OEY create one of a kind table ornaments, chopsticks, and napkin holders which come in an assortment of beautiful rich colors — each handmade from paper and silk. Ken Yokomizo is the principal designer for the Japanese brand, and was gracious enough to talk with us and answer some questions.
It was very interesting to learn more about the man behind this unique and beautifully conceptualized brand, which given a little more time, will likely be a household name worldwide.
What time of day are you most creative, and why?
In the morning. I don’t have breakfast. I find when I am hungry, I am more focused.
Please describe your workspace.
We have two studios – one in Tokyo, the other in Chiba. Tokyo’s is used as a meeting space and show room of our OEY products. Chiba’s space is used for designing. The studio is a kind of old, traditional Japanese house. There’s one office room with computers, and one prototyping room with paper materials, like Mizuhiki (twined paper). There is typical small Japanese zen garden outside our studio in Chiba.
What inspires you most in life?
Traveling to the Niigata prefecture in Japan, there is beautiful Tanada (exotic butterflies) in that distinction. I love eating fresh fish and fresh rice in Niigata too! I also teach at a local university to inspire and be inspired by fresh ideas from students.
What does ‘beauty’ mean to you?
Beauty is an ambivalent thing.
Are there any concepts or ideas which you would like to re-explore?
We have an idea to create a small room by applying the same concept of our product “Fruits Bonsai”. It kind of looks like a kind a Bonsai Tree. This “Fruits Bonsai” is constructed with a unique module system in the form of a tripod. Thanks to a tension of Mizuhiki, it holds fruit perfectly and with great stability.
For a young artist who wishes to make a living fulfilling their dream – what advice could you offer?
I think that I am also still young designer! I would suggest to have a journey to all over the world, look at different cultures, and learn about different values of lifestyle. Today, how difficult is it to design something which will be accepted to different culture? To know another world, and without the internet – it just wouldn’t be possible.
Do you have a hero?
I have many heroes in the creative world. Bruno Munari, whom I respect for his theoretical but experimental design approach. Alexander Calder for his revolution of the concept of space. I respect his childish, creative mind. Philip Stark, because his all objects have their own identity, with a unique freshness. He is not only a talented designer but also a great business man. Ettore Sottosass for his design approach is always asking me “what is good design?”
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Amalfi, Italy
Visit OEY for more beautiful designs and to learn more about this unique company.
