Saori Weaving Workshop

My friend Yuko has started Saori weaving workshop at West End, Brisbane.
Even if you are an absolute beginner, you can weave something very unique and beatiful, please give it a go!

Art works by Hiromi Tango

My artist friend Yuki chan (Yuki Nakano) introduced art works by Hiromi Tango on her blog and I instantly fell in love! What an amazing installation! The artist created these works using the personal objects donated to her.

This installation is a part of 'Contemporary Australia: Women' exhibition at GOMA, brisbane which is on till 22 July (free admission)

Natural plant dyeing lecture presented by Tezomeya

↑↓ Photos are from Tezomeya website

 Collaboration T-shirt with Salvia

Sairinkan at Muromachi Nijo, Kyoto where the lecture was held

I went to listen to the lecture on natural plant dyeing organized by Kyoto Karasuma University.

Tezomeya, based in Kyoto, produces beautiful clothing and accessories using natural plant dyes. Mr. Aoki, an artist/owner of the shop talked about the process of natural dyeing, plants he uses, the reason he started his business, how he attracted by natural dyeing and more. It was a really interesting talk. I was fascinated by the nuanced colour products he makes. I do love to try natural dying myself one day as a hobby.

Hokusai Ukiyoe exhibition @ Museum Eki Kyoto (JR Kyoto Isetan)

I went to an amazing "Hokusai" ukiyoe exhibition last week held at museum Eki Kyoto in JR Kyoto Isetan.
This exhibition celebrate the 250th anniversary of Hosai's birth, showing over 150 Hokusai's ukiyoe prints featuring Mt. Fuji. It's rare exhibition only focouses on Hokusai's Mt. Fuji prints.

I thought I have already seen quite a few ukiyoe paintings, but most paintings were new to me. It was really amazing to see his unique and diverse ways to draw Mt. Fuji. The one at JR Kyoto Isetan has already finished but there will be a different Hokusai ukiyoe exhibition at The Museum of Kyoto from 1st Feb.to 25th Mar. 2012.

Yayoi Kusama- Look now, See Forever exhibition @GOMA, Brisbane

 ↑↓Photos are from GOMA website.

Interactive space where kids can enjoy

Yayoi Kusama's exhibitions at GOMA, Brisbane (admission free. 19Nov 2011-11 March 2012)

We joined the curator's perspective tour this morning, which gave us good understanding about the current exhibiton and the artist itself.

It's a small exhibition but very colourful and fun. It's worth a visit.  

Felissimo: Old Kutani reproduction plates selected by Alex Kerr

All photos are from Felissimo

It was just yesterday that I found these beautiful mamezara (very small plate dia. 6-10cm) at Felissimo online shopping site.  I thought these patterns were absolutely beautiful. The site said that Alex Kerr had selected Old Kutani designs to be reproduced. I wondered who he was but didn't gooogle him.

Then, today at book sharing club, my friend was introducing his book(日本ブランド」で行こう　Let's go with Japan Brand) to me. What a coincidence!

He is one of the western people who know and care about Japan more than Japanese people.

His other books sound interesting,too: Lost Japan  美しき日本の残像,　Dogs & Demons　「犬と鬼」知られざる日本の肖像 

Photos of ikebana- flower arrangement

These photos were taken at Queensland Art Gallery a while ago.
Sogetsu style ikebana is displayed near the entrance.
Every time I walk through the art gallery, I take a moment to observe a rather striking flower arrangement.
Do you like them?

Exhibition by my artist friend, Yuki Nakano

My friend's art works are displayed at Hanasho in West End from June 1-30.
I do love her works. To see more her works, click here for her website.