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Sarasa Page

innovative printing techniques spawned through wonder and misunderstandings

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future programs

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below are some of the many classes I offer on this subject
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Sarasa One

working with stencils
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Sarasa Two

working with vegetables
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Sarasa Three

working with wood blocks
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Sarasa Four

direct painting
related topics

sarasa related topics

programs related to or that augment sarasa techniques
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Soy Vey!

working with soy
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Tegaki

Japanese approaches to painting directly on silk
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Maiwai

designing and dyeing your own fisherman's robe
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Katazome

traditional stenciled rice-paste resist techniques
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Bingata

Okinawan rice-paste resist with a focus on pigment dyes
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Advanced Stencil Design

in-depth coverage of design, carving, and working with stencils

sarasa

about sarasa

更紗

Sarasa was introduced to Japan through the extensive trade routes spanning the known world during the Ming Dynasty of China. They came from a variety of exotic lands – India, Indonesia, and by some accounts, even Africa. Richly patterned, they were highly coveted. As result, many creative attempts were made to reproduce them. However, unknown to the Japanese of the times, they had actually been produced by a wide range of techniques. One of the great advantages of being able to work with creative ignorance is the birth of innovative techniques. Wazarasa (Japanese sarasa) is one such example.

a few well known categories of sarasa

EdoZarasa

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EdoZarasa is typically produced using a series of stencils. This is the process from which silk screening was eventually developed. There are two basic ways to apply the dyes. Synthetic dyes may be added to rice paste and spread through consecutive layers of stencils. The other choice is to use the same stencils with natural (or synthetic) dyes and brush them through directly. The latter approach allows for more nuanced shades of color.

WaZarasa

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WaZara may be producd using any one of a number of techniques. The defining factor is the imagery. It should originate in Japan, even though at times it may be heavily influenced by Indian prints or Indonesian batiks. Typical patterns might be Dutch traders, adding a touch of exotic in the theme, while depicting local occurrences of the times.

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YasaiZarasa

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Yasai means vegetable in Japanese. While potatoes are most commonly used, just about any part of a plant may be pressed into serve. Potatoes are easily carved, but many vegetables have naturally interesting shapes when sliced in half. Lotus root, celery, and even okra are all good examples. Typically, these were employed as you might use a rubber stamp on fabric, sometimes taking advantage of the plant's own ability to stain.

indig related products

sarasa related products

Below are products I find that I often use in association with sarasa
al workshops

all workshop topics

Below is a full listing of the workshops and programs I offer. New ones are continually being added. Suggestions are welcome!