Some time ago, i read an article in the Star paper about a group in Malaysia making saori weaving for charity sale and so i was intrigued and this is what i learned about it.
I met this group again when we visited the
Little Penang Street Market last weekend (June 24, 2012). we were there to participate in the Georgetown Festival 2012 event - The Armenian Street Project.- Handmade Market.
CONCEPT
Saori is an art of weaving by hand originating from Japan and which is dedicated to
free expression and self-development for everyone, regardless of physical or mental ability, age or artistic aptitude.
Saori weaving is
pure improvisation from the heart, with no premeditated pattern in mind. It can be created into clothing, bags, tapestries and many other useful items.
THE STORY
The letters “
SA” of SAORI* comes from the zen vocabulary “SAI” and translates to mean every thing has its own individual dignity. And “
ORI” is Japanese for weaving.
Saori began when Misao Jo was 57 and wanted to weave a sash for her kimono. Her husband and sons built her a loom and her 84 yr old mother taught her to weave. She soon realized that mechanical predictable weaving was lacking in creativity and human expression. She started then to choose to experiment and added so called flaws to her weaving. This new way brought her joy and provided a outlet for her creativity. Misao brought her unusual hand woven sash to a very respected kimono shop to show them and they sold it right away. Soon she was asked by her friends to teach them her weaving way. They were soon weaving more beautiful shawls then hers.
As a society people started valuing more personal individuality and expressions over mass-produced goods. Now many people throughout the world relate to Misao’s freedom of expression weaving and the ease of using Saori equipment, the compactness, sturdiness and innovation of saori looms along with her message.
Saori weaving in Japan has celebrated it’s 40th anniversary 1969 - 2009. At 97 Misao Jo still weaves every day. Thank you Misao Jo.
*
Saori is the trade mark of SAKAISEIKISANGYOU the company that manufactures the SAORI loom and accessories.
THE SAORI WAY
Weaving with no rules is more than just individual hand loomed weaving compared to mechanical weaving “but is the practice of pursuing spiritual wealth” says Misao Jo.
When we develop a sense of self-esteem and self worth our life becomes fulfilled. SAORI weaving means sitting down to a loom already warped and centering ones mind .you will begin to weave because half of the weaving is already done and is waiting for you to choose any color or textures for the weft. Have fun with no fixed curriculum. Take the chance to reconnect to your child-like mind. Even though you may need to struggle to encourage that child to come out, you will have a wonderful sense of satisfaction and self expression. Through the saori way of weaving you can develop a new sense of aesthetics.
No restraints, no reservations, courageously unconventionally release your creativity, laugh, smile and learn about those uniqueness that are you. Share your weaving with friends, include your friends and family and find new friends in the SAORI weaving family.
“All flowers are beautiful, even though each individual flower is different in form and color. Because of this difference, all are good.”
- Misao Jo
http://www.saorisantacruz.com/
MALAYSIAN CONTEXT
There is a self-advocacy group for
persons with learning disabilities called the United Voice. They have
used saori weaving to teach & weave material to be turned into
saleable items like purses, shawls, etc.
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/9/8/central/1908995&sec=central
INTERNATIONAL
Saori Global
http://www.saoriglobal.com/
"This website is the gateway to the global network of people enjoying or coaching SAORI®, the free-style hand weaving program for everyone. We weave and learn together in search of our true, hidden selves.
SAORI was founded in 1968 by Misao Jo, a Japanese woman.
Today, it is practiced in more than 40 countries."
Loop of the Loom. NY
http://loopoftheloom.com/saori_weaving_program.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od4QkAMeBvA
TUTORIAL (using simplified corrugated board loom)
http://gingerbreadsnowflakes.com/node/352
