June 18 - July 9

An Exhibit, Artist Talk, and Workshop 

Lucy Arai creates art with a confluence of traditions and innovations.  She uses temari  (Japanese embroidered balls) and sashiko (Japanese tradition of running-stitches) to fabricate structures, to articulate details in forms, and to respond to the deposits of ink and indigo pigments on handmade papers. Sashiko is the Japanese tradition of unshin, sewing running-stitches, to strengthen, layer, and connect fabric to protect and warm the body, and for utilitarian needs. Sewing frequently took place in quiet moments of solitude or in the company of family and friends, giving thread the power to heal, transmit lore and traditions, and interconnect ancestors with generations of the past, present, and future.

The gallery will be open M-F, from 1 to 4 pm, and by appointment. J-Sei: 1285 66th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608