Tag Archives: Ryukyu Natural Dyeing

Exhibition: “The Art of Fiber”…Lorton, Virginia USA

Just in time for the holidays, The Workhouse Arts Center presents the exhibition, “The Art of Fiber” from November 23 – December 31, 2011.  The exhibit is a celebration of  “the beauty and creativity of the fiber arts”. I am so happy that one of my hand-dyed shawls was juried into the exhibit by jurorsContinue reading “Exhibition: “The Art of Fiber”…Lorton, Virginia USA”

My Uwa-Pari

I planted Ryukyu Ai (indigo) outside my studio last Spring…the plants are healthy and the time for gathering the leaves for fermentation dyeing is drawing near. However, last summer i grew oh soo impatient…so, i picked some leaves and bound them in vintage Japanese cotton cloth to extract the pigment.  Thereafter, i fermented the clothContinue reading “My Uwa-Pari”

Houston Area Fiber Artists – November 9 and 10

“Ryukyu Weaving and Dyeing:  Fabrics that Guard the Spirit” Date:  November 9, 2011 Time:  7:00 pm Where:  Houston Area Fiber Artists (HAFA) Meeting Location:  St. Philips United Methodist Church, 5501 Beechnut, Houston, TX USA ******************************************* Date:  November 10, 2011 Time:  10:30 am Where:  Houston Area Fiber Artists (HAFA) Meeting Location:  Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599Continue reading “Houston Area Fiber Artists – November 9 and 10”

On my Tom-Tom today…

I often use my Okinawan High Loom tom-tom (loom beater)  for both weaving and display, but today i’m displaying my handwoven Bingata pouches another way… Handspun and Handwoven Linen and Hemp Pouches. Bingata Natural Dyes.

Eco-dyeing across 3 continents…

I learned traditional dye methods in the Ryukyu Islands, located in the southernmost Prefecture of Japan.  Ryukyu dye methods have been practiced for many, many centuries. As i continue to learn dye methods originating from around the world, the more i see common methods and themes.  The Ryukyu dye methods,  for example, often utilize saltwaterContinue reading “Eco-dyeing across 3 continents…”

Bingata and the Okinawa Rail

The Yanbaru Kuina, or the Okinawa Rail (Gallirallus okinawae),  is a beautiful bird endemic to Okinawa Island.  It is an unusual bird in that it is almost flightless. Since the Yanbaru Kuina is an endangered species, i have worked to incorporate it into my bingata artwork as a reminder for us to cherish our naturalContinue reading “Bingata and the Okinawa Rail”

Ryukyu Bingata Kimono

Traditional Ryukyu kimonos are constructed of handwoven fabric with bingata natural dye designs.  The underlying fabric is also handwoven, however the weave structure differs and consists of the Kasuri Ikat style. A Hanagasa (lotus flower hat) is typically worn with the traditional bingata kimono as seen on these Ryukyu dancers… As you can see, theContinue reading “Ryukyu Bingata Kimono”

Awamori

Awamori is an ancient alcoholic beverage indigenous to Okinawa.  It is distilled from rice.  The awamori distillation process originates from Thailand.  It is different from sake, mainland Japan’s indigenous drink. Sake is brewed, and not distilled.  In addition, Sake is made from short-grain Japonica rice.  Awamori, on the other hand, is made from long-grain indicaContinue reading “Awamori”