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The Initiate
The Initiate | 2010 | wine stain on cotton with embroidery | 7 x 10 inches

Wine Stains

My process for creating these wine stain portraits uses a wax resist (batik) and repeated wine stains to build up a light/dark pattern. Then, I add embroidery (split stitch, to be precise) to reinforce the design of the portrait. So far, my equipment is rather crude, melting dead candle remnants in a coffee can over a propane grill or stovetop & painting the wax resist with a kiddie bristle brush. 
The first stains are made with a $10 bottle of French Cahors, but subsequent stains will feature Finger Lakes reds chosen for deep color and lowest residual sugars. Yes, I am truly eager to continue expanding upon these initial results.     

Picture
It Is Alternately Stone In You and Star | 2011 | wine stain on cotton with embroidery | 5.5 x 11.75 | red dot

© Amelia Fais Harnas, 2010 & 2011