3rd Quarter Challenge 2017
My first instinct was to go towards some type of abstract art, but we’ve done a couple of challenges in past years. So, I took a left turn and decided on something entirely different. Japanese Art from the Edo/Tokugawa period in the early 1600s to the mid 1800s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_period
Here is a bit more cultural history. https://www.britannica.com/event/Edo-culture
Woodblock printing became very popular during this period and much of the art was created this way. One of my favorites is The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
A lot of the art featured Samurai, Kabuki players, Geisha, but then there were more sumi-e ink type paintings that were not as detailed and spoke more of nature.
While a lot of the art was very detailed, there were also paintings done in a sumi-e ink style paintings. Today, there are a couple of textile artists doing sumi-e ink on felt. But I also like the idea of painting with wool.
http://www.sumiesociety.org/whatissumie.php
Here are some simpler paintings.
You’ll see a lot of cranes in Japanese art since they have a significant cultural meaning of honor and loyalty. Origami was developed during this period as well.
There were also specific crafts during this period. The making of handballs for children, doll making, laquerware and weaving among them.
https://www.boundless.com/art-history/textbooks/boundless-art-history-textbook/japan-after-1333-ce-30/the-edo-period-188/crafts-in-the-edo-period-689-8047/
There was also sculpture and folding panel paintings were very popular.
And of course Kimonos continue to be an art form today. This one is from the Edo period.
I think there is plenty to choose from in terms of what you’d like to create. Here is another resource or just Google Edo Art Period for images.
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/suzuki-kiitsu-cranes-japan-edo-period-1615-1868#!
I look forward to seeing what everyone creates! Have fun!
28 thoughts on “3rd Quarter Challenge 2017”
There has just been a whole season on programmes on the BBC about Japanese art and culture – they were excellent – not sure if you’d be able to access them where you are
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p054mdmy/the-art-of-japanese-life-series-1-3-home
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b08w9lv6/hokusai-old-man-crazy-to-paint
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p054mclh/handmade-in-japan-series-1-2-the-kimono#group=b08tvmpy
Definitely inspiration for this challenge.
Thanks Penny! Unfortunately, I’m in the states and the series is only in the U.K. But it will help our U.K. Members. Perhaps there other resources here in the states. I hope you are inspired to do the challenge and show us what you make.
This looks like a fun challenge Marilyn. Putting on my thinking cap 🙂
Thanks Ruth! I hope everyone enjoys it.
Thank you Marilyn – a little bit of research coming up!
Have fun Lyn! Check out the BBC series sited above in Penny’s comment. I look forward to seeing what you create.
The challenge looks, well–challenging! Can you point us to any artists who are currently painting directly on felt, with or without sumi-e ink?
Jorie Johnson from Japan is teaching classses at Slow Fiber Studios in Berkeley, CA this July, one of them is with sumi-e ink and felt. http://www.joirae.com/2017/04/usa-berkeley-ca-black-white-infinity-sumi-ink-silk-and-felt/
Here is her website http://www.joirae.com. I thought there was another artist, but can’t remember the name. If I do, I’ll post it here.
Looks like a great Challenge Marilyn. Now should I do some printing or painting with dye or do I paint with wool. I think I need to think a bit.
Thanks Ann! It’s up to you, I think an of those options would work. I look forward to seeing what you decide on.
Now that’s a fascinating and inspirational challenge Marilyn. I love Japan; its art and culture and made a stab at felting “The Great Wave” a few years ago, unfortunately mine wasn’t very great at all! 😉 Must try harder! 🙂
Thanks Judith! It is a beautiful country. I can’t wait to go back. Please do try again. I look forward to seeing your next attempt. 🙂
Quite a challenge, I remember trying the Japanese Art of painting so meditative and every part from loading the brush to making the mark was slow and planned, now life is starting to settle I will have a go too, can’t wait to see what everyone does 🙂
Thanks Carole! I’ve never tried the sumi-e, but am fascinated by the simple yet striking strokes. I look forward to seeing what you create using your experience.
Thanks for explaining what sumi-e was! I really love that style but didn’t know what it was called. Looking forward to seeing what people create, this sounds like a lot of fun 🙂
You’re welcome Leonor! It is a beautiful style. It will be fun, join us. Perhaps a new cat mat for Marshmallow?. 🙂
I’d love to, but as usual I think I’m not organised enough to have time 😩 I promise to try, though!
Trying is good. 🙂 I know how elusive time can be.
Funny coincidence, Marilyn, we went to the British Museum last month to see the Hokusai prints, but didnt get in, as we hadnt booked ahead, so I brought back two books about him instead. I’d love to go to Japan !
I’m sorry you didn’t get in to the museum, but buying the books was a good move. Japan is a beautiful country with lovely people. I hope you get to go someday. It sounds as if you’re prepared to do the challenge, I hope you join us! Have fun!
Great Challenge, Marilyn 🙂
Thanks Zed! I look forward to seeing what everyone does.
Found this scroll by Suzuki Kiitsu of the Edo period with a crane flying across the rising sun with a bonsai tree,thought that it would be possible to do in felt.Andrea Graham used sumo ink on felt on her blog but I did not have much success using it.l am a new member wanted to take part in a challenge as this site has been so interesting and informative just have to workout how to post a photo
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YvABKJwy_Q/WWYIgb0HxQI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/J9PXk9Kx5ho4NN18-J7vxRvAOFA9Z0CHgCLcBGAs/s320/_DSC3888.jpg I am hoping this is my image
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzI8jKDBRf8/WWYIcHQRubI/AAAAAAAAEHM/IH53iCwCisoW6ofQpFmBkwmZDY6knIncwCLcBGAs/s1600/SL_21_2012_8_5_O.jpg The picture that i chose.and hopefully my picture https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YvABKJwy_Q/WWYIgb0HxQI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/J9PXk9Kx5ho4NN18-J7vxRvAOFA9Z0CHgCLcBGAs/s320/_DSC3888.jpg
Perfect choice Hippopip! You did a great job. Please stop by the Felting and Fiber Forum and post your picture there under the Challenges thread if you haven’t already.
http://feltandfiberstudio.proboards.com
Many thanks for your help I think I have put it in the right place but could not do it all together.I will ask my grandaughter how to do it with a split screen Pippa