Summer, 2010: Studio activities


I returned to my studio for most of the Summer with a busy schedule to prepare for my upcoming exhibition in the Boston area. It has been unusually hot in Hokkaido, with the temperature exceeding 30 degrees centigrade on many days, plus a brush with several typhoons. I am attaching several photos to share the variety of my activities. Of course my primary purpose is to work on several important projects. I have been preparing a new quilt by completing the design, preparation of the fabric, and the beginning of sewing.

I have also continued with my wool work. I have been working with some fabulous wool that I brought back to Japan from the US, plus some wool that I already had at my studio. I have been using natural dyes, including walnut shells, vegetable dyes, and some herbs, to create some beautiful wool. These pictures include the dyeing process, then carding to prepare for spinning.

I then did some spinning and weaving. These pictures are examples of the finished wool and the recent weaving that combines some naturally different colors with the dyed wool.	I also made some felt for a few different projects, including the design and completion of a teapot! This was the most challenging project that I completed this Summer. This was a new type of project for me, and made for a special request. As an artist my goal was to create something unique and to achieve perfection in the finished project. This took many attempts, but I am finally happy that after a few weeks of trying, I was able to achieve the perfect design.

In addition to all of my textile work, I have enjoying making time to care for my small vegetable farm, and have enjoyed the fresh food that I have been able to harvest. And my friends and neighbors have shared many delicious fruits and vegetables from their gardens as well. Of course I have enjoyed cooking with this wonderfully fresh food!

This picture is a beautiful sunset that I recently enjoyed at my studio in Shari. The days are getting shorter, and nature is sending signals of Fall, which also means that I will soon be returning to Boston to continue my work.