Layered Chromics

April 29, 2017

Layered chromics sample is a water and temperature combination affected textile sample. Depending on whether a warm (over 27 C) or cold (below 27 C) water touches the sample, a specific color and/or pattern appears.

The layered combination of the chromic inks is build up in 3 layers. First is a thermochromic magenta + blue pigment layer. Second is black thermochromic layer with a pattern. Third is all hydrochromic layer.

1st layer thermochromic magenta + blue pigment:

2nd layer black thermochromic layer with a pattern:

3rd layer is only hydrochromic.

Red and black is activated with cold water. Blue activated with hot water:

Each layer must be fixed with heat by ironing the dry sample with 130 C for 3 minutes each.

References/Inspirations:

2013 "Thermochromic Origami" by Isabel Cabral & A. P. Souto: http://etextile-summercamp.org/swatch-exchange/thermochromic-origami/

2014 Water Connector by Marta Kisand, Barbro Scholz and Esther Stühme http://etextile-summercamp.org/swatch-exchange/water-connector/

2014 "Changing Patterns" by Aniela Hoitink / NEFFA http://etextile-summercamp.org/swatch-exchange/changing-patterns/

2016 "Metamerism" by Celine Marcq http://etextile-summercamp.org/swatch-exchange/metamerism/

Materials:

Magenta Thermochromic Ink (27 C) http://www.zenit-konst.se
Black Thermochromic Ink (27 C) http://www.zenit-konst.se
Hydrochromic Ink https://www.sfxc.co.uk
Aquaplast binder https://www.siebdruck-versand.de
Aquaplast blue pigment https://www.siebdruck-versand.de
Screen printing screen (61 T) https://www.siebdruck-versand.de
100% cotton textile

Techniques:

Sample pattern design

Screen printing

Here is a good tutorial (not mine) for screen making, pattern application and screen printing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIHOSzbNT8Q&t=29s

Heat fixing of the print on textile: 130 C for 3 minutes, each layer.

Dimensions:

8 cm diameter circle sample

Photo:

Red and black is activated with cold water. Blue activated with hot water:

Patterns, Templates:

Layer order plan:

Pigment mixing:

Lucha Libre

December 02, 2013

Lucha Libre is a popular Mexican freestyle wrestling. Known for high-flying maneuvers and colorful costumes and masks.

The tradition of Lucha Libre dates back to the end of 19th century but it became widely popular in the 60's and 70's when Luchadores starred as superheroes in the movies. Today this wrestling is still widely practiced in Mexico and US.

The wrestlers wear bright and flashy costumes together with bizarre masks. Historically the masks were made of leather and looked rather discreet. Today the masks are made of all possible available colorful, shiny and extravagant textiles.

2013, Mexico

Corrida de Toros

April 22, 2013

Bullfighting is a traditional Spanish spectacle in which one or more bulls are battled and then killed in a bullring for the entertainment of the audience.

Bullfighting is a Spanish tradition, very popular here in Mexico. In Europe the bullfighting is largely prohibited and illegal but here in Mexico they still perform it.

Matadores and Toreros wear beautiful embroidered costumes, colorful and sparkling on the sun. They wear lots of beautiful handwork.

2013, Mexico

The Huichol

April 14, 2013

The Huichol are a Native American ethnic group of western central Mexico. I visited them in Real de Catorce village in San Luis Potosi province.

The Huichol create colorful craft pieces. The symbols and techniques sprung from shamanistic traditions. They do small beaded objects and yarn paintings in psychedelic colors. Their artwork is strongly related to their traditions and beliefs.

They create yarn paintings: small squared or round wood tablets are covered with beeswax and thereafter yarns are pressed into the wax. The images on the yarn paintings are very detailed and colorful.

Another technique they use is beading. Similarly with yarn paintings they cover wooden objects with beeswax and insert the beads on top. They also make beaded jewelry, the modern variations of this jewelry is 3-dimensional and very complex. Today they use plastic beads but before they were making their own beads of wood, stones and other materials.

In Real de Catorce it was possible to see a lot of beautiful artwork made by local artisans.

2013, Mexico