Comments on: Barbara Shapiro: From conception to creation

By: Bernie

Bernie — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 11:54:51 +0000

I love what you are doing! Many years ago I noticed that teabags never broke down in the compost heap, so like you I started to save them also! I enjoy the meditative process of emptying, flattening and storing in flat boxes, for use later. When I first visited Japan in the 1980’s I was intrigued by their process of Kintsugi. I’ve created 3D and 2D works combining these two processes. Really enjoyed seeing your work

By: Rita

Rita — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 10:34:48 +0000

Beautiful work. I had read about persimmon a few years ago in an article on Japanese textiles it was used to coat clothing as a waterproof.

By: Barbara Shapiro

Barbara Shapiro — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 17:43:45 +0000

I bought quite a bit from a textile supply company when I was in Kyoto, Japan. You may be able to order from them if you can find and navigate the Japanese website. Sometimes there are vendors on Amazon in the US where I see it occasionally. I went to Amazon.au and found two types when I searched: Shimamoto Natural paint dye and Turner odorless persimmon juice. You might look into these, but I have no experience with either. Persimmon does have an odor, but it fades with time. It is very important to get someone to translate the instructions for you. The product must be kept airtight if it is the true self-polymerizing persimmon liquid made from fermented ripe persimmon fruit and not just a paint. The ones I get come in a plastic container that you roll up as you use it, so no air gets into it. You paint it on or dip fabric into it and let it cure in the sun. It’s it gets progressively darker with time and with multiple layers. But please do a thorough reading of the instructions to get full information on use. Best of luck.

By: Cindi Gray

Cindi Gray — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 17:20:23 +0000

In reply to r. Thank you for sharing your work in your process! I love the improvisational nature and your willingness to see what shows up. To me, I give it so much more meaning to know your thoughts and the way social justice issues can drive creativity.

By: Trish Downie

Trish Downie — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 23:33:09 +0000

I so enjoyed looking at your work Barbara. I live in New Zealand and would love to buy fermented persimmon, which company can I contact ?
I’m an fabric artist mainly but also a book maker.

By: D.Sharma-Winter

D.Sharma-Winter — Fri, 14 May 2021 18:01:40 +0000

a rich and lushly inspirational article, thank you Barbara for sharing your work so generously

By: Margaret Roberts

Margaret Roberts — Thu, 13 May 2021 03:23:47 +0000

What an excellent article. I have followed Barbara’s work for many years and was thrilled to see her art pieces in basketry especially Tiikuun Olam.

By: Barbara Shapiro

Barbara Shapiro — Wed, 12 May 2021 19:50:34 +0000

In reply to r. That's persimmon on my hands, and it washes off if you don't let it dry too much. Barbara

By: Margot

Margot — Mon, 10 May 2021 23:28:06 +0000

Unique, special, sacred work. Thank you

By: Wendy

Wendy — Mon, 10 May 2021 14:28:10 +0000

Beautiful imaginative work! Thank you for sharing so much of your creative process!