2010年7月28日水曜日

"Harmonica" by Sue Pedley on Teshima


Sue Pedley's art work is my first volunteer activity.
The title of Sue's art work is "Harmonica".
Sue based in Australia, she became popular in Japan after the sucess of the Tumari art festival in 2009.

When Sue visited an old house in Teshima, there were tons of possessions: furniture, a sewing machine, plates, cups, utensils, and the goods necessary for everyday life; which a family lhad eft in the old house. They remain in there, like waiting for their owner to come back.
There were many handmade clothes and fabric in the closets and chests. They were made and collected for the family by some woman. Family memories was etched in everything. When Sue opened one closet, she heared the sound of a hamonica, like it was telling the family is memories.

I think that she was inspired by this closet, connecting the past and the present, the family and her.
She started to try to make a huge net for covering the old house, and wraped all plates and cups in fabric. A lot of people; Sue, local residents and volunteers, took part in this project, telling about their own stories.
While knitting the net, they also enhanced their relationship. It was the restoration of a local community and the creation of a new volunteer community.

Now, the old house, covered by the net, is standing on the high land in Kou of Teshima, holding the family's memorilia. It is looking to the sea, beatiful and calm.
On the first encounter, I expected a double meaning, harmonica and harmony, from the title "harmonica". And that is what I found.

2010年7月21日水曜日

Setouch international art festival 2010

The 19th of July, Setouch international art festival 2010 has started!
The art festival is at Kagawa in Japan until October 31. There are a lot of fine contemporary art works.


I'm taking part in this art festival as a volunteer. It's the first time in my life I join the volunteer in a serious stance. Suprisingly, this art festival is supported by a lot of volunteers. Though, we couldn't have these many fine art works at Kagawa. This volunteer activity by local people would help for their local community, to look the local good points and reconstruct the community. I can learn a lot about the new point of views from new world and friends.

Still now, I'm enjoying a volunteer life on weekends.