Front Cover: Shibori dyed silk scarf.

Shibori dyed silk scarf. Amanda Duke Mixed Media Artist

I started hand dyeing fabric and hand stitching 10 years ago mainly as a relaxing and therapeutic activity, little did I know these distraction activities would stick and that my interest in fabric dyeing and stitching would grow into an obsession.

This month’s Your Steyning cover shows a detail from a Shibori dyed silk scarf. Each summer I make an Indigo dye Vat and dye some fabric using this traditional Japanese resist technique; Folding clamping, tying and stitching the fabric to create a multitude of patterns. Some of my outcomes can be seen at Shoreham Art Gallery throughout August.

After an incredible career teaching Art in secondary schools I have turned to teaching Art and textile workshops to adults which has proved to be a wonderful next phase in life. I enjoy the interaction with people and it keeps me focused on ‘what’s next’ in making my own work.

I aim to create relaxed yet productive workshops where people of different experience levels can enjoy exploring their own creativity whilst feeling safe and secure.

Throughout September a range of works produced during lockdown will be on display at Sakala, Steyning High Street, as part of the Steyning Arts Summer Exhibition and at Shoreham Art Gallery.

These works reflect the vibrancy remembered in my travels to Jaipur over the last two years as well as my personal escape from the difficulties we have faced over the last four-five months. If you would like to see hand painted fabrics, assembled using free motion machining alongside mono printed paper collages do pop in.

If you would like to know more or to book at Shibori Workshop please contact Amanda at: E: amandagduke@gmail.com