Since my childhood, I had been wondering, “what if people no longer need Sashiko?”. I was raised as an heir of a Sashiko family, and I see that “Sashiko as the business” is far away from the ideal “business”. Think about it. Who would purchase a jacket or a tapestry costs about a good used Subaru? An Art piece of painting, or jewelry, some of them are valued more than millions. I do not know many “Textile Art ” pieces which receive the same value as the other forms of Art. (Plus, I am not considering Sashiko as the Art, yet). We spend an unbelievable amount of time in Sashiko, yet it is not easy to get the minimum wage for the stitching hours. My father was struggling all the time in my memory. However, thanks to those who appreciate what we do & purchase our “expensive” pieces, we are here now. One said, “this is wearable art” after the purchase, and their words encouraged us so strongly.
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Now, the trend made the worry the opposite . People are wishing to learn Sashiko more than ever – but the Sashiko (& Boro) on the trend is something different from the Sashiko I was carrying. I realized it too late (same theme post from yesterday’s post).
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Many Sashiko related suppliers had closed their business in the last 30 years. They were(are) typical Japanese artisans – that we (customer) had to beg for their product for purchase. Their focus is “artisanship” rather than “money”. One told me it is okay to bring his artisanship to the grave (if it has to). I wish I would be like them – strict artisan – but I also know there are many caring people who wish to know the Sashiko. What I (Atsushi) do is a business – to support my mother (Keiko)’s playfulness in Sashiko. A year ago, in nasty conversation on SNS, I realized that “I” had to be the loud voice to protect my identity. I am scared. Many people will judge me (because I don’t spoon feed). However, it is the Sashiko that define who I am. ☆
長くなりました。日本語はコメント欄で。
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2020-05-01 14:08:48
This *is* art. I’m glad you had the courage to defend yourself, your business and your craft. I hope to purchase one of your pieces one day. 🧡
Amazing stitching and so beautiful.
🤩🤩🤩💙
Wise one! Embrace the authenticity of your voice and your stitches. That is the art. Not the technique. Not the history. The YOU 🌟🌟🌟
【日本語追記】
違和感と嫌悪感。僕の表現の中で、意識的に使い分けるようにしています。あまり好き嫌いを表に出すのは良くないと日本的な感覚での抵抗感があるので、滅多に「嫌悪感」という言葉は使いませんが。
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違和感は「良いも悪いもなく、ただなんとなく”腑に落ちない”もの。その後腑に落ちる可能性もある。」、嫌悪感は文字通り、「（主観的に）嫌なもの。受け付けたくないもの。」です。沢山ある刺し子の中で違和感は感じるものがあって良くて、またカラフルな襤褸に嫌悪感を抱くのも、まぁ仕方のないことで。炊きたてのご飯に梅干し乗っけて食べてたら、「梅干し酸っぱい。甘いのがいい」と白砂糖かけて、「日本の朝食美味しい」と言われてる嫌悪感です。例えが雑すぎるけど（笑）
So beautiful 👌🏼Craft is soul 🗯
Hermoso
Looove it… WHAT does the front and ALL of jacket look like? 🙏👏👏
🖤
Last May is when I started to follow you. As an admirer of your art, I have continued to follow you on all social media. Over the last 12 months I have seen you evolve and grow. Your skills and creativity always inspire me, and you have become more patient and tender with your words. I always look forward to seeing all of your works of art and reading the kinder words, and stories of family and culture.
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I feel the same as you. I stitch in the boro tradition, but for the beauty of the piece, not the original purpose. I consider this art but only other like minds would recognise it
Trends come and go in all forms of art, design and culture, the true art of Sashiko will outlive all of them. Keep the art and beauty alive! 🙏