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 HAZE is a large scale outdoor installation created in collaboration with a rural village in the Matsunoyama Area, Niigata Prefecture. The prefecture is well known for growing high quality rice and in the past manufacturing silk crepe kimonos. The project honours the traditional weaving and agricultural activities of the area.
 ‘Haze’ are large wooden structures traditionally used for drying rice in the autumn. I used the ‘haze’, built by a local farmer as a framework on which to display 500 red woollen embroideries. The panels were embroidered with woollen thread, in vivid designs based on the patterns of local weaving. By linking the two staple commodities of wool and rice, I intended to evoke and celebrate a deeper connection between Australia and Japan.
The wool was placed on the ‘haze’ during the summer months (July 23-September 10, 2006). During the summer months heavy rain and humidity accentuated the sensual and ephemeral aspects of the installation.
The embroidery designs were made by local people where they were free to interpret my designs and develop their own. This happened during scheduled workshops coordinated by a group of volunteers called Khoebi-tai ( little snake squad). Designs were adapted from traditional everyday woven objects such as mats, baskets, shoes, hats, cloaks, brooms.
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