is hand washed, air dried and pressed. Now it is ready for to wear any Season and is perfect for travel! Simply hand wash with a mild soap to clean. Each scarf is one-of-a kind!