A discovery after offering the Sashiko workshop to more than 300 people in last 3 years: The Sashiko needle-movement (Unshin) I practice is quite unique. So far, I have not met anyone who holds/moves the needle as I do before they knew me on the Interne/workshops. It was true that my family tried to keep it as secretive as possible. Now, I share this “secret” in the workshop. At the same time, I do not want to “filter” people by what they have (mainly money), so I also share how I stitch on Live Streaming without editing & hiding. All on YouTube with more videos and tutorials. The class/workshop is beneficial because I will navigate them to learn without any detours and mistakes, but one can learn the core without the navigation, if they are willing.
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Before I decided to go online, some advised me that it is a bad idea to “share”. They worried for me that someone would copy it. They may make money out of the technique they (think they) learn without understanding the core, without even give the credit. They said, “ Isn’t it going to be your threat…? Aren’t you going to regret later?”
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Do I regret my decision? No. It wasn’t a easy determination, it came with pain – after all, my goal is to Pass Down Sashiko. Over the Internet, anyone can be a teacher in anything. Therefore, I wanted to share the Sashiko I received – although there is a risk of me losing my livelihood. I do not own Sashiko. No one can claim the ownership of Sashiko. If someone wants to copy what we do, so be it. Only wish is that the world will understand that Sashiko is not only the technique but also the mindset (philosophy & stories). For that, I really hope they would read/listen to what I write/say, and keep learning. (Of course, credit would be appreciated).
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Before the Internet emerged, keeping the technique secretive was probably the best way to protect a tradition. I sincerely respect my family for doing that. Now, I gotta do what my father saw it in me – to surprise the world.
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暑い夜。手に滲む汗を扇風機で乾かしながら針を持っていると、親父を思い出します。ハイライトの匂いが微かに……。親父、夏好きだったからなぁ。
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2020-07-22 23:34:15
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, your choice is admirable.
伝統を守ってこられたご家族の思い、そして大切な大切なその技を惜しみなく私達にシェアして下さる淳さんと恵子さんに畏敬の念を抱きます。私も、淳さんの運針と、刺し子の背景、歴史、storyも少しでも受け取れるようにオープンマインドでいたいと思います。今の時代に、そして次の世代に継承されるという淳さんの願いが実現しますように！（エール！）
I need to learn this technique so which is the best YouTube to watch? I know the rest of what to do but not stitching techniques
Agradeço! Sou brasileira e quero ensinar essa técnica como estratégia para empoderar mulheres vítimas da violência e que tenham deficiência.
Atsushi, you are wonderful!
Thanks for your theachings! Hope some day i can take some lessions whit you. Saludos desde Tucumán, Argentina!💜
Te felicito por tu transparencia; por defender tu filosofía/ cultura 👏👏👏Muchas gracias ♥️♥️♥️…me gusta aprender; para realizar pequeños regalos para familiares y amigos. Gracias ♥️♥️♥️
Atsushi, nothing can be “secret” in textile art for long. In my own teaching over 30 years I’ve become comfortable to teach everything I know, without reservation, because I’ve learned that students will apply what they learn in their own unique way. Like writing, everybody has their own particular style, skillfulness and way of expression. Every practitioner will make their work an extension of their inner world, therefore it cannot be a duplicate of you because every person is an individual. Have no fear to share all the “secrets” – you’ll only earn respect for it!
Sharing is multiplying, love your intention behind your sharing the prestine art of sashiko and the philosophy that goes with it, much care, from Belgium, europe
Thank ypu for sharing. It’s a beautiful technique and tradition. My dardning is now sashico-inspired, but not sashico yet.
I experimented with sashiko this lockdown and I’m excited about learning it your way, the authentic one, can you please share link to your YouTube videos?
💙💙💙 Respect 💙💙💙
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GRACiASSS
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