Artist displays Japanese fabric art

Part-time Sisters resident Vicki Idema creates one-of-a kind fabric pieces that explore the ancient Japanese art forms of shibori, and katazome, as well as creative techniques in marbling. The designs are as challenging to create as they are to pronounce. Many require hours of cutting, dying, and curing in order to achieve the end result.

Her work is currently on display at Sisters Movie House.

"Each art form is very time-

consuming, but the results can be amazing," Idema says. "Even though I plan the designs and colors, there is always an element of surprise with the final product. No two final results are alike. I enjoy taking ancient art forms to create contemporary art."

For many years, Idema has been working on and off with fabrics and fibers. In college she learned to weave, block print, screen print, and batik. Recently, she has taken two trips to California to attend workshops to work specifically with the Japanese art forms and explore different textile designs.

"Thinking back, seeing Cirque du Soleil got me excited about creating different fabrics," she says. "With each class I took on marbling, shibori, and lastly katazome. As I create the fabric new ideas emerge, so I just keep exploring in different directions."

From framed wall hangings to draping fabrics to throw pillows, Idema's work has both artistic and functional uses. She was thrilled at the opportunity to display some of her pieces at Sisters Movie House, since she has a special connection with Sisters. A year-and-a-half ago, she and her husband purchased a condo just down the street, which they frequent when visiting with her daughter, son-in-law, and new grandchild, who are Sisters residents.