Akemi Nakano Cohn

Solo Exhibition "Circle of Renewal" Tokyo, Japan

2011-11-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

Solo Exhibition, "Circle of Renewal" at Gallery Uesuto: Ginza, Tokyo, Japan

Oct. 27 - Nov. 8, 2011

Solo Exhibition, "Circle of Renewal" at the Gallery Uesuto was well received. 250 people came to see the show! Since I was in the gallery all the time, I talked them observing their reactions. My family helped me a lot. It was so wonderful to be with my family and friends all the time. I felt that I am very lucky! Here are few images of the exh. Some pictures were taken by Nori Hamachi.

New Exhibiton, Tokyo, Japan

2011-09-03T05:31:00.000-07:00

I am busy preparing for a solo exhibition in Tokyo, Japan. I will leave Chicago on Sept. 17th.

Wish you could come to see the show!!! This piece was dyed wahsi (hand made Japanese rice paper) in indigo dye vat with various numbers of dippings. Then brushed walnut and/or black oak on indigo paper. Constructed then cut out. Although I cut out paper as a stencil paper, I am excited to apply different way. Also, natural dyes work harmoniously.

2011-06-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful opening reception. Thank you for coming!

If you could not attend, the exh. runs this summer till Sept.14. Weekdays: 9-4:30, weekends by appointment, 773-371-5416 The Mary-Frances and Bill Veeck Gallery (Catholic Theological Union) The address is 5416 S. Cornell in Hyde Park. If you take Lake Shore Drive south, get off at the 53rd St. exit. Go 2 blocks west to Cornell and turn south (left). The Catholic Theological Union is about 2 blocks south on the right side of the street. Parking is available in the CTU garage which is attached to the building. The entrance is just south of the main door. Free.

The pictures: Artist Talk, with Lindsay Obermeyer (her beads piece is truly stunning!, and cutator Jannis Pozzi-Johnson.

katazome & natural dyes

2011-06-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed teaching a workshop at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts last week. Katazome takes time and paticient, but all students were so~ good!!! I am deeply impressed by thier energy. It was a wonderful group! Applying natural dyes are different comapre to chemical dyes; they are like vegitables or fruits. Soemtimes colors or effect are different. Depending on growing region or season, the color is varies. I have been doing so many years, but still using natural dyes is mysterious to me. (and difficult.)

Jennifer Weiler showing her finished pieces. Julia during crit. Jess is painting. Madder and Cochineal on rice paste. Dietta Hitchcock's pieces, Cutch with iron mordant.

indigo and Katazome

2011-05-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

New Work: Making Circle #1 This is for a solo exhibiton in Tokyo, Japan this early fall. I am exciting to explore my new direction. I dyed rice paper in indigo, then cut out after constructing. I am painting with other natural dyes, such as Black Oak and Walnut on indigo dyed paper. Let's see. The size is 58"H x approx. 120"W

2011-03-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

"Beyond the Kimono: KATAZOME"

workshop at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (Gatlinburg, TN)

June 5 - 11, 2011

Develop design ideas by observing natural objects throughout the Arrowmont campus, such as leaves, flowers, and branches, then cut stencils. Apply natural dyes (cutch, cochineal, madder, etc.) with alum mordant. http://www.arrowmont.org/

The above image was at Indiana University when I was invited as a visiting artist.

The second image was at Vermont Surface Design Studio. I taught a wksp last year.

katazome workshop at Pippa's studio, VT

2010-05-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce the Katazome workshop at Pippa's studio in Post Mills, Vernont.

She built her own private studio with dormitory. Truly beautiful in natural environment! I think it is perfect for the Katazome workshop. Here is information.

Katazome with Natural Dyes

August 7th - 11th, 2010 More details, please check at pippa.drew@gmail.com

pippadrew.com

The first two images are taken during Katazome workshop at Indiana University, Bloomington,IN (invited as a visiting artist 2009). Those are students work. The 3rd image is printed with rice paste, and painted with natural pigments by Akemi. The 4th image is a cutting stencil by hand with special paper, rice paste is spread through stencil paper, after dry the rice paste, then paint on fabric.

Hope you can join this wonderful workshop of Katazome!

Tea Ceremony: Big Event

2010-05-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

I attended The Chado Urasenke Tankokai Chicago Association 50th Anniversary events. (I am a member.) We invited "GYOTEI" master from Kyoto, Japan for a seminar for two days. We had a party at Hyatte Regency in down town Chicago after the seminar.

The Chado (tea ceremony, or way of tea) has a long history in Japan, way back to the 14 th century. Green tea was brought in the 9th century from China as monk's medicine, then later "way of tea" was established.

I am interested in learning the way of tea because many Japanese arts and crafts are related with the Chado (way of tea), such as gardens, tea houses, ceramics, wooden wares, flower arrangements, cooking, metals, and textiles. I might say that Japanese art can not mention without considering a way of tea. It is deeply connected.

I was impressed by Ishikawa Gyotei sensei (master) how to enjoy a moment sharing with other people during a tea ceremony. He tried to be relaxed and emphasized people should enjoy the moment rather than following rules too much. He often said that "be flexible" and "open eyes widely". It is not easy, though.

new classes will start soon!

2010-04-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

New classes will start next week. Check it out! The picture the above: felted on silk fabric

Lacy "NUNO" Felt

Start May 1 (SAT)-5 week class Lillstreet Art Center

www.lillstreet.com

Natural Dye with Shibori

Start May 6 ( TH )-5 week class Evanston Art Center

www.evanstonartcenter.org

Shibori of Sunrise (HINODE)

2010-04-11T06:08:00.000-07:00

Shibori is one of resist techniques by stitching, tieing, binding, wrapping. Then submerge the fabric into dye pot. It creates various lovely patterns. You will find various kinds of fabrics from Japan, India, Africa, Peru, and Indonesia.

Here are some students' work in the Shibori class at The Art Center(Highland Park, IL). The 3 images of navy blue (done by Pam, Wendy, Linda from left) are done by "HIDNODE(sunrise) shibori which required stitching and tieing.One image (by Jackie) is tieing the fabric for resit. Another image (by Ann) is untieing the fabric. It is an exciting moment to see the result!

SHIBORI CLASS

2010-03-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

You can manipulate Shibori in many ways. Wendy (Shibori class student at The Art Center) first painted on silk. Then "resist" some areas and put it into dye bath. It changes the image and it makes more complex.

We do some research for old textiles (Peruvian) and they are so inspiring. They show many symbolism and often the meanings are beyond our thoughts at present. Various images are impressive about their rich imagination. It is a good opportunity to re-think designs.

Memory: Space #1

2010-02-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

Since I was invited by "SESSION" exhibition in Tokyo, Japan, I made a new piece, MEMORY: SPACE #1. Selected each Japanese artist picks one foreign artist and they communicate each other through their theme. The process of communication is important and interesting. The pieces will be shown side by side in the exhibition. Emiko Nakano asked me to do it together who is a well known Fiber artist. She graduated two years ahead of me at Cranbrook Academy of Art in MI. We have been seeing in Japan and the U.S. since. She weaves rice paper with special threads and often makes her art pieces off the wall. The SESSION Textile Art Miniature Exhibition opens February 25, 2010 at KCC Gallery. (03-5856-5146 tel., http://web.me.com/kccgccc326)

2010-02-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

Classes are running. I am teaching Shibori classes at Lillstreet Art Center and The Art Center, Highland Park. Since I emphasize applying to paint with shibori, students are exploring new technique. It might be difficult to make a design at beginning, but it is interesting part to make decision time to time at each stage. The images are Nancy's work (Lillstreet Art Center) and Wendy (The Art Center). These are not finished yet; they are on a process and stitch them, dye into dye pot.

2009-12-18T23:21:00.000-08:00

I am in Yokohama, Japan visiting my family. Since having a New Year is important part to Japanese, people decorate materials in front of house, shrine, and temples. Trees on my family's garden were nicely trimmed by a gardener. Now ready for the New Year! Happy New Year.

2009-12-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

Natural dyes are very fascinating! Especially over dyeing creates deep and harmonious colors. I'd love to share some work done by natural dyes in the Nui Shibori with Natural Dyes class at Evanston Art Center. Turmeric and Cutch done by Dixie (left), Madder, Cutch done by Sara (center), indigo, cutch, madder done by Diane (right)

2009-10-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

Applying natural dyes are so fun! Take a look pictures. Leaves and branches of Apricot tree from our yard created lovely yellow on silk. It is buttery and honey like yellow. While simmering, the smell was sweet. We experienced coffee, onion skins, tea, and logwood in the class of Origami Shibori with natural dyes at Evanston Art Center(847-475-5300). Works are by Sara, Donna, and Dixie. New class will start Oct. 22 (TH). Hope you can join. The class is Nui Shibori with natural dyes.

Katazome at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

2009-08-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

I truly enjoyed teaching Katazome (rice paste resist with natural dyes and pigments) class this summer. It was intense; all students worked early morning till late night. Luckily the weather was sunny and warm. Natural dyes need such kind of weather. We used traditional Japanese fabric stretchers (shinshi and harite). We started to cut stencil paper with knife. Cook rice paste and spread out through stencil on fabric. After drying the rice paste, paint. We used fabric paints first, then sumi ink and natural mineral pigments from Japan. Finally, applied natural dyes, such as madder root and cutch with alum and iron mordents. We also used natural indigo making a dye vat. Wish we could have much time to combine indigo and other natural dyes. It creates beautiful shades. Well,,,next time.

KATAZOME: attaching net

2009-08-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

Akemi I guess I forgot how you make stencils stronger by painting it with acrylic paint and adding the net what do you do first do you paint stencil and then add net to wet paint???That is my question because it seemed when I painted on net and stencil there was some paint which remained on net Thanks elizabeth

Answer from Akemi: Place special silk gauze "sha" (or net) on already cut out your stencil paper. The net is the same size or slightly over as your stencil paper. Face up. Dilute the acrylic paint with water to flow smoothly. Coat acrylic paint with a flat brush on the net and stencil paper. Brush from the center to the edges. After 5 min. - 20 min., flip over up side down, and remove bridges with knife. So, the timing is important. Not too wet, not to dry. If the paint is completely dry, it is hard to remove the bridges from the net. If too wet, move the net, stick on your fingers,,,it makes mess.

If paint is thin coat, brush again with acrylic paint after cutting bridges.

NOTE: the above is for synthetic stencil paper use. If you use a traditional stencil paper, "SHIBUGAMI", the procedure is different.

2009-08-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

The followings are some questions from my former students. I think it is good to share information because some of you might have similar problems.

"I have a couple of questions for you, Akemi. When I create more paste resist work on silk, 1) what weight and type of silk do you like best, what wears well? I saw some nice silk broadcloth at the SDA conference, from Exotic silks, that looks good, a nice even weave, good weight and 2) the silk that I used for our workshop is still a bit stiff from the paste, do I have to wash it more to remove it, or can I leave it as is? Would it last longer if I washed it? I also wonder if it would gum up my sewing machine too, if I don’t get all of it out? 3) do you use anything to seal the fabric, like Scotchguard spray?" from Valerie Bashaw

1. Recently I use silk organza. It can be applied 2 or more layers to print at the same time. I like medium weight of sateen. Wool & silk blend also work beautifully. Row silk doesn't work.

2. Stiffness comes from starch of rice paste (sweet rice flour). Dip in a warm water to remove starch. Be careful! If color comes out, take out the fabric immediately and put it in a cold water. Repeat. Then apply vinegar or hair conditioner. It makes soft. It was not enough rinsing if the fabric is stiff.

3. I don't seal the fabric. I asked to be framed when the art work placed in a dinning hall.

"when you prepare stencil with paint do you put net down after paint is on and still wet because I put paint down on top of net and it seems like net picks up a tiny bit of paint so it is not as clean Also I do see how different silks pick up resist patterns in different way but I am having trouble getting the clarity that I got in class hard to get the right balance of back round color so the piece pops any suggestions" from Elizabeth Jenkins

1. Do you mean "paint" as color rice paste? I don't exactly understand the situation. If so, the net side is up. Press slightly harder. So, color rice paste goes through the net. If paste is hard, it leaves a net mark on the fabric.

2. You are right. Depending on fabric, the impression is very different. Therefore, I use it as a metaphor. I interlaced sateen silk and hand woven row silk on my art work. It shows different colors based on "different (cultural) back grounds.

In addition to silk, choosing colors, thickness, combination of colors, etc. makes impression different. I think it makes the image richer and more interesting.

Suggestions: -Use one type of silk for a while. You will get familiar of the silk.

-Limit your color pallet, maybe 6~8 colors. If some colors are too aggressive, mix small amount of dark color or black to tone down.

-Keep color sample and recipe.

2009-08-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

Laura's house in New Harmony was truly lovely! It is a country setting with a large vegetable garden. Her inspiration comes from those vegetables, fruits, bees, gardening tools, flowers and plants. Because of her terrific sense of design and imagination, she created wonderful art work, and they fit nicely in her home with warm atmosphere. Her husband, Ben is a great gardener and organize placements so well. I was impressed by his sharp eyes in 3D (of course, he is an architect and teaches at the school of the art institute of chicago). She invited interesting people for Rowland at her house. Tons of delicious vegeables from their garden. What a treat!!! It was precious and unforgettable time of my stay in New Harmony.

exhibition info.

2009-08-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

"immanent blue"

by Rowland Richetts

Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art in New Harmony

8/22-10/4 2009

New Harmony

2009-08-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

I went to see Rowland's show in New Harmony. I also wanted to see Laura (Foster Nicholson) and her home.

at New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art

I liked a lot about Rowland's work which are from 3 elements; lined millions of felted stones on the wall, indigo dyed fabric panels, and indigo plants on the floor. His indigo colors are so transparent even it is deep. It tells us a gradual color change of indigo.

"Katagami with Color Rice Paste"

2009-06-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

I taught "Katagami with Color Rice Paste" at the Int'l Surface Design Assoc. Conference in Kansas City last week. The process: cooking rice paste, mix dyes into rice paste, cu-out stencil paper for design, then spread color rice paste through stencil paper. Then put all over color rice paste as a back ground, roll it and steam to color set. It resist and color at the same time. It is complicated process based on traditional Japanese Katazome, and all students did really well!!! Although it was a short time, only four full days, the result was impressive.

katazome & natural dyes

2009-05-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

I cut new design of stencil paper. I cooked rice paste (sweet rice flour & special rice bran). Then applied it onto the stencil paper. The paste is like a sticky peanuts butter. When I lift the stencil paper up, the image is on the fabric throughout stencil paper. Suspended the fabric with bamboo stretchers. Wait until the paste to dry. While waiting, I prepared natural dyes to boil, simmer to get extract. This process is called "KATAZOME" and this is a traditional Japanese printing technique on fabric. It has been used for printing on kimonos for over 300 years in Japan.

Need home for this dog

2009-04-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

We found a dog last night on a street. He was sweet and very nice dog; Pitbull, maybe 2 yrs old. He had a collar, but no tag or chip (we took him to a vet). Since we have our dog Maxine, we were unable to keep him. We made many phone calls, asked neighbors and friends. We took him for a walk if someone might be looking for. Even he might have known his home. No chance. Finally, we called Chicago Animal Control. The dog was taken. He is available until April 23 (TH) at the Animal Control office. Please contact if you are interested. He is a good boy and truly has a good nature. Wish we could keep him. Miss him.

indigo dye pot

2009-03-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

It is not easy......

in some reasons, images did not show, so I will try again.

2009-03-03T06:51:00.001-08:00

cut out stencil paper

2009-03-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

These images are my inspiration. I took pictures at Mount Koya, Japan. Shoji screen is repaired by lovely way. Hole became a nice decoration. My grandmother used to do it whenever her grand daughters poke fingers through shoji paper.

Another photo is taken at a old Bhuddest temple at Mt. Koya. Because of use of fire, a kitchen was considered "holly place where gods exhisted, and family members prayed the end of year to thank and celebrated a new year putting a cut out stencil paper. Do you see it?

thank you!

2009-03-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

I haven't discovered how to communicate yet when friends send me comments. Also, please forgive me many English mistakes in my writing. I will try to study harder. I appreciate all of your warmth and patient.

2009-03-01T08:18:00.000-08:00

Indigo is a life long work. When I see the old fabric, "CHAYATSUJI" made in the early 17th century, it make me feel I am very happy to know how skilled artisan exsisted. I don't think I can remake (no way!) it, even I don't want to. I want to keep it in my mind as a guide, and make my own work now I live. It will be a big challenge, but I love doing it.