I do not think I have any talent, except that I have my strong will that I won’t lose and vitality of making efforts.
Nothing in particular does not come to my mind when I think in one way or another trying to find something that I would like to talk about my leather craft, maybe because I really like leather craft.

Even if I am compelled to check the history for the purpose of contributing an article to the column, I do not feel that I look like I exist. Now, wondering how I would like leather craft, with a tool of so-called swivel cutter used, and cutting fine lines on a piece of leather, then I choose the best one out of a few hundreds of designs to stamp it down into the piece. A purse or a handbag will be finished in all hand sewing. I give more time to its final polishing.

I like to give orders or instructions, which is not limited to a person but to my hands. I mean I instruct my hands to do the work.Work in this way, more finely, beveled, strongly.

If not worked the way I expected, I would get upset and stop the work. Getting nervous, I sometimes wish I would give up leather craft and could care less about it. But, after all, I feel like seeing a finished one and why not to start it over.
I face my work finally finished in the said process, only to grin. Many thanks are given to my partner called my hands.

Don’t you think anyone would be much pleased that they have listened to a person who gives order?

In the expressions by artists’、including me , that I have devoted my whole heart to the work, I strongly believe that the said expression is filled with many different kinds of emotions in the artist.

What is mean by leather craft for me? I have not yet known it and won’t know it. Once known, I am afraid that I would find it not interesting for me any longer.


Sometimes I think, however, that I should have started it 10 years earlier.
That is why I feel I am working desperately to restore those lost 10 years. I will hence devote my strong will that I won’t lose, and vitality of making efforts to my leather craft.

That is my Determination, isn’t it?

(end)


(Translator: Shigeo Takao)

Profile of the Artist

Shiho Miura

Born in Tokyo in 1976.
Beginning to ride on a motorcycle triggered my encounter with Leather. I discovered the color and time of each owner of leather items worn by the riders were inscribed in his.

Leather craft is originated in the floral designs so-called arabesque design.Based upon a beautiful stream of arabesque design, figures, animals ,landscapes ,etc are tooled on leather by a skill named Figuring.

Attracted by leather, I stepped into the World of Leather that is so large and deep. Among many skills, I was badly fascinated by such skill of Carving as can tool images out of the unfigured leather. Leather that really breathes. I take delight in inspiring further life into it. Carving is, in fact, an important treasure for my destination .