SHIBORI STUDIO 33038 547th Avenue
CAROL GUSTAVSON, B.F.A. Grove City, MN 56243
(320) 857-9491
shiboristudio[at]yahoo.com
ARTIST STATEMENT
The most profound possession I have hangs on my studio wall. Dark indigo-blue, tiny, paint-stained and tattered, it=s my first art smock handmade for me when I was three years old -- my christening gown into the world of art. Originally long forgotten for years, its rediscovery provided true insight into my shibori. My life in art began with the color indigo and now, decades later, has returned.
As a fourth generation professional artist, I was exposed to art before I was exposed to the world. I have no concept of a life not intertwined with art, it=s part of what I am versus what I do. I grew up surrounded by accomplished European artists learning many textile and fine art forms. This provided an unbridled sense of vision supported by finely tuned skills which became my determinate mode and style with a viewpoint of why not?= instead of why?=.
Despite a lifetime in art, and being a traditional Japanese classical dancer, I didn=t actually know about shibori till college. I began with the usual wrap and dunk in dye and hope for the best= process. A few weeks later I moved on to attempting real shibori with intensive study. Creating traditional Japanese shibori requires master level techniques in both shibori and dyeing accompanied by in-depth knowledge of processes, chemistry, fibers, designs and patterns. My work reflects this preference for precision that eliminates any creative boundaries. Un-tethered, I=m able to draw from this repertoire, manipulate it, or cast it aside to achieve my artistic vision.
Traditional Japanese shibori is extremely labor-intensive as are natural dyes. I work within the confines of a self-imposed code of ethics -- to create shibori with the exacting traditional Japanese master techniques whether a traditional or contemporary piece, regardless of effort or time required. I work independently without any assistants from concept thru completion. My creations may begin with a specific vision or without a definitive destination. I use fine textiles made with natural fibers such as silk, cotton, wool, linen and hemp. My preference is natural organic dyes made from raw materials, especially indigo. Their beauty is unrivaled with singularly unique elements manifested only with shibori. In a sense, I employ a measure of protection or seclusion in the creation of my shibori to maintain purity, allow an unfiltered vision and retain a uninhibited point of view. I use shibori techniques in a manner similar to Japanese sumie painting or calligraphy where the marks, lines and their qualities portray a sense of feeling and spirit with elegant subtleties. For shibori and Japanese art connoisseurs, more can be discerned and interpreted on various levels and in underlying concepts.
Neither shibori nor natural dyes can be completely controlled. There is a constant interplay and tenuous balance maintained to achieve the desired results yet allowing both shibori and the dye individual expression. Shibori=s innate difficulties humble the artist into realizing regardless of their expertise, there are always higher levels. My portfolio is evidence of my dedication and passion, if not obsession, for traditional Japanese shibori.
The impetus of my art is creating and preserving traditional Japanese shibori through a spectrum of traditional and contemporary art pieces. My creations are grounded in nature=s expressive elegance and nuances in form, design and materials. My shibori resonates with echoes of the Afloating world@ of Japan, its aesthetics and reverence of the sublime. This eclectic fusion of very traditional Japanese influences and modern creations speak with an array of visual and tactile sensations embodying past, present and future horizons. I see shibori in my head - it speaks an artistic language I understand and interpret. It tells me where it wants to go, what it wants to do, what it wants to be. It keeps saying what about this, try that, higher, better, keep going, more - more - more shibori= and as my hands are baptized indigo blue . . . I listen.
My mission is to help preserve traditional Japanese shibori and endeavor to promote its presence today and in the future. I strive to create works which respect and honor traditional Japanese shibori and its heritage. I hope to one day create shibori dreams= which transcend the viewer into another world, one of solace and tranquility. My inspiration emanates from the above influences and experiences while exploring an orchestration of nature=s elusive delicacy through shibori.