Yattsuhashi/八つはし- 8 bridges…Originally uploaded by SOFennell

Yatsuhashi (八橋・やつはし)which literally means “8 bridges” has unexpectedly led me to memory of a certain scent and taste memory. Yatsu (八つ) means “eight” and hashi (橋) means “bridge.” The term has two completely different contexts and meanings, at least as far as I know.

The first definition came through a search for images of 8-plank bridges. I was reminded of them after having over dyed an indigo scarf this summer, the resulting pattern recalling the image. Yatsuhashi are wooden bridges that are staggered or set at angles, often seen in Japanese gardens and is a motif in many Japanese art forms.

The term also references a specific bridge where the poet Ariwara Narihira stopped in his travels to compose a poem about his wife. The poem alludes to the irises growing at the side of the bridge and uses the character for iris at the beginning of every line. This is the poem:

The second and most surprising meaning came when in researching the images; I turned up crispy roof-tiled shaped cookies instead of romantic depictions of bridges in Japanese gardens. Then, I read “Wiki’s” description of the cookie and immediately I was transported to my Kyoto home in Ginkakuji’s “backyard” – the smell of cinnamon, and taste of it in those cookies – delicate and not overbearing or bitter. Then again, the consistency of it – not crumbly or too crisp – a slight suggestion of dough – and the closest I can come to having something like it is one of those large waffle ice cream cones (which I don’t eat very often). We really don’t have anything that quite compares to it in this country.

It has been a journey, albeit, a small one, that only took place in my memory, jumping from image to image…still, from an indigo dyed scarf, to Japanese bridges with irises, to cinnamon and sweet potato flavored cookies…it could be a stretch. Still, nothing’s impossible and in my mind, I was in Kyoto, if only for a magical moment.

koi4330C

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

There are at least 540 ways to embellish a fish and the kids at Stough Elementary proved it. By the school year’s end, I will probably find that there are a lot more than that. Each student’s response was unique and that was the fun.

As this was a new workshop, I really didn’t know how this would work, if the kids would really respond to the “assignment,” whether it could be or should be accomplished in a class period (40 min. with a few minutes for context and instruction) and was it too easy or silly an idea? I was fortunate, all 540 students from K to 5th grade affirmed the deal. They loved it. The assignment couldn’t be accomplished in one class period though, but that turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The whole experience was akarui (light, fun, bright) as the kids were full of anticipation when they arrived, greeting me with giggles, bows and konnichiwa, then leaving with doumo and sayonara. From time to time, I did what I could to add to their vocabulary and they at least learned at bit of Japanese culture.

A lot of credit goes to the sensei who hosted me and prepared these students for my arrival.  She created the ambiance and helped me to stay on time and on track, assessing the situation as we moved through each presentation.  Things could not have gone more smoothly and it made the week very pleasurable.

Sweet gum

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

The Koinobori were finally delivered this morning and I’ve been feeling a kind of relief, although I still need to finish about 30 more (it really isn’t that much relatively speaking). I feel like I’m suddenly waking up to autumn even though I’ve been fully aware of the seasonal changes-the cooler temperatures and colors. Where did summer go? Suddenly Shichi-Go-San is just around the corner and it’s also time to make Nengajo. I may have to reserve Thanksgiving weekend as a time for seasonal making (along that line).

Batik koi

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

They went to a recent market, but no one bought. That’s all right. I enjoyed showing them and received compliments. It was fun familiarizing myself with the wax process again and playing with dyes.

What sold were my scarves, so I have no complaints. It was a good weekend mostly due to the other vendors located next to me who were good company with conversation and stories.

Koi blanks

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

It is anticipation. I’ve been working toward this workshop for several months now. The image shows 500, but the total will be 540 plus a few extra. Today, the dark skies and soaking rain made a perfect day for wrapping most of this up. Tomorrow I deliver them to a nearby elementary school and on Monday the workshops begin (K-5).

I would have completed the job earlier if I had spent full days sewing, but I worked production in the mornings and left my afternoons open for personal work. I’ve read that I should be doing the opposite, as my mind is probably at its creative best in the mornings. So, that’s something I’ll be considering when when beginning my next venture.

I grew up with the work ethic: work first, play later (my dad’s words). I carried that idea around for a long time before realizing I couldn’t take that so literally (when was I going to have fun?). Sometimes though, it comes back, and maybe there are times when it’s appropriate.

This project has been a mix. It has been nothing but production, but I’ve stopped to play with the imagery along the way and that’s been fun.

1st Period

The image shows a little of what 1st period was like. The class was small (18 students) compared to the larger ones I’d have later. The sun was bright and instead of working in a studio or art classroom, it was a regular classroom with desks. It was the English classroom for 9th graders. The room also had a sink with warm/hot water and that made a big difference.

Class periods were short though (50 minutes, but it was probably more like 40) and I rushed to have students finish the two pieces I’d had planned. The last two classes only managed one, but that may have been more realistic. Students in the last class received more individual attention and I enjoyed the one on one encounters.

The only thing that kept me guessing was the center of attention:  the indigo dye vat. I never could be sure the results were dark enough, especially with the short time factor.  In the end, the pieces darkened and students loved their work.

I should also mention and commend their highly energetic and enthusiastic teacher who welcomed me into her classroom so that this event could take place. It was a bold and brave move on her part (as it was an art project, not English), since she risked having drips and splatters of indigo all around her classroom (not to mention the odor). The students were equally as enthusiastic, so the day was high energy and a lot of fun. Their pieces also turned out well in my estimation, although at this point in time, I have no other images to share – I was working.

When I opened materials for this year’s fall event, I was surprised to see the black and white postcard as opposed to the usual in color – sign of the times I suppose.  However, the important message is still there and it’s upcoming.  I’ll be there with silk scarves, furoshiki and a few other items all hand dyed and in shibori.

If, by chance you are in the area, please feel free to drop by and at least come by the booth.  I’d love to see you.

Rockers

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

Stunning is one of many words I might use to describe the environment I’ve been in the last couple of days. There are many others and I don’t know which one describes it best. Needless to say, it was, culturally, a different environment from ones I’ve encountered before. It was delicious to say the least.

Classes in this particular situation, at this time, were small and that makes a difference in any teaching situation. As a result, I was much more at ease and informal in my approach.

I was there to introduce them to indigo dyeing, shibori and as an extra added “bonus, ” silk. If I could have toted silkworms, I would have, but I did bring along images, silk cocoons and a few hankies.

It seemed the students were very receptive to these short workshops and enjoyed the results from their brief exercises. We began with silk handkerchiefs as a warm up to the process, then moved on to the challenge of working with a larger scarf. In some cases, they were very “gymnastic” with their approach, but the results were bold and exciting (which is probably why I like working with students).

CA-prep1

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

The last couple of days have been filled with organizing, planning and packing up what I need for only 2 days, but six mini-workshops for 9th graders in a nearby high school.

It’s my first series in this school year, and like being able to start out with my favorite subject matter, aizome shibori. I also enjoy the age group, so it should be an enjoyable experience.

They’ll be introduced to the indigo dye vat working with silk scarves and handkerchiefs. This also gives me an opportunity to introduce the topic of silk production and I’m looking forward to that.

I found this image on a search for onishi – gargoyles and was surprised and amused by the imagery. Wouldn’t they be fun to make? I would love these on my front porch.