catching up

Sakura

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

Yesterday felt more like a Sunday than what it was (a Saturday). It may have had to do with having spent the latter half of the day at the Japan Center. I think it had to do with stopping – slowing down – breathing – and taking time to focus on the surroundings – conversations and the watercolors on exhibit indoors. it was a refreshing afternoon.

The pine pollen has arrived with the warm weather, but so far it hasn’t been a discouragement from yard work. The garden beckons these days – there’s much to be done there. I did manage to plant a few seeds (we’ll see what happens), pull weeds and that kind of thing.

Warm weather also means time to rev up the organic vat. It seems to be coming along.

There are also projects/pieces in the making. It takes time and patience, but finally the warm weather.

I’ve got a few experiments in mind, things I’ve been thinking about since fall at least or even last summer. So once the studio is in order (it truly will happen) I can begin to approach those ideas and I can’t wait!

Winter exhibit at the NC Japan Center

The reception is this afternoon.  Just thought I’d mention it.

Vat work

the vatOriginally uploaded by SOFennell

I could also say that I’m like that nearly empty vat (exhausted), but fortunately not. However, it is the largest vat I’ve worked with to date – 20 gallons and it fits the bill for what I’m working with at the moment. It offers a lot of flexibility, so I’m likely to use it a lot and maybe make another one, same size or half the size of another kind. It’s simply time to expand.

At any rate, it has been a full week of dyeing “stuff” (can’t say what at this point – under “constraints”) and a challenge. As I mentioned before, it’s given me a good deal to think about while working in and out of the unpredictable stormy weather.

I’ve got a few more weeks to go from my calculations, or it could be a little less. Today and tomorrow though, I’m taking time to focus on the brief workshop at the Japan Center. I’m enjoying the break.

藍染Ｔ－シャツ 子供クラス – Indigo Dyeing for Children

A recent post from the NC Japan Center and  thought I’d translate (with a little help) & pass it along (I also need the language practice).  It’s true though, I’m teaching a very short “intro to indigo” class to the younger generation in roughly a week.

藍染Ｔ－シャツ　子供クラス

Aizome T-Shatsu      Kodomo kurasu

Indigo Dyed T-shirt Children’s Class

＜p＞

自分だけの藍染のＴシャツを作ってみませんか？

Jibun dake no aizome no T shatsu o tsukutte mimsen ka?

Would you like to make you’re own indigo dyed T-shirt?

Susan O.Fennell 先生が丁寧におしえてくださります。

Susan Fennell sensei ga teinei ni oshiete kudasarimasu.

Susan O. Fennell sensei is teaching the class.

日時：9月8日　（土曜日）

Jikan: Kugatsu Youka (Doyoubi)

Date: Sept. 8 (Saturday)

2時30分～4時30分

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

材料費：１０ドル

Zairyohi:  Jyuu doru

Materials fee:  $10.00

＊Ｔ－シャツは材料費に含まれませんので、当日お持ちください。

T-shatsu wa zairyohi ni fukumaremasen no de, toujitsu omochikudasai.

T-shirt is not included in the materials fee, so please bring your own.

場所：ＮＣジャパンセンター

705 Barbour Dr. Raleigh, NC 27603

ご希望の方は長曾我部まで連絡下さい。

E-mail: reiko.chosokabe@ncsu.edu

Phone(919) 515-3450

定員（10名）になり次第締め切りますので、ご了承ください。

Tanabata /’Bon

hanging tanabata wishes

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

Officially it was 102 sweltering degrees on Saturday, but I know that those temps can vary from spot to spot. In the shade it was bearable and it helped to begin the evening with a bowl of shaved ice topped with matcha, red beans & sweetened condensed milk – dessert first.

Later, I moved onto a serving of chirashizushi for sustenance. Even later, that was topped off with dango (generously covered in a sweet soy sauce) and chilled mugicha.

Yukata were the traditional garb of the evening but a friend later told me that she opted out for western clothing as wearing an obi was too much for such a hot day. I can’t say that I blame her. I’m glad some did, though, as that’s one of my favorite things to see at a matsuri. They may not be truly cooling, but their colors and patterns do lift the spirit (at least mine!).

Another favorite is the ‘Bon Odori – folk dancing specific to the Obon festival – danced in a large circle. Then there’s the music – minyo – traditional folk – Tanko Bushi, Tokyo Ondo and one from Kagoshima (was that just happenstance?). In spite of that dreadful heat, 楽しかった・tanoshikatta! It was fun.

Coming up at the Japan Center: Yuya Chiba

The reception is coming up very soon, this coming Sunday (Fathers Day).

I definitely don’t want to miss this one.

Spring exhibit at the NC Japan Center

Something I don’t want to miss – planning to attend.

Hard & Soft – closing reception

shibori and pottery

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

On Saturday, February 25th from 2 – 4 p.m., the NC Japan Center is graciously giving the Shibata kazoku (family) and me a closing reception of our combined exhibits. At that time, the center is extending an invitation and opportunity to purchase pottery and shibori if desired. The artists will be present for the event.

It’s amazing how quickly the time has gone.

Mochi tsuki

Mochi tsuki 2

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

“Mochi” is the special pounded rice or rice cake made in preparation for the New Year. “Tsukuru” is the verb for making, in this case “making or pounding ‘mochi.’

I missed the event last year and regretted it, so this year I really wanted to attend. It makes the holiday, as far as I’m concerned – just personal.

I love the taste of fresh mochi and then, have such good memories of “zenzai.” It isn’t an everyday event.

Spring Hill House

Spring Hill House

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

Spring Hill House was built about 1816 by Col. Theophilus Hunter, an early leader in Wake County, NC. It’s listed in the national historic registry and is well preserved. Although it has gone through many changes since its early days it still retains the spirit of the times. It’s currently the home of the NC Japan Center where their winter exhibit is on display (including my indigo dyed Shibori).