Interview with Keiji Ishikawa

Keiji Ishikawa ("KI") interviewed on Sunday, 5 January.

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

KI : While working at a telecommunications company in Tokyo, I attended an Edo Kiriko workshop in 2015 to learn cutting techniques and independently researched hand polishing techniques. In 2019, I left the company and moved to Tokushima, where I established 'KJ Studio' to produce and sell Kiriko. Subsequently, I also acquired glassblowing techniques in Tokushima.

How did you become a designer?

KI : Driven by an inner urge to create new designs that bring healing to people, I became a designer.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KI : The project's central theme is to bring healing and peace to people; for that, it is always about balancing with nature. The design motifs are first expressed in words and then visualized by hand. If the image is regular, it is refined through trial and error using illustration tools.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KI : I felt great joy when the design motif was expressed in words that perfectly matched my envisioned image.

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

KI : From a young age, I pursued the essence of things, which fostered a mindset that values harmony and balance with nature and shaped my foundation as a designer.

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

KI : Currently, I design crafts using glass as a material, but my goal is to enrich people's hearts with the light that reaches their eyes. Therefore, I want to challenge myself with various materials.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

KI : It is about constantly seeking what is essential and new.

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

KI : Immediately jot down any ideas that come to mind and review them later. Also, always consider the causes of small failures and improve upon them, facing everything with humility.

What is your day to day look like?

KI : In the morning, I refresh myself by getting some fresh air and exercising while walking my dog. I spend the morning brainstorming ideas and focus on specific tasks in the afternoon.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

KI : I do not particularly adhere to design trends; instead, I aim to create new designs that reflect the world and people's hearts as they should be.

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

KI : The story behind the creation of a design enriches people and fills them with healing.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KI : Design is never complete and always has room for improvement. The time given to a design only marks a milestone.

What is your biggest design work?

KI : The previously awarded designs 'Limpid Stream' and 'Elan Vital' are remarkable for their intended effects and the unexpected visual effects that can be felt when holding the designed glass.

Who is your favourite designer?

KI : No one in particular.

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

KI : I have a studio in Shodoshima, Japan, surrounded by abundant nature, where I can gain inspiration for new designs.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

KI : I primarily work alone but also collaborate with other organizations on projects. During collaborative work, I strive for creative and constructive exchanges of ideas.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

KI : I offer affordable Kiriko workshops and classes, striving to spread the beauty of Kiriko.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

KI : The benefits of participating in contests are as follows: ・You can announce the international recognition of your design. ・You can build your career. ・It helps you acquire skills to challenge new designs.

Keiji Ishikawa Profile