Ayaka Nishi is the sweetest person and the fullest head of ideas I've ever come across. I love her extension of edgy jewellery into skeletal pretties that are sure to catch on super fast. I am, personally, waiting for her next pieces to be released - then I can stare cross-eyed at them. :)
On that happy note, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking to the lovely Ayaka about her work.
I'm good.currently I'm preparing for a show in June.
It makes me busy but I'm exciting to collaborate with my mom in this show.
She is a floral designer.The show will be Jewelry and flower show.
How did you start out with design?
Sometime, I start sketching but sometime I get inspiration from materials.
In bone bracelet, I found unique coyote bone in a shop and I thought it was perfect shape for a bracelet and I started make a piece. Firstly I made a simple one rib bracelet but I wanted to make something bigger, so I connected snake spines and 7 coyote ribs.
What would describe as the Ayaka Nishi vibe?
Natural, Organic, Biological, White and Black
What kind of work goes into releasing one piece?
Designing, wax carving, metal working, beading, molding, casting, pricing, photo shooting, updating website, promoting...
I’ve been loving your bone-style designs as of late – are you thinking of expanding to anything else?
I'm working on bone necklace now. I'm going to make bone ring and earring too.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I want to expand my brand to not only U.S, but also Europe, Asia, Australia and other countries.
I want to collaborate with many other creators.
I want to participate in fashion shows.
I want to go to other countries more to get inspiration.
Who’s your favourite style icon of the moment?
Edwidge Belmore.
I met her at a party.
She was a 80's punk icon.She is turning 40 years old now, but still she keeps mature punk style.
I like sophisticated, elegant, mature punk spirit even my fashion is not really punk.
What do you think will be the biggest jewellery trend this year?
Boooooooooooone!
What do you think of the new wave of bloggers coming through?
It is really great that people can dispatch information without any restriction and the ease of sharing with other people.
It is nice to see people's direct opinion through blogs.
Sue-Ann, designer at Stylestalker, would like to know: McDonalds or KFC?
Both is same thing to me.
I eat Papaya dog ;) It is right near the corner of my studio.
And last of all, what’s a random question would you guys like to ask the next interviewee?
What kind music do you like?
Working Picture : Tal Spanzer
Other Jewelry Pictures : Drew Kelly
Thanks Ayaka!
What I found most fascinating was Ayaka's photo of her workspace :O It speaks for itself really.
Check out more of her work HERE and you can buy the Coral Necklace and Spine Bracelet HERE and HERE.
*love*
xx
