Who ART You? 11
I’ve known Natashia for a few years and am always inspired by her creativity, talent and kindness. Her story is fascinating and I know you will think so too!
Natashia Miyazaki
Who ART You?
How did you grow up?
In a very creative household, no TV and lots of art materials. My Parents were young and had a lot of talented friends that were constantly around as an inspiration and motivation. Sense of adventure and curiosity to learn was instilled form a young age. We did not have much money when I was growing up so making was the only way to keep us occupied, making something from nothing was a regular thing in my world. We would always make our Christmas gifts every year, we would not be able to go on trips or buy lots of toys so we would also make them ourselves, for example I made miniature houses for my dolls, with furniture out of paper. So even though it was financially hard my mother saw it as an opportunity to think outside the box and create what you wanted with your hands not be limited by the lack of funds. Only in hindsight I realised how lucky and valuable that was and how it set me up for the future, making me extremely resourceful and creative.
I became an artist because......
I became an artist because I was always destined to be, I don’t remember ever not creating, Passion for fashion followed shortly when tracing patterns with my mother. Living with my single mum meant that money was tight so we would make clothes as we could not afford to go out and buy the latest fashions, and why would you want to anyway, individualism and expression of self was what I thrived on, so it was a natural progression.
What brought you to art?
Ever since I can remember my mother was drawing, painting & making things. Our dining room was an Art-room filled with materials and tools. My parents also had a screen printing company which my dad still runs today. An eye for composition and graphics combined with a curiosity for fashion was a way to create my own art.
Describe your favorite art piece that you had trouble letting go.
I hand paint leather jackets, Every piece is a one off, I personally create the layout and freehand paint onto the jackets, adding individual twists or personalisations to each one. It’s a labor of love, everyone is its own work of art however it is bittersweet as I know that it is going to a good home.
If you could come back and live as any artist, (alive or dead) who would it be & why?
Coco Chanel, Iconic, badass with determination, resolute and unfaltering vision. Revolutionary designs, 1st to introduce androgynous style with an elegant execution. She is my idol.
Who, what influences your art?
Everything around me, movies, street style, architecture, art, life, people and most importantly travel.
What has art taught you?
Technique, Patience, Persistence, Creativity, Resourcefulness.
Favorite/best resources as an artist?
Internet, Pinterest, art galleries, pencil & paper.
What becomes a magical instrument in your hands?
Pencil, pen, paint brush, fabric, pins & scissors.
What medium do you use? Why?
Fabric for draping, Sewing for designing & making garments. Pens, Pencils sketching, pattern making & illustrating designs. Computer Software for Graphic Design and CADs.
What is your favorite subject matter?
Clothes, textiles, dying & prints.
What are you still hoping to learn?
Pottery & the Piano.
When I think of art, I .............t
When I think of art I think of expression, story, feelings, subjectivity.
How do life, business, creativity and art intersect?
For me it was always important to do what I love and what makes me happy, creating my form of art/ fashion, so naturally I followed a career that let me learn and explore my passion & talent. Working in the Fashion for 15 years, My life constantly intersects business, creativity & art. I hope to create an empire that continues to inspire and balance all of these aspects and share it with other like minded individuals to succeed together. It’s all about the journey.
A defining moment in my life was when...........
I relocated from London to Hong Kong for work. Moving to another country the other side of the world. Experiencing the different cultures and traveling around Southeast Asia. Traveling, discovery and learning fuel my soul and inspire my work.
Best advice I ever got about art or being an artist was........
Believe in yourself.
Do you have a ritual or practice any creative activities before you make art? If so, what is it?
Get organised and focus my mind, start by researching imagery or go see some art, or watch a movie to trigger my imagination.
Is there a quote that inspires you or that you try to live your life by?
So many! I don’t really have just one in mind. “Go hard or go home!” would be a good one!
Is there anything new you are planning to introduce in the future?
More travel, more collaborative events, more fashion popups.
Name: Natashia Miyazaki
Website: www.hellopapermachine.com
IG: @papermachine_
FB: @hellopapermachine
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