AtelierKanawa's Profile

Bio

I run Atelier Kanawa (means "studio to play Japanese harmony & peace") and would love to share my stories of my ancestors who were in Kimono business.

My great grand father was an artisan who dyed Kimono designs, mainly Yukata, the Summer Kimono. My grand mother was a Kimono tailor. Also, my mother and aunt graduated from Kimono academies. My aunt has taught Kimono classes in Japan.

I didn't know these remarkable histories of my family members for such a long time, however, without knowing these facts, one day I became inspired to learn about Kimono.

Since January in 2005, I have been studying Kimono to dress myself. And since March 2006, I have been learning to dress other people.
In October 2007, I officially became a certified Kimono Consultant/adviser of All Japan Kimono Consultant Association through "Sodo" Kimono Academy. This certificate is approved by the Ministry Of Education/Science and Economy/Industry.
You can read the biography of my principal Mr. Norio Yamanaka (also an appointed chairman of the All Japan Kimono Consultants Association) at:
http://www.amazon.com/Book-Kimono-Norio-Yamanaka/dp/0870117858


I also passionately pursue Tsumami Kanzashi, a traditional Japanese long ornamental hairpin.
Today, there are only five acknowledged Tsumami Kanzashi artisans in Japan. Most of them do not have successors to carry out this beautiful traditional art, therefore it is rapidly and certainly dieing out. I was blessed to be accepted as a private pupil by one of them in summer 2007, even though my master does not train anybody anymore due to serious illness. It meant so much to me that my master passionately trained me by wanting to leave this inexpressible beautiful traditional art to the future generation because that was exactly what I was thinking. We should not let our culture disappear.


I am also pursuing classical Japanese dance by Hanayagi-style, which includes Geisha dance, Noh, and Kabuki. I graduated from the beginner's level in June 2006, from intermediate level in June 2007, and currently in advanced level.


Lastly, I study to dye Kimono designs by Bingata Katazome which is the traditional Japanese method of dyeing fabric in Okinawa (southern part of Japan), using a resist paste applied through stencil. The term is divided form a combination of Kata (pattern or stencil), and Zome, from the verb Someru (to dye). Bingata Katazome deal with all natural ingredients for ink, brush, and fabric.


Beside Kimono handcraft, I have been selling Chiyo-gami jewelry since year 2000, and fused glass jewelry, PMC jewelry, image transfer accessories, Japanese embroidery since year 2005.


Today, I deeply regard my ancestors who were in Kimono business. I passionately strive to pass this "disappearing culture" on to the next generation throughout the world.

I will be very happy if you enjoy my authentic Japanese art work.


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[MY PRESS RELEASE]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/atelierkanawa/2873972706/

Nikkan San
http://www.nikkansan.com/

Cultural News
www.culturalnews.com

LaLaLa
http://www.lalalausa.com/

Kanzashi in Bloom - DIY Book
* I was introduced as authentic traditional Tsumami Kanzashi artisan.


[MY BLOG]
If you are interested in Japanese culture & Tradition, please visit my blog at http://www.myspace.com/atelierkanawa
http://atelierkanawa.blogspot.com/


[MY FLICKR]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/atelierkanawa/


[MY FACEBOOK]
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atelier-Kanawa/132507885373


[MY TWITTER]
http://twitter.com/AtelierKanawa


[STREET TEAM]
I am a member of:
Etsy Japan
http://team.etsy.com/viewregion.php?region=japan

Etsy Japanamaniac Artists
http://team.etsy.com/profilest/japanart.shtml


[COPYRIGHT]
©2009 Atelier Kanawa
All copyright and reproduction rights are reserved by the artisan. Creation and description of art pieces may not be reproduced without the written permission of the artisan.

Favorite Materials

kimono, silk, hemp, cotton, rayon, glass, herbs, organic, vegan, vegetarian