HAND-PAINTED SILK
When we talk about hand-painted silk, there are several methods and techniques to create beautiful designs on silk fabric. What all these techniques have in common is that hand-painted silk always results in a unique, one-of-a-kind piece with an unrepeatable design. Painting on silk requires speed and skill because the paint dries quickly on the fabric, making practice and patience essential for mastering the techniques.
An ancient silk-painting method is the batik technique, where wax is used to outline and create designs. Silk can also be painted using gutta for outlining or with the help of stencils. In these techniques, the motif is painted within the drawn lines, either using watercolor techniques or pure silk dyes.
SALT TECHNIQUE
When using the salt technique, silk is painted using a watercolor method along with salt, without pre-drawn lines. Salt can be applied to certain areas of the fabric to add decorative touches or emphasize details, or the entire design can be created using salt, which is how I approach my work.
I have been developing my unique SALT TECHNIQUE for over 10 years. Most of my creations are made with the use of salt. In my case, this means that after painting the desired motif on the silk with brushes and colors, I further enhance it by applying salt. By drawing with salt in various granulations, I achieve the desired shapes and effects, which emphasize the motif, creating unpredictable, stunning abstract patterns that are revealed only at the end of the process.
The salt technique gives the fabric vivid, abstract patterns reminiscent of crystal formations or coral colonies, while also featuring recognizable real shapes inspired by my current artistic vision. This technique is perfect for creating unique scarves, shawls, dresses, or other fashion accessories, as each piece becomes a small work of art.
That’s why I often emphasize that MONTARO scarves and shawls are wearable art that highlights the individuality of the person who chooses them.
PAINTING SILK
Each of my works is absolutely unique in every sense, as it is impossible to replicate an emotion. There is no template, and it’s impossible for every grain of salt to fall in the exact same place.
I never use pure colors, nor do I measure the ratio of mixed paints. The final result can vary greatly depending on whether I am painting on a rainy day, a beautiful sunny winter day with a strong north wind, or a hot summer day. The humidity in the air plays a crucial role in the development of the effect.
The scarves may have similar colors, and the motif may be the same or similar—lavender, fire—but they are NEVER identical. This is where the magic of creation lies.
Each piece is one-of-a-kind, unrepeatable, with its own story that I love to share with the future owner. In a special way, this process always connects me with the person who will wear it.
