Flower Garden

Eri Komiyama

June 2 - 7, 2016
Opening reception Thursday June 2, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Yuzen Dyeing is a technique invented in 17th century in Kyoto where a mixture of rice paste and soybeans is used to draw delicate free-hand linear motifs on white silk. The artist squeezes the paste through a funnel-shaped container, much like a small pastry bag. After this paste dries, both sides of the lines are painted with brushes, using the desired dye colors. Delicate shaded effects can be created and the rice paste outlines prevent the dye from seeping into surrounding areas. Even broad background areas are dyed in this manner. The most prominent characteristic feature of kimono designs using the method mentioned above are the subtle color gradations and narrow flowing light lines that outline the motifs. For areas of wide, repeated patterns, artists may apply their rice paste through intricate stencils with squeegees. After the paste has dried, they apply their colored dyes with brushes. When all of the painting is finished, the Kimono silk is steamed to set the dyes, and washes out the rice paste.

Komiyama's tapestry is made with this Yuzen dyeing technique. Katazome, a technique that uses stencils to create intricate designs and patterns, and Roketsu, a wax-resist textile dyeing technique, are all utilized to create deep color variations within the tapestry.

Komiyama enjoys drawing flowers. She says the most important thing is to observe the flowers in detail and to draw them repeatedly until you feel confident.

Eri Komiyama lives and works in Japan. She graduated from Kyushu Sangyo University and received a MFA in 1990. She has been learning Yuzen from Ms. Kiyoko Yamamoto for 20 years. She has held solo exhibitions at Gallery Oishi 3 times.

 

Gallery hours: Monday to Thursday 12 – 6 pm, Saturday 10 am – 3 pm