There is an affliction some artists have of seeing potential and beauty in everything. Now that I have taken a plastic fusing class, a bookmaking workshop and an assemblage class—will I ever throw anything away again? This affliction also involves picking up trash from off the streets and highways.

A San Francisco artist friend of mine, Helen Cohen, told me she was signing up for this class and I jumped right on it. Not just to hang with her but the possibility of moving into more 3 dimensional work.  It must be said clothing is naturally dimensional, but in my “fine art” side of life, I wanted the freedom to come off the wall.  The teacher, James Sansing, has been running this class for many years. He is a patient, insightful, low key man and has done installations at many locales. 

The first couple of classes were so noisy! James dumps out bin after bin of “junk” from the dump on the tables and students paw through it. So, it’s a cacophony at first, searching for the gems and objects that are calling your name. All of a sudden your bag is full and ideas are flowing.

As the weeks go by the room gets quieter as minds are concentrating. I let myself move from one project to another, the compositions forming almost effortlessly. I worked on several at a time. You watch others at work. You watch what they put back on the table that looks cool and a new piece forms.

My friend Marcia Manzo called me last year to see if I would be interested in sharing pictures of my trip to Japan, two years ago, for the Peninsula Wearable Art Group. I love sharing things that are so dear to my heart.  This was maybe my one and only trip with the Chigyo sisters, so I was happy to revisit the experience! See previous blog.

For the talk, I brought samples of the Kasuri fabrics I bought from the indigo dye master, cloth I purchased from the Temple market and clothing made combining my indigos from around the world. Who doesn’t love a show and tell? I was nervous my slideshow would be too long, but people seemed to enjoy the images: details of buildings, food and traveling. And the leitmotif of the honey badger, my favorite totem animal from Japan, got some laughs! One woman said she was moved to tears by the presentation. You can’t ask for more than that.

I was nervous my slideshow would be too long, but people seemed to enjoy the images: details of buildings, food and traveling.

It is always frustrating to only have three hours to work, as I don’t get to see any of the finished products. I realize the class really just serves as a guideline for my approach to embellishment. I try not to make too many suggestions, mainly offering a possible direction or placement of a scrap. I really learn a lot from watching everyone’s own process of play. It’s a lovely give and take.

It is a privilege to see the amount of creativity in this group. Michelle Panganini is in charge of programs now and she is an up-cycling powerhouse. There are the many other makers, who uphold high standards of finishing and ideas. I am hoping to keep connected with this fine group in the years to come.