THE FASCINATING ART OF MIZUHIKI
MIZUHIKI is colored paper cord: the core is handmade rolled paper ... washi ... and a solution of seaweed and white clay has been applied as an adhesive ... each prefecture has its special techniques to make the cords. A variety of surface finishes, such as colored film, silk thread, etc. are used.
Tying gifts with paper cords orignated in China. The Japanese have perfected the cords and designs to what they are today. New designs continue to flourish. Both the cords and designs are called Mizuhiki. I have used a variety of fibers for my creations ~ Mizuhiki is the most challenging but rewarding fiber. The similarities in the Mizuhiki "musubi-kata" ... knots or ties ... to macrame and other ethnic weaving/knotting are fascinating. The materials used and the creative techniques are diverse but the completed projects are identical.
TEMARI, Center for Asian and Pacific Arts' visiting artist program, invited master Mizuhiki creator/designer, Mrs. Yokomizo of Kurashiki, Japan, to Honolulu in 1989 to present a 3-day Mizuhiki workshop. My passion and involvement with Mizuhiki was launched after taking this very special workshop.
After years of reading and scrutinizing Mizuhiki and other cultures' creations, through trial and error perfecting the knots, I am now actively promoting and perpetuating the art of Mizuhiki by designing, creating, teaching, displaying, demonstrating, and selling. Traditional cultural arts are becoming extinct. To realize my goal of perpetuating the art of Mizuhiki ...
~~~ Each January, I display/demonstrate my crafts at the JCCH New Year Festival which is co-sponsored by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii(JCCH) and the United Japanese Society of Hawaii. ~~~
~~~ Twice weekly, I showcased, interacted with guests and sold my creations at the Ohana Islander Waikiki and The Miramar at Waikiki Hotels. ~~~
~~~ Classes in basketry, lauhala plaiting, "rag" baskets and Mizuhiki are taught/have been taught, demonstrated and displayed at Windward Community College Continuing Education, Kaneohe, HI; Ben Franklin Crafts-Mapunapuna & Enchanted Lakes stores ~~~
2003 - My Japan Journey
From May 12 - June 4, 2003 I visited Japan. I journeyed alone from Hawaii to Hakata, Fukuoka; Hiroshima(5/13-17); Shikoku(5/17-19); Shimane(5/19-21); Hyogo(5/21-23); Nagano(5/23-26); Tokyo(5/26-6/1); to Sapporo(6/1-4) - then back to Hawaii.
I visited the Kawanoe Paper Museum in Kawanoe on the island of Shikoku and Sekijima Kogeikan in Nagano Prefecture. Words cannot adequately describe the joy, excitement and fulfillment that I experienced as I stood among the unique and indescribably breathtaking, magnificent Mizuhiki Art.
Staying with relatives in Hiroshima and friends in Shimane & Hyogo; meeting friends & relatives in Tokyo & Sapporo; teaching Lauhala Turtle plaiting to friends in Shimane & Tokyo are some of the treasured highlights of my trip. With assistance and guidance from friends and relatives, I was able to ride and enjoy the Shinkansen, subway trains and highway express buses alone, but not at all afraid. It was very special when I was escorted to the train stations or bus terminals by Takayuki ~ Nagoya; Noriko, Kazue, Toshi and Daiji ~ Tokyo; Mr. Hasegawa ~ Sapporo. Throughout my journey, I was befriended by many people ~ the countless, everlasting and unique memories are indelible and treasured.
~~~ The continued interest, encouragement, support, generosity and kindness extended to me by fellow artisans, students, friends and family are appreciated. ~~~ |
