Patricia Freiert: Kotobuki Designs

My fascination with shibori began over ten years ago when a Japanese friend gave me a set of lovely shibori placemats.  It turned out to be a gift not of placements, but of a journey of string which I have followed from Minnesota to Japan and back several times.

Shibori is a centuries old Japanese technique for decorating kimono fabric in which the fabric is shaped by binding, stitching or wrapping.  This shaping creates a resist impenetrable by dye.  The pattern appears when the freshly dyed fabric is opened.  While tie-dye is the popular form of shaped-resist dyeing, it is the clarity, simplicity and geometry of the crisp Japanese patterns which I love.  The wit of using three-dimensional shaping to create a two-dimensional pattern intrigues me.

As a result of studying with both Japanese and American teachers I use both traditional and newer Japanese techniques and patterns to create designs which have a relaxed informality to celebrate our intellect and our senses.  My ideal is a harmony between East and West, mind and heart, formality and informality, traditional craft and contemporary aesthetic.   The vitality of the past delights and fascinates me, especially the way in which tradition can continue to contribute beauty to our lives in contemporary reincarnations.

Classes and workshops are available at various locations and dates. 

www.patriciafreiert.com