“Discovering what I like, through weaving” Hanako Kimura
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I majored in Textiles at an art high school. When I told my teacher that after graduating, I wanted to study weaving starting from the basics, he introduced me to Kawashima Textile School.
When I visited the school, I saw the students' work exhibited in the building, and was moved by the thought of being able to make things like them. The international students looked like they were having fun weaving, and I was drawn to the warm atmosphere of the school, where students could interact with each other.
I am very interested in traditional handwork. This could be because my father is a carpenter, but I love to make things. When I finished weaving an 8 meter cloth in class, I had a sense of accomplishment, and when I started to get the hang of weaving, I was motivated to weave more. I like weaving plain weave which is a constant repetition, with fine thread, while keeping the width in order. I am discovering what I like, through weaving.
To be honest, before entering the school, I had a perception that I wasn’t good at weaving. I did experience weaving in high school, but back then I was weaving without really understanding it. Now when I am taking the Tapestry Weaving class, my questions can be answered and solved quickly by asking my teacher. I enjoy weaving now, since we are taught techniques very specifically, and can continue on as we understand each step. Day after day, I notice the desire for creating growing inside me, every time I weave. The things I am able to do are gradually increasing, so I look forward to creating from now on.
