Mino, Japan: Artist in Residence!

Konnichiwa from Japan!
Now that the jet-lag has vanished and I'm more settled in...here is the lowdown on my current project which sees me living and working in Japan for the next 3 months!
So a while ago my proposal was selected by the committee at the Mino Paper Art Village Project in Japan and I was invited to Mino City alongside 3 other International Artists to participate in their Artist in Residence programme. The city has a history of traditional Japanese Washi (paper) making that has been rocking around for 1,300 years and the concept of the project is to maintain it's paper making heritage as well as fuse it into contemporary art and design.
Part of the experience is that you live with a host family throughout the duration and I have been lucky enough to be placed with the lovely Takahashi's at the amazing Buddhist temple that they run! So I have a lovely living space and that's my room above! Total change for me as I'm scared of nature and I'm so used to living in big cities!
It's been super busy since arriving as they had an action packed schedule of meetings, parties and all sorts planned for the new artists! We got to meet the Mayor of the city as well as attend our 'Welcome Party' which involved us parading around playing instruments whilst wearing a Peruvian poncho?!

Today we moved into the studio where we will be working for the next few months...that is my space above!Love it! It's right in the middle of the old streets with paper walls and all, so there's lots of nice shops and stuff going on around us!

It's full steam ahead now and I am so excited to get started on my project which involves transforming Mino Washi into textiles that will then be used for a collective of paper garments which will be exhibited here in Japan in a few months time! Today I started playing around with the paper and even discovered that they make washable paper socks here...crazy!
So that's the basic lowdown! Lots more to come!
Love and Sushi!
Emma
xxx