Book Review
SHIBORI by Elfriede Moller Search Press £7.95	Search Press have done it again with a superb volume that will allow painters to discover what for many is a new and different element of silk painting, Shibori. This book is an excellent companion to Mandy Southan's guide to silkpainting and is another Search Press gem.
	In her book Elfriede Moller allows us to sample a variety of shibori's delights and versatility through clear photographs and instructions. Several different methods are included and the results achieved by each can be spectacular. Using a handpleater, for example, produces an interesting texture to liven up the surface of fabric; others use folding, twisting or tying to produce a range of patterns that with their colours and impressive complexity would make excellent sellers for any silk painter exhibiting at craft events. The projects provide a stepping off point for experiments with colour and will inspire all who enjoy stretching their creativity. For the more general textile artist the fabric produced will provide excellent background fabric for further work. The dyes used are acid (or procion) for the most vibrant and vivid colours, and the most spectacular results, although painters will probably be interested in experimenting with their own colours at home. It might have been nice to have a fuller and more informative section on the acid dyes themselves for the benefit of the novice. While steam and iron fix dyes are universally popular acid dyes have yet to make a big impact and will be unfamiliar to many so dispelling any fears of unknown dye types can encourage painters to give unfamiliar materials a try. Steam fix colours will probably work, I can imagine several of my Dupont dyes being effective here, but cannot comment on iron-fix paints as I don't use them. Interested painters can get acid dyes from silk suppliers like Rainbow Silks, Vycombe Arts etc. and they come in a range of about forty colours. I was prompted also by Jenny Dean's "Wild Colour; how to grow, prepare and use natural plant dyes" to wonder at the potential effects that would be achieved with natural dyestuffs. It would be intriguing to see just how the colours from plants would react to this technique, more subtle or dramatic? Perhaps a painter using these colours could let the Guild know. Any silk/textile painter who knows the work of textile artists such as Jane Callender knows that sometimes a small range of hues or tints with a technique like shibori can produce superb results. This is a good book for the confident beginner and inspirational for the creative and enquiring silk painter and textile artist. Buy it, and be inspired yourself. Marjorie Dawson - London