Portfolio Project:  Paper Sashiko™

Sashiko (literally “little stabs”) is a Japanese form of decorative reinforcement stitching.  Traditionally used to reinforce points of wear with the white cotton thread on indigo blue cloth, Sashiko technique is also applied for purely decorative purposes in quilting and embroidery.  I used Japanese calligraphy paper, instead of thread, to hand-stitch watercolor paper to create traditional Japanese patterns.  I am interested in lights and shadows and the interaction of yin and yang in my work.

The white-on-white pieces can be viewed from both sides.  The seemingly orderly front side has a drastically different look on the back.