I used original vintage linen potato bags with patches as canvases for this project. My relatives used these bags over 40 years ago. I found original patches as a unique decorative element. So, I decided not to hide the patches under a layer of paint, but rather highlighted them.
The idea of highlighting the patches was inspired by the ancient Japanese art of restoring broken pottery, Kintsugi. Kintsugi masters transform the flaws into the main decoration Instead of hiding cracks or discarding broken pieces. The result is a completely unique piece, with its own story and unique pattern. Hence the name of my series is Kintsuhiki.
I used symbolic colors. Golden yellow (the sun, ears of grain, and care). Terracotta (the earth and bread). The patches on the canvas, created in time by life itself, the combination of colors and decorative graphics remind us of our connection to the land where people have worked since time immemorial.
