Artist. Fashion Designer. Pattern Designer. Ecologist. Business person. Sashiko

Artist. Fashion Designer. Pattern Designer. Ecologist. Business person. Sashiko Master. I feel those titles do not suit me. I humbly accept someone’s evaluation as my title, but they don’t fit what I wish 100%. So, I have been thinking to call myself an “Sashiko evangelist (as a person to share the importance – without religious perspective )” or “Sashiko Storyteller” to describe what I (Atsushi) do. Well, however, they do not include the Sashiko practice much, which I value as much as sharing the Sashiko via stories. ☆
Then, I realize. I probably want to be like a grandma or Grandpas that I had spent time with. While they enjoy their practice, (ex. Beekeeping, Miso making, Cooking), they passed down a LOT of wisdom in (seemed meaningless) conversation. I had very talented grandpas, and many numbers of “ Sashiko grandmas (artisans in my family business)” who shaped who I am now. You may have similar memories. You are who you are because of who you spent time with and brought you to this life. ☆
I would like to be the one who enjoy practice and pass down the wisdom. Since I have a family to provide, I need to think about “monetizing” what I do. However, I want you to understand that deep down, I want to be those happy smiling grandpas & grandmas who have become a part of the heritage. I think that is what is missing in this society. Information is important, but I enjoyed the wisdom from my family and friends. If I could be one of your friends sharing wisdom, I am happy for what I do. ☆
芸術家。（ファッション）デザイナー。環境保護家。商売人。刺し子の先生。2015年の再起動以降、どの肩書もどうもピンときませんでした。「肩書なんぞいらん！」と言いつつ、人様から頂く肩書きに違和感を覚えつつ、「強いて言えば、”伝道師？”かなぁ」と、伝える人になりたいという思いはずっとあったのです。
☆
で、ふと。「もしかしたら俺は、思い出の中の爺ちゃん婆ちゃんになりたいのかもしれない」と。幼少期、才能に溢れた爺ちゃん婆ちゃんの日々を目の当たりにしてきました。沢山教えてもらった（ような）気がします。狩猟。養蜂。養殖。木工。料理。漬物。味噌。火鉢。当たり前の営みを、当たり前のように次世代に伝える。この失われた”当たり前”を再現したくて、今の刺し子活動をしてんのかなぁと。まだ30半ばですが、皆さんのお爺ちゃん（お婆ちゃん）になりたいのかもしれません（笑）
☆
一児の父親でもあるので、生活を考え「刺し子とビジネス」を考えることも多々あるのですが、一番しっくりくるのは、「身近な爺ちゃん婆ちゃん」としての存在。手を動かしながら、言ってることは何言ってるのか微妙にわからないのだけど、でもそこには真実があるような。二人の爺ちゃん、あっちで元気にしてるかな。
☆

2019-07-07 16:26:42

Source