Kasuri, 2021
Acrylic paint, linen thread, recessed wood panel
60 x 48 x 1 7/8 in
My new series is based on the Japanese form of Ikat called Kasuri, an ancient weaving and dye technique that uses a resistance method applied directly to yarns in order to create woven patterns. Similar to the iconic blurred effect of Kasuri, these new works blur the line between textile and painting. My surface substrate begins as a chaotic network of linen yarn applied to wood panels in indiscriminate clumps and is then gessoed into a flat but topographically rough surface. From here I apply paint directly onto the thread using a tonal palette that creates the illusion of a woven grid, while my threads remain in disarray just underneath the paint’s surface. Inspired by hand-woven materials from my mother’s country of origin, these works are a continuation of my inquiry into the evocative nature of fabric and the deep relationship between humans, textiles, comfort and care.
Wet felted merino wool, lyocell, silk and glass beading. Plastic flotilla underskirt. Size 2-4.
This piece reflects my deep respect for the health of our oceans. Sadly, our beautiful oceans are now contaminated with giant masses of floating plastic debris that imperil birds, wildlife and humans. They will continue to grow exponentially unless we take drastic measures to reduce our plastic waste and to clean up the mess we have already made. Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Repair.
Four feet wide, this is made from sustainable Costa Rican Parota wood, combined with steel and canvas printing.
It is a continuation of a four heart theme I have been exploring since late 2021, utilizing woods from a variety of trees.
Wet felted merino wool and embellishments.
Three panels of four horizons each. Wet-felted wool and silk.
When we are young the possibilities seem endless, the horizon is distant. When do we realize that those horizons have become nearer and dearer? We learn to greet every sunrise and every sunset with awe and gratitude. Every day is a precious and fleeting gift, not to be taken for granted.
Knotless netted copper wire, glass beading, pleated copper mesh on spot-welded copper wire armature.
Various works by Noriko Kuwabara a master of Nirikomi process.
Wet-felted, stitched and stiffened wool.
Our resilience lies in our ability to be like the wind and the water. We can allow pain and trauma to flow in, out, and between. If we harbor it, it will destroy us from within.
