Akiko Shinzato interviewed by Klimt02

Do you think that jewellery is being standardized? What is there of local and universal in your artistic work?
If you talk about what people buy for wearing purposes as fashion, I think that jewellery is being standardised. I have not seen anyone on the street wearing a piece of jewellery on her chin, but her fingers and neck, for example. But, about purchasing for galleries and collections, I think the uniqueness is always admired and welcomed, so art jewellery cannot be standerdised - it should not be. In my work, I am exploring new ways of decorating the body. The piece is often very unique and not what people want to buy for their fashion coordination, but more like for galleries. That is totally fine and there is no problem as long as they enjoy my work. But, at the same time, I imagine the future I will create a new type of jewellery that are widely accepted as a part of their fashion - which will be fun, too.


What do you expect when exposing your work to the public (for example with an exhibition)?
In my jewellery practice I always try to show a new point of view, hoping that my works evoke some kind of feelings and make people think. I hope people get good surprises and excitements and start to imagine the message behind.


Are other areas besides the jewellery, present in your work?
I love fashion. I think my works are somehow of fashion pieces. Since I continually explore what and how to wear and how the piece looks on the body, which, I think, is very much like what fashion designers do.


The last work, book, film, city that has moved me was...
Billy Elliot the musical in Japan


A place, space, country whose creativity surprises me...
I studied jewellery design at Central Saint Martins, which is truly a treasure house of creativity. Students there are full of energy and passion for art, and I love looking at their degree collections. I often find that an artwork I like is actually made by a student or graduate of Central Saint Martins.


Is there any designer, jeweller, artist, you appreciate a lot?
The works of Maiko Takeda, a jewellery designer and milliner, grabbed me and led me to contemporary jewellery, so I appreciate her creativity a lot.
Also, I am interested in the futuristic creations of a fashion designer Iris van Herpen these days.


What piece or work has given you the most satisfaction?
I have got the most satisfaction with CLOWN, the Swarovski mask piece. It is the very first piece that I have won a design competition and displayed my work in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. That piece is very big to me.


Do you read Jewellery Magazines? What is your source to get information? 
I do not really check jewellery magazines regularly, so I get information only when I receive emails or on the Facebook group page of CSM's Jewellery Design Course Alumni.
When I want to get information I check Klimt02 or just google it.


Do you discuss your work with other jewellery artists or any other person? 
I usually talk to my sister when I come up with a theme of a project, to ask if it is interesting or not. Also, I sometimes discuss the outcome of my work with my brother, who is also a jewellery designer.


What is your first thought when you hear the word Future? What do you expect for?
When I hear the word, I imagine very far in the future in which people are walking in the air and teleport things as they wish; Things are controlled systematically, but people are mentally free and released from any problems and make friends with the creatures from other planets, etc.. I expect for very happy and comfortable future. And, thinking that the future is an extension of the present, I think to focus on "now" and try to make it better is what we need to do for the future we expect for.