Nimitta

2024

Rope is one of humanity's most ancient technologies. During my stay in ZEN AIR EIHEIJI, Japan, I was fascinated with the diverse meanings and contexts of rope. Therefore I began exploring rope-making using local rice straw and washi (Japanese paper) by immersing myself in various rope-making practices, such as harvesting rice with local farmers and crafting waraji (traditional straw sandals) with Eiheiji monks. Incorporating Echizen washi into this ancient craft, I experimented with different shapes, patterns, and techniques.

In Buddhism, nimitta refers to mental images that arise during meditation. I aimed to create varied shapes and patterns from ropes by reconfiguring simple techniques such as twisting, binding, and knotting. Much of this process is deeply meditative, with my body in motion while my mind focuses on nothing. From this meditative making, nimitta—various forms of rope—emerged. Through this project, I intend to raise questions about intuition, the subconscious, and reality.