Ryukyu Ai – Scharine Kirchoff, Fiber Artist

Oh, Did I Tell You?

Oh, goodness…did i tell you? i love working as a fiber artist! i’ve worked hard to attain the skills and expertise i use to create my artwork. and, being able to share them, in some small way, motivates me to move forward. The satisfaction and happiness i get from my artistic endeavors wouldn’t be possibleContinue reading “Oh, Did I Tell You?”

Magic of Ryukyu Ai Presentation

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”

Kasuri (Ikat) Handweaving Workshop

It was such a pleasure to teach an Introduction to Kasuri (ikat) Weaving workshop last week. The workshop was sponsored by the Weavers and Spinners Society of Austin (WSSA), and was attended by participants from various locations around the State of Texas, USA. The workshop covered the workflow process that I published in the ComplexContinue reading “Kasuri (Ikat) Handweaving Workshop”

Ryukyu Textiles Presentation

I’m so pleased to serve as the guest speaker at the Weavers and Spinners Society of Austin (WSSA), Texas USA meeting on Thurs., October 11, 2018 at 7 pm. My presentation is entitled “Weaving and Dyeing in the Colorful Spirit of an Ancient Craft”. The highlights of the presentation include an overview of the textileContinue reading “Ryukyu Textiles Presentation”

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”

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”

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”