The Style Line

We are pleased to share our interview on The Style Line.(http://thestyleline.com/).

Worldly Wear with Ayaka Nishi

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF! 

Hi, my name is Ayaka Nishi. I am a Jewelry Designer in New York. 
I have a studio in East Village, Manhattan.
 I was born and raised in Japan and have been in New York for almost 8 years now.

I enjoy seeing vintage and antique pieces. 
Also, I like to look at natural materials like fossil and rock.
In fact, I just went to amineral show last weekend. 
It was really fantastic to see many unique natural items like desert glasses, meteorites, and ammonite fossils.

I get inspiration for my jewelry designs from vintage and natural materials.
I appreciate the beauty of nature and natural materials.

MUCH OF THIS ENDEAVOR IS INSPIRED BY YOUR LOVE FOR THE NATURAL WORLD/BEAUTY, AND SINCE LAUNCHING YOUR NAMESAKE BRAND HOW WOULD YOU SAY YOUR DEFINITION OF BEAUTY HAS EVOLVED?

When I started my brand I was more focused on the actual shape of natural objects,
but my interest has shifted focusing more on their texture.
One of my collections, the Melange collection, combines many different textures such as crocodile skin, stingray skin, cell, honeycomb pattern.

When I see an interesting texture, on anything from fruits to crabs,
I’m obsessed over its texture and started to think how I can incorporate this texture into my jewelry design.

WHAT IS ONE QUESTION YOU WISH PEOPLE ASKED YOU MORE OFTEN?

I wish people ask me for the story and my inspiration behind the pieces.
This is what makes my jewelry unique. Hopefully this will bring others to appreciate the beauty of nature.

WOULD YOU SAY THAT JAPAN FOSTERS IT’S CREATIVE COMMUNITY AND HOW HAS YOUR APPROACH TO DESIGN CHANGED SINCE MOVING TO THE U.S?

I feel that in Japan many people are greatly influenced by media, everyone is sharing the same information. This is reflected in the creative community. Since I moved to New York I have not watched TV. Now I feel freer to express myself, without being influenced by the media. Naturally, I can focus on my interest without any distractions. I believe if I was in Japan, my brand would not be like it is today.

WHAT DOES BEING YOUNG AND ABLE, MEAN TO YOU?

It is difficult to establish yourself as a young and independent artist.
Competing with mass produced product is challengingboth pricewise and by delivery speed.
My role is not limited to just designing and making jewelry,
but also includes branding, graphic design, and research. I am never bored.
However, I believe there is quality and value that only productswhich are handcrafted in local studio can provide.
I am passionate about what I do, which shows in my work.
When I see someone appreciate and enjoy my jewelry it makes all the work worthwhile.