Ryukyu Ai (indigo) is one of my most favorite natural dyes. So, I was thrilled to be invited to speak about the “The Magic of Ryukyu Ai” on Friday, October 26, at 7:00 pm. My presentation is sponsored by Okinawa Arts Research Studies World Scene in Austin, TX USA. The event will include an overviewContinue reading “Magic of Ryukyu Ai Presentation”
Category Archives: Surface Design
Our Undyeing Passion for Indigo – Presentation & Exhibit
It’s spring. So, there has been a flurry of Ryukyu Ai (indigo) activity… well there’s the indigo harvesting, running vat trials on this season’s harvest, fresh leaf indigo natural dyeing and eco-printing, teaching indigo workshops, participating in indigo art exhibitions…well…you get the point, i’m sure. The nice part of “singing the blues” in your lifeContinue reading “Our Undyeing Passion for Indigo – Presentation & Exhibit”
漏れ日 (Komorebi) (n.)
木漏れ日 (Komorebi)
(n.) sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees…my Komorebi eco-print album…
Shibori Wanderings
Wandering about Izumi Village in Okinawa, Japan has it’s advantages. Someone always seems to have a Ryukyu Ai (indigo) pot available in this region of Okinawa Island known for its Ryukyu Ai production and dyework. So, after wandering about and talking to my Izumi family members and other locals, I found a Ryukyu Ai vatContinue reading “Shibori Wanderings”
Shisa
The Shisa is a figure with a lion’s head and a dog’s body, and they are found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. This traditional guardian can be seen on rooftops where it is believed to protect its inhabitants. When Shisa are presented in pairs, one has its mouth open to scare off evil spirits. Whereas theContinue reading “Shisa”
I See the Coral…
Sometimes i see the coral in the hand-dyed Ryukyu textiles around me…
Scharine Kirchoff, Fiber Artist 