Finally… I uploaded the blog entry about “Is Sashiko Art?”. Please forgive my lousy English. It has been 12 years since I had written something like this long (after BA in university and had not used English much after that).
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The artcile became a good summary of what I think of Sashiko stitching, as the one who was born in the Sashiko family. It is long. Probably, unnecessary long. However, your feedback would be very much appreciated. I hope I can inspire your Sashiko life even more. ☆
http://upcyclestitches.com/sashiko-art/ ☆
やっと書けた……。英単語数3,500以上。これでも書きたらないくらいだけど、頭がついてきてくれまへん。最後に英語のエッセイ書いたのは2007年だから、必死で錆落としながら文章にしました。「手軽な刺し子」も良いのだけど、この文章で、刺し子の裏にある手仕事としての文化も、海外に伝わると良いなぁと思うのです。日本語では常日頃配信で喋ってることなんですけどね。なかなか文章にするのは大変でした。「刺し子は民芸から派生したもので、芸術とは立ち位置が違う」ってのが言うのが、ここまで大変だとは思わなかった。でも、とても良い頭の整理になりました。気になる方は上のリンクからどうぞ〜。
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2018-12-27 23:32:06
Yours certainly is!
Thank you for your post. It is well-expressed. It is interesting to ponder what makes art and where the division between artist and artisan lies. I find it to be a very individual set of definitions – for each one of us the line is in a different place and it seems to me that we each need to define these terms for ourselves and how and when they apply to us.
I love this pic! It’s so elegant and beautiful.
@beckythroughtheblock Thank you for your time to read the article. Yes. There is something powerful about Boro and Sashiko. I would like to pass down it as much as I can in my capacity. Defining Sashiko as the (Fine) Art scared me if I may lose the sense of its uniqueness. Well, it is just my issue, but I also wanted to share some insights. Thank you!
@non.mie.acha 正直な所、俺も作品で熱意を伝えたらとは思うのですが、考えすぎちゃうし、やっぱり自我が強いんだと思います。文章は俺が主役になりますからね。刺し子作品は、着る人、使う人、見る人が主役。のんさんの熱意、十分伝わりますよー。もちろん、本人は「足りてない！」って思うだろうし、それが良い所のヒトツなのだけど（笑）
Gorgeous! Do you have the cherry 🍒 blossom pattern available now?
少し前のから目を通してきましたー。
やはり作品としての刺し子は芸術になりえるけど過程としての刺し子は芸術ではない。ですかね日常的なことだったけですから
我と神のバランスをとるという文章で妙に納得してしまいました
I enjoyed your article. Thank you for giving us more insight into sashiko. I agree that it is folk art. Learning sashiko in Japan several years ago gave me a window into Japanese culture, and I fell in love with sashiko! I like your concept of sashiko being “caring stitches”.
Bellísimo
I THOROUGHLY enjoted reading this article! It makes me think about sashiko in a way I haven’t before. In the past (and now) i use the style of sashiko stitching for artistic purposes, but also for practical repair. However, those practical repairs are stitches I try to make visually pleasing, and on purpose. When is it art and not art to make lots of running stitches on clothing? Your article has given me a lot to think about for my own art and work/life.
@cindylooowho We came up with some trial designed panel. Keep eye on the newsletter. I will send the information once it is ready (but very limited amount.) Happy New Year!
@sinobu_19671885 バランス……が難しいのですよね。そのバランスを取る作業がやっぱり刺し子なのかなぁと。
@cynthiananto Thank you for your time to read the article. I realize that what I wanted to share throughout the article is to motivate people to understand not only Sashiko stitching itself but also the Japanese culture behind it. Enjoy Sashiko as well as unique (Love & Hate for that matter) Japanese culture.
@bensorrellart Thank you for your time to read the article. The question whether Sashiko is Art or not is more like the personal question. I wanted to share that, the one with a long experience in Sashiko do not consider themselves as the Artist because of its culture behind it. I provided an opportunity to think of your Sashiko & work/life. I am happy I wrote it 😀
@nelis3