Batik art is a beautiful, ancient, and fascinating art form. It involves bees’ wax, paraffin, cold water dyes, and soft fabrics that have just the right feel. With batik, one must think in an almost backward way – painting with molten wax, going from lights to darks, alternating the layering of wax, and dipping the fabric into buckets of dye. Local artist Wendy Tatter has mastered that art form and has grown her skill and techniques, developing her own unique personal style that many collectors enjoy.
Wendy was born with artistic talent — there was no choice but to let it manifest itself in her career. And even though she grew up in Maryland, she knew the tropics would be her destination. The colors of the water, the vibrancy of the foliage, the islands, the people, were somehow in her blood. Hearing about an art school in San Miguel de’Allende, Mexico, Wendy decided to relocate and study photography at the Instituto Allende. But she took one class in the Javanese art of batik and was immediately hooked. Photography still plays an important role in the process, however, since she captures images of what she will later reproduce in her studio.
Having found her passion, Wendy thus began a successful career in the arts. She spent over a decade living, working, and traveling in Mexico, Costa Rico, Brazil, and many of the Caribbean islands. She became proficient in speaking Spanish and Portuguese and loved her lifestyle. After moving to California for further studies, Wendy met and married a Florida Gator who dreamed of living in St Augustine. That was 30 years, three sons, and two studios ago.
Once established in the city, Wendy opened W. B. Tatter Gallery on San Marco Avenue, which became a significant art destination; she also started the Uptown Saturday Nights events. But after years of operating and stocking two galleries, Wendy decided she would rather work from her home studio. Keeping busy with commissioned work, as well as new designs for the galleries carrying her art, she also teaches batik workshops.
The tradition of making batik started with the shrouding of mummies in Egypt but continued to develop in many countries — with the batik of Indonesia being perhaps the best known. In the last several years, UNESCO designated Indonesian batiks a “masterpiece of an intangible heritage of humanity.”
As an outside passion, Wendy spends a great deal of time advocating for Florida prison reform. She takes speaking engagements all over the state to talk about the ways that everyone can work toward and vote for a better system. In September, she’s planning an event at the Corazon Theatre to educate the public. It will include art, speakers, and a short film.
Wendy is the recipient of the ROWITA Award (Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts), which is a lifetime achievement award for women who made significant contributions to the arts. Wendy’s work can be seen at Plum Art Gallery on Aviles Street, and Arts on Douglas in New Smyrna. Although she stays busy in her studio, Wendy will be opening a gallery on August 5th on Anastasia Boulevard. You’ll know it when you see it…bright colors and that sweet smell of beeswax wafting through the air!
Visit Wendy’s new gallery at 501 Anastasia Boulevard. Learn more about her art online at www.wbtatter.com.
Written by Renee Inge. Photography by David Steele.
