140×76 cm
Hand-dyed silk, hemp rope, woven on a backstrap loom.
Rise like a Phoenix from the Ashes II is part of a woven installation that follows the transformation of a fading pine tree into a radiant phoenix. Created on a traditional backstrap loom with naturally dyed yarns and intricate hand embellishments, the work reflects the artist’s ongoing exploration of ancestral textile practices. The artist began working with backstrap weaving in 2019, a path that led her through residencies and field research in Peru and Guatemala. There, she learned directly from master weavers in Chinchero and Antigua, immersing herself in their deeply rooted techniques and traditions.
MEET THE ARTIST
Terumi Saito
Terumi Saito is a Japanese, New York–based, sculptor and designer whose work merges fiber art and ceramics.
Drawing on the traditional backstrap weaving technique, she incorporates natural dyes and hand-built ceramics to reimagine and expand the possibilities of these mediums. Her practice bridges past and present, tradition and innovation, reflecting a deep connection to humanity’s shared heritage.
Saito has completed research projects and residencies in Japan, Peru, Guatemala, and the U.S., and her work has been exhibited at venues including Mana Contemporary, Forecast Gallery, the Noguchi Museum Shop, and the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. She holds an MFA in Textiles from Parsons School of Design and a BFA in Graphic Design from Tama Art University.
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