Bombyx Mori, the silk moth, originally existed in the wild but it has been aggressively domesticated over millennia; now it is unable to exist without the intervention of man. The moths cannot fly, lack a fear of predators and require food to be provided. At the point the silk is ready for harvest the pupae are “stifled” with heat or steam to ensure they do not damage the cocoon of precious thread. The silk industry and Bombyx Mori are entirely dependent on each other.
I have used dry point to produce print, incorporating Chine Collé of individually coloured mulberry tissue paper. Other pieces combine photographs I have taken at Paradise Mill, used with kind permission of The Silk Heritage Trust, with original artwork.
They were exhibited in a joint exhibition with Patty Callaghan at “Sevens” in Macclesfield for the Barnaby Art Trail.
Silk Moth
silk moth
silk worm and jacquard cards
silk moth
silk moth
