Spotlight on our precious gemstone print created by artist Riyo Kihara for our Fall '23 Collection. We asked Riyo about her creative process, her personal style and more. Read the full Q&A below!
1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now? Born, raised and still live in Yamaguchi, Japan
2. How long have you been drawing? I used to draw and make things using boxes of recycled paper which my mother got from a recycling company next door, when I was a child.
3. How did you know you wanted to be an artist? I met so many talented people when I was studying in Sydney, Australia in 2008 - 2011, and they introduced me to some craft markets and events when I told them I liked handmade. I was very lucky that they gave me the courage to try and to have found a place to present my handmade work.
4. How would you describe your personal style? How does this affect your work? Having less. Enjoying the simple things. Wabi sabi. Whimsical. Imperfect. I usually end up always making something simple.
5. Describe your most memorable moment as an artist so far? One of my friends who is a childcare worker showed me how her students used my hand carved stamps to make their artwork for a seasonal event. I used to donate a few boxes of my hand carved stamp prototypes or old ones which I could no longer store in my tiny workspace. The artwork they made was really unique, vibrant and lively.
6. What has been your biggest struggle as an artist so far? Communication
7. How did your collaboration with PC come about? How would you describe the experience? Everything was communicative and informative. Since it is the first time I've have a collaboration like this, it was very helpful to learn the culture of Pink Chicken and how the process worked.
8. How do you feel about seeing your prints on clothing? I was first surprised by the offer, but I was very excited to learn my designs would be used on clothing.
9. Any sneak peeks or hints on any upcoming works? I have been working on new stamp designs and small prints for winter adding some Japanese tastes. I am also working on inspirational quote hand carved stamps to introduce some beautiful Japanese expressions deeply linked to nature and mindfulness.
