About the artist

I am a London based artist and designer and use the medium of silk as a basis for my work. My childhood was spent in Malaysia and England where I experienced two very contrasting landscapes. Malaysia with its tropical landscapes and bright and exotic flowers and England with its more subtle but equally beautiful yet understated colour palette of flora and fauna. These experiences strengthened my love and appreciation of nature and it is this affinity with the natural world which is clearly reflected in my artwork.

I was drawn to silk painting because of the distinct elements it provides of both control and unpredictability. It is this unpredictability that I find particularly liberating and fulfilling. Silk, with its translucence and shimmering softness lends itself brilliantly to both vibrant and intense colours as well as to the more subtle and delicate combinations, all of which can enhance the mood and aura of the finished piece of work.

I created Lowri Tan Ltd to showcase my art work and transform my paintings and designs into luxurious silk scarves and accessories. 

History of silk

Silk has a long and illustrious history. Legend has it that it was discovered by accident around 2500BC when a Chinese Princess, Xi Ling Shi dropped a cocoon of silk into her hot cup of tea. She saw the thread unroll and decided to weave it.

For the Chinese silk was seen as a luxury product, used exclusively by the Emperor, his family and court dignitaries. Although the fabric was known in Ancient Egypt and Rome the Chinese kept its origin and method of production a closely guarded secret for nearly 3000 years. Its use was extended to other products, both decorative and industrial and during the second century BC it was also used as a monetary standard. Eventually by the third century AD the movement of peoples ensured that sericulture spread initially to Korea and Japan and by the fifth century silk worm eggs had found their way to Byzantium. It was not until the thirteenth century following the sack of Constantinople and the movement of workers that silk production was established in Italy and from there to other parts of Europe.

Silk is a magical, natural fabric that has the ability to provide warmth during winter and keep you cool during the summer, providing a breathable barrier against the sun. It is incredibly soft next to the skin and is thus still regarded as a luxurious and exclusive product.