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Going back in time

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A couple of days after we arrived in Kyoto, my man and I went on a long cycle across the city (hence the dodgy outfit in the photo below!) and out west, through rice paddies and bamboo forests under a huge blue sky. I wanted to show him where I lived for a formative year when I studied here at the tender age of 19, doing homestay with a Japanese family.

I had written them a postcard and intended to pop it through their door, hoping to arrange to meet up some time soon. But when we turned into their road, my homestay mother was out in the street chatting to a neighbour. “Besu???” she cried. (There is no ‘th’ sound in the Japanese language so my name becomes Besu!) I was surprised she recognised me after more than 15 years, but she did right away. Within five minutes she had called over my homestay father (the sweetest old man ever), invited us in for sweet potatoes and tea, phoned her daughter, got the old photo albums out and got the neighbours round!

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With my homestay parents, Mr & Mrs Ito, outside the house I lived in for a year aged 19

As we sat in their living room sipping tea I had a kaleidoscope of flashbacks – feeding fish sticks to their dog from the little kitchen table, making long distance calls to my family from the phone by the window (no Skype back then!), checking the bottom step of the staircase for letters that had arrived in thin blue airmail envelopes, being dressed in a kimono for my coming-of-age ceremony back when I was 20… one after another the memories came rushing back, and it was lovely to be able to share them with my man.

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When we had finished up our tea and my man had polished off the last of the sweet potatoes, we and half the neighbourhood headed over to Heiankyo for a festival by Ikeshita pond, with more tea served by ladies in kimonos. What a lovely unexpected interlude that was – and such a blessing to know there are people in this city with whom we go way back.

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The road to Takao

Takao

The other day we got up really early to go to a famous temple so I could take pictures before all the tourists arrived. But when we got there we realised it didn’t actually open until 9am. So instead of hanging around, we got back on our bikes and went for an impromptu two hour cycle ride. Knackered by nine but oh-so-awake and inspired! Here are some pictures from the road to Takao…

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I am completely in love with this house entrance… 

Philosophising

Philosopher

One of my favourite little paths in Kyoto is the Tetsugaku-no-michi (‘The Philosopher’s Path).

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When the cherry blossom is out it is one of the busiest places in Kyoto, but I like to think that is because everyone is a philosopher, and they all have so much to philosophise about!

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We snuck back the other evening, when the night was dark but the air was warm and the place was unusually empty. We parked our bikes at the top of the stream and walked along the tree-lined bank to a little bridge where fireflies were dancing in the blackness. Magical green glowing fairies, hovering over branches, dipping and diving, serenading each other. I wonder what they were thinking about…

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Play time!

Rollercoaster

‘Hollywood dream’ rollercoaster  – Hollywood nightmare more like!

On Friday my man skyved of school (shhh) and we sneaked away to Universal Studios Japan – a surreal expanse of movie sets and theme park rides near Osaka. I am totally terrified of roller coasters but made myself go on most of the rides and surprised myself by actually loving some of them!

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Waterworld

It was refreshing to be in a little piece of America for a day, although it has definitely been Japan-ified (Hello Kitty everywhere)…

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Some of the rides are based on really old films, and it was quite freaky to listen to the Terminator ride with it’s wild guesses as to what incredible far-flung future technology would look like – it predicted online education (e-courses) and video phone calls (Skype)! Thank goodness the robots haven’t quite made it yet…

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That car from Back to the Future

Such a good day of being alternately scared and elated, laughing a lot and having fun.

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The amazingly realistic ‘Amity Village’ from the Jaws ride 

Rainy season

Rainy Japan

It’s the rainy season here in Japan. That means it is hot and wet. That means mastering new skills of cycling whilst holding an umbrella and pedalling in flip flops. That means puddle splashing and ice cream in the rain. That means chilled Saturday nights playing cards and drinking beer in cafes that used to be old wooden houses, listening to the rain lashing against the roof. That means endless cups of tea and musings about the weather. That means the smell of pine in the air, and fireflies hovering in the night. It’s the rainy season and I think I actually like it.

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Taking time to stand still

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We are here in Kyoto for six months. A long time. A short time. Depends on your perspective. It’s an interesting amount of time, because it is long enough to get familiar and settle into routines, but short enough to want to make the most of every moment.

We have a big monthly calendar posted on our kitchen wall and I just noticed that as of this week we are half way through our trip. This set me off on a flurry of planning how to squeeze in all the things we want to do, places we want to go and people we want to see before we have to go home (right at the bottom of the last page of that wall chart).  The white spaces are quickly filling, but I am trying hard to preserve some of them with nothing written on them, for it is often these moments of nothing in the diary that lead to unexpected discoveries, relaxed happy days in the sun, improptu trips and all sorts of fun.

Kyoto is good for me. It has made me slow down, reflect, soak up the beauty around, head out somewhere new almost every single day. Look up, look down, look around. Look inside. Take time to stand still.

The ideas I pushed away before we headed out here (because I was so crazily busy) have been invited in, and are currently washing around in my head. Now is not the time for filtering, that will come later. Now is the time for letting them all flow forward, and seeing what emerges. And there is no better place to do it than here, on an adventure, with the luxury of time…

Photostyling

Photostyling

My monthly photostyling sessions are like a marker in my calendar for my time in Kyoto. Six months. Six lessons. And it’s time for lesson three already.

Last month’s theme was Spring (above and below). My teacher inspired me to buy a new lens for my camera and it has made a huge difference.

The tricky thing with photostyling is that you need props, which would be fine at home with my studio full of interesting things, but more difficult here with a minimum amount of ‘stuff’. I guess that means I just have to be inventive, and look to nature (and supermarket packaging!)

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Picnic time

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Sunny days are made for picnics, and no-one makes a packed lunch quite like the Japanese! (Check this video out to see what I mean!) I have never seen such a variety of lunchboxes – fabulous products for surface pattern design (you can tell polka dots are big in Japan this year!) Here are some I found in Loft Kyoto.

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The Kyoto Botanical Gardens is a perfect place to chill out in the sun, as well as shake up the routine. We have been experimenting with lots of picnic goodies from the supermarket. No cucumber sandwiches here – delicious fried noodles and weird vegetables instead…

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When was the last time you took a picnic outside? What’s your favourite picnic food?

Treasured words

pattern

Digitally manipulated ‘Painterly’ by Ange Yake

Recently Rachael Taylor and I wrapped up Module 3 of The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design, and celebrated with our first cohort of graduates! We are so proud of them all – as they go out into the world of professional design, we have already celebrated licensing deals, features in books, launches of new studios, exhibitions at top trade shows and top prizes in national design competitions. We cannot wait to see what is next for them!

Perhaps even more importantly, we have seen the impact it has had on people’s lives. Here are some of the testimonials our class have shared:

“Life changing and inspiring. This course should be included in the 5 year plan of anyone who is interested in a career in Surface Pattern Design!”

“This course teaches you what is really important to become a surface pattern designer. It provides the overview you don’t have as a beginner, full of incredible insider tips and fun exercises, that keep you going. If you only manage to do a third of its content, it’ll change your life!”

“It’s a course that gave me all the information and inspiration I need to make my dreams come true. Now it only depends on me!”

“Amazing! Life-changing and addictive.”

“If you’ve always wondered how to get your art and designs on home goods, wallpaper, clothing, etc, this is the course that helps you achieve this dream.”

“Yesterday I said to friend: “This was the best thing I have done in years”.”

“It is intense and very exciting, inspiring and stimulating.”

“You poured yourselves into this. Every thought and consideration was made. The course was full of personality and passion and I can’t believe how much Rachael shared. It was beautifully designed, communicated really well, and really well managed. I really couldn’t have made the life change that I have (given up my job! yikes) to follow my heart. This course has given me knowledge and confidence to get going. “

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Cute patterned motifs in ‘Frutti Collection’ by Wendy Kendall

“This course has blown my mind! I feel like I can take ownership of my own destiny. No one has ever said to me that I have a right to do this before! I have had some negative influences so I think that the positive energy that Rachael radiates and the way that the course is structured is the best part. I don’t have the words but above all this course is a bargain!! Nothing is missing…it’s perfect. It’s challenging enough to make you think and deal with stuff you would rather put aside (eg legal, finance, being pro-active, networking) and inspirational to get you creatively motivated. “

“The Art and Business of Surface Pattern design course has changed my life. It has provided me the opportunity to go after a long time dream. I have always been surrounded by design in my professional career but never formally trained. Now, I feel this course has provided me the necessary skills and opportunities to make my dream a reality. Rachel and Beth, thank you so much for creating an amazing course.”

“This course helped me gain confidence, as an artist and a person I am very shy and have had many moments of doubting myself in the past. Sharing my work with other creative, kind and encouraging people helped me realize that I do have what it takes as long as I assert myself. If you are shy like myself I say take this course ! It has helped me so much, Rachael and Beth you really have created something very special. I am fully committed to working towards my dream and thanks to this course I am one step closer. “

“It’s full of vital information and a very strong support group. It’s a vital course to help give new surface pattern designers and ones that want to set up business the confidence to just go for it.”

Treasured words Dee McConville
Bold ‘Art Deco’ from Dee McConville

“Inspiring, full of detail and dedication, total value for money.”

“This is an INtense, INdepth, INspiring and FUN course about surface pattern design! Get IN! Not only is the coursework great but there are many opportunities to take advantage of that could open doors for you.”

“It has provided me with a structure to beginning my life as a freelance designer and going back to the basics of creating. It is so important to do all 3 modules if you can, because it gives you a real sense of community and support along with great advice and resources, links and things that I would never had found on my own. It’s a special journey designing your own way…but even more special to share!”

“Not only business facts, but an amazing insight into the industry, encouragement to seek out which path is right for you and the support you need to actually make it happen.

“Life changing! Content-rich, insightful and inspiring. Not just a course but a place to make friends.

Treasured words Rachael Bright

Layered ‘Blooming Day’ from Rachael Bright

“I just can’t thank you both enough for making this wonderful course happen. I wish there were another 3 modules. I would sign up now! It has been the best decision I ever made, completely invaluable to the start my business.”

“I honestly don’t think I could have made so much progress in a year had it not been for this course and the framework it provided me to get back into doing what I love. There are so many good things about it; it is so accessible – there is no snobbery; everyone is encouraged and nurtured no matter what stage they are at. There is so much invaluable information and insight, so many tips, realistic briefs and amazing live briefs and other opportunities.”

“I know several people who are unable to study surface pattern design at degree level because of financial and practical reasons. This course would definitely be an alternative route for them.”

“Being a self taught printer and homeware designer, the modules have given me the technical background and creative permission to believe in my potential and my future in this field. Thank you so much Rachael and Beth for showing us how to do what we love for life!”

“WAAAAAHHH. It’s over! I think the fact that you helped get our names out in the real world is an amazing aspect that I never anticipated. “

“This course should be added to every art degree syllabus!

“This course is the best thing that happened to me for years!!! I love the incredibly supportive, positive and motivating creative atmosphere! This is so rare. Thanks so much for your hard work behind the scenes and for sharing your knowledge with us. I’m on a mission to make this world more happy and beautiful now! “

“Thank you for being so thoughtful in every aspect. As I’m Brazilian, I found the audio transcripts really helpful! Thank you, you’re helping me to change my life for the better!

“I can only say how grateful I am for all the educational material, the links, the insights, the energy and the love I felt through the whole course. “

“LOVED IT!! The course has empowered me to start my own business and makes me excited about what the future holds. “

***

If you want to join us for the next module (Module 2 Creating your professional identity) you’d better be quick! Find out more and register here.

Silkworm encounter

Silkworm cocoon

Me holding a silkworm cocoon (image: Emma Omote)

During my time at Kawashima Textile School I was lucky enough to join a demonstration with silk artist Mayumi Terakawa. Not only did she share an insight into her process, and let us touch her delicate works, but she also showed us how to get silk from the cocoons of silkworms.

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Finding the first thread from each cocoon with silk artist Mayumi Terakawa (image: Emma Omote)

It was completely fascinating. I am rather embarrassed to say that  it had never really crossed my mind what happens to the silkworms themselves. I soon found out… and was rather freaked out to find the silkworms reveal themselves when the cocoon had been spun out into a reel of silk.

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Reeling the silk (image: Emma Omote)

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A staggering 4000 cocoons are needed to make one kimono – and in order to spin those cocoons, the silkworms inside need 400kg of mulberry leaves to munch away on! Silk is a dying industry in Japan, and now only 1% of kimono silk is homegrown, simply because demand massively outweighs supply. The remaining silk producers in this country have an average age of 75 and young people don’t seem interested in the labour intensive work involved. Who knows what will become of this tradition in the coming years?

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Several threads are reeled at once from the cocoons in the basin. One silk thread is three denier. (image: Emma Omote)

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Doing this really made me appreciate the value of silk (good work all you silk worms!), and made me realise why people really treasure silk kimonos. It also made me appreciate just how much work goes into Mayumi Terakawa’s stunning art works – she retrieves the silk herself, spins it and then weaves it to her design.

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Raw silk hand-dyed by Mayumi Terakawa (above) and samples of her gorgeous textile works (below)

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Other Kawashima textile school posts here: Preparing and dyeing the thread / Preparing giant bobbins / Preparing the warp / Preparing the loom / Time for weaving! / Lessons in weaving, lessons in life / Colour magic /  Silkworm encounter