Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The protein fiber of silk is composed mainly of fibroin and is produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons. The best-known silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity (sericulture)....
The Art Media Silk
Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The protein fiber of silk is composed mainly of fibroin and is produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons. The best-known silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity (sericulture).
History
The production of silk originated in China in the Neolithic period, although it would eventually reach other places of the world. Silk production remained confined to China until the Silk Road opened at some point during the latter part of the 1st millennium BC, though China maintained its virtual monopoly over silk production for another thousand years.
Wild Silk
Several kinds of wild silk, produced by caterpillars other than the mulberry silkworm, have been known and spun in China, South Asia, and Europe since ancient times. However, the scale of production was always far smaller than for cultivated silks. There are several reasons for this: first, they differ from the domesticated varieties in colour and texture and are therefore less uniform; second, cocoons gathered in the wild have usually had the pupa emerge from them before being discovered so the silk thread that makes up the cocoon has been torn into shorter lengths; and third, many wild cocoons are covered in a mineral layer that prevents attempts to reel from them long strands of silk. Thus, the only way to obtain silk suitable for spinning into textiles in areas where commercial silks are not cultivated was by tedious and labor-intensive carding.
Silk Art
The art media silk has been used for centuries in various forms of art, including painting, embroidery, and printmaking. The shimmering appearance of silk is due to the triangular prism-like structure of the silk fibre, which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles, thus producing different colors.
The Museum Ospedale degli Innocenti (Florence, Italy), also known as the Hospital of the Innocents, is a historic building in Florence, Italy. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and built between 1419 and 1427 for the Arte della Seta or Silk Guild of Florence. The building is regarded as a notable example of early Italian Renaissance architecture and features intricate silk-inspired designs in its facade.
Painting by 'Robert Campin (Master Of Flemalle)' : Holy Trinity is an oil painting on linen that features an embroidered silk background. The painting, which dates back to the 15th century, showcases the intricate details and vibrant colors of silk in a religious context.
Painting by 'Kikuchi Yōsai' : Two Carp is a traditional Japanese painting on silk that depicts two carps swimming in a serene pond. The painting, which dates back to the 19th century, showcases the delicate texture and subtle colors of silk in a naturalistic setting.
Painting by 'Paula Klien' : Cocoon is a contemporary abstract painting on silk that explores the symbolism of the cocoon in nature and human culture. The painting, which dates back to the 21st century, showcases the versatility and expressiveness of silk as an art medium.
Silk Artists
Cliff Holden is a British painter, designer, and silk-screen printer who has been using silk as an art medium for over six decades. Holden was educated at Wilmslow Modern School followed by Reaseheath School of Agriculture, where he studied agriculture and veterinary science. In 1944, Holden met David Bomberg (1890–1957) at the City Literary Institute in London, who became his mentor and introduced him to silk-screen printing.
Conclusion
Silk is a versatile and expressive art medium that has been used for centuries in various forms of art. Its shimmering appearance, delicate texture, and subtle colors make it an ideal choice for painting, embroidery, and printmaking. From ancient Chinese silk paintings to contemporary abstract silk paintings, the art media silk continues to inspire artists and captivate audiences around the world.