My name is Clara Applewhaite-Mitchell, a Printmaker/Silk Painter/Textile Designer/Teacher, with over 15 years experience in the Textile industry in New York and New Jersey, from 1988 to 2003, and a lifetime in the creative arts.
In 2003, I decided to commit myself to my ‘artistic journey’. I specialize in “gutta serti” method, or silk painting. My work can be described as original, one-of-a-kind, custom art, which may be worn or hung in the home. I execute my designs on 100% silk, as this is the preferred substrate for the technique. My preferred silk is Silk Habotai 10mm weight. Silk is durable, luxurious, and transcends every season. It lends a light and natural luminous quality to my original designs.
The main theme for my work, speaks to the eco and socio-economic injustices to the world environment, through my exhibitions, “Paradise Losing” 2009, and “Earth Skins” 2011.
These came about as I witnessed the glaring changes in the environment, particularly in my island home, due to so-called ‘progress’. My pieces are designed using bold, yet vivid elements of flora and fauna, intertwined with striking motifs of my multi-cultural Trinidadian heritage, in contrast with symbols of progress. It is through these images I give voice to possible ruination, or certain rebirth, if we do not act. My work is influenced by local Trinidad artists, like Boscoe Holder, Carlisle Chang, M.P. Alladin, and by modern artists such as, Piet Mondrian and Romare Bearden.
My present collection, studies the bold architectural motifs and patterns of Morocco, having followed my collections of Ghana Trade Beads, and Beads of South Africa, which studied the vivid colour and patterns, respectively.
I welcome commissions, and am available to teach workshops. I continue to show and to exhibit in Trinidad, as well as juried art shows in the New Jersey area. Prices range from $15 to $1800 US.
Do enjoy!