Echoes in Thread: Woven, Printe

While each artist brings a distinct approach and technique, their works are connected by shared themes of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural resonance. Rooted in deep engagement with Asian aesthetics and philosophies, Echoes in Thread explores the interplay of heritage, materiality, and artistic interpretation. Arai and Barton draw inspiration from Japan where they studied and lived, incorporating elements of sashiko stitching and traditional weaving, while Bouton’s practice is informed by her experience living in Burma (Myanmar), where she was inspired by the local textiles and clothing and reinterpreted them into relief prints and monoprints.

The Thread serves as both a literal and metaphorical connector in this exhibition, weaving together artistic voices that emphasize contemplation, connection, and reflection. Each work—whether woven, printed, or stitched—carries a sense of quiet meditation and reverence for the history embedded in fiber traditions.

Arai presents works incorporating the Japanese sashiko running-stitch, ink, and handmade paper, blending precision with fluidity. Barton’s weavings, pastels on paper, and papyrus compositions employ Japanese metallic-coated monofilament to create a shimmering, continuous line of connection. Bouton’s “Burmese Days” series brings together monoprints and woodcuts, hand-stitched onto handmade Burmese and Japanese paper, evoking a tactile narrative of memory and place.

In its elegant simplicity, Echoes in Thread is a conversation in texture, material, and meaning—where the needle and thread become instruments of storytelling, and fiber traditions find new expressions in contemporary art.