FIZA Mission Statement

The purpose of Fiber Zero Association, FIZA, is to promote Arts and Cultural activities in mainly the Pan Pacific region to enrich the life and heritage of various peoples and the natural environment in the region. The main focus of FIZA's activities is on fiber art. However, we intend to reach out to different art fields and cultures. Passing down traditional arts and crafts to the next generation and improving women's social status in developing countries through craft work will also be major activities. FIZA, a non-profit incorporation, is made up of artists and of people who support the purpose of the associates. In the near future we intend to acquire legal status, NPO status, in Japan as well.

We believe the use of the senses beyond the visual is an integral part of interaction with art. In creating art that can be touched, smelled, worn, or eaten, we are striving for our work to be universal.

For centuries "Fiber Art" has devolved from the traditional craft based weavings, embroidery, dyeing, and stitching, mainly considered as "women's work", to a more contemporary conceptual form of expression for both men & women from all artistic disciplines.

Fibrous tissue, animal or vegetable fibers, synthetic fibers, staple fibersﾉ.they are part of our body, our food, garments, living spaces, and books. Fibers are all over and surrounding us. Because fiber is part of our daily life, it can be the best tool to express universal messages. A baby blanket is an example of how fiber art expresses universal messages. It is only a small piece of cloth, however it does not only warm and protect the baby. It also expresses the love and concern of the parents, their hope for the child, family tradition and even cultural heritage. You not only look at the baby in the blanket, but you also touch them, smell the baby smell, talk to and listen to the baby. These activities help you to really appreciate the baby. It requires all the senses you have. As fiber artist, we hope to create art pieces that include not only visual information but also messages through all the senses.

We believe that while the process of art making is a quite personal activity, it can also be a social activity. We would like to create art pieces that require more than visual sense to appreciate through collaborations with visually impaired artists and /or individuals.