There are many ways to paint on silk. Mira will demonstrate the Serti (closing or fence) technique where designs are outlined with gutta or resists, which are applied to silk that has been pre-washed, dried and stretched. Once the gutta or resist has dried, it acts as a barrier for the dye or paint; keeping the colour within the outlined areas of the design and allowing to achieve sharply defined borders. The dyes are painted onto the stretched surface of the silk using a paintbrush. The dyes flow into the fiber and bond with the proteins, becoming a part of the silk thread. After the dye or paint has been properly set, the clear gutta or resist is removed, and the colour of the original fabric remains. Coloured guttas and resists are also available that are meant to remain in the fabric.

Mira Wasilewska is a local artist concentrating her work on acrylic and watercolour painting. Silk painting has been a natural extension of her interests in painting techniques. She is also designing and creating unique silver and copper jewelry and experimenting with pottery.