silk
a selection on handwoven natural dyed silk
Embedded Files
David CheahOf trees, leaves and roots, 2023
It is said that the Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree. I went in search of its leaves to draw but couldn’t find any. One day, I looked out the window of dad’s house and there it was, a sapling growing in the crack of the paving literally under my gaze. Since then, I’ve noticed trees during walks in the park. It’s funny how we can’t see what is in front of us when we are too caught up in the search.
In creating a tree of connections, this composition weaves in motifs and ideas inspired by various cultures including patterns found in my ancestral clan house in its roots.
“Maybe you are searching among the branches, for what only appears in the roots.” Rumi
Fabric acrylic, coloured pencils and varnish on handwoven natural dyed Lao silk organza (2 layers). Approx. 99 x 58cm.
It is said that the Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree. I went in search of its leaves to draw but couldn’t find any. One day, I looked out the window of dad’s house and there it was, a sapling growing in the crack of the paving literally under my gaze. Since then, I’ve noticed trees during walks in the park. It’s funny how we can’t see what is in front of us when we are too caught up in the search.
In creating a tree of connections, this composition weaves in motifs and ideas inspired by various cultures including patterns found in my ancestral clan house in its roots.
“Maybe you are searching among the branches, for what only appears in the roots.” Rumi
Fabric acrylic, coloured pencils and varnish on handwoven natural dyed Lao silk organza (2 layers). Approx. 99 x 58cm.
David CheahFalling, finding and just being, 2023/24
When I was a child, my parents were always there to catch me when I fell.When it was my turn to care for them, I wanted to reciprocate that.However, it was not always possible.
Amidst a sense of helplessness,I came to the realisation that all I had to do was to be there....just being there...
Fabric acrylic, coloured pencils, earth pigments from Australian and varnish on handwoven natural dyed Lao silk organza (2layers). Approx. 100 x 49cm.
When I was a child, my parents were always there to catch me when I fell.When it was my turn to care for them, I wanted to reciprocate that.However, it was not always possible.
Amidst a sense of helplessness,I came to the realisation that all I had to do was to be there....just being there...
Fabric acrylic, coloured pencils, earth pigments from Australian and varnish on handwoven natural dyed Lao silk organza (2layers). Approx. 100 x 49cm.
David CheahFinding the centre, 2023
The French marigold or dok dao huang (meaning bright star) is often used in offerings in Laos. I was weighing out which part to draw – the rear attachment and sepals like a source from which it blooms or the flamboyant centre which in fact is made up of many florets.
Sometimes great importance is placed on finding the ‘centre’ or the true source. I drew the centre only to discover there was a whole other universe barely visible and made up of little florets like centres within the centre.
Inspiration from various cultures such as the star motif in Persian design and the prolific wheel of life motif have been interwoven in a reference to oneness as opposed to just centredness.
Fabric acrylic, coloured pencils, French ochre pigments and varnish on handwoven natural dyed Lao silk organza (2 layers). Approx. 100 x 50cm
The French marigold or dok dao huang (meaning bright star) is often used in offerings in Laos. I was weighing out which part to draw – the rear attachment and sepals like a source from which it blooms or the flamboyant centre which in fact is made up of many florets.
Sometimes great importance is placed on finding the ‘centre’ or the true source. I drew the centre only to discover there was a whole other universe barely visible and made up of little florets like centres within the centre.
Inspiration from various cultures such as the star motif in Persian design and the prolific wheel of life motif have been interwoven in a reference to oneness as opposed to just centredness.
Fabric acrylic, coloured pencils, French ochre pigments and varnish on handwoven natural dyed Lao silk organza (2 layers). Approx. 100 x 50cm
David CheahWarp and weft of life, 2023 The warp and weft refer to the lengthwise and widthwise threads used in textile weaving. For me, the continuous warp which provides structure and order is like the ongoing traditions passed down through generations. While the weft threads are the contributions that can be expressive and reflective of the times.
In a way, a piece of textile is like a balancing act between the generations, between tradition and change; one fading and the other coming into focus.
On a parallel, a reminder of the transient beauty of life is the Magnolia champaca flower associated with enlightenment. It has vibrant young yellow flowers that fade into a dull orange with maturity.
French ochre, fabric acrylic, coloured pencils and varnish on handwoven natural dyed Lao silk organza (2layers). Approx. 100 x 49cm.
In a way, a piece of textile is like a balancing act between the generations, between tradition and change; one fading and the other coming into focus.
On a parallel, a reminder of the transient beauty of life is the Magnolia champaca flower associated with enlightenment. It has vibrant young yellow flowers that fade into a dull orange with maturity.
French ochre, fabric acrylic, coloured pencils and varnish on handwoven natural dyed Lao silk organza (2layers). Approx. 100 x 49cm.
David CheahGarden, 2023
Resembling the layout plan of a landscaped garden, this eclectic composition of influences references the Persian concept of the paradise garden as a reflection of heaven on earth.
The Rosewood flower and tree allude to the transient beauty in nature and the need for balance in our appreciative use of it. I remember how my ancestors so prized Rosewood in furniture to the extent that it became endangered. Fortunately, Rosewood is now protected worldwide.
Coloured pencil, fabric acrylic and varnish with French and Lao earth pigments on 3 layers of handwoven silk from Laos and Vietnam. Approx. 130 x 35cm
Resembling the layout plan of a landscaped garden, this eclectic composition of influences references the Persian concept of the paradise garden as a reflection of heaven on earth.
The Rosewood flower and tree allude to the transient beauty in nature and the need for balance in our appreciative use of it. I remember how my ancestors so prized Rosewood in furniture to the extent that it became endangered. Fortunately, Rosewood is now protected worldwide.
Coloured pencil, fabric acrylic and varnish with French and Lao earth pigments on 3 layers of handwoven silk from Laos and Vietnam. Approx. 130 x 35cm
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse