Estelle Akamine

“After 15 years of experimenting with textiles, what began as a fling with weaving has grown into a commitment. Here am I, dumpster-diving to feed my loom, while this evolving world seems constantly to elude its need for this stodgy, well-worn craft. I have found meaning in an environmental lesson. Like weaving itself – plastic, adaptable, utilitarian, connected, flexible, intimate – these recycled wearables can be lovely to look at too.”

Akamine has worked experimentally in textiles since 1977 and is known for her innovative sculpture in fibers and wearable art made from industrial or recycled materials. Her work was included in the book The Costume Maker’s Art, edited by Thom Boswell and published by Lark Books, and in the traveling exhibition Fiber R/Evolution, a survey of innovative fiber art that toured the United States for two years during the mid-1980s.

Estelle’s community work involves organizing artists at Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard, presenting Spring and Christmas Open Studios. Her greatest interest is in observing the new and unusual in San Francisco fashion, clothing and performance. She enjoys teaching workshops as a visiting artist.