MY QUILTING JOURNEY

Opening Reception: Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018 6-9pm

On View: May 23rd-28th 2018 One Art Space Gallery23 Warren Street, New York, Ny 10007

21/05/2018/ New York.- Born in Tokyo and raised in Kawasaki, Japan, Masako Wakayama had her first introduction to quilts inthe American Pavilion of the 1970 Osaka EXPO. Smitten by her discovery, Masako quickly learned to sew and subscribed to several quilting magazines as she began the slow process of teaching herself to quilt.

Her unique quilting style draws its inspiration from the American folk aesthetic and blends these tradition al elements with embroidery and crochet. Masako is drawn to the American flag both for its design and history. The original was fashioned using quilting methods, which she considers powerful way women were able to add their voices to that tumultuous and historic era. Her personal work is dominated by the tri-color tones of red, white and blue.

Masako opened «Crib Quilt», her studio, and storefront, in 1987, named for the first quilt she made for her daughter, Emi. Over the course of the past three decades, Masako has care-fully honed her craft and is now a world-renowned quilting expert who also specializes in crochet, EPP, punch needle, applique, cross stitch, and embroidery.

Working with Emi, she travels around the world teaching workshops and participating in exhibitions. She has published 10 books in multiple translations and has been designing her fabric line «American two decades. One of the things she loves most about quilting is the community it creates. Masako has taken this to the next level with a quilting circle that extends beyond borders. Her work is featured around the world and these travels have not only given her the opportunity to showcase her creations but have also provided a community that is her primary foundation for exploring her own unique designs. Masako has described «America» as her teacher in quilting, due in part to the lifelong connections she has built with quilters in the States