I spent a relaxing week down in Miyakojima, one of the Japanese Okinawan islands. Miyakojima is my favorite beach destination. It is the perfect combination of relaxed island life and stunning nature, yet with the creature comforts of modern Japan.
Between slow days of yoga, reading by the pool, and walking along the sea, I spent a quiet morning photographing my jewelry on the beach (and nudged my supportive boyfriend into taking photos of me wearing a few pieces - thank you, Chris!).
When I started designing and making jewelry, I didn’t anticipate the opportunities to tangentially explore other creative outlets, chiefly writing and photography. I am still very much developing my photography skills, but I find that the act of doing it helps crystalize a vision to strive for. I’ve said this before, but Rinko Kawauchi is my favorite photographer. Hopefully at least in terms of color tone you can see how I pull inspiration from her.
I want my jewelry and photographs of it to carry an elegant yet relaxed energy. I think nature and water embody that juxtaposition, so my trip to Miyakojima was the perfect backdrop to practice taking pictures.
Photos by the umi (“sea” in Japanese)
I returned to Tokyo feeling rejuvenated physically and energetically, ready to get my hands literally dirty again and keep making new jewelry pieces. Sometimes a break, even from something you love, is exactly the refresh you need.
