Sometimes I finish a new piece and bring it to a show and hang it up for display and it hangs there and does its job and looks lovely, but doesn’t find its way to a new home. At least not right a way. It might take a few shows before the magic happens.
Other times, I bring a new piece, hang it up and before I know it, it’s gone.
Which is how it happened with this meisen trench coat.
I sent it off to its new home with a fond goodby and wishes for a happy life….
Who me??? Just a little sentimental….?
Shown with and without a belt.
trench coats
Japanese Kimono Fabrics
At first I only used Japanese kimono silks with very subtle patterns and weaves. It was the drape, the unusual colors and textures that drew me in. Anything with a traditional Japanese image didn’t interest me.
That didn’t last long…
Soon I was seduced by the cranes and pine trees, cherry blossoms, peony flowers and Hokusai ocean waves. They were so beautiful and cool and gorgeous. How could I resist?
I found myself buying the older, damaged kimonos and undoing, rearranging and piecing them into new jackets and coats.
The older, well worn kimonos are best. I set aside any torn or stained areas, signs of a life well lived, and find ways to reconnect the elements in new ways.
This is the kind of old kimonos that I use. They usually have the patterns along the bottom edge. The upper half is left undecorated and is where the obi is placed.
Although many of the same design elements are used over and over, the colors, the particular style, the placement and subtle differences make each kimono unique.
As I reconfigure the pieces, I see images flow together in new ways.
Cranes fly up and away, ocean waves crash together, flowers, trees and branches connect.
The fun part, I never know exactly what will happen. I lay out the fabrics and follow where they lead.
This old kimono had enough for a second jacket. I posted a picture a few weeks back. Go here to see it.
More for ACC Baltimore 2018
There are more each day! New work for the American Craft Council show in Baltimore.
A row of ‘Hitoes’ [my unlined, kimono silk jacket/blouses] and hanging next to them, trench coats.
A definite Japanese theme with this batch.
I can’t wait for their debut!
