I came to Japan to help teach English, and have ended up enjoying that and so much more while being here.

While keeping in mind, my goals to pursue my passion for textiles <>, I stumbled upon AI ZOME, in particular - Shibori (from the verb Shiboru - to 'squeeze'). I find this art form to be completely satisfying; not only for the beautiful multi-layered resulting images that can be created, but also for the meticulous process of getting there. One can spend hours upon hours planning, plotting, sketching and stiching, tying and tinkering with only a glimpse or mere idea of what may appear in the final stages...and then, VOILA! Yoshhhh. An amazing image and masterful piece of art.

I have taken photos not only of the work I have done via the Sapporo Art Park (many thanks and appreciation goes out to the amazing women who provide these fabulous classes), but also of the beautiful designs I have found whilst out and about in the Inaka of Hokkaido (small rural villages with AMAZING noren hanging in their tucked-away restaurants).

My plan is to return to Canada, to reside in Vancouver and pour my heart and soul into furthering my interest in making, weaving, creating and beautifying (dying and felting) textiles at Capilano College (North Vancouver). Making art from cloth, using my hands and integrating my expereince and education is where I want to be.