Terumi Saito – Earthen: Interweaving Fiber and Clay
forecast is pleased to announce "Earthen: Interweaving Fiber and Clay," a solo exhibition by Terumi Saito from July 19 to August 25, 2024.
This exhibition includes two series: “Seeking Light,” a new collection of naturally-dyed back strap weaving, and “Intertwine,” which introduces Saito's distinctive weaving into ceramic sculpture.
Saito, a New York-based artist from Shizuoka, Japan, takes inspiration from traditional Japanese rituals of prayer that honors “Catharsis, Guardian, and Protection,” often reflected in household shrines and objects. This connection between ritual and object is directly reflected in the full-body dedication required to create both large-scale backstrap weavings and hand-built sculptures.
Earthen captures this ritualistic craft in a sunset-soaked palette, with subtle color nuances reflected across stoneware clay, hand-dyed silk, wood, and jute rope. In fact, Saito’s “Seeking Light” series represents the search for brightness in the shadows, reminding us of the careful gradation of recognition. The “Intertwine” series introduces her signature weavings into clay form, reflecting an“anti-shadow” of light on multi-dimensional layers. The dedicated process of dyeing, soaking, wringing, measuring, massaging the fibers and repeating it all over again is a ritual that pays off with color intensity and power. As you build the artwork, so, too, does the art build you.
Earthen invites viewers to experience the harmony and rich heritage behind a modern expression of an ancient technique. In the circular motifs that surround the work, both emblazoned in natural dye and concentrically woven around wood and clay, Saito celebrates the power of repetition, nuance, and unexpected pairings.
On view: July 19 - August 25, 2024
Opening reception: Friday July 19, 2024. 6:30 - 8pm
