Rodrick Owen is a textile artist and teacher whose speciality is Japanese and pre-Hispanic Peruvian braid-making. He has exhibited in Great Britain, the US and Japan, and has published articles on braid-making in a number of professional magazines and journals, as well as the book "Braids: 250 Patterns from Japan, Peru and Beyond". Currently he works with teachers and children and with groups of textile artists at home and on location throughout the UK, North America and Europe. He lives in Oxford.
The marudai is a versatile braiding stand it not only makes the kumihimo braids from Japan, but it is also able to make the seafaring braids from Ashley’s book of knots, Peruvian sling braids and Victorian hair braids. The braids that can be made are round, square, hollow, triangular and flat, even changing from one shape or pattern to another while they are being made.
The braids can be used in many ways for personal adornment as sashes or belts and for jewellery. They make good piping for clothes, upholstery, cushions and can be used as curtain tie backs. Embroiders use them as do book binders for their intricate work.
The wooden marudai equipment with bobbins is available from many suppliers. If required instructions will be available to students to build an inexpensive foam-core board with improvised bobbins.
The yarns to make braids need not be costly unless you go exotic, the fibres should be plied and in at least four colours, for example cottons, synthetics, silks or wire can be used as can novelty yarns.
The workshop is about flexibility and as far as possible will be tailored to meet the needs of each student. Those with specific projects in mind may like to make contact with me before the class. A student “what to bring list” will be supplied to each student attending the workshop.
The reference text for the workshop will be the book by the tutor “Braids 250 Patterns from Japan, Peru & Beyond” and books from Japan.
Class size limit 12
To register please send a deposit of $25. Make checks oavable to SCHG and send to Karen Bodner (address in your year book).
General program questions can be directed to the Program Committee. We hope to see you at the April meeting!