Kasuri: Fibreworks by Chisako Hisamatsu 

Exhibit: May 4 - 28, 2006

Opening Reception: Thursday, May 4, 2006, 6-8pm
Crafthouse Gallery, 1386 Cartwright St., Granville Island, Vancouver
 
Artist's Talk: Thursday, May 18, 2006, 7-8pm,
Carousel Theatre, 1411 Cartwright St., Granville Island, Vancouver
Free Admission
Please register at 604-687-6511


Kasuri is a resist-dye technique: sets of warp and / or weft yarn are partially tied and dyed before weaving. 
Ikat is the common word used to describe this technique in Western culture. Traditional Kasuri fabric is 
usually plain-weave cotton dyed with indigo. When Chisako was growing up in Japan, these fabrics were 
a part of her life. Only after she had started weaving and tried simple Kasuri, did she realise how difficult 
and labour intensive the process was. 

Over the past three years, Chisako has been experimenting with weaving sheer silk fabric, 
and using partially degummed reeled silk. For this exhibition she is developing her Kasuri techniques 
to create fabric that incorporates, and goes beyond, traditional Kasuri style. 

She would also like to introduce the ancient art of natural dyeing to people who are not familiar with it.