Open Studio

Work from February

Hi everyone, I hope this newsletter finds you well. February was a pretty productive month; I have quite a few new works to share with you.

Bend the Sun, Shine the Blue 18 x 23 cm

I finished this work in December actually, but then drug my feet on stretching it and framing it because I was disappointed by how warped it got. I don’t have a lot of opportunities to make large work these days, but this felt nice to make, and reminds me of Covid times, where I amazingly had 3 months of paid leave and could make anything I liked.

If I Could Stay Here; 54 x 54 cm

I remembered to take process photos, so if you are a generous paid subscriber, there is a slideshow of this work coming together under the cut coming up!

Switch the Flip, Number the Stars; 23 x 34 cm

I used to use naturally dyed thread once upon a time, but I think I’ve finally arrived at just using these really bold colors instead. My work is not gentle, and these colors feel right.

This is the back, please notice the little sardine fabric

The Lovers tarot card; about 18 x 23 cm

I’m still updating some of my major arcana cards for my tarot deck. I was really happy with how the monochrome version turned out, and how I got both shapes to reach each other and connect on both ends, but in hindsight now I’m worried this won’t photograph well. You can compare it to the original on the left; I really don’t want to make this card for a third time.

Memory Me; 40 x 40 cm

Sometimes I come across a textile that has too much evidence and history of someone else’s work and energy, and it feels wrong to overwork it or obscure that fact. This work is unusual for me in the fact that I didn’t cover the entire space, but I wanted to leave the mended places alone. Also, it’s framed in a few strips of very fine antique Kantha.

Some mounted small works

A lot of my work is collected by those in the US. Since the tariffs, Japan has decided to end all parcel shipments to the US, with the exception of gifts valued under 100 USD. This is my new solution to be able to offer my work to those in the states, and also as a more affordable way to collect my work. Available here, I also have made some of my larger works available as well.

Turn Me Out at the Edges, Fold Me in; 28 x 28 cm approximately

I finally finished this work and sent it off to the One Red Thread group show in Australia. It will also travel to Nantes France in April! For my paid subscribers, below is a process video of this work, enjoy!