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YOUNGMIN LEE
SUSPENDED OKSA CHIMES
Oksa fabric holds a cherished place within Korean textile tradition, revered for its intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance. In this workshop, crafters will work alongside textile artist Youngmin Lee to create stylish square hanging chimes using sheer fabric called oksa (sheer Korean silk). The oksa material is perfect for making ‘mandu,’ dumpling-shaped pieces as its structure is wonderful for making folds and keeping shape. Youngmin uses a simple Korean hand-stitching technique, referred to as gamchimjil or whip stitch, to handmake each unique 3D shape.
WHAT IS OKSA FABRIC?
Oksa fabric is formed through a combination of careful silk thread preparation and skilled hand-weaving techniques, resulting in a beautiful and durable textile that is cherished for its craftsmanship and cultural significance in Korean tradition. Silk threads are carefully harvested from silkworm cocoons, typically produced by Bombyx mori silkworms. These threads are then spun and prepared for weaving. Skilled artisans use traditional looms to weave the silk threads together, creating the intricate pattern and texture characteristic of oksa fabric.
Once each shape has been formed, the colorful mandu may be strung together with small accent bells to be used as a suspended oksa mobile or it can also be transformed into a whimsical garland. Crafters can hang these traditional Korean chimes as decorations around the home or they can be shared with loved ones. This workshop allows participants to enjoy the slow process of hand-stitching and experience this meditative art form.
PERSONALIZE YOUR SUSPENDED OKSA CHIMES
Enhance each handmade oksa fabric piece by infusing it with a hint of dried lavender, elevating your suspended chimes with a delightful aroma. The calming fragrance not only adds a charming touch but also brings a sense of tranquility to your space. Alternatively, personalize your hanging mobile further by incorporating small leftover fabric scraps or tiny artifacts within each mandu, creating a unique and meaningful addition to your decor.
About the Artist: Youngmin Lee
Youngmin Lee, a textile artist rooted in the bojagi tradition, channels her passion for textiles into her creations. Her academic journey in Clothing and Textiles and an MFA in Fashion Design in South Korea laid the foundation for her exploration of bojagi techniques, blending tradition with contemporary art forms.
Since relocating to California in 1996, Youngmin has been dedicated to preserving the bojagi art tradition, embodying principles of recycling and upcycling by repurposing fabric remnants from various projects. Engaging closely with the Asian American community, she conducts workshops and community projects at esteemed institutions like the Asian Art Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Saint Louis Art Museum.
In her commitment to education, Youngmin produced the instructional DVD "Bojagi: The Art of Wrapping Cloths" in 2013, extending her reach beyond the classroom. She imparts her knowledge of Korean traditional textile art to students in local public schools and serves as a mentor artist, sharing her expertise through grants from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts Apprenticeship.
Scheduled for release in the summer of 2024, her upcoming book, "Bojagi: The Art of Korean Textiles with Techniques and Projects," promises to further disseminate her expertise. In 2017, Youngmin established the Korean Textile Tour, fostering cultural exchange by introducing Korean traditional textile art to diverse audiences.
Youngmin's works have earned recognition worldwide, exhibited and collected across the United States, South Korea, the UK, Romania, Turkey, and France. Notably, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco proudly houses her creations in its permanent collection.
We can’t wait to see how your suspended oksa chimes turn out. Share your creative journey and finished creation with us by tagging @thecraftersbox + @youngminlee_bojagi in your social posts. Don’t forget to use #thecraftersbox so our community can also see your workshop come to life. Happy making!
