I (was supposed to) talk about the Japanese concept of “Shuhari” in Japanese today’s live streaming. It is a Japanese (martial art) concept which describes the stages of learning to mastery. As I keep saying, I believe there is no right and wrong in Sashiko. One can say, “It is Art so we can do whatever we want”, and I agree with that.
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At the same time, I feel it is our (the Japanese) responsibility to share the stories behind the original culture. The culture transform, yes, but transforming the culture without understanding the original is different from arranging it without trying to know the original. Shuhari explains the part of its Japanese mindset. ☆
Sashiko is merely a stitching. Nothing fancy. Anyone can do it if they want. However, the simplicity doesn’t equal to mastery with “easily”. We are still learning, from the past and from the difference. It is easy to declare the freedom and enjoy the spark. However, before being defensive about one’s opinion, being humble to the original and “follow” would be one way to enjoy. To be honest, I am tired of “opinion” to justify one side. I would like to share “Empathy” through Sashiko, and empathy can be established when one respect each other and its origin. Again, I am still learning. One day I would like to make a video about this topic. So much to write 😀
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「よーし、今日は守破離（運針の向こう側とか）について語るぞー」→「昨晩のSNSでのチクリが朝になって広がってる」→「守ることがあった上でのアレンジだよなぁ」→「味噌汁には味噌を使って欲しいよね」→「あ〜、俺が投稿したポストじゃないところで反応があったから、シェアしてくれた人に申し訳なくてチクリとしたのか」→「あれ？守破離について語れて無くね？」。
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という壮大な60分の独り言にお付き合い頂き、ありがとうございました。ってか、ごめんなさい。退屈にも思える手仕事の向こう側に何を見ようとしているのかお伝えするつもりだったのですが、感情が先にきちゃったかな……（笑）まだまだ修行不足です。でも、しっかりと、なぜ愚直なまでに運針を続けるのかを、しっかりとお伝えできたらと思っています。
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2019-03-05 15:02:28
Hermoso
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途中までしかいられなかったので後からアーカイブ見ました。久しぶりの淳節…というか独り言？楽しかったです😆
I practice Soto Zen buddhism meditation. it is the most simple practice. One sits facing the wall, with a straight spine, hands in mudra, eyes open. That is it, no breathe focus, no mantra etc. And it is the most dificult thing in the world. it will take me a lifetime to refine my practice, which is endless. My teacher is a Zen master, a japanese monk. he also stresses the importance of establishing the pure forms, from the lineage (culture). Otherwise transformation happens to fast and just becomes invention, something different, without the pure thread of wisdom, practiced over generations, running through it. I think this is what you saying about of sahiko, the Way of stitching ..
@soft_rope Thank you for your insight. It is a great opportunity to learn someone who practice Soto Zen from western culture (Sorry if I am mistaken). I believe you got what I am trying to share through Sashiko. There is nothing special about stitching (as process), yet we tend to focus on the bright part (result). It is okay that the world call the result Art, yet if a practitioner call what he does Art, then I feel something is already lost (not transformed). I am still figuring it out how to describe it. Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it.
あれ❓運針の向こう側は❓とは思いましたが
少しでも気持ちが軽くなったのならよろしいかと😊
Still waiting for your e-mail 🙂 ❤️
Thank you so much for the words, I always enjoy reading your posts. I read a long time ago somewhere that hemp thread had been used originally for Sashiko. Do you may have more information about?
@indigorebelle It indeed started its culture with hemp thread on the hemp fabric to “make the fabric warmer”. Cotton was too luxury for them. By a simple word for Sashiko, we can confirm many “stage” of development. So I feel it is our responsibility to share 😀
I love what you wrote. Expressive honest and as an artist I have always felt that keeping and not losing art of the past is so important. Japanese textiles have always fascinated me. I am an artist who at age 6 on a homework paper as “hobby” with help i wrote: ” collecting from other lands” . Through traveling I have seen and understand why the people choose to use new products and some of the old practices were extremely labor-intensive and took a lot of time. It’s obvious to me why in Guatemala they don’t spin the yarn themselves anymore -( method twirling stick with the clay bead on the bottom)- and when I was there were including a very bright acrylic with the cotton thread in weaving I didn’t want to hurt their feelings so I would just say that I didn’t care for colores brillante/sp? ☆ a friend was going to India and working with a man that used block printing to decorate the fabric and make clothes working with her and making sure that he got the money he deserved. I totally understand why his children did not want to continue doing this. I do treasure the old pieces/clothing I have from many cultures!
@creativecaren “Old” is sometimes very challenging to make a living. It is one of the reasons I left Sashiko once. The appreciation like you have will help us keep moving forward. Thank you!
@tamsenheath this