J?nihitoe: 21st-Century Interpretation Of Heian Beauty

As a decades-long writer and editor, I was surprised to find myself become a textile artist. The journey began because I wanted to create an Asian-style scroll to hang on the wall in a house that I was remodeling. My intention was not to work with paper and calligraphy but with the bits of textile samples that I had accumulated in the remodeling process. I couldn't find anyone to teach me how to do this. I didn't even have a sewing machine at that time. Then an art quilter strongly recommended that I enroll in a series of quilting classes at our local arts center. I protested, "But I'm not into grandma's calico quilts. My preferred aesthetic is East Asian." She replied, "It doesn't matter. Go learn the techniques and then you can do whatever you want." And that's how, in fact, it happened. I have never made a bed quilt. As soon as I learned the requisite skills, I immediately began creating textile wall art. Trips to Japan have resulted in a great stash of interesting fabrics from former obis and kimonos.

Over time, I have added more skills and mediums to the mix as well as putting my work behind glass, on stretched canvas, or in irregular shapes.