About Me
BALANCE, TIMING, TALENT
Great success occurs when these three powerful elements come together. A talent often becomes his or her own by continuing, so an important factor is to continue without giving up.
A three-key approach to life
Statement: Vision and Prospect
I have lived a life associated with textiles. My father worked as a consultant for a textile trading company, and my mother's lifelong hobby was knitting. As with anyone's life, I think I am naturally influenced by my parents' lives. I remember that in the 1950s and 60s, we all lived on handmade products. Everyone grew up wearing clothes and eating food made by their parents. Before my mother started knitting, she often used a sewing machine to make matching clothes for us. She got interested in knitting and crochet, and wasn’t sewing anymore, so I started using her sewing machine.
I became interested in art and design, especially illustrations and textile design. I graduated from high school, and chose graphic design as my major in college. I started creating works by experimenting with various methods. After I graduated from art college, I started working for the trade company’s export textile design team as a freelance graphic designer. I was asked to work in the design department of my father's company as well, but it was just a coincidence; my father had nothing to do with it. I did work on many designs for America, Canada and Australia / New Zealand markets.
I began creating artworks by putting my own design on fabrics. I sewed stitches to create a more interesting finish. It was kind of like quilting techniques but it was by my rules, not traditional. I grew up admiring kimonos, and when I was old enough to wear one, I started collecting vintage kimonos. Kimono fashion has special coordinating power using layering. My mother was even more obsessed with kimonos and clothes than I was. After coming to America, I no longer had the time or opportunity to wear kimonos, so I decided to take them apart and use the fabrics as my art materials.
My work has vibrant fabrics and is marketable, but is limited by the manufacturers’ choices of which designs will be sold in their market (Mostly Quilt /Arts and Crafts). Using cloth as art materials, Kimono silk has attractive colors and textures, and can be enjoyed in a wide variety of works. Through this process, I have come to be a fiber artist more and more, and the scope of my work
has expanded.
BIO: Attitude with Creativity
I'm an artist, fabric designer, graphic designer, illustrator, web designer, arts and crafts instructor and art therapy coach. I was born in rural Japan, Nagano, and grew up in Osaka, Japan. I traveled to the United States many times and worked in both countries from 1975 until 1992. I moved here permanently in 1993.
I have established a name for myself in my 20-year career as a fabric designer in the quilt industry. I have over 1000 licensed designs that are still sold all over the world. My arts and crafts career evolved during my trade show days (2001-2016). I created original craft patterns for fabric collections. Simplicity published and sold my aprons and bags for 10 years. Author Jo Packham introduced me in her 2013 book, Quilters, Their Quilts, Their Studios, Their Stories.
Most people say that my work is kitschy but modern and happy. Any art should reflect one’s life. If my efforts give rise to joyful thoughts, that is the greatest compliment. When my son became independent, I returned to galleries and art. After moving from the NYC area, I began creating and exhibiting at galleries in the Hudson Valley. My creative passion includes original fabrics, vintage kimono fabrics, recycled products, paint, mixed media, layer work, applique, patchwork, sewing techniques, painting and drawing techniques! I am usually described as a fiber artist or mixed media artist.
Exhibitions:
1980 t- 1993 OSAKA, KANAZA WA, TOKYO Several Group Show in Japan
1994 - Frame Works E. 19th NYC, NY "Blooming Woman"
2020 - Gallery 40 (Closed due to COVID-19)
2021 - Howland Cultural Center - Several shows /
2022 - Barrett Art Center "Body Beautiful" / This was Barrett's last show)
Since 2017, I have enjoyed teaching arts and crafts classes, starting in Brooklyn and later in the Hudson Valley. I have been teaching classes for children, mainly in the summer, for five years. Incorporating art therapy programs into my teaching methods, which are tactile and hands-on, provides a sense of satisfaction that digital teaching methods cannot.
"Hoodie's Goodies" is my handmade line. "Fab-a-la-carte" is my online store and "The Ghobbuls" are my philosophical creatures.
Store for Crafts & Fashion
Pre-cut Fabrics
Fat quarters, 5x5, & some fabrics-maximum 3 yards.
Sewing project patterns
On-Demand Goodies
T-shirts, Dress, Leggings, shorts, bras & skirts for women
T-shirts, shorts & hats for men
T-shirts for Kids
Backpacks, more......
The Ghobbuls Goodies
Brand of FUN Goodies
Hoodie's Goodies Handmade
Ornaments
Aprons
Bags
Sock Dolls
Stuffed Animals
Kimono fabrics accessories
Hoodie's Goodies Publishing
e-books
Greeting Cards
Attitude changes everything!
FOCUS, POSITIVity, ACHIEVEMENT
Creativity challenges the possibilities of the unconscious mind. Try to reach out to professionals with a wealth of experience. Respect your inner images. Creative satisfaction will conquer weakness and lead you in better directions. Starting from black and white, we walk together towards the light.