Life Line: Japanese Kumihimo Braiding
Wherever the artist Vivian Qiu travels – sitting on the train, watching over a lake – she braids in the sound, smell and the essence of that place. In this way the Life Line cord captures life’s moments, stories and body sensation.
Join her and learn the technique of Japanese Kumihimo braiding. It’s a traditional Japanese art form of braiding threads into cords for garments or festival decoration.
Through Vivian’s meditative approach, whatever your body is feeling is recorded directly into this ‘Life Line’ cord. This braiding is something you can for some quiet time, while having a conversation with yourself, or something you can do with your hands while chatting away with friends.
You can begin a project in class and continue as long as you like. You might find you have a new meditative hobby!
What you will learn:
Kumihimo literally meaning "gathered threads". You’ll learn to use a special tool to guide your braiding.
The story and deeper meaning behind simple braiding technique. It is a conceptual / visual way to document your life and emotion.
Photo credit (image with white background): Geraldine Lewa.
Photo credit (portrait image): Alistair Kennedy.
AL
“…During our braid making workshop, Vivian shared her lifeline braid story and offered the opportunity for others to share their own stories. It was an opportunity to perhaps release things for some…”
C. SF