Yukihito Kanai shibori dye arts on textiles

28 Sunday Dec 2025

Posted by debdonnelly2012 in 2012 WORKS KIAJA

Amami Oshima dye and resist method techniques were introduced to textile groups at Nga Manu nature reserve Waikanae February 2025. For more information find us on Instagram! http://toimaharanz

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Fantastic summer weather and people, from many walks of life and cultures came together in Kapiti, to experience the natural dyeing techniques facilitated by Yukihito Kanai artist and dyer from Kanaikogei in Japan invited by me as co curator and sponsors NZJEP and KCDC creative communities, generously supported by director Janet Bayly and staff of Toi Mahara gallery Mahara place, Waikanae.

Yukihito with Janet Bayly director of Toi Mahara gallery Waikanae.

Yuki and Ellie Donnelly in front of dorozome mud dyed kimono 120 years old.

Prepping for community artists workshop.

The opening of Nature Amami Oshima featured all the natural elements and practices that make up sustainable textiles in this UNESCO world heritage site.

Shibori resist dyeing using kōwhai, indigo and madder dyes.

Yuki and I organised community natural dye workshops over several days.

Aki Baggott our wonderful translator on left.

Every chance to bring the local environment into the design process makes a collaborative project rewarding.

Toi Mahara staff welcoming us with Yukihito and dyers.

A great meeting of Yukihito enjoyed with Maori weavers at Maoriland gallery in Ōtaki Feb 2025.

Tidal blue inspirations

28 Sunday Dec 2025

Posted by debdonnelly2012 in 2012 WORKS KIAJA

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Nuno textile.. there is a strong link to my geographical placement of where I am, what is taken in by sense and touch. I can’t avoid the links.

My surroundings evoke belonging and awakens the need to make create and collaborate with nature. Sand dunes are clearer on a fresh winters day, Raumati smells are soft as the macrocarpa trees over the inlet stream.

The Kapiti garden we keep is filled with plants and flowers that end up on my sashiko stitched designs. The range of colours to be captured on camera and cloth through each season are a constant challenge to my eye.

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