Eiko Araki Sanuki Kagari Temari／Kagawa
Biography
Born in Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture. After working in metal carving and jewelry, he learned the techniques of "Sanuki Kagari Temari" from his parents-in-law. 2006, he was certified as a "Kagawa Prefecture Traditional Craftsman" and became the representative of Sanuki Kagari Temari Preservation Society. 2010, he opened a workshop in Takamatsu City to pass on the culture and techniques of Kagawa Temari to future generations. Incorporating his unique sensibilities into traditional techniques, he has been creating works that transcend the boundaries of local toys. His main works include "La Fleur" and the "Ko-Temari Series. She is the author of "Sanuki no Kagari Temari" (NHK Publishing) and "With Embroidery Thread, Dyed Thread, and Wool Thread. Sanuki Kagari Temari" (Nihon Vogue-sha).
Profile
What inspired you to get into this work?
My mother-in-law, who was married to a Japanese woman, was making temari, and I helped her with that.
What do you want to appeal the most in your work?
I want to surprise people who are not interested in temari by making them, or by giving them a new impression of temari that is different from what they are used to.
What do you keep in mind when creating your work?
I try to create works that show the materiality and three-dimensionality of cotton threads.
I use natural dyeing materials for my herb-dyeing, following ancient dyeing techniques.
What do you want to achieve from now on? Or how do you want to live?
While we continue to refine our traditions and techniques, we want to make our way of working and our creations have an appeal that we feel is wonderful now.
We are currently training about 100 professional makers. We want to be a workshop where everyone can work hard and be excited.