weaving weaving weaving

Unactivated fiber-optic headpiece

In my weaving lessons with Haruki and Yuri Kawasaki in Kyoto, Japan (filled with a rich textile art history) I practiced the use of a four-treadle floor loom, learning to measure and prepare threads, design intricate patterns, and weave consistently structured pieces. I made beautiful, vibrant scarves (they are my absolute favorite and often receive compliments), along with a glove, pouches, and a shining, fiber-optic headpiece designed to pair with my future ceramic sculptures.

As an advice, communication and comfort is a common concern in CIP activities: learn to observe. I gained a lot from watching Kawasaki sensei and fellow students, understanding their hand movements and thread handling techniques. The Kawasakis, with their generous, humorous, and patient nature, are fantastic to work with and are very open and supportive to artistic project ideas. Take your time to develop your own way of interacting with them.