an anthology of semiotics

every year for gion matsuri in kyoto

have a good weekend

neki desu 

 

current obsession

they make it look easy, but don't be fooled. well, they've been at it for generations. 

 ¯\ ( ツ ) /¯ 

have a good weekend

neki desu

 

yuzen

 

beyond delicate. and please note the tools.

have a good weekend

 neki desu

 

the seventh day of the seventh month

 happy tanabata      🎋🎋🎋🎋🎐

have a good weekend

neki desu

 

summer sounds

june is a goner.

be cool,stay cool .

have a good weekend

neki desu

 

coming up

finally benibana

have a good weekend.

neki desu 

 

technically it's not a dye

therefore you apply it. again and again and again. however kakishibu creates wonder.

have a good weekend

neki desu

 

tropical japan

okinawa's gorgeous textile crafts

have a good weekend

neki desu

 

creating beauty

imagine weatring such lavish garment.

have a good weekend

neki desu 

 

hanami🌸

 

 

🌸🌸🌸 they are early this year.

have a good weekend. where did march go?

neki desu

 

magic indeed

twisted threads hold kimonos together.

have a good weekend

neki desu

 

it's a kind of magic

enjoy

and see you soon   ( ･ω･)ﾉ   ( ･ω･)ﾉ

neki desu

 

the making of washi

crafts with soul.  

have a good weekend

neki desu 

while searching for a shodo vid

found this one, sorry couldn't pass this one.  m(_ _)m  if you see a bottle grab it.

have a good weekend.

neki desu

 

about the project

no haste but no pause. this project is going to take me at least half a year since i am also teaching myself and learning about shifu and kami ito.

the above is still a pracice sheet of tibetan pape treated with kudzu .quite surprised by its sturdiness and its ability to hold some moisture without blurring the ink and making a mess.because yes, the paper has to be somewhat moist in order to be processed into thread.

the paper is cut into strips, i am cutting them 6mm wide, the widest strips to make shifu because a stark beginer cannot possibly deal with 2 mms.

the internet is full of vids, but in my understanding susan byrd's you tube vids are the absolute best if you seriously want to learn.

making kami ito is the japanese craft philosphy  at its best, slow and needing lots of patience and observation.

 as a curio the kanji for cocoon is a real beauty 繭  two kanjis  enclosed in a little house the radical on the top is  the one for grass so you have a two room little house  with a thatched roof perhaps. the room on the left houses the kanji for thread, the room on the right the kanji for bug or insect. an insect that makes thread and lives in a house. do not tell me there's no beauty.maybe the grass radical referes to the leaves that silkworms are fed with. i could go on and on making stories!

neki desu

 

make a cup of tea

and enjoy. i'ts a long walk but well worth it.

have a good weekend and take care. today's friday 13th.

neki desu

 

the poem ii

ever since i came across the poem it has cast a spell on me.going round and round in my brain reading it over and over,pausing here and there.savouring the joy that i can read it in japanese .

i am working on it going back to writing, a practice i had put to rest. listening and some speaking have been practiced,but writing..

the plan is to write it on kudzu treated paper, make yarn,kami ito, and weave it.

the sheet above is a practice one. i need a lot of practice to get my hand loose and flowing.

more on miyazawa

neki desu

 

the poem

Be not defeated by the rain, Nor let the wind prove your better.
Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.

Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.
Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.
Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.

A thatch-roof house, in a meadow, nestled in a pine grove's shade.

A handful of rice, some miso, and a few vegetables to suffice for the day.

If, to the East, a child lies sick: Go forth and nurse him to health.
If, to the West, an old lady stands exhausted: Go forth, and relieve her of burden.
If, to the South, a man lies dying: Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.
If, to the North, an argument or fight ensues:
Go forth and beg them stop such a waste of effort and of spirit.

In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.
In summers cold, walk in concern and empathy.

Stand aloof of the unknowing masses:
Better dismissed as useless than flattered as a "Great Man".

This is my goal, the person I strive to become.

kenji miyazawa

neki desu 

 

understanding kimono and v

last of the series. hope you have enjoyed it.

have a good weekend.

neki desu

 

understanding kimono iv

cultures exchage info and enrich each other.cultural appropriation does not exist because paraphrasing the poet,no culture is an island.( off the soapbox)

have a good weekend

neki desu