Life Line: Japanese Kumihimo Braiding
Wherever the artist Vivian Qiu travels, sitting on the train or watching over a lake, she braids in that place’s sound, smell and essence. The braid captures your body sensations and emotions, documenting your life stories and whatever you’re going through.
Join her and learn the technique of Japanese Kumihimo braiding. It’s a traditional Japanese art form of braiding threads into cords for garments or festival decoration.
In this meditative approach, whatever your body’s feeling is recorded directly into this Life Line cord. Past participants from the workshop mentioned how braiding helps them process and embrace the ups and downs in life and stay in the present. Some mentioned that they learn to accept the vulnerable self, as being vulnerable is part of the journey to regain strength. This braiding is something you can do for some quiet time while connecting with yourself, or chatting with friends.
What you will learn:
Kumihimo literally meaning "gathered threads". You’ll learn to use a special tool to guide your braiding.
The story and deeper meaning behind simple braiding technique. It is a conceptual / visual way to document your life and emotion.
Photo credit (image with white background): Geraldine Lewa.
Photo credit (portrait image): Alistair Kennedy.
AL
“…During our braid making workshop, Vivian shared her lifeline braid story and offered the opportunity for others to share their own stories. It was an opportunity to perhaps release things for some…”
C. SF