Terumi Saito

Terumi Saito (b. Shizuoka Japan) is an artist and illustrator currently based in New York. She received her BFA in Graphic Design from Tama Art University in Tokyo, Japan, and MFA in Textiles from Parsons School of Design in New York. Saito's work conveys the power of hand-making by practicing traditional techniques such as backstrap weaving and natural dyeing which she learned in Peru and Guatemala. Saito has a keen interest in building awareness of cultural sustainability and forming connections between traditional cultures and various audiences. She seeks inner peace through her creation and conveys a message related to Spirit and Life.

"BIRDS DEITY" is a collective of five pieces of woven art which is activated and transformed into wearable art. All warps are hand-dyed silk yarns, and the variety of colors obtained from natural dyes. It is inspired by a story of the sacred birds such as the phoenix and peacock. Phoenix is a symbol of "rebirth" and "courage," as well known for the famous quote "Rise like a phoenix from the ashes." Peacock was believed to have an ability to eat poisons such as fear and suffering and ease negative energy, which symbolizes "acceptance" and "compassion."

The objective of Saito's practice is to raise interest and build awareness of cultural sustainability. Each piece is handwoven on a back-strap loom; it is a rudimentary weaving technique in which a set of warp yarns are held in tension between the weaver's body and a stationary pole. The back-strap loom is simply constructed by several sticks and yarns. However, operating the loom itself is highly complex, and the weaving process requires extra time and care. In 2019 and 2020, she had the opportunity to learn and practice traditional weaving and natural dyeing techniques with local masters in Peru and Guatemala. In addition to the back-strap weaving, Saito incorporated a wrapping technique called Coiling inspired by one of the Basket making techniques of the Native Americans. By combining techniques from different cultures, she proposes a contemporary hybrid craft not only to preserve these techniques but also to revive and honor them from the new perspective.

Instagram - @terumi_saito_
Website - terumisaito.com
Email - terumisaito99@gmail.com