Tuesday, January 11, 2011

News from Around...

In 2011, I wanted to post with more regularity on the blog (we'll see how that goes) and that includes highlighting work from some of our readers -- some new to shibori and some very seasoned. It's always a thrill to hear from people who have just begun experimenting with shibori in all its complexities and to seethis technique inspire more people. So, with that, let's begin...

irresistible resist
Shipra writes to us from India: I got interested in Shibori after a workshop I took in Jaipur. I, along with my friend, started practising it, mostly from Ms. Wada's book. It has been very enriching experience. We have been practising it for last one and a half year. I am thankful to you for amazingly informative book and a lovely website. www.irresistibleresist.blogspot.com

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SUZUSAN.e.K. featured in Stijlvol Wonen
Popular Dutch shelter magazine "Stijlvol Wonen" (Stylish Living) recently featured shibori lamps produced by Hiroshi Murase from his line, SUZUSAN.e.K. Very stylish, indeed. www.suzusan-shibori.com




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Michelle Victoria McGrath
Michelle Victoria McGrath is a graduate from the University of Wales Newport. A few years ago, she gave up her full time job as a teacher to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer. Three years of schooling later, she won the Ryder Cup Fashion Show competition and training with Paul Costelloe in LFW 2011. Michelle is currently setting up her own label, MVM, which will be based in Wales. www.michellevictoriamcgrath.com
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Paris American Academy
And a final note from our wonderful friend, Peter Carman, Director of Paris American Academy (PAA) and former host of the ISS in France (2008). They launched a new website and it looks GREAT! If ever you're in Paris and want to see a top-notch fashion academy, head to PAA. And before you do, see what new things might be happening: check out their Current Events section on the web. www.parisamericanacademy.fr

Monday, January 10, 2011

Remembering Mary Kellogg Rice

Celebrating Mary Kellogg Rice
Artist, Author, Supporter of Crafts


It is with sadness that I write about the recent passing of Mary Kellogg Rice, a beautiful spirit and accomplished woman who lived a rich and full life. She had just celebrated her 100th birthday in December 2010.

Among her many contributions to the community and art world, Mary co-authored "Shibori: The Inventive Art of Shaped Resist Dyeing" with me and Jane Barton, a seminal book in my professional career and for the art of shibori and textile design in general. Mary was also involved in the WPA during the Great Depression, serving as art director for the Milwaukee State Teachers College where women were taught weaving, block-printing, quilting, and other crafts. She recorded her experience in her second book, "Useful Work for Unskilled Women: A Unique WPA Project," which earned a 2004 Wisconsin State Historical Society Book Award of Merit.

A private gathering will be held for only family and close friends. Thank you.

Thank you, Mary, for all that you did for the textile and crafts community over the last 100 years. You were a wonderful colleague and friend.

Warm regards,
Yoshiko
Mary's co-author and President of the World Shibori Network



Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Workshop: baandhani & leheria with kamaldeep kaur (May 2011, netherlands)

Baandhani & Leheriya:
reviving traditional Indian resist dyeing techniques

3-day workshop with Kameldeep Kaur (India)

- 19, 20, 21 May 2011 -
studio zijdelings
netherlands

India has been known since antiquity for amazing handcrafted textile techniques. Resist dyed and printed textiles have long been a popular Indian export with Gujarat and Madras serving as two important ports and producing centres for Dutch and British companies.

KAMALDEEP KAUR will instruct a 3-day workshop on the age-old techniques and patterns of baandhani and leheriya using natural dyes, such as madder, daru haldi, and lac.
Kamaldeep is a noted researcher from India who has been involved in the revival of several traditional techniques as well as the continuation of existing crafts through design consultancy and product development.

Day 1. The course begins with the story of baandhani and leheriya: a brief introduction with images of process, wearers, makers, surroundings, and traditional and contemporary products. Next is instruction in leheriya on finer silk fabric, which we will prepare and soak overnight for you. Once tied, the samples can be dyed with madder the very same day. You will be able to make several different samples. Some of the samples can be opened, then re-tied and re-dyed the next day for two colour effects.

Day 2. Morning begins with a presentation on natural dyes, followed by preparing daru haldi. We continue with baandhani tying and dye at the end of the day.

Day 3. The final day is devoted to lac dyeing. Morning starts with tying, then working in groups near the dye bath to talk about how to develop it. Samples tied today can be full scarves rather than smaller swatches. We may do two different lac dye baths (time permitting): one with tamarind and one with vinegar to show the difference in brightness of colour. We may also use different mordants to yield different shades.


This class will be in English.
Coffee / tea & lunch will be provided.

DATES: 19,20,21 May 2011, 10am-5pm

COURSE FEE: € 300,00 excluding materials. There will be an additional lab fee for natural dyes and Indian silk

LOCATION: Studio Zijdelings Tilburg - The Netherlands

INSTRUCTOR: Kamaldeep Kaur, India

CONTACT: Karina van Vught www.zijdelings.com