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”
Tag Archives: Cultural Preservation
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”
The Colorful Spirit of an Ancient Craft
I’m looking forward to presenting “Weaving and Dyeing in the Colorful Spirit of an Ancient Craft” on Sat., March 14, 11 am – 2 pm, at the Anchorage Museum of Fine Arts, Anchorage, Alaska as part of the Anchorage Weavers and Spinners Guild meeting. Synopsis: Handweaving and hand-dyeing textiles with natural materials and botanicals, includingContinue reading “The Colorful Spirit of an Ancient Craft”
Exhibition: Interwoven V…Houston, TX USA
Juror Mary Welch has selected several of my handwoven and hand-dyed garments and accessories for inclusion in the upcoming Interwoven V exhibit. The exhibit will take place Oct. 19-27 at the 18 Hands Gallery, Houston, TX USA. Please join us at the reception on Sat., Oct. 19, 6-9 pm. Come and meet a fabulous groupContinue reading “Exhibition: Interwoven V…Houston, TX USA”
July 30, 2013 Ryukyu Shimpo – Ryukyu Textiles Workshop in the News
There are some nice photos of our 2013 Wakamono Taikai Conference participants reported in the July 30, 2013 Okinawa Ryukyu Shimpo newspaper… Yes, we even have a nice photo of our Ryukyu Textiles Workshop participants. Thank you Ryukyu Shimpo, and many thanks to the participants in my Ryukyu textiles workshop! It was an honour toContinue reading “July 30, 2013 Ryukyu Shimpo – Ryukyu Textiles Workshop in the News”
Chimugukuru @Okinawa Wakamono Taikai
I’ve recently returned from a week in Los Angeles, CA where I presented a Ryukyu Textiles cultural workshop at the 2013 Wakamono Taikai. The Taikai is a meeting of the younger generation (ages 18-35) of Uchinanchu (people of Okinawa). This year the focus of the conference was on Uchinanchu identity. At the Ryukyu Textiles workshop,Continue reading “Chimugukuru @Okinawa Wakamono Taikai”
Bingata and Ai Zomme @Okinawa Wakamono Taikai
This month I’ve been busy preparing for the upcoming 2013 Okinawa Wakamono Taikai Conference to take place in Torrance, CA USA from July 18-22. I will be teaching a Ryukyu Textiles workshop as part of the Taikai Cultural Workshops series. One technique that I will teach is the process of E-Gata, a type of BingataContinue reading “Bingata and Ai Zomme @Okinawa Wakamono Taikai”
These Old Weaving Tools…
I like these old weaving tools… and sometimes wonder what some of these old tools have seen… Did they belong to a hillside bashofu weaver and spinner? Like the tools that belong to my Izumi family? Have they seen Spring days of Ai Zomme (indigo dyeing) and kasuri splashes? Maybe they’ve even survived the daysContinue reading “These Old Weaving Tools…”
The Weaving of Flowers
Shuri Hana Ori is a float weave structure that originated in Shuri, the capitol of the Ryukyu Kingdom, during the Ryukyu Kingdom period (15 – 19th century). Shuri is located on Okinawa Island, Japan. Hana means “flower” and “ori” means weaving in Japanese, therefore Shuri Hana Ori (or, Hana Ui in Ryukyuan language) is essentiallyContinue reading “The Weaving of Flowers”
These Bashofu Threads…
I’ve been spinning and winding these bashofu threads, and as I do, my mind spins and wanders too… What shall these bashofu threads be? A book cover, or tapestry? Or perhaps a cherished cloth for my family? These bashofu threads, once dyed and handwoven will tell a story. Like these vintage kimonos, they will documentContinue reading “These Bashofu Threads…”
Scharine Kirchoff, Fiber Artist 