My 5 weeks in Korea were full of activities, discoveries, and joy!
First of all, having family time was wonderful and I was so happy to see my parents and my family for the first time in 3 years. I enjoyed seeing my parents' healthy daily routine. This part is somewhat very personal but I'd love to share it with you and I don't think my parents mind sharing their story with you. They go to the park every day to play 'Park Golf'. Park Golf is a form of golf game invented in Japan and it is played in a park. It resembles golf and croquet. Since my mom's health declined a few years ago, she couldn't play golf anymore but now she started this sport with my dad. After this morning routine, mom and dad go to their creative corner in the house. Mom paints and dad practice his calligraphy. I was lucky to attend one of my mom's group exhibitions in Yangpyeong during my stay.
One morning, I went out with my dad to collect chestnuts and acorns. I dyed scraps of silk fabrics using acorns. After I showed you my acorn-dyed silk last month, many of you asked me how I did it. I scoured my silk and dyed it in an acorn dye bath (I simmered acorns with water for an hour and let it cool down overnight) for 30 minutes. I am happy to have new remnants of memory that I can remember and cherish.
이화 퀼트전, the exhibit at my alma mater with other quilters who went to the same school, is another moment I want to share with you. Here's my work and our puzzle pieces.
Update about the Quilt Festival in Korea week! This is the place where you can see the current Korean quilters' work. Here's the YouTube link to QFIK 2022. I spent a whole day exploring and meeting lots of creative people. I use Dancing Needle's bag handles for my handmade bags and purses often. Here are my dear Dancing needle friends.
This is a beautiful work of 탁정은, Tark Jungeun! The photo can't justify the details and the warm energy of this work. She won the grand Prix from European Patchwork Meeting (EPM) in Sainte- Marie-aux-Mines this summer.
Making Zen Online Retreat organized by Kate Ward of Zen Stitching was an event I participated in remotely. Please check out the IG live that Kate and I did.
I was honored to visit many wonderful artists, studios, and two national intangible treasures of Korean traditional art and craft (indigo dyeing and Nubi, Korean hand quilting). Seoul, Naju, Daegu, Gyeongju, Icheon, and Andong are some places I visited this time.
I also was able to see my dear friend, Miran Lim's solo exhibit in Seoul!
I finally made my visit to the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. This is a must-visit place for bojagi and textile enthusiasts and it was wonderful to see the late Dr. Hur-DongHwa's story and his collections.
I visited my home in Seoul, hotel Sunbee! It is doing well and waiting for us to come back and visit Seoul. As you can guess, I am going to resume the Korea textile tour in October 2023. ( May 2023 is a bit too soon to resume, sorry)
My list of places and people to visit got longer and I can't wait to go on this adventure with you!
Have a great November and enjoy cool weather and Autumn colors while they last!
Korea textile Tour -During my stay in Korea, I will visit more master artists, scout new places, and check out potential workshops for the tour. If everything goes well, I will offer the tour in October 2023.
If you want to be on the waitlist, email me. If you are already on the list, you will get an announcement email in December 2022. Covid-19 vaccines are required to sign up for the tour. Thank you!
It's never too early to prepare for the holidays. Would you like to make and use naturally dyed, eco-friendly gift wrap, AKA bojagi?
