Message 2008

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, should they? I don’t like it because it makes me so sad. I hope never again in the world someone will fight with another person.”
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 other's 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 heart in all seasons.
Good proportions in the design of a wonderful lace was, is and always will be important.
I have lived in Japan for several years. In this country I experienced the influence of balance and harmony in its 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 would 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 held in Kobe, Japan. (Oidfa: International organization of bobbin and needlepoint lace )
This is a first in the history of lace in Japan. People from all over the world can take advantage of the deep and rich culture of Japan.