David Lucht Batik Painting: World Batik

Welcome to an exploration of world culture through the medium of batik. David Lucht is an artist who brings the traditions of batik painting alive using the art of contemporary realism to examine his interest in the people of the world. Explore this fine art website and discover a unique art done in a style he calls "World Batik."

My goal is to envision the ancient craft of batik as fine art. Batik originated in the world of craft where people create beauty to contribute a sense of grace to their daily lives. I try to bring forward the history of that desire for commonplace beauty and use it to form the support for my own imagery. By developing a craft into the fine art of batik painting I begin to feel a kinship with people who engage in this everyday pursuit of elegance and beauty.

I came to batik painting through my love for its magical qualities of obscurity and revelation. The image is developed through repeated dyeings and waxings, gradually becoming almost entirely covered in wax. The finished work is only seen in its entirety at the very end of the process, when the wax is removed and the image revealed.

The piece featured at right was created from two different images. The courtyard image is from an old church in Patzcuaro, Mexico. The lady selling her dolls and rosary is a favorite image of mine from another picture. I used her in a previous piece and found her the perfect compliment to this old stone courtyard outside the church door.

This is an image of anticipation. She looks into the doorway to discern her future. Will she find a willing customer who will buy her crafts? What is coming towards her from the darkness? This is an especially meaningful image for me as artist and I see her needs and mine intersecting.

Best of Medium - Fiber, 2001 Art in the Barn, Barrington, IL

"Looking In" Batik Painting by David Lucht

"Looking In"
Batik Painting on Handmade Paper

copyright © 2008 David Lucht

View an interactive movie which describes the batik process by outlining the sequence of steps required to produce a finished batik painting (requires Flash®)

Click image at right to begin movie

David produced a series of "Batik Stars" for sale last holiday season. These one of a kind, handmade ornaments may be viewed by clicking the image at the right. Though the 2007 season is sold out, a new series will be ready for next year's Christmas season!