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Paper has always
been my passion. As a child I made countless doll costumes using nothing more
than facial tissue. As my tastes in paper became more sophisticated, the doll
clothes became more elaborate. My spare time was spent drawing,
writing letters - anything that had to do with paper.
I was introduced to Origami, the art of Japanese paper folding in 1993 while traveling throughout Japan with my husband, a native of Kyoto. My interest and fascination with Japanese art blossomed as I visited numerous specialty paper shops and retail stores
that sold handmade paper items such as origami earrings, bookmarks and mobiles.
Several years later in 1995, I was lured into yet another form of Japanese art known as Chigiri-e, the Japanese art of tearing paper to create a collage. It wasn't long before I was selling my art at regional shows and my note cards at galleries throughout the country.
Although my career path led me to advertising and marketing after college, in
1996, I decided to make paper art my business.
My trip to Japan in 1998 was a whirlwind of
activity, visiting temples, shrines and the most magnificent Japanese gardens, but I vividly recall the jubilation I felt
upon entering a kami-ya (paper shop) in Kyoto. With my eyes wide open, my
mother-in-law and husband realized not long after we arrived that I needed to be
kept on a very short leash. You might ask, what is it that attracts me to paper
so much. Honestly, I can't answer that question. Perhaps paper and creativity
are one in the same to me.
And,
finally, have paper, will travel! Although I'm quite busy with art shows
and raising my family, I am available to give Chigirie workshops and
demonstrations. I rarely turn down the opportunity to travel. So, if you would
like to schedule a workshop for your organization, please contact me for more
information.
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