After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design with a ceramics major, Betty Busby founded a custom ceramic tile manufacturing firm in Los Angeles. After nearly 20 years of running the firm, she sold the business in 1994 (it is still in operation to this day).
Upon relocating to New Mexico, she changed the focus of her art work to fiber, taking it full time in 2004.
Her manufacturing background has lead to constant experimentation with new materials and techniques that fuel her work.
The classic fractal structures of the sub microscopic world are a constant inspiration, as are natural processes, such as oxidation, replication and growth.
Workshop: New Techniques with Paint
I have developed several unique methods of producing surface design on fabric.
New Techniques is a class devoted to exploring those methods- we’ll explore many different media, from fabric paint, to acrylic markers, gel pens and paintsticks.
One of the advantages of using paint is that it will work on everything- cotton, bamboo, and synthetics- experimentation is encouraged!
I use a wet on wet painting system- the material is thoroughly dampened before the undiluted paint is applied. Due to the increased open time, the pigment can be spread on the fabric, colors can be blended directly, and brush strokes disappear. In addition, if the painting is done over a textured surface, an echo design of that texture can appear on the painted fabric due to the drying properties of the paint.
Using the painted fabric as a base, spectacular results can be achieved by over stenciling with Shiva paint sticks.
We will also explore the use of custom made vinyl shapes for sun printing, and use these as a springboard for additional surface design.
An electric cutting machine will be available to cut out vinyl shapes of your own design if desired.
