I admit it – I’m a computer junkie. I can go online for a quick answer to a simple question and end up exploring for hours. “Wow, I didn’t know that” is my mantra. In Wandering the Web I’ll be sharing some of my discoveries with you.
Remember taking an easy class in school and referring to it as ‘Basket Weaving I’? Little did we know that in Japan, learning the art of weaving bamboo takes decades. And the results are astounding.

The TAI Gallery in New Mexico represents contemporary Japanese bamboo artists. Their website at www.textilearts.com is a visual feast of bamboo art. Not content to be just another pretty face, TAI offers a wealth of information – history, artist biographies, artist signatures, an appendix, etc.

Image courtesy of TAI Gallery Copyright 2009

“Historically, bamboo was used in every aspect of daily Japanese life. Applications for bamboo included its utility as a construction material, in fencing, fish and animal traps, bows and arrows, fly-fishing rods, farm and garden tools, furniture, various kitchen implements, musical instruments, religious articles and, of course, baskets. At one time there were thousands of bamboo artisans throughout Japan who supplied all these necessary articles. From that pool of talent, a few nineteenth century Japanese bamboo basket makers emerged to create original, indigenous works of art. The first known Japanese bamboo artist who started to sign his work was a son of samurai Hayakawa Keigoro, Hayakawa Shokosai I (1815-1897). Shokosai’s groundbreaking stance as an artist led other bamboo artists to begin to value their own creativity.”

Instead of gas – use your keyboard – and visit the TAI Gallery in New Mexico at www.textilearts.com.

Or, as luck may have it – Miami. TAI Gallery is an exhibitor (Booth #B54) at the 20th Anniversary Art Miami (art-miami.com) December 2nd thru 6th.

Tell ‘em I sent ya’ ~ Victoria

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