in my studio – photo for the magazine
I was recently interviewed by Japanzine about my work in Japan and will be featured in the up and coming October issue. Japanzine is a freely available publication with quality content for the foreign community in Japan. It is nation wide and covers many cultural interests. It’s a nice read and I was really happy with the job they did. You can check out the interview on the website.
close up of a chinese paper cut out
On my recent trip to China I found a lot of paper cut out art. It’s vivid contrasting color against a white background and sharp lines make for a strong image. The technique is really really old and dates back to the origins of paper in the 6th century. Although originating in China, many cultures have a form of their own. The Polish Wycinanki style is particularly interesting. In japan they call it kirie (切り絵細工).
a painting I am working on
I decided to experiment with paint and see if I could replicate the contrast of the paper cutout. The use of a vivid color on white works well but there is no way such a sharp line can be produced as we see in the paper cutouts.
I noticed in kimono design, patterns and most of the design that extends from tradition styles, have similarities. Clean lines and defined shapes used in great contrast. Even some fabric dyeing techniques use paper cut out stencils as the relief. Similarities in style can be seen in this kimono pattern making technique.
hand painted kyo-yuzen steps of fabric dyeing
1. pattern drawing with ink and brush
2. lines are cleaned up using a paste to create a fine line
3. colors are painted in by hand
4. colored areas are masked using a paste
5. the background is dyed leaving the masked areas untouched
6. the fabric is washed and then steam smoothed
The result is a high contrast, very vivid and detailed image. No wonder these are expensive items to buy. It is just my observation, but could it have some influences from the paper cutout? If you are interested in paper cut out and a more modern interpretation check out Bob san’s super paper cutting video on youtube. I was lucky enough to talk to him about his work. He told me he loves the crisp lines you can get with a blade and paper. There is certainly nobody doing anything like this guy with paper. He doesn’t sketch ideas first. Straight from the mind and all done freestyle with the blade.
nobori advertising banners flying high
I have to design some nobori soon so I was doing some research. I realized it is a pretty unique advertising format. A long banner usually made from cotton or a synthetic material displayed at the front of businesses. The long format is ideal for kanji writing because of course, the traditional way to write kanji runs from top to bottom and right to left.
Originally nobori were used as a battlefield marker in feudal Japan. Bright colors and shear numbers of nobori were used as intimidation. Now it has been adopted an advertising medium on the streets of Japan.
a nice design using the length of the nobori to good effect
a kyoto restaurant shop front
In Kyoto this advertising format seems to be popular. Because Kyoto’s heritage has been preserved and it is one of few remaining places you can see traditional buildings in Japan, Kyoto has some strict guidelines in place about advertising on buildings. No bright signs, flashing lights or huge billboards crowd the streets. Sometimes it is hard to even notice a business is open. Nobori can be used to good effect in Kyoto. I will post some more examples of nobori I design soon.
The black and white contrast and complex shapes in this noren grabbed my attention. I am lucky to live in Kyoto with a rich source of inspiration so close by. There is always balance in the designs used in temples in Japan. If a noren is displayed it means the place is open. They are used in many colors, varieties and functions from the amazing temple gates to the local izakaya doorway.
Kimono on display at Buson Kyoto
Detailed fabric pattern and obi design by Cotoco
I had the fortunate opportunity to go check out a Kimono exhibition by kimono designer Akiko Mikami at Buson in Kyoto. Her new range of designs for her kimono brand Cotoco were on display. The combination of detailed patterns and striking rich colorful obi (belt) designs are done to perfection. Whilst still maintaining the traditional form and use of traditional design elements, the designs have a modern and original touch individual to the designer. An amazing achievement.
See more kimono designs at her website.
Kyoto live painter Hachio’s work after seven days in action
The artist
A detail of the large piece
7 Days Live Painting. I visited the art space where Hachio was in the midst of creating this insane piece. The Kyoto local performs live painting in Kyoto clubs, galleries and spaces. Usually of a massive scale and created instinctively to music, the works are a stunning mix of influences and talent. I caught him during a break from painting sipping on a lager after a painting session. See the results of all the hard work at the exhibition. 2008.10.5(sun) – 2008.10.19(sun) at Antenna Alternative Art Space
