We are a group of Sashiko artisans after all. While I keep sharing the words, Ke

We are a group of Sashiko artisans after all. While I keep sharing the words, Keiko and her friends keep stitching. Keiko doesn’t really talk much. However, it doesn’t mean that she has less messages. After Covid-19, I want you to see and touch what we makes. It may explain “what Sashiko is for us” 10 times better than reading my words. You may find your Sashiko there, too.

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Keiko isn’t the only silent voice. I was surrounded by those quiet yet proud Sashiko artisans. They rarely talk in public, yet they never stopped talking off the stage. It is my privilege (once “curse” in the past) to receive those “chatting” – which is now my foundation & wisdom. 

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I am NOT here to convince you to agree with me. Using logic & words to argue is already an opposite value-system in Japanese culture. In our culture, we sometimes expect them to “sense” something. It is not a matter of right and wrong. I am NOT saying someone’s Sashiko is wrong. I am just here to share what we do – which has the precious word (spirit of sounds) – Sashiko. I am stepping out of my cultural comfortable zone by being logical. I decided to jump into “non-Japanese” field so that I can explain better. It would be difficult to learn what Sashiko is if you decide to jump into “our Japanese” field – because some artisans expect you to “sense” rather than “discuss”. The Japanese ordinary can be more abundant (and messed up) than you may already know – as this Jacket communicates to you. 

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様々な刺し子の作品や、刺し子の楽しみ方はあれど、こういう刺し子ジャケットを作れるのは、やっぱり恵子さんだなぁと思うのです。何度か僕も挑戦してますが、（まだ）無理。一生無理かも。僕はどうしても言葉に頼りすぎです。でも、昨日書いた事も真実で、まずは議論ができないと話にすらならないのが、僕が移住した先です。一年に数着できる刺し子ジャケット。あと何着世に送り出せるかな。僕の役目は、いかに「継続性と再現性」を確保するかなんです。コロナ禍が落ち着いたら、オフ会したいですね。1年後でも2年後でも、いつか恵子さんの作品に触れてほしいので。

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2020-12-24 09:55:50

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