Ribbons for Masako and Ai

Asuna send me before and after pictures of Masako and Ai wearing their new ribbons with their excisting uniforms; they look AMAZING ! Masako's new ribbon was made by Kiyoko, Kayo, and Junko and Ai's new ribbon was made by Asuna, Sawako, and Nozomi.

Masako
BEFORE

  and AFTER

Ai

BEFORE

and AFTER

Asuna: "Keiko wrapped both ribbons with little name plates.

She also made name plates for Tomoko and Youko, and wrote in that letter "Tomoko, your new uniform suits you nicely." "Youko, you decided to not participate in this WS, but you are a member of our WS.""

"What a wonderful Gifts! We are happy now."

Daily Reports from Junko's Perspective

Asuna shared Junko's daily notes with me today:

Daily Reports from Junko’s Perspective About our Gallery



   On the opening day, we got a comment from one visitor. She wrote in questionnaire that she empathized with my fear and anxiety and was impressed how I changed my mind, which motivated her to try what she’s been thinking in her mind. She seemed to read memos you’ve putted. She mentioned my name, so Kayo told this to me. At that time, I just thought“wow!” After you said bye and left a gallery, Kayo told this to other WS members. Everyone surprised. Asuna said, ‘’Inspired people is what artists do. You did it! Good for you! Wonderful!’’ This gave me goose pumps because I realized what I did inspired someone. I’ve never thought I could do such things, so I was so happy. Emiko also said “Good! Good!’’ with her eyes glistening with tears. Kiyoko saw this and said “If you moved to tear, why didn’t you do it when Pascale was here!” This is a beautiful moment for me. I was so glad to see everyone was happy and moved by what they did were rewarded.



   I heard this story from other staff. People who don’t know anything think that we are forced to wear fashionable clothes made by some artists. When they saw memos and explanations on our gallery space, they noticed everything and they are so moved by the truth.Actually, when I work on second floor, people ask me who made this uniform because they never would have expected guards make their uniforms.



   I'm considered as Ms. Aoki and Ms. Yokoo when I’m in their gallery spaces. I talked this to Keiko. Keiko told me that she was considered Nakako. That’s so funny.



   With high ratio, people stop and stare at Kiyoko’s Polaroid photographs clipped by clothespins and feel the touch of Sawako’s handmade clay pendants and say beautiful in front of Mariko’s space.



    I heard that some people said they like my painting, flying uniform. My relative came to see it and she likes it too. The other day, people who love frog searched me. I was not there on the day, so I didn’t meet them. But it motivated me to put my lovely frog to my uniform again.

And,

Making ribbons for Masako and Ai

Asuna: : "We talked about new ribbons for the other guards (their names are Ai and Masako). And, we decided on a rough design on the basis of their answers to the questionnaire.

Ai answered,"I like green, stripe, and I want to put on pretty design ribbon."
Masako answered,"I like blue, and stripe, and  I want to put on natural design ribbon."

Kiyoko  made various designs quickly!
Now, we decorate them to be more special!"

Including the other MIMOCA guards

Asuna wrote:
We talked about how to expand this WS (workshop)  for not participating members.

We decided :
1. We ask the other members "What do you want a NEW NAMEPLATE or a NEW RIBBON?"
2. If the other members don't want that, we don't force them.
3. If the other members want a new nameplate or a new ribbon or both, we will make it.

We had a one hour meeting, it was a nice time! :)

I've made a stamp for questionnaire which we prepared for not-participate members.

Making Tomoko's uniform

Asuna, Kayo, Kiyoko and Sawako worked on Tomoko's uniform, Asuna cut the intitial pattern and sewed it together.

 Asuna is painting shapes on the uniform using self-made stencils,

the painting is inspired by Tomoko's uniform design and by 

the painting "Ninja and Propeller" by Genichiro Inokuma.

Sawako is sewing black fabric stipes on the middle back.

Kayo is making small loops to create a lace-up gathering on the side of the uniform,

Kayo's uniform has the same design element on the back.

Asuna, Kayo and Sawako discuss other design elements to add to Tomoko's uniform.

Asuna: "And appliqué.
This is my real kiss mark!
Tomoko's favorite song "oblivion" by Macy Gray, 

I embroidered those words."

"Kiyoko helped me to make kiss mark appliqué."

A uniform for Tomoko

Asuna,  Sawako and Kayo have been working on a uniform for Tomoko. Tomoko initially intended to join the 'Questioning the Concept of a Uniform' workshop as well, but due to personal circumstances could not fully participate. She did make a design drawing though and three of the women who participated in the workshop generously decided to make Tomoko's uniform for her.

Tomoko in her new uniform

Asuna: "I made the painting on the dress. Black shapes are stencils.

This picture"ninja and propeller" was painted by Genichiro Inokuma.
It inspired me to make Tomoko's uniform especially drawing
and thinking of color balance."

"Tomoko was soo pleased!
And I'm very satisfied about her new uniform :)
So, I'm happy too!"-Asuna

Evolving uniforms at MIMOCA