Artist: Hiroko Lancour
Paper Sashiko #11, 2019
Calligraphy paper, Washi paper, on watercolor paper
25.25" x 32.75" x 2.25"
Paper Sashiko Series
Sashiko (literally “little stabs”) is a Japanese form of decorative reinforcement stitching. Traditionally used to reinforce points of wear with the white cotton thread on indigo blue cloth, Sashiko technique is also applied for purely decorative purposes in quilting and embroidery. Instead of thread and cloth, Lancour uses Japanese calligraphy paper to hand-stitch French watercolor paper to create geometrical patterns.
Hiroko Lancour is a Japanese-born mixed-media artist with an MFA from Wayne State University. Hiroko’s work is influenced by her cross-cultural background of East and West, as well as her prior career as a systems analyst. Her work has been exhibited at various venues including the Detroit Historical Society and Museum; the Detroit Artists Market; the Charles L. Freer House, Detroit; Galerie Camille, Detroit; the War Memorial, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; Northville Art House, Northville, MI; University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI; and the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art, Midland, MI.