Today’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx interview is with super talented jewelry artist Yayoi Inada of Yayoi Forest Jewelry.
Yayoi, who studied jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology, is a Japanese born Brooklyn transplant and she creates timelessly stunning metalsmithed jewelry pieces. She works in 14K gold or sterling silver and specializes in hand etching techniques and detailed wax carving. Her collections are influenced by her appreciation for organic shapes and natural beauty.
Read more in my interview with Yayoi below.
1. What’s the name of your business, what do create and sell and how did you get your start?
Yayoi Forest Jewelry. I hand-make gold and silver jewelry and sell them to boutiques and jewelry stores.
About five years ago, I gave my earrings to my husband’s collegue as a birthday present. Her friend, a boutique buyer saw them and wanted to purchase them for her store. She bought some of my collections, and later she recommended me to do tadeshows to expand my business.
2. What are your inspirations in your art and life?
Beautiful memories and beautiful things around me.
3. Were you an arty craftsy kid?
My mother used to make dresses for my sister and me when we were kids. I started mimicking what she was doing just to pretend as if I was a grown up. I made some dresses for my dolls out of my father’s expensive shirt and I remember my mother was freaked out.
4. What three things would you want to be able to have if you were on a deserted island? Beyond the basics of survival.
A guitar, I don’t know how to play, but I feel like I might need some music there (and I expect to learn how to play a guitar myself because I have a plenty of time on the island.)
My sister because she would work hard with me to survive.
My husband, he gives us laugh.
5. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?
Blogs:
I read Design*Sponge everyday. And I read a lot of Japanese girls’ blogs. I just want to know what they are up to. You might enjoy this one with her illustration even if you don’t read Japanese.
Stores:
Both of these stores carry local designers in Brooklyn. Catbird & Smith and Butler.
6. What’s new? Any products or projects you’d like to share?
I am working on holiday collection, men’s collection and bridal collection all at the same time.
7. What are you reading, watching and listening to?
reading:
I’m about to read Haruki Murakami’s newest novel 1Q84.
watching:
The Fall
And I just love, love Project Runway, can’t wait their next season!
listening:
Linda Lewis’ album
Reach for the Truth: Best of the Reprise Years 1971-74
Her inimitable voice (literally) is beautiful and inspiring!
