Angela Maria Isaza has been drawing and painting for most of her life, using a variety of art forms, such as oil, collage and design, but her love for nature has influenced a favorite—the art of batik. In this medium, she finds the challenges of design and color to be never ending. Angela began exhibiting at Selby Gardens more than 30 years ago. Her latest exhibit, Florida’s Fascinating Flora, on display through November 16, showcases a vivid collection of botanical creations. She took a few moments before the show opened to share her insights and inspiration around her fascination for this art form.
What attracted you to this art form?
AMI – Not many artists use this medium. Batik is an ancient painting technique that originated in the Far East to make clothing and is a very labor intensive process using hot wax, dyes, and natural fiber cloth. I first learned of this method back in high school, after reading an article about how to design a pillow cover using the batik style—I was hooked. My first project was a butterfly. Batik is the perfect medium for me to express my love for the natural world—there are so many detailed shapes and color combinations.
Did you have formal training or are you “self-taught”?
AMI – I guess a little of both…my father was an architect, so I grew up surrounded by design and art processes. Although there were no “father to daughter” art lessons, I began drawing at an early age. My formal and serious introduction into art was after I graduated college. I studied art at Marymount College of Virginia in the Washington D.C. area and architecture at The University of Virginia.
Where does your inspiration come from?
AMI – I am moved by the vibrant and tropical colors of the natural environment. The journey an image takes me on is a combination of reality and my visceral feelings. I visit Florida regularly from my home in Colombia to gain botanical inspiration for artistic representation of native plants. Considering Selby Gardens has no shortage of beautiful vistas and unique plants—always a must see. While on peaceful walks through the special gardens, themes emerge in my mind’s eye so effortlessly.
How much time does each piece demand?
AMI – Time varies with each piece, depending on the project, the size, the colors used, the detail, even the weather is a variable. Whenever something catches my eye…typically a flower, plant or tree, I make a small sketch in pencil—pointing out colors, shapes, details, etc. Many times it’s kept aside for a later date. Other times, the inspiration to create is immediate. Batik is a process of many steps. It involves dyes for color, wax to protect each color, and then one must remove the wax by ironing between newspapers to absorb.
What artists have influenced you?
AMI – There have been a plethora of influencers. I applaud the work of Colombian artist, Gonzalo Ariza (1912-1995) who painted the landscapes of Colombia; he was influenced by Japanese techniques he learned while studying in Tokyo. I am fortunate that my graduate studies took me outside the classroom’s four walls to explore galleries and museums, like the Smithsonian Institution. Other artists I admire are Alexander Calder, Monet, Renoir and van Gogh—their use of bold color is awe-inspiring.
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The Batik Exhibit: “Florida’s Fascinating Flora” runs September 5, 2014 in the Gardens’ Museum of Botany & the Arts, through November 16. The anticipated exhibition and sale celebrates the vibrant, tropical colors of Florida´s natural environment using the batik process. Angela Maria Isaza, a native of Columbia, has been exhibiting at Selby Gardens since 1983. A preview reception and opportunity to meet the artist, will be held Thursday, September 4 at 5:30 pm.