Patty Demant
Patty has been crafty all her life. She learned to use a sewing machine, putting quilts together and sewing her own clothes at age 13 and has not stopped since.
In 2010, Patty, a Montessori trained teacher, retired from her 40 year career in the Early Childhood classroom but remains a Director Mentor with the California Early Childhood Mentor Program. Botanical printing on silk and other natural fibers was introduced to Patty four years ago by fiber artist India Flint. She fell in love with the process and will never look at a leaf without wondering if it will print. |
The process of Botanical Printing on natural fabrics such as silk, wool, and cashmere, is a multi-step, 2-3 day event. For materials like linen, cotton and hemp, it can take weeks. The process begins by wrapping fiber bundles full of leaves, such as eucalyptus, alder, maple, oak and black walnut, and binding them tightly around copper pipe. The next step requires a pot full of elements that serve as mordants such as iron and vinegar. These bundles are simmered for 2 hours, removed, cooled, and opened the next day.
Patty lives on a hill just outside of Fortuna with her loving husband of 36 years. She has three wonderful adult children and two adorable grandchildren.
Patty lives on a hill just outside of Fortuna with her loving husband of 36 years. She has three wonderful adult children and two adorable grandchildren.
These are some representative pieces. Please visit Trinidad Art Gallery for the latest available pieces.