On New Yearsday, opa Erwin was watching the animation movie of Peter Pan with our granddaughter Ophelia.
When she saw captain Hook and his crew fighting against Peter Pan Ophelia suddenly said : “ Grandfather, people shouldn’t quarrel, don’t they? I don’t like it because it makes me so sad. I hope never again in the world someone will fight to another person again.”
I didn’t have to think any longer to use these wise words as a message for 2009 and the coming years.
The history of lace is my profession. Lace is given to me by my grandparents. The designers and lacemakers attempted to achieve aesthetic that would satisfy the senses of the wearer.
The appreciaton of the beauty of a design should become part of each others lifestyle. It is a practical effort to create a peaceful mind.
Through the culture of lace, we can reach a deeper level of faithfulness to nature. Lace can touch the hart in all seasons.
Good proportions in the design of a wonderful lace was, is and will always be important.
I live in Japan for several years. In this country I experienced the influence of balance and harmony in the Japanese lifestyle and articrafts. The wonderful sense of beauty and simplicity comes from the power of the Japanese tradition.
When today’s artists would make designs out of a peaceful mind, they will produce successful creations. By looking at such a piece of art, we can reach tranquility.
The grade of skill doesn’t matter the purpose of the design. The will to express one’s emotion is important.
The year 2009 could be a practice to use lace as a thread that connects international friendships. In the 19th century there was a lace school in Yokohama. Let's take up the thread of lace again.
This year we can celebrate the opening of the port of Yokohama 150 years ago. This is the perfect opportunity for the West to settle lace as a history for the coming centuries in Japan.
In 2010 an international congress of lace will be hold in Kobe, Japan.(Oidfa : International organization of bobbin and needlepoint lace )
This is a premiere in the history of lace in Japan. People from all over the world can take advantage of the deep and rich culture of Japan.
Lace history started about 500 years ago. It is a privilege to look at lace and treasure the work of our ancestors.
By admiring lace, we can show our respect for the creation of human efforts using natural resources. Flowers bloom but a lace bouquet never fades.
Belgian lace has always been associated with the aristocracy. The high cost was in the design, labour and materials. Belgium was long known for producing the best quality flax thread in the world.
Flanders area formed the perfect natural environment for the growth of flax.
Flax is the oldest and strongest vegetable fiber, ideal for lacemaking. Nowadays the flaxplant has degenerated because of the pollution of nature. As respect for our ancestors and their art, we should build on a the re-cultivation of the superb thread that the lacemaker needs to create beautiful laces.
Lace is a passion without borders. It’s a cultural exchange. The grace and charm of lace enriches the mind and soul of everyone all over the world.
Lacemaking was always teamwork. It is a typical example of symbiosis. The magnificent laces were created under influence of a wonderful united spirit.
With this message I hope that lace can bring back dreams and ententes in the world.
Diane Claeys