My honest insight about today’s “Sashiko/Boro” in English is that people see Sashiko as something too special and remarkable. I humbly accept the admiration for what we do… however, the principal of Sashiko exists in “ordinary” – not in “extraordinary”. Therefore, when they say “inspired by Sashiko/Boro”, I want them to understand the characteristics of the “ordinary” first.
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I got a request to explain how “no-rules” apply to Sashiko. Here is a tip before long explanation. Are there any rules for PB&J Sandwich? I am new to PB&J, but it seems each family has each “recipe” for PB&J. Wouldn’t you feel “strange” if someone outside of the culture insist that PB&J should be “◯◯”, like “only Peach jelly & creamy PB”? What if they shout the “correct PB&J” with their limited skill to make a certain item – like “We cannot make Rhubarb jam, so don’t use it”? The purpose of PB&J is the easy & tasty snack/lunch. Isn’t it uncomfortable if PB&J is served at a formal dinner…? This is merely an example. Please replace “PB&J” with something you consider as “ordinary” that each family should have their own “rules” – and we call the rule “preference”. I feel strange when they say “Sashiko should be ◯◯”. I wonder what they know. Therefore, I am asking you to doubt the loud voice. There is no “Right and Wrong” in PB&J and Sashiko.
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Of course, the culture changes. Sushi became “luxury” foods from “fast-food on the street”. The Sushi culture changed. PB&J may become fancy food in future. However, as all the Sushi chefs know that the Sushi was fast food in history, I want us to know that PB&J is(was) the ordinary.
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I appreciate your respect to Sashiko based on “How it looks”. Yes, Sashiko is beautiful as the Art (I do not consider Sashiko as the art yet). However, I do not want to change the culture more than necessary – especially not based on ignorance and inconvenience. Therefore, I ask for respect to the Japanese culture – not only how Sashiko looks. Please keep learning. Cultural Appropriation happens when we stop learning.
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引き続き止まらないので、もう少しだけ。配信では語るので。ごめんなさい。
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2020-12-14 13:32:17
とまりませんね🤣
I like the analogy of PB&J. It’s a uniquely american thing in a lot of ways because of the low cost and processing of the ingredients, it’s a very cheap filling way to eat. Its origins are in working class people. To demand a specialness or a “recipe” from it is to ask PB&J to be something it’s not.
Beautifully said!
Thank you so much. The “rhubarb” point is excellent. The ignorance and inconvenience, the loud voices, as well. Beautiful thinking and writing.
I find the PB&J analogy very helpful in deepening my understanding. Also it helps me to better understand what is so strange from the “loud voices”
PBJ is an excellent analogy! We have three people living in my house. We all love PBJ but wouldn’t really enjoy the sandwich’s the others make. None is wrong, but we all have preferences. One of the interesting aspects of Sashiko is the regional nature of its practice. Another is the variety of stitch personality created by different people. The reason I am not as fond of kits with individual stitch placement marked is that you lose the individuality.
Thank you so much for such interesting and thought provoking posts- I really enjoy reading them and learn something new each time. 😊🙏
Love your passion, for the origin and holding this space for this, when doing it. I love doing it because of this. Even though the doing is maybe ordinary, the pieces that are made this way are extraordinary, as were the jackets that were passed down in the family.
The drawing to Sashiko/Boro for me is the simplicity, the reason for it’s being of mending, prolonging which in itself is beautiful with the outcome also being beautiful and special ( extra ordinary – beautiful ).
Next time I begun a piece, I will be coming at it from a different place because if your words 🙏
Oh,I love the PB&J analogy, thank you!
Your posts are always so interesting. You always give me reason to reflect. I really appreciate that.
My thoughts exactly, when i mend my jeans, i don’t adhere to a set pattern or stitch it varies as i work on it it’s more random then regimented. I apply the same system to my bonsai trees, in nature trees all grow in different ways not to a strict rule, follow the basic style but be an 😊individual
😍So beautiful
Love your PB&J analogy. Thanks again for your insights!