Author: yoko.ito

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Japanese Handmade Pop-Up at pinkFROG cafe

Japanese Handmade Market at pinkFROG cafe

We are happy to host an event at pinkFROG cafe in Brooklyn on July 9th(Sun) 12PM-5PM.

Location:221 N 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

We will have handmade earrings, necklaces, apparel, ceramics, dried flowers and more. All the items that will be sold at the event are made by Japanese artists or Japanese inspired artists. It will be an indoors  event and free admission.

Eventbrite 

Vendors 

【Riverside Wrapping Co.】

Instagram

【satokomatsu】

satokomatsu is a Japanese jewelry artist who creates Arabica and Hiragana letter design necklaces and earrings.

This turtle is shaped with Japanese letters “かめ” ([ka-meh] meaning turtle) using a word picture design style. Hand-cut from metal sheet, it’s a symbol of long life, wisdom, and health. In Hawaii, it’s even believed to be a messenger from God. Not only is it a unique piece, but it’s also a great conversation starter.

Website

Instagram

Interview article about her is available on Resobox website.

【R Shop Brooklyn NY】

R Shop Brooklyn NY makes handmade hemp necklaces in NY.

website

Instagram

【Utsuwa by Ayumi Nojiri】

Utsuwa by Ayumi Nojiri creates handmade ceramic plates, cups, and vases in NY.

instagram

【Pucci Ropa Jewelry 】

Handmade starling silver/brass jewelry. I use a special tool that makes organic and abstract style. Enjoy a unique jewelry and massage from me.

instagram

【Nappel】

NAPPEL NYC

Pompkins Baby organic cotton products have a natural and gentle feel. They are made from cotton that is grown in soil not treated with pesticides or chemical fertilizers for more than three years– ladybugs are used instead of pesticides, and is harvested after the frost has ended when leaves fall off naturally.

Pop Up Sox are made by Japanese craftsmen using special knitting machines that create the 3-D animal ears and hands that pop out– babies love them and so do grown-ups! They are ideal baby shower gifts.

instagram

【MRK floral】

forever flower (preserved and dried flower) arrangements

instagram

website

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Interview with [satokomatsu] by Resobox

This post was orinigally published on Resobox website. (https://resobox.com/news/satokomatsu/)

We often receive messages on our website with questions and comments like “What kind of artists are active?” “What is the secret of the event’s popularity?” “I want to participate next time!” If you’ve been wondering some of these things yourself, this interview series is here to shine some light on what happens behind the scenes while preparing for a Pop-Up Shop.

This time, we interviewed Satoko Komatsu, an artist who creates “text image jewelry” based on Arabic and Japanese characters, among others, under the brand “satokomatsu“. We asked for Ms. Komatsu’s thoughts about the appeal of her work, which seeks to connect people through her accessories.

Q: The unique and simple jewelry inspired by words is quite attractive. Can you tell us about your process and your goals when making jewelry?

I sketch the design by hand and then cut the design out of a brass or silver plate using a jeweler’s saw. I then add a gold plating to finish the accessory. The main motif of my work is “words”. I hope that by wearing my jewelry, it becomes a communication tool that connects people, prompting conversations like “That’s a lovely necklace, what inspired it?” and “Actually, the meaning of this piece I’m wearing is…”.For me, making jewelry is a challenge to create a bridge that connects people, much like words do. It would make me happy if I could connect with many people through my work.

Q: It’s interesting how you use animals, plants, and not just hiragana and Roman script, but also Arabic characters in your designs. What inspired you to use language as a motif?

The act of combining characters to create a shape has been a popular pastime in Japan since the Edo period. Many people may have seen illustrations created by combining hiragana characters, such as “ひつじ”. I first encountered Arabic during my university days while I was studying abroad. I was drawn to the elegance of its curved lines and found the decorative look of the characters to be charming. Although not widely used in Japan, Arabic is famous as the language of the Islamic holy book, the Quran. It is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and the third most spoken language in the world.

Because my father was an English teacher and my mother taught calligraphy, I grew up surrounded by letters, and have always been interested in foreign languages and cultures. These experiences growing up led me to have a passion for learning languages; so far I have studied English, Italian, Arabic, Hebrew, Tibetan, and German. Everything I’ve learned over the course of my studies has led me to my current method of designing new pieces.

Q: NYK Marketing is hosting a pop-up shop in New York and selling products on various online marketplaces in Japan and the United States, such as “etsy,” “creema,” and “minne.” Are there any particularly popular items?

In the Etsy shop, which receives many orders from the United States and Europe, customers are especially drawn to accessories featuring designs like camels and cherry blossoms. Some customers have commissioned jewelry that expresses their gratitude or appreciation for the recipient. Using words like “Thank you” as the basis of this design, an unexpected gift is created that serves as a lasting reminder of these feelings. There has also been an uptick in commissions for designs featuring names of celebrities, which people can wear to show their interest and support.

Arabic name necklaces are popular among Japanese customers. Because they cannot be recognized as names at a glance like English can be, at least in Japan, they make unique gifts, and can be worn almost like an omamori, or protective charm. We have received over 100 orders so far, all of which are custom-made. We carefully design each item with consideration for the balance of the letter placement and size.

Q: Could you tell me about how you became a jewelry designer and started your career in New York?

It’s a long story, but when I was a freshman in college, I visited Italy and was drawn to the universal beauty of jewelry that everyone could appreciate. Later, while still attending university, I began studying design at a vocational school, and during my junior year, I took a leave of absence to study design and production at a jewelry school in Italy. After graduating from university, I became a jewelry designer for a Japanese company. My work was rewarding; my creations were displayed in department stores and I had the opportunity to participate in international jewelry fairs. However, after getting divorced, I felt that “now it’s time for me to be free” and resigned from the company where I had worked for over seven years. I moved to New York, where top aspiring designers from around the world gather, to expand my knowledge of jewelry design while also utilizing my previous experience. Due to visa issues, I returned to Japan after a year, but I met my current husband during my time in New York and was able to obtain a fiancé visa to immigrate. And that brings me to where I am now.

Q: Have you noticed any differences in design preferences between different countries, given that you’ve studied jewelry in various places such as Italy, the US, and Japan?

In Japan, due to my experience working for a larger company, accuracy and designs that are favored by a broad range of consumers were highly valued. Additionally, there is a tendency in Japan to feel more at ease when people’s accessories are matching, or look similar to what’s already popular, and I feel that this is reflected in the designs that are available there. On the other hand, in Europe, designs that are inspired by nature and are more image-oriented are prominent. In the United States, it is difficult to single out any one prevalent theme due to the diverse mix of people from different races and cultures. Just as people have their own identity, in which race and culture play roles without making up the whole of someone’s image, there is a vast array of different designs that we can enjoy and be inspired by.

Q:  How did you encounter the “Japanese Artist Pop-up Shop”? What are the advantages of a physical shop over an online marketplace?

When I moved to New York, I was looking for a place to exhibit my artwork, and I discovered the “Japanese Artist Pop-up Shop” while searching for exhibition venues. I visited the shop as a customer and had a chat with the person in charge. We hit it off, and I was able to exhibit my work there.

The advantage of a physical shop is that it allows you to talk to a variety of people and make new acquaintances through your artwork. One of my representative works is an accessory that depicts the shape of a dog using the Japanese hiragana characters “i” and “nu.” When I tell customers, “Actually, it says ‘inu,’ which means dog in Japanese,” it leads to conversation and information exchange, sometimes even to personal talk. At that moment, jewelry becomes a communication tool beyond nationality and race, and I feel the satisfaction and happiness of my work. Also, I often get inspiration for new pieces from real-time reactions and feedback from customers.

Q: Could you tell us a little about your goals for the future?

I will continue to create jewelry with the motif of “language” that celebrates the links between people. Instead of turning to mass production, I will keep making each piece by hand, and I would be happy if my work could become a bridge that connects people and countries all over the world. In New York, I have also received requests for hiragana designs and small motifs, so while cherishing my own style, I want to grow by taking on new challenges.

This post was orinigally published on Resobox website. (https://resobox.com/news/satokomatsu/)

About Resobox

The place where people who are conversant with, dedicated to, and influenced by Japanese culture can gather, create innovative arts through the collaborative process and disseminate them to the world.

What’s in the Box?

RESOBOX is the name created from a mashup of the words Resonate and Box.

This Resonating Box envisions a space where people can meet and collaborate to create new and innovative Japanese culture. The space within this Box Resonates, too, shaking up everything inside.

Japanese people are welcome, and so are the many non-Japanese people who understand and find themselves being influenced by the arts of Japan.
These artists can meet in RESOBOX, and create new works by adding and mixing in their sensibilities, playing a great role in preserving, and even developing Japanese culture.

In today’s global environment, Japanese culture might not always emanate from Japan alone, but also from places like New York City, where culture is highly concentrated and widely disseminated to the world at large.
The founders of RESOBOX believe that by promoting such artists, truly innovative and more sophisticated Japanese culture can evolve, resonating with people all over the world.

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Interview with [pucci ropa jewelry] by Resobox

This post was orinigally published on Resobox website. (https://resobox.com/news/%E3%80%90nejapanese-artist-pop-up-shop11/)

On February 26, 2023, “Japanese Artist Pop-up Shop 11” was held at RESOBOX East Village, featuring a variety of booths selling accessories and other goods by Japanese artists in New York and local artists whose works are related to Japan. This collaboration was planned by NYK Marketing, an event company in NY, as a means to connect artists and consumers, as well as a forum for artists to interact with each other. The Japanese Artist Pop-Up Shop has been held at our RESOBOX space since 2018, and this was its eleventh iteration.

With more than 400 people coming to the six-hour-long event, its popularity has ballooned since it was first held, and many attendees from past markets make a point of coming to new ones. Yoko Ito, the president of NYK Marketing, was featured in the newsletter of Felissimo, a major Japanese lifestyle goods company, for her work in spearheading this successful assembly of artists.  

“What kind of artists are invited to the pop-up shop? What is the secret of their popularity?” In response to these types of questions, we interviewed Chihiro Takeshita, an accessory artist who has been appearing at the Japanese Artist Pop-Up Shop since 2019. Ms. Takeshita launched her brand “pucci ropa jewelry” with the motto “jewelry that makes everyday fun,” and creates rings, earrings, and other items.

Q/  Your individuality shines through in your intricate silver accessories. First of all, please tell us about the characteristics of your work and your thoughts behind the brand name “pucci ropa jewelry. 

I mainly create accessories using sterling silver and brass.

My own preference is for “designs with a unique personality” rather than “stripped-down” beauty. The designs favored by New Yorkers are also accessories with a strong presence, so I mainly focus on making that type of jewelry.

The brand name “pucci ropa jewelry” is a combination of the word “Pucci,” which means ‘small’ and is my nickname because I am petite, and “Ropa,” which means ‘clothing’ in Spanish. I decided to use this word for the name of my brand. Since coming to New York, I have often been deeply moved by the welcoming energy of my Mexican neighbors, so I decided to use this word in the brand name.

Q／How did you come to work as an accessory artist in New York?

I first started living in New York City in 2010. Before that, I was working as a hip-hop dancer in Tokyo, mainly at events, clubs, and fitness studios, but I had a strong yearning to study dance seriously in New York, the sacred land of dance, so I took the plunge and came to the U.S. After arriving in NYC, I joined a dance company while learning English, and was also blessed with the opportunity to teach dance to local children. During those days, I became increasingly attracted to the energetic mood of the city where people who are serious about taking on challenges gather.

Later, I had to return to Japan for unavoidable reasons. However, while I was in New York to pick up my belongings, a friend suggested, “Why don’t you study abroad at an art school?” I came back to NYC in 2015, and wound up enrolling in a school where I learned to make jewelry. In 2017, I started making metal jewelry, which I had been interested in but hesitated to do because of the high cost to get started. Yet I put all my effort into it, and when I began exhibiting my work, acquaintances began asking me to make custom pieces for them, and I found myself receiving orders as an artist.

Q/ How did you find “Japanese Artist Pop-up Shop”? What was good about joining the event, and what do you find appealing from an artist’s point of view?

I decided to participate through an introduction from a friend who had been participating since the first show. I thought about setting up a personal online store to sell my works, but many of my works have curves and forms that feel good on the skin, so it is easier for people to find them attractive if they actually wear them. Being able to participate in pop-up shops has increased the number of instances in which customers try on and then purchase my products.

There is also the advantage of being able to listen to customers’ opinions directly. We can learn about the designs that New Yorkers like and enjoy chatting with them while adjusting their sizes on the spot.

I was also happy to meet people who dropped by on a whim, and to make connections with other artists who participated in the event. The more I participate, the more my sales improve, and I am grateful for the opportunity it has given me to become more serious about my business.

Q/Your work is posted on Instagram. Many of the designs are unique and one-of-a-kind, and it is exciting to see them. Can you tell us what you want to express in your works and what you feel your signature creations are?

I create my pieces by focusing on events that have touched my heart and moments that have shaken my emotions. Therefore, all of my creations have a meaning and a title.

One of my signature works is a ring named “Amoeba”; I wanted to express a 3D, uneven design, and when I was doing some research, I was fascinated by amoebae. Digging deeper, I found that an amoeba has the characteristic of constant change, and that it also means evolution, revolution, and transformation. I was so excited that I decided to make it into a work of art. The complicated shape makes it difficult to work with, but I carefully finish each piece in the hope that it will become an item that encourages change and evolution in the people who wear it.

The ring based on the theme of the song “WINDING ROAD,” a collaboration between Japanese singers, Ayaka and Kobukuro, is another item that I have a strong attachment to. The design was inspired by the lyrics of the song, “Many little lights waiting at the end of a winding road,” which encouraged me personally. I hope that my work, which was born from my own experience, will inspire customers to feel supported on their journey, a sort of good luck charm. I would feel happy if my pieces become items to help people enjoy everyday life.

Q/ What is your outlook for the future?

New York has an environment in which it is acceptable to take on challenges at any age. I feel that I am able to walk into a future that I would not have been able to choose if I had stayed in Japan because I was concerned about the eyes of those around me.

As for recent news, a vintage clothing store in NYC likes my work so much that they have decided to keep it in their store. At one event, a fashion-forward gentleman asked if I could make one of my designs in gold, for men. Little by little, I feel that my efforts are bearing fruit; I am gaining recognition, and an environment is being created for me to expand my activities.

In 2023, I plan to focus more on jewelry making and gradually expand my brand. I am also considering creating a mail order site, so I would be happy if people living outside of New York could come in contact with my work.

This post was orinigally published on Resobox website. (https://resobox.com/news/%E3%80%90nejapanese-artist-pop-up-shop11/)
 

The place where people who are conversant with, dedicated to, and influenced by Japanese culture can gather, create innovative arts through the collaborative process and disseminate them to the world.

What’s in the Box?

RESOBOX is the name created from a mashup of the words Resonate and Box.

This Resonating Box envisions a space where people can meet and collaborate to create new and innovative Japanese culture. The space within this Box Resonates, too, shaking up everything inside.

Japanese people are welcome, and so are the many non-Japanese people who understand and find themselves being influenced by the arts of Japan.
These artists can meet in RESOBOX, and create new works by adding and mixing in their sensibilities, playing a great role in preserving, and even developing Japanese culture.

In today’s global environment, Japanese culture might not always emanate from Japan alone, but also from places like New York City, where culture is highly concentrated and widely disseminated to the world at large.
The founders of RESOBOX believe that by promoting such artists, truly innovative and more sophisticated Japanese culture can evolve, resonating with people all over the world.

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Mini Rug Making Workshop by poiful_rugs

Date : May 7th(Sun) 10:00 ～12:00

Location:Resobox

91 E 3rd St , New York, NY 10003

Let’s make a mini rug!!

  • Rug size : 10″ x 10”  *Comes with D hook on the back
  • Design : You can choose your favorite design from 7 available patterns from the bottom image. Also, you can add your name on it! (Hiragana or Katakana) 
  •  Color :  Please pick your favorite color from 12 choices

Workshop Ticket

Price:$120/person

*Including one mini rug.

 

Rug Making Workshop by poiful_rugs

$120.00

Buy Ticket

The instructor first teaches how to use the tufting equipment, then we start making the rug with the design of your choice. (The design has already been outlined on the primary cloth). You can chose from twelve colors of yarn. After completion, we will apply glue on the back side and finally trim the rug.

About the Instructor

Hello my name is Hitomi and I’m based in Brooklyn, NY, originally from Yokohama, Japan.

Through the creation of beautiful rugs, inspired by both Japanese culture and my own personal life experiences, I’d like to spread the same joy and inspiration that creating these rugs gives me.

I hope these rugs will make your room brighter, give you joy throughout your day, or become a delightful gift for your friends and loved ones.

poifulrugs.com

 
 
 
 
 
View this profile on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tucan Inc.jp (@poiful_rugs) • Instagram photos and videos

We are also having our hand made pop-up event on the same day!

Accessories such as earrings, necklaces, and more Japanese-inspired products will be on sale! Japanese artist and Japanese-inspired artists are all welcome to join and promote their works! Please join us and see each artist’s unique creations! 

Event Info

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Soap & Wax Sachet Making Workshop by Tamami

We are having our first workshop as Japanese Artist Pop-Up Shop! One of our first workshops will be held by Tamami.

Date : May 7th(Sun) 10:00 ～11:30

Location:Resobox

91 E 3rd St , New York, NY 10003

Workshop Ticket

Price:$85/person

*Including 2 soaps and 1 wax sachet 

Buy Ticket

Let’s create something fun yet practical, relaxing, and even great for gifts.

We will provide everything you need to make them and gift packaging for them. All we want you to do is bring yourself and have fun.

In this workshop, we make

– 2 Soaps – (1 teddy bear cookie sandwich soap, 1 rabbit soap with natural exfoliant)

– 1 wax sachet –

– 2 Soaps – (1 teddy bear cookie sandwich soap, 1 rabbit soap with natural exfoliant)

We will use melt and pour soap making method which does not require us to use harsh chemicals such as lye. You can choose one or two types of natural soaps from goat milk soap, coconut milk soap, and shea butter soap. All of our soaps are SLS/SLES free which means they are gentle on your skin. Also, they are cruelty free.

– 1 wax sachet –

A wax sachet is an air freshener made with wax. You can place it in your bathroom, drawer, or anywhere (besides places that become too warm like inside a car during the summer time). We will use a type of organic soy wax which is great for smelling lovely without heating the wax like traditional candles or wax melts. You can choose a scent of your choice for your wax sachet and use your creativity to decorate it with herbs and dried fruits.

About the Instructor

We are also having our hand made pop-up event on the same day!

Accessories such as earrings, necklaces, and more Japanese-inspired products will be on sale! Japanese artist and Japanese-inspired artists are all welcome to join and promote their works! Please join us and see each artist’s unique creations! 

Event Info

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プロフィール登録

オンラインストアーマニュアル/Online Store Manual

オンラインストアーに表示するプロフィールやショップの情報の登録をお願いします。

URL

売上金を受け取る銀行の情報を記載してください。（アメリカの銀行）

※下記の情報が必要です。

①Routing Number

②Accounting Number

③Name of bank account

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Japanese Craft Fair /Resobox/May 7th(Sun)

Mother's day Japanese craft show event

Accessories such as earrings, necklaces, and more Japanese-inspired products will be on sale! Japanese artist and Japanese-inspired artists are all welcome to join and promote their works! Please join us and see each artist’s unique creations! 

■Location：91 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10003

■Date: May 7th(Sun) 12:30～18:00

■Event Brite:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mothers-day-japanese-craft-fair-resobox-tickets-595347078137

Workshop

We are having our first workshop!!!!

【Soap and was sachet workshop by Tamami】

Date:5/7(Sun) 10:00～11:30

Locaton:91 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10003

Workshop Ticket

Price:$85/person

*Including 2 soaps and 1 wax sachet 

【Mini Rug Making Workshop by poiful_rugs】

Date:5/7(Sun) 10:00～12:00

Locaton:91 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10003

 

Workshop Ticket

Price:$120/person

*Including one mini rug.

Our Vendors

【*le phare*】

Hi! My name is Masayo. 

I make handbags and leather goods under the name ‘le phare’,( French for light house).
All my creations are original and one of a kind from design to completion.
Please come visit me at RESOBOX for a JAPANESE HAND CRAFT POP-UP event! 
Looking forward to seeing you!

【Cyuui Crafts】

Enamel pins, keychains, stickers, and stationeries! Pink anime and cute animal themes!

【TeaLoveCrochet】

TeaLoveCrochet expands on what we normally associate with knit and crochet. Creating cute accessories inspired by food, Harajuku fashion, and their own Asian American culture.

【Kazaria3】

Make handmade bag and hat with Japanese fabric

【satokomatsu】

Butterfly pendant in Japanese letter. This shape is designed with Japanese word ちょう, that means butterfly. Butterfly is regarded as an evolved creature since it sheds from chrysalis, good for positive person who aims higher level. This is a great gift and this design secret could be an extra surprise. Each items are cut from metal sheet, filed and polished by hand.

【Phantom Jewelry】

Handmade gothic costume jewelry. Unique and elegant with a touch of dark antique. Eye catching candle designs. Custom orders are available.

【Poiful rug】

HOKKORI KAWAII hand made rugs. We create beautiful, hand crafted rugs with various designs inspired directly from Japanese culture and nature. They have a variety of uses such as brightening a room, bringing joy and delight, and of course, making an excellent gift for family and friends.

【Utsuwa by Ayumi Nojiri】

Something functional yet unique and elegant design handmade ceramics.

【NAPPEL】

Pompkins Baby organic cotton products have a natural and gentle feel. They are made
from cotton that is grown in soil not treated with pesticides or chemical fertilizers for
more than three years– ladybugs are used instead of pesticides, and is harvested after
the frost has ended when leaves fall off naturally.

Pop Up Sox are made by Japanese craftsmen using special knitting machines that
create the 3-D animal ears and hands that pop out– babies love them and so do grown-
ups! They are ideal baby shower gifts.

【Fragrant Olive】

 

【Unipaca Studio】

Cute handmade stationery items like vinyl stickers, sticker sheets, and acrylic keychains! I also enjoy drawing anime-inspired art prints and have many future projects to come!

【Pucci ropa Jewelry】

“Pucci” comes from the way my husband call me. ( Because I’m tiny.)
“Ropa” comes from clothes in Spanish, because I like Mexican people’s happy feeling.

Made of starling silver, Brass, all handmade by using particular tool.
Unique jewelry will make your day

【Riverside Wrapping Co.】

Riverside Wrapping Co. offers high quality custom gift wrapping service and Mizuhiki (Japanese paper cords) accesories by certified Gift Wrapping Coordinator Emi, based in Upper West Side, NY.

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日本人ジュエリーデザイナーのpucci ropa jewelryさんの紹介記事が掲載されました。

ニューヨークで活躍される日本人ジュエリーデザイナーの“pucci ropa jewelry”さんのインタビュー記事が掲載されました。

2023年2月26日、RESOBOX East Village（レゾボックス イーストビレッジ店）で、NYで活動する日本人作家や、日本にまつわる作品を手掛ける外国人アーティストによるアクセサリーや雑貨などのブースがずらりと並ぶイベント「 Japanese Artist Pop-up Shop 11」を開催します。本展は、作家と消費者を繋ぐ場、そして作家同士が交流する場を作ろうと、イベント会社「NYK Marketing」が企画し、2018年から弊社RESOBOXのスペースで定期的に開催。今回で11回目となります。半日で400人以上が来場するなど、回を重ねるごとに人気が広まり、リピーターも増加。イベントを運営するNYK Marketingの代表・伊藤容子さんは、日本の通信販売大手「フェリシモ」の会報誌でも紹介されました。

「どんな作家さんが活躍しているの？」「人気の秘密は？」「出店してみたい」…など、弊社のホームページにもさまざまな質問が寄せられます。今回は、そんなリクエストに応え、2019年からイベントに出店されているアクセサリー作家・竹下ちひろさんにインタビューしました。
竹下さんは、毎日を楽しくするジュエリーをモットーにブランド「pucci ropa jewelry」を立ち上げ、指輪やピアスなどを制作されています。

Q/個性が光る、大きめのシルバーアクセサリーが魅力的ですね。まずは竹下さんの作品の特徴や、ブランド名「pucci ropa jewelry」に込めた思いから教えてください。

スターリングシルバーや真鍮を使ったアクセサリーを中心に制作しています。
私自身の好みが「削り落とした美しさ」より、「独自の個性を加えたデザイン」。ニューヨーカーが好むデザインも、存在感のある大きめなアクセサリーなので、そこにフォーカスした作品が中心です。
ブランド名の「pucci ropa jewelry」は、小柄な私の愛称であり、小さいという意味の”Pucci “という言葉と、スペイン語で服を意味する”Ropa “を組み合わせました。NYに来て以来、メキシコ人のハッピーなオーラにパワーをもらうことが多く、ブランド名にこの言葉を使うことにしました。

Q／NYでアクセサリー作家として活動することになった経緯は？

最初にNYで暮らしはじめたのは2010年。当時、東京でヒップホップダンサーとして、イベントやクラブ、フィットネススタジオを中心に活動していたのですが、「ダンスの聖地であるNYで本格的に学びたい」という強い憧れを抱き、思い切って渡米しました。NYに来てからは、語学を学びながらダンスカンパニーに所属し、現地の子どもたちにダンスを教える機会にも恵まれました。そんな日々の中で「本気で挑む人たちが集う、エネルギッシュな街のムード」にどんどん惹かれていきました。

その後、やむを得ない理由で帰国。しかし、荷物を取りにNYに行った時、「アートスクールに留学してみては？」と友人から勧められ、「NYに戻れるならば」と2015年に再度NYに戻ってきました。

NYに在住するために入学を決めた学校でしたが、ひょんなことから、ここでジュエリー作りを学ぶことになりました。素晴らしい先生との出会いもあり、徐々にのめり込み、2017年からは興味はあったものの、初期費用が掛かるため躊躇していたメタルジュエリー作りをスタート。全力で取り組み始めました。作品をさまざまなシーンで披露すると、知人に頼まれてオーダーメイドで注文を受けるようになり、気付けば作家として注文を受けるようになりました。

Q／「Japanese Artist Pop-up Shop 」との出会いは？　出店してよかったこと、作家の立場として感じる魅力を教えてください

1回目から作家として参加している友人の紹介で参加することが決まりました。作品の販売に関して、個人でネットショップなどを立ち上げる方法も考えたのですが、私の作品の場合、肌馴染みが良いカーブやフォルムを意識したものが多いため、実際に身に着けてもらった方が魅力を感じていただきやすい特徴があります。ポップアップショップという場に参加できたことで、試着から購入に繋がるケースが増えました。

自ら店頭でお客さんの声を直接聞けるメリットもあります。ニューヨーカーが好むデザインを知れたり、その場でサイズ調整したりしながらコミュニケーションも楽しめます。

また、フラッと立ち寄ってくださった方との出会いや、出店者同士の横の繋がりができたのも嬉しかったです。回数を重ねるごとに、収入を得て稼げる場になっていますし、自分に本格的に活動するきっかけやチャンスを与えてくれたありがたい存在です。

Q／Instagramに作品が掲載されています。個性的で他にないデザインも多く、見ているとワクワクします。作品で表現したいことや、代表的な作品を教えていただけますか？

心に響いた出来事、感情が揺さぶられた瞬間を表現することが多いです。そのため、全ての作品に意味があり、タイトルが付いています。
代表的な作品の一つは「アメーバ」という名前のリング。３Dで凸凹としたデザインを表現したいと思い立ち、色々と調べていた時アメーバにに惹かれたんです。この生物の、常に変化し続ける特性に、「これだ！」と心が弾み、進化や革命、変化という要素を作品にしました。形状が複雑な分、作業が大変なのですが、身に着けてくれる人の「変化や進化を後押しするアイテム」になればと、一点一点丁寧に仕上げています

また、「WINDING ROAD」という絢香とコブクロがコラボした曲をテーマにしたリングも思い入れの強い逸品。自分自身が励まされた「曲がりくねった道の先に、待っている幾つもの小さな光」という歌詞から着想を得てデザインしています。自分の経験から生まれた作品が、お客さんの背中を押したり、お守りになったり…。日常を楽しむアイテムになってくれたら嬉しいです。

Q／今後の展望について聞かせてください

年齢に関係なく新しいことに挑戦しやすく、また、それを受け入れてくれる環境。日本にいたら周囲の目を気にして選択できなかった未来を歩めているように感じます。

最近のニュースとしては、ヴィンテージの古着屋さんが、私の作品を気に入ってくださり、店舗に常時置いてくださることが決まりました。また、黒人のファッショナブルなお兄さんに「このデザインをゴールドでメンズ用に作れない？」とリクエストしていただいたり…。少しずつですが努力が実り、認められ、自分の活動を広げる環境が整ってきた実感があります。

2023年は、もっとジュエリー作りにフォーカスし、ブランドを少しずつ大きくしていく予定です。通販サイトも検討していますので、NY以外にお住まいの方にも、作品に触れていただけたら嬉しいです。

Resobox(日本企業の「アメリカ進出支援」と、NYに日本文化を広げる「文化振興事業」を展開)

【インタビュー】「Japanese Artist Pop-up Shop11」2/26開催　参加のアーティスト紹介

Resoboxさんのオリジナルインタビュー記事はこちら

pucci ropa jewelryさんWebsiteとInstagram

次回のJapanese Artist Pop-Up Shopは２月２６日２０２３年にResobox East Village店にて開催されます。今回はアクセサリー、雑貨、アパレル等のバラエティーに富んだ１２名以上のアーティストさんが出店されます！

イベントの詳細はコチラ