Hello SFBAPG members,

Sha Sha Higby recommends this unique workshop...

A RARE WORKSHOP in TRADITIONAL JAPANESE URUSHI LACQUER Technique
by Japan's leading young Japanese urushi artists and educators Sakurako
Matsushima,Toshiaki Fujita, and Natsuki Kurimoto

SATURDAY
May 8th 11-5p.m
$50.
slide show of urushi
4 to 5p.m (by donation)

This is a rare opportunity into the aspects of a highly refined and 7000
year old craft of working with the almost magical sap of the Urushi tree.
Famed as a traditional adhesive and coating in Asia and Southeast Asia,the
urushi processes demonstrated can be used to apply an incredibly
durable,transparent or colored opaque surface to a wide range of materials.
It can be used to build up sculptural forms,or develop an extraordinary
palette of decorative finishes with gold powder,leaf,or and shell for makie.
Toshiaki Fujita will demonstrate basic handling and drying
techniques,Toumei Tosou or Kiji Tamenuri-clear wood grain coating,Futoumei
Tosou or Inpei Tosou, opaque texture of Sitaji coating,gold leaf
application, and the making of clay.There will be time for questions .
Matsushima will share her intimate research into different urushi lacquer
forms throughout Southeast Asia and Asia with projected revealing images.
This informative workshop will broaden your understanding of adhesives, and
a peak into the richness and depth of this incredible art form, perhaps wet
your palette for further study in Japan.
Anyone interested in an introduction to urushi is encouraged to attend the
exhibition at the Museum of Craft and Folk Art opening the 5th of May.-
August 8.

WORKSHOP SATURDAY
May 8th 11-5p.m
$50. (plus possible $10 materials)
slide show of urushi
4 to 5p.m (by donation)
Espenet's Woodshop
1100 Bolinas Olema Road,Bolinas
415-868-2409
This workshop is targeted mainly to working artists who want to apply the
urushi sap to their own work and have knowledge of the hazards of art
materials in general. Urushi is actually non toxic,is more of an herb, but
is of the poison sumac family and can cause skin rashes if not handled
properly.The artists will show a safe method. But it will not hurt you. If
you get a little rash,it is considered a blessing in Japan. Urushi sap is
alive, a living substance. Space is limited so please reserve early to
avoid disappointment

Things to bring for the workshop: preferably a square of untreated of 5" x
5" square ofwood with grain ( if you come without it, we'll supply some ),
a small item to gold leaf with a handle, a lidded plastic food container
box or cardboard box or the purpose transporting and drying your artwork, a
notebook, apron, long sleeved shirt,oil painting brush,sandpaper,toilet
paper,latex gloves,face cream, piece of soft cloth, little dish. Bring also
a pillow or portable stool because the woodshop is inspiring but there are
not many seats. You can bring a bag lunch or find lunch in Bolinas.
For registration call Sha Sha Higby 415-868-2409 , cell 415-860-6648.
Slides will be shown between 4 and 5 p.m.which is open to anyone who might
like to come for a small donation. To get there:go North on Hiway One from
Stinson Beach 5 miles, turn left and you will be on the Olema Bolinas
Road,several hundred yards look on the right hand side for 1100 Espenet.

additional dates of interest:

May 4th at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco a demonstration of
urushi techniques by three artists from Japan for the general public and families from 1-4 p.m..

May 5th Museum of Craft and Folk Art opening. Call 415-775-0991 for info.

May 8th 11-5p.m WORKSHOP
$50. (plus possible $10 materials)
slide show of urushi
4 to 5p.m (by donation)

August 10th, Mendocino Art Center 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Natsuki Kurimoto highlights working with decorative gold powder makie
techniques
using raden shell during Japan Week Info:800-653-3328

http://www.shashahigby.com/shashasched.htm