Life Line: Japanese Kumihimo Braiding

You are invited to learn the Kumihimo braiding technique in this workshop and begin documenting your life story through the creation of a tactile braid.

The Life Line Braiding project began in May 2023 when artist Vivian Qiu noticed how the braid intuitively captured her emotions and body sensations, becoming a way for her to document her life journey. The braid is more than 25 meters long and continues to grow over time. This braiding practice is a simple yet powerful way for Vivian to process her experiences with grief, relationship changes, and personal growth. Many people have influenced her life in meaningful ways, and she hopes the story conveyed in the braid will resonate with and influence yours.

In ancient Inca and Chinese cultures, before written language was invented, humans tied knots in pieces of rope to record important historical events and stories or to spread information. Braiding is similar to knot-tying as a way of documenting stories. This slow and meditative braiding process could help us to reflect on our lives, embrace vulnerability, and navigate complex emotions. Join us and create your own Life Line Braid.

This event is part of Melbourne Design Week 2025.