Fibers are flowing and often 3-D, but the design surface is generally 2-D for most of these pieces. The silk pieces are meant to be tactile, worn, given as gifts, held to the light,... The work on this page is by Julia March Crocetto.
Julia's solo show "In Praise of Green, and Other Colors" is on display from October 10 - November 2010 at the North Wall Gallery, Sheldon Community Arts Hangar, downtown Talkeetna.
"Watercolors merge with fibers in this show of colorful exploration. Julia has been using various surface design techniques to combine painting and fibers; resulting in abstracts, landscapes and even mobiles. Known for her wearable scarves, this show will be a departure, taking her silk paintings to a new level. Texture is a major part of the focus, with works that hang on the walls and in the air."
 "Dahlia II" French Dye on Silk, Whole cloth quilted, copyright Julia March Crocetto 2009.
 "Oil Slick" French Dye on Silk, Whole cloth quilted, copyright Julia March Crocetto 2009.
Some more recent work:
 "Green Shibori" Mokume (wood grain) Shibori on cotton, Fiber Reactive Dye, Fabric Paint, copyright 2009 Julia March Crocetto
 Detail from "Geranium", French Dye on Silk Habutai, painted from life on the front porch in Talkeetna, summer 2009. Copyright Julia March Crocetto.
Watch for more photos of quilting, shibori and rust dyeing here!
 "Secret Silvers" depects the Coho still out to sea, enjoying the kelp beds. French Dye on Silk Satin, copyright 2007, Julia March Crocetto
Julia uses French Dyes for most of her work on silk, some fiber reactive dyes, and some acid dyes depending upon the techniques involved, the size of the work and so on. She researches and sketches before creating the drawing that will be traced onto the silk with resist. Julia uses water-based media so that no solvents will be needed for removal. Silks are steamed to set the dyes, then washed to remove the resist. Wearable art is hand washed several times, up to 140 degrees (F) to insure colorfastness. Then each piece is ironed, when finally, the color and detail comes to life. This labor intensive process makes them very easy to care for. Julia's studio is in semi-remote Alaska, 70 miles from the nearest dry cleaner and 120 miles from the nearest art supply store.
 Autumn colors on Silk Satin, French Dye. Copyright 2006 Julia March Crocetto. Collection of the artist.
 "Salmon in the Current" (detail), handpainted Charmeuse silk, by Julia March Crocetto. "This is about 14" wide by 72" long and wouldn't fit in my studio; it had to be painted on my front porch on a (rare) sunny day!" Private collection, Alaska.
 Dragonfly on Blue (detail), Hand-dyed silk scarf 8" x 54", Julia March Crocetto, copyright 2005. Private collectioin.
 Pavia's Medicine Woman Mandala Scarf, Hand-Dyed Silk, 48" square, Copyright 2004 Julia March Crocetto. This scarf was given to Pavia Wald, it hung above her bed. Pavia died of familial ALS in December 2005. For more information about ALS (Lou Gherig's disease), visit www.alsa.org The Medicine Woman Mandala is full of healing and hopeful messages, bordered with landscape images from the four winds. Pavia lived in Alaska and worked as a naturalist for NPS. Julia also became inspired by Gretchen Irwin, another Alaskan friend, and created a purple and pink scarf with pink ribbons, which was donated to a fundraiser. Gretchen's website is www.stayingconnected.com
 Red toned swirls - an example of a possible color theme available. Hand painted silk scarf, by Julia March Crocetto.
 "Doves of Peace" (detail) hand-painted silk satin, by Julia March Crocetto, copyright 2005. Private collection.
"Tundra" shoulder bag, knitted & felted wool, 2005 by Julia.
 The tufted white and green yarns looked like lichen, especially after fulling. Here is the bag before fulling.
 "Tundra" bag, fulled wool and mixed fibers, design by Julia March Crocetto, copyright 2005. Private collection. View after fulling, while bag is upside down, drying.
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