Keiji Ishikawa

Interview with Keiji Ishikawa

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?

Since childhood, I have thought about things that give people heartwarming emotions. So, whenever and wherever I can, I have been creating something new.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

The "KJ" in "KJ Studio" stands for "Kiriko J'adore," which means that everyone should know and love the beauty of Japanese cut glass, "KIRIKO." I would be very happy if you used glass in your daily life.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

New objects bring interesting visual effects that refresh people's minds and give them a sense of security.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

I made a cut glass with a " Wind " design on a rock glass.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel most creative when seeing beautiful scenery or listening to inspiring music.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

It was in Tokushima in May this year. If I have the opportunity, I would also like to hold it in Tokyo.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

I think design inspiration comes from the orientation to seek the truth of things.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

The center of my design style is warm interaction and peace between people. To achieve this, I am always pursuing fundamental design.

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?

I live in Tokushima, Japan, and have a second home in Shodoshima. The area's natural scenery and cultural heritage sometimes inspire my designs.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

We suggest original and innovative designs to companies while following their requests. Companies are looking for designers who can create creative designs.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

We consider several ideas and their developments based on an idea that inspires us and then select one.

Can you describe a day in your life?

Morning coffee, an early morning walk with the dog, thinking about ideas, a delicious lunch, working on Kiriko, an evening walk with the dog, and a nice dinner with my wife and friends.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Trust your sensibility. Accept all the good and bad things around you and sublimate them into ideas.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

The good is being able to reproduce the creations you have thought of. The bad thing is the risk of losing vital essence because you cannot document the design.

Who are some of your clients?

Customers are looking for gifts for special people, companies are looking for exceptional interiors, etc.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

I aim to apply Kiriko to various glass products we see around us.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

I currently develop my own designs, but I would like to work in a team.

How can people contact you?

You can contact me by email or through the comments section on our website.

Extended Interview with Keiji Ishikawa

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

While working at a telecommunications company in Tokyo, I started going to Edo Kiriko studios in 2015 to learn cutting techniques and independently study hand polishing techniques. In 2019, I left the company and moved to Tokushima to open "KJ Studio," which produces and sells Kiriko. After that, I also learned glassblowing techniques in Tokushima.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I am developing designs for cuts to be put into glass products. I want to create new designs that heal people.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

Continue to have the orientation to seek out new things and pioneer new designs.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

A good designer gives people a sense of security, and a great designer gives people a sense of security as well as a hint at a new stage in the future.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

Good design is worth investing in because it enriches people's lives and fills them with healing.

What is your day to day look like?

I want to design something cut into all the glass products around us for someone special to each of us.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

Whenever I think of something, I write it down and review it later.

What is your biggest design work?

I'm interested in designs that use light effects to make people happy.

Who is your favourite designer?

My previous award-winning designs are great because they have unexpected visual effects that you feel when you hold the glass in your hand.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I think it's always about seeking something essential and new.