Quilt Art, MOVEMENT #23 Artwork

As I entered my 50s, with my children becoming more independent, I began to glimpse the shape of my future life. With only one life to live, I want to ensure that it is a joyful one. Although the uncertainty of what lies ahead for both myself and those around me can be unsettling, quilting has become an essential part of my life. Each piece I create is, in a sense, a reflection of my personal history. I would be truly happy if I could continue to hold a needle in my hand until the end of my days. My work began with traditional patterns crafted from cotton, but it soon expanded into the realm of crazy quilting, silk, synthetic fabrics, buttons, and ribbons. My creative journey took a turn when I discovered the spiral patterns by Debra Lunn for Lunn Fabrics, which led to the creation of my contemporary MOVEMENT series. My style blends delicacy and boldness, with a focus on dynamic, powerful lines created through machine quilting. At times, I enhance my finished pieces with additional elements such as paint, ink, and gold leaf to add depth and expression. Recently, I have also started incorporating handmade Japanese paper (washi) into my work. Alongside my quilting, I teach workshops on using traditional Japanese fabrics (wafu) derived from kimono. It is truly fascinating how the supple yet robust nature of japanese fabric allows it to transform itself into and embody many forms, including elegance, beauty in imperfection, witticism, refinement, bewitchment, ease, and impermanence ・From 2001 to 2021, I served as an instructor for the Quilt School under Nihon Vogue Co., Ltd. Several of my students won two Grand Prizes and first place in the Creative Division, among other awards, before the class concluded in March 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ・Since March 2021, I have been a board member of the Japan Quilt Association (General Incorporated Association). ・Currently, I am the President of the Japan Contemporary Quilt Association (JCQA) and the founder of Yasuko Quilt Studio. ・I lead the "Wafu World" classes, focusing on traditional Japanese fabrics.