Japanese textiles lectures

Why I go to Japan every year

Every year I visit Japan and it really is one of the best things about being a Japanese textiles artist.

I take groups of students to Bryan Whitehead’s beautiful old wooden silk farmhouse in the mountains to the west of Tokyo where we learn Shibori resist dyeing, Katazome stencilling and indigo dyeing and learn about the history and practice of Japanese textiles crafts from Bryan.

On my trips I always add on at at least a week to travel to different parts of Japan and to seek out beautiful vintage silks, cottons and linens to work into my practice and to discover more about Japan and it’s wonderful heritage of crafts. And, of course, I buy pieces to add to my own collection and have a few adventures along the way!

Part of the reason for doing this is to expand my knowledge of Japan and its rich tapestry of textiles crafts and for inspiration for myself and others.

Japanese textiles lectures

Several times a year I offer an online lecture where I talk about my adventures and show people the beautiful pieces I’ve bought and I share stories of my travels with my viewers.

I also offer these lectures privately to groups both online and in person.

If you would like me to arrange a lecture for you please fill in the contact form below. I will then get in touch about dates and costs.

I will typically talk about Shibori resist dyeing, Katazome rice paste resist stencilling, indigo dyeing, woven Kasuri (similar to IKAT), Sashiko and Kogin embroidery and Boro. I show or bring examples of my own work and vintage fabrics from my collection, including pieces of real Boro, Kimono, Haori jackets and Obi belts.

At in person lectures I bring my own work, which is available for sale.