Kintsugi Workshop at New England Bonsai Gardens (Saturday, September 23, 2023)

Kintsugi Workshop : Fall Celebration on September 23, 2023

Embrace the Beauty of Imperfection

Join us for a unique and transformative experience at New England Bonsai, where the ancient art of Kintsugi meets the timeless beauty of bonsai.

What is Kintsugi? Kintsugi, or "golden joinery," is the traditional Japanese art of mending broken pottery with lacquer infused with precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum. More than just a repair technique, Kintsugi teaches us to find beauty in flaws, to celebrate imperfections, and to see value in restoration.

Why Bonsai and Kintsugi? Bonsai, with its deep roots in Japanese culture, symbolizes harmony, patience, and balance. When combined with Kintsugi, it reminds us of the beauty of life's imperfections and the stories that shape us.

In this workshop, you'll not only learn the techniques of Kintsugi but also draw parallels between the resilience of bonsai and the philosophy of embracing flaws.

About the Instructors: 

Ken Kimura is a maker, a graphic designer, a woodworker and a high school art teacher. He has been teaching art at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School for 22 years. Partnered with his wife, Etsuko Yashiro, they opened Graymist Studio & Shop, a retail gift shop, Nantucket basket studio and basket supply shop, located in Huron Village, Cambridge. Graymist has been in operation for 18 years. In the summer of 2022, Kenny & Etsuko took over the reigns of Crane & Turtle, a Japanese artisanal home goods and gift shop in Bow Market, Somerville. 

Natsuki Higuchi is a store manager at Crane & Turtle in Somerville and has been trained as a Kintsugi instructor. Crafts have been a passion for her for many years, and that brought her to Ken & Etsuko's team. She hosts cultural workshops at the store. Also a sales associate at GrayMist. Moved to Boston from Japan in 2019. 

Workshop Highlights:

• Learn how to take a broken bowl (provided) and bring it new life and beauty! 
• Learn the history and philosophy behind Kintsugi.
• All materials provided, including pottery pieces for practice.
• A serene setting amidst our beautiful bonsai nursery.

Details:

• Date: September 23, 2023
• Time: 1-3 pm
• Location: 914 S. Main Street, Bellingham, MA 02019
• Attendee Cost: $125
• Attendees Per Class: 6

Spaces are limited, and this unique workshop is sure to fill up quickly. Sign up today and embark on a journey of restoration, beauty, and self-discovery.

Disclaimer: Because we will be working with tools, potentially sharp pieces of ceramic and a lacquer chemical, participation will require a signed waiver.