Entrusting hope for freedom to birds: Why yarn artist Kazuko Shuto continues to create her work [Isai Tsuushin #13]
June 07, 2024
COLUMN
"Isai Tsuushin" is a column introducing artists brought to you by Marie ( @Marie_heralbony ), the Isai Evangelist. In addition to the appeal of the works produced by Isai artists, we will deliver it in a chatty style, including wonderful experiences born from the interaction between Heralbony and Isai artists. For all of you who "love the unusual". We will support your tomorrow with content that will help you relax and give you energy.
Thoughts are woven not in each and every stroke, but in each and every thread.
There is a painting that gives off a strong sense of that will.
While Kazuko is active in the "NOZOMI PAPER Factory," she also creates her own paintings using yarn. Let's take a look at Kazuko's work in progress.
The canvas used is a wooden board. The artist transfers the rough sketch of the picture drawn on paper onto the wood, then glues the yarn onto it to create the piece.
The reason she started making items with yarn was because she received some unused yarn from a local resident.
After discussing with the facility staff whether they could use the yarn to create something, they came up with a plan for how to create a work of art. Since Kazuko had already drawn many pictures, they established a unique method of expression: "Painting pictures with yarn by gluing them together with glue."
Thoughts are woven not in each and every stroke, but in each and every thread.
There is a painting that gives off a strong sense of that will.
It has an impressive, three-dimensional texture that makes you feel the warmth of human hands.
If you look closely, you will see that this work was drawn not with a brush or pen, but with "thread." The bird is drawn gracefully using soft wool. The frame seems to be made of wood. Is it the motif, the material, or both that makes you feel as if you are absorbing the rich scent of nature?
If you look closely, you will see that this work was drawn not with a brush or pen, but with "thread." The bird is drawn gracefully using soft wool. The frame seems to be made of wood. Is it the motif, the material, or both that makes you feel as if you are absorbing the rich scent of nature?
So, in this issue of Isai Tsushin, we will be introducing Kazuko Shuto, an artist who creates works by pouring her heart and soul into each and every thread. We have a sneak peek at the secrets of the worlds she depicts with colorful threads.
How I arrived at the technique of "drawing with thread"
Minamisanriku Town, Miyagi Prefecture. In this area that was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake, there is a business called "NOZOMI PAPER Factory." The building was built to replace the "Nozomi Welfare Workshop" that was washed away in the disaster, and it was born as a project to connect society and welfare.
Their main activity is to produce "NOZOMI PAPER®︎", a handmade recycled paper made from the raw materials donated by local residents or from Tanabata decorations used at the Sendai Tanabata Festival. Kazuko Shuto, the protagonist of this article, is a member of the "NOZOMI PAPER Factory".
While Kazuko is active in the "NOZOMI PAPER Factory," she also creates her own paintings using yarn. Let's take a look at Kazuko's work in progress. The canvas used is a wooden board. The artist transfers the rough sketch of the picture drawn on paper onto the wood, then glues the yarn onto it to create the piece. The reason she started making items with yarn was because she received some unused yarn from a local resident.After discussing with the facility staff whether they could use the yarn to create something, they came up with a plan for how to create a work of art. Since Kazuko had already drawn many pictures, they established a unique method of expression: "Painting pictures with yarn by gluing them together with glue."
Breathing new life into things that have outlived their usefulness
What is important in understanding Kazuko's work is not the rarity of the materials, but the encounter with the materials and the background. All of the materials surrounding Kazuko's work are collected with the intention of "recycling."
For example, paintings made from yarn, as mentioned at the beginning.
>>Click here to purchase "Little Grebe"
The wool used in the work was donated by a local resident. The wooden board that acts as a canvas on which the wool is attached is a papermaking board that the facility can no longer use. And the wood of the frame, which also controls the atmosphere of the work, is driftwood that was collected on the beach in Minamisanriku Town.
None of these items are new, but rather, they are items that have once outlived their usefulness and are being reused.
And one more thing: in addition to using yarn, Kazuko also creates works using washi paper.
>>Click here to purchase "Turtle"
These works use washi paper used in the Sendai Tanabata Festival. The paper is shaped into thin strips and pasted onto wooden boards. Works using washi paper take longer to make because each strip is thinner than wool.
Looking at it this way, Kazuko's work gives the impression of a will to "continue the stories" of things that were almost lost.
Yarn that was purchased to create something for someone but then ended up lying dormant in someone's home. Wooden boards that have been used countless times to make paper and have outlived their usefulness. Driftwood that has made a long, long journey from faraway oceans to the shores of Sanriku.
All of the materials that Kazuko uses have a lot of history and stories that have led them to the present day. She takes them in and wraps them up in their stories, weaving history into new works. Kazuko's works have a certain gentleness and warmth to them, which may be because they are imbued with the will of a "sender."
For example, paintings made from yarn, as mentioned at the beginning.
>>Click here to purchase "Little Grebe"
The wool used in the work was donated by a local resident. The wooden board that acts as a canvas on which the wool is attached is a papermaking board that the facility can no longer use. And the wood of the frame, which also controls the atmosphere of the work, is driftwood that was collected on the beach in Minamisanriku Town.
None of these items are new, but rather, they are items that have once outlived their usefulness and are being reused.
And one more thing: in addition to using yarn, Kazuko also creates works using washi paper.
>>Click here to purchase "Turtle"
These works use washi paper used in the Sendai Tanabata Festival. The paper is shaped into thin strips and pasted onto wooden boards. Works using washi paper take longer to make because each strip is thinner than wool.
Looking at it this way, Kazuko's work gives the impression of a will to "continue the stories" of things that were almost lost.
Yarn that was purchased to create something for someone but then ended up lying dormant in someone's home. Wooden boards that have been used countless times to make paper and have outlived their usefulness. Driftwood that has made a long, long journey from faraway oceans to the shores of Sanriku.
All of the materials that Kazuko uses have a lot of history and stories that have led them to the present day. She takes them in and wraps them up in their stories, weaving history into new works. Kazuko's works have a certain gentleness and warmth to them, which may be because they are imbued with the will of a "sender."
I entrusted my wishes to the free-flying birds
Another thing that interested me about Kazuko's work was her motifs. Many of her signature wool paintings feature birds as a motif. The reason behind this is her wish that "people will one day be able to live freely."
>>Click here to purchase the "Horny Hornbill"
It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Kazuko started creating works using yarn. At the time, it was difficult to go out and have contact with other people. She began drawing birds with the hope of bringing cheerfulness and allowing the many people who felt suffocated and lonely to fly freely.
>>Click here to purchase the "Horny Hornbill"
It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Kazuko started creating works using yarn. At the time, it was difficult to go out and have contact with other people. She began drawing birds with the hope of bringing cheerfulness and allowing the many people who felt suffocated and lonely to fly freely.
Kazuko, who created many bird works, began to draw motifs other than birds as time went on. Although animal motifs continue to be the main focus, she now draws a variety of animals. All of her works are vibrant in color, energetic, and above all, charming.
In addition to real animals, Kazuko also draws fictional animals. This repertoire is called the "Strange Creatures Series" and is filled with Kazuko's unique perspective. When you look at the charming creatures, you can feel a cheerful aura.
Kazuko is a very anxious and reserved person. When she creates a work, she always checks with a trusted staff member, asking, "Is this motif okay? What do people think? What colors would be good?"
As the creator of her work, Kazuko's approach of creating while keeping in mind "how will the viewer feel?" is a uniquely considerate one. At the root of her work lies her strong motivation to "make everyone smile."
Kazuko is a very anxious and reserved person. When she creates a work, she always checks with a trusted staff member, asking, "Is this motif okay? What do people think? What colors would be good?"As the creator of her work, Kazuko's approach of creating while keeping in mind "how will the viewer feel?" is a uniquely considerate one. At the root of her work lies her strong motivation to "make everyone smile."
The cycle of connection and joy created by the artwork
"HERALBONY GALLERY (Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture)" is currently holding a special exhibition of Kazuko's work entitled "Paintings Woven with Threads." In preparation for this exhibition, Kazuko compiled her own thoughts in a memoir.
In this book, Kazuko writes about how she started drawing, how she began creating works with yarn, and how happy she was when she received praise for her work.
"It makes me happy when people tell me I'm amazing. It makes me happy when people praise me. It makes me happy so I can keep going."
The works that Kazuko creates bring joy to others. That joy is then used as a springboard to start new creations - this cycle of happiness continues to be created through Kazuko's work.
Receiving the stories contained within materials and elevating them into artwork, and then circulating joy among people through her work - in either case, I think Kazuko's talent as a "sender" who can connect the thoughts she receives to the next person is what makes her so appealing.
Kazuko's works are filled with such emotion and make people who see them feel warm and fuzzy. You can see all of her works in the online store.
Please come and find your favorite piece while feeling the passion of "Ichi Thread Ichi Thread."
▶︎See the list of works here
In this book, Kazuko writes about how she started drawing, how she began creating works with yarn, and how happy she was when she received praise for her work."It makes me happy when people tell me I'm amazing. It makes me happy when people praise me. It makes me happy so I can keep going."
The works that Kazuko creates bring joy to others. That joy is then used as a springboard to start new creations - this cycle of happiness continues to be created through Kazuko's work.Receiving the stories contained within materials and elevating them into artwork, and then circulating joy among people through her work - in either case, I think Kazuko's talent as a "sender" who can connect the thoughts she receives to the next person is what makes her so appealing.
Kazuko's works are filled with such emotion and make people who see them feel warm and fuzzy. You can see all of her works in the online store.
Please come and find your favorite piece while feeling the passion of "Ichi Thread Ichi Thread."
▶︎See the list of works here
Kazuko Shuto
NOZOMI PAPER Factory
Born in Minamisanriku, she began drawing pictures with yarn after receiving some donated yarn. After drawing a rough sketch and concentrating on the task of attaching the yarn, she also cherishes the time she spends with the other members of her workshop. She spends one to three months on a single piece, vividly coloring the picture with yarn of various colors. Her meticulous and kind personality can be seen in her meticulous and careful work. What brings her the most joy is the connection and communication with others that is born through her work.
