Welcome to the wacky world of the Creative Chain, week 10! We’ve met fine artists, graphic designers, fashion designers, product designers and illustrators. All are inspirational and provocative. Last week’s chain ended with product designer Simon van der Ven. Today we start the link with the person who inspires him, in his own words.
First, Hanako’s work sits fully in paradox. While being humble, it is grand. While being simple and direct, it is fully considered and subtle. While being very specific, it is universal. Secondly, there is no separation between who she is and what she makes.
Gallery Ichibankan
This little video demonstrates what I find so inspiring about Hanako Nakazato and her work. It is an exquisite balance of the elements of art and life that interest me most. I see an intimate awareness of form and texture in relation to nature and our bodies. I see the ordinary made extraordinary through observation and practice. I see a deftness and assurance that are results of discipline, training and humility.
Studio in Karatsu, Japan
Studio in Union, Maine
Hanako’s studios: Karatsu, Japan and Union, Maine
Hanako’s two studios. One in Maine, the other in Japan (Karatsu). She spends half of the year in each place — which in itself is quite a commitment. I am inspired by Hanako’s connection to her birth culture and how she melds it with an open, expansive perspective and practice.
Hanako Nakazato is inspired by …
South Street Linen — Jane Ryan, Mary Ruth Hedstrom, Lynn Krauss
I find inspiration in the work of South Street Linen (Portland, Maine), a team of three women combining their individual strengths and interests to make one unified line of linen creations. They blend artistic notions with craftsmanship in the production of linen products that are inviting for daily use.
Table Linens
I love linen because it is such a raw and honest material. I love how it wrinkles and the feel of the texture in your hand. Such a simple treatment in creating these table linens respects the material and presents its natural qualities in an elegant and refined way. These table linens are a great addition when designing a table setting to suit the day’s mood.
Scarves
These scarves exhibit a wonderful marriage of design and material. The prints are stately and whimsical. The simple 2D geometric patterns morph into more complicated 3D patterns each time you twist the scarf around your body.
The women of South Street Linen are inspired by …
Corey & Co. — Barbara Corey
We find inspiration in the work of Corey & Co. (Portland, Maine), a clothing shop with beautifully designed and really creative women’s garments. Barbara Corey, a great painter as well as clothing designer, makes patterns and sews wonderfully constructed, somewhat architectural pieces. Her choices of fabric as well as combinations of color and texture make her work unique.
Dresses
Using the selvedge edge and a variety of different details, Barbara’s dresses are interesting to a broad spectrum of women and become favorite items to wear.
Coats & Jackets
Reminiscent of vintage styles with a very modern twist, Barbara’s coats and jackets have a wonderful combination of structure and drape. Innovative fabrics, inverted pleats and bleached patterns make them singularly wonderful.
Creative Chain will return in two weeks, starting with an amazing woman.
Take a look at the complete chain any time.
