The guest curator for both exhibits is renowned Japanese quilter Miwako Kimura.
We chose the theme “At Play – asobi” for our quilt exhibit. How simple the word sounds and yet how deeply it inspired us!
Are children born with the impulse to play? Are Children born seeking the delights of play? Ah! The merry sounds of frolicking children Bestir the urge to play in the old body and soul–Ryohjin-hishoh – Folk Lyrical Ballads edited by Emperor Goshirakawa around ll80 AD
Quilt making is, in a sense, an ultimate “play.” When the word “play” is mentioned, we think of children playing hide and seek, or playing house, totally absorbed, lost in time. That sensation of thrill stays with us as we experience the world of music, theater, art, games and sports. We, the quilters, become involved in making quilts, and the element of play is fully incorporated in the process of designing and creating quilts.
When we chose this theme, there was some hesitation among some quilters as they had trouble expanding to more than just children’s play. However, eventually, as we went on discussing the theme, we became excited about many ideas and many designs started to spring up. With limited time, we could not express all our ideas in quilts but we put our hearts into the quilts we are presenting. Through our quilts, we share our joy in quilt making with all who visit the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum. We hope you will enjoy the quilts and perhaps, you will be inspired by the theme, “at play”.
Quilt Above: Ocean Waves by Sashiko Yoshida.
I would like to express my heartfelt pleasure in exhibiting our Japanese quilts for the 8th time at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum.
Miwako Kimura Curator of the Japanese Quilts
Kimono Blossom
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