NOW AVAILABLE!
CONTEMPORAY OSHI-E:
AN INTRODUCTION
LEVELS 1 & 2
Unlock the Art of Contemporary Oshi-e! Dive into 150 pages of pure creative joy! This full-color treasure overflows with projects, patterns, and crystal-clear, step-by-step instructions. Plus, you'll explore the fascinating history of traditional oshi-e and get an intimate look at Wendy's inspiring journey.
BUY HARDCOVER NOW LEARN MORE BUY PAPERBACK NOW
Your creativity unleashed: it starts with "Why not"!
Flip your thinking with 'why not?' Challenge assumptions, explore new creative territory, and discover there is no box. HI, I am Wendy Christine Duke. Welcome to my world of Contemporary Oshi-e at Cloud Haven Studio—where 'why not?' is the mantra! I've reimagined an ancient Japanese craft, transforming it into a contemporary journey of boundless creativity. Come, experience the 'light bulb moments' that have defined five decades of artistic exploration, and let them spark your own. Your adventure begins with the purchase of the book or mini-course!
What is Oshi-e?
Simply, all oshi-e is made from a design cut from mat board, backing board or cardboard. Individual pieces are then padded with quilt batting, wrapped with fabric, and re-assembled with glue, much like a jigsaw puzzle.
Traditional Oshi-e ➤
In Traditional Oshi-e, the artwork is usually framed, and a frequent theme is Kabuki characters, like this Lion Dancer from the play Renjishi. These elegant, yet stylized "dolls" are usually made with brocades and silks scaled in size, framed under glass: 22" x 27".
⬅ Contemporary Oshi-e
In Contemporary Oshi-e, ANY subject or image can be portrayed, ANY kind of fabrics or pliable materials can be used, and it can be made in ANY size. In Java Jive, this 1940's lady is having her morning coffee. She is about 10" high, and is made with wool and velvet in a free-standing pedestal.
View Wendy's Contemporary Oshi-e Art View Student WorkWatch this Video Interview!
Wendy visits with Anne La Folette, a Surface Pattern Designer, Online Course Creator and Mentor to Wendy! Anne is the owner of "The Pattern Design Academy" and hosts an Atelier for her graduates— Wendy is one of them. Here, they talk about Contemporary Oshi-e and Wendy's creative journey..
In-Person
Classes & Workshops
I am now preparing a schedule of classes for fall of this year - 2025 and beyond. If you, your shop or organization is interested, please click on this link for MORE info:
Class & Workshop Info
On Line Course
Available now
In a matter of minutes you can be downloading your own video course to learn the basics of Contemporary Oshi-e. Just lick on this link to learn how:
On-Line Course
Hi, I'm Wendy. Here is a little about me, written by a friend:
"Do you ever wonder about the person behind the website? I do. Above all, I want that person to be truthful, reliable and enthusiastic.
Wendy is my friend, so I know that she possesses these characteristics in abundance. If she tells you that the project you are working on will give you a beautiful result, it will. If she tells you that she provides all the help you need, she does! As for her enthusiasm, I am the most non-artsy person she knows, but somehow her excitement for this project has rubbed off on me. I enjoy spending hours with her while she explains to me exactly what her goals are for all of her endeavors.
Enjoy your time with Wendy. Not only is she truthful, reliable and enthusiastic, she is America’s number one expert in Contemporary Oshi-e AND she’s a ton of fun. You are going to have a great time!"
Jeannie Shearer
University Educator, Economics
Canada
