We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Michiru Yamawaki ("MY").
Michiru Yamawaki is an artist, she designs and crafts jewelries likewise makes graphic arts, designs and photographs. The main concept of her expression is based on our mother earth. Previous her career as a flight attendant for world global company brought her the point of view that transcends borders and boundaries across the world. She makes jewelry designs using both traditional and digital 3D technique and carefully handcraft to complete each works. Eartheo is her first concept brand.
Michiru Yamawaki Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Michiru Yamawaki.
Michiru Yamawaki Design - Baobab Tree Jewelry Collection
Designer Interview of Michiru Yamawaki:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
MY : I am fascinated by the classics and arts that are passed down over time and the lifestyle rooted in nature. I learned the basics of modeling, design, and art, including making prints and engraving, while flying around the world for my previous job as a flight attendant. I have started to craft jewelry since 2014, have participated various creative activities and solo and group exhibitions since then. I am using both traditional and modern techniques, such as metal smith, wax hand curving also sometimes create design with 3D CAD depending on the works. EARTHEO is my first conceptual brand established in 2015, currently release wearable art works and craft jewelry for order made
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MY : Currently I am making jewelries and designs as freelancer
DI: What is "design" for you?
MY : Design is a communication, and it has various aspects.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MY : Jewelry and Graphics including photography.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MY : My favorite design is the visualization of the rhythm of nature.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MY : Metal, woods, natural precious stones, and paper. I also like distal platform.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
MY : All the time.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MY : Vision and balance.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MY : I always feel that natural phenomena visualize and energize my works.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MY : Connection
DI: What makes a design successful?
MY : Flashes and pursuit.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MY : The power of its essence.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MY : To create something, I want to be responsible. I believe that good design would change the world.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MY : Design has been required for more various fields these days.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MY : It was Mar 2020. I'd like to do it again within 4 to 6 months.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MY : I am always inspired by natural phenomena. No matter how the world changes or although it’s never perfect, the life of earth is as it is. Music and people also help my creativity.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
MY : I have been traveled around the world some of my designs reflected my travel experience. Currently I live in Japan, I realized beauty in traditional Japanese pattern so for the point cultural heritage really affect me these days.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MY : I usually do a lot of sketches together with words and concept then start to move hands to make samples
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MY : Wooden ceiling, Kitchen lights, dining table
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MY : God is in detail
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MY : Learn from nature
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
MY : Curiosity
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MY : Pencil and Paper. Knives. files, calipers… I use adobe CC including Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom Classic and 3D CAD Rhinoceros.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MY : I usually try to divide my task into small jobs so I see the progress and feel the accomplishment each times.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MY : I really enjoy both.
DI: How can people contact you?
MY : Via email - info@earhteojewelry.com My website - https://eartheojewelry.com/eartheo_en.html