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Please enjoy reading about some of the workshopa dn events held at Brymfull Design Studio.
mr tsuruya sakurai visits the illawarra
TEACHERS WORKSHOP
During 2009, a group of TAS And Art teachers including their headmistress, came for a weekend workshop to explore new techniques and concepts to add to their burgeoning jewellery programme.
"I enjoyed the two days workshop very much - your set up is great for teaching adults and the plan of attack seemed to meet well the needs of the team - they have come away knowing much better what to attempt and what are the bare basics and must haves of equipment etc.
Personally I found the activities pretty challenging; I have gained a greater respect for the work of jewelers and have worn some pieces that had been neglected for a long time."
Fran Walker - Principal, Bethany College Hurstville.
MR TSURUYA SAKURAI VISITS THE ILLAWARRA
Junko Tanimura, Mr Sakurai, Kazuko Inomata, Mrs Sakurai
In September 2009, my Enamelling teacher (Sensei) from Japan came to Australia to teach a workshop at the Gold and Silversmithing Workshops in the School of Arts at the Australian National University, Canberra. Mr Sakukrai was accompanied by his wife, Ms Inomata (assistant and translator) and Mrs Tanimura (a member and official of the Japan Enamelling Artist Association. She came to observe the workshop and assist Mr Sakurai).
They flew into Sydney on the day of the big dust storm and were diverted to Melbourne for many hours while I waited at the Sydney Airport filling in time. After they eventually arrived, I drove them to my house in Thirroul where they spent a few days enjoying our spectacular local scenery and relaxing in my garden with the occasional beer and barbecue!
I had a day in my Studio with my Sensei, which as you might imagine, was such a privilege and joy.
Then I drove my friends to Canberra where Helen Aitken Khunen, convener of this workshop and Johannes Kuhnen (Head of the Gold and Silversmithing School) introduced them to a wonderful group of keen enamel students. The very successful and productive workshop lasted five days. Our friends then had two days rest where their hosts, Helen and Johannes, showed them a little of Canberra. A highlight was going to feed Helen's horses and seeing a huge mob of kangaroos in the paddock.
This was Mr Sakurai's second visit to Australia to teach and it has been my great pleasure to be able to introduce this knowledgeable, generous and enthusiastic man to the Australian and New Zealand enamellers who attended his workshops.