Satomi Kawakita is more artist than jeweler. She was born with a love of creation, inherited from her dressmaker mother, nurtured over years of various creative ventures. Throughout her journey towards jewelry designer she’s been easily and perpetually inspired, mainly by her surroundings, be it the wabi-sabi found in Japanese culture or, similarly, nature with its organic shapes, imperfections and textures. Her pieces are personal and whisper her story with their artisanal, handcrafted appearance that’s also strikingly polished and confident.
How did your jewelry collection get started – when and where did your passion for creating begin?
I’ve always liked making things with my hands, ever since I was a very little girl.
My mom would make lots of my clothing. I spent a lot of time observing her and eventually learned how to sew, embroider and do patchwork myself. She made the majority of my dresses by hand and I would always accompany her to the fabric shop. She let me pick the fabric and I eventually began designing how I wanted them to look. She made a nice black winter coat for me and embroidered two blue butterflies on the back. The coat’s design and detail was very impressive. I still remember it very well. I really enjoyed watching the process of choosing fabrics as well as the production itself. While I didn’t really get into fashion design, the process of actualizing one thing into something else was so beautiful that an interest in creation lead me to become really intrigued by Origami and paper cutouts which later grew into a passion for glass blowing and kept evolving.
What is your educational background? Have you always been drawn to jewelry making?
I graduated from Art College in Kyoto, Japan with a major in living product design. I studied not only design itself, but also how to work with and embrace different materials. In that time, I worked with wood, metal, ceramic and textile. But after watching a program on TV one day, I really fell in love with the art of glass blowing and decided to explore it. I began to take classes at a local studio in Osaka, while still in school. Doing glassblowing for five years made me realize that I was more comfortable working on a smaller scale, with more detailed pieces, at my own pace. I started making some accessories with glass beads and found I couldn’t find clasps on the market that suited the design. I thought it would be nice if I could make it myself; that’s how my interest in jewelry making started.
Your jewelry has an organic and handmade sensibility while retaining impressive specifics and craftsmanship. Is this something that you’ve always focused on?
Yes, I have an incredibly high respect and regard for all of the artisans in the world. While evolution within industry is important for growth, I believe it’s always important to honor and nurture tradition. I think craftsmanship and the ability to create something (especially by hand) should be valued, respected, and treasured – it’s a luxury.
Your pieces are all individually distinctive, with 18k gold being your standout medium. Where do you source the materials you work with?
I have been very fortunate to work with a couple of great suppliers based in New York. As our studio and showroom are located in NYC, it allows us to work very closely with them and ensure our high standards are met and kept — we visit the Fashion District twice a week. I have worked very hard to work with only the most reputable and talented individuals in the industry and we’ve been working together for many years. All of the gemstones we use (including Diamonds) are conflict free; all of our Gold is recycled and all materials used in our designs are ethically sourced.
Do you work with a team of artisans to create your jewelry?
I have a very talented production team here at my studio. They are all well-trained artisans, in their own right, who have been specifically taught how to produce ‘Satomi Kawakita Jewelry’ designs. I used to make all of the designs you see in our collection by myself, including setting, but it’s just not physically possible anymore. Now I make the first sample and they do production based on that along with the help of a couple of outside contractors. I am still creating pieces each day, but allowing myself more time to focus on design and development as well.
Your designs often have a celestial look to them, referencing star shapes and astronomical imagery. Does this come from any particular area of fascination?
While I’m not particularly inspired by astronomy, I am very much inspired by nature, texture, shapes and the art of the organic. I find beauty and perfection in the imperfect and try to translate that into my work.
As you grow your brand out of the US, what are the biggest similarities and differences you find between the jewelry making communities in New York City and your home country of Japan?
Unfortunately, all of my jewelry making experience has been here so I can’t really compare it — I used to make accessories back in Japan but only for a short time and it was very different from jewelry. However, it has been a very interesting and rewarding experience to assimilate my culture and inspirations into my designs within this market and others. It has been such an honor to see that my designs have not only translated well with others here, but also in Japan and elsewhere.
Are there any other art forms you enjoy working with?
I am very drawn to weaving and, of course, glass blowing — I haven’t done either for a long time, but would enjoy revisiting them very much. I also make all of the graphics for our website and curate our Instagram, which I’ve found I really enjoy.
Do you have any advice for young artisans who are looking to grow their craft?
While it can be incredibly rewarding, it can take many years to pursue, hone, and perfect one skill. Unless you absolutely love the process as well as the end result, the dedication of time may be too great. However, that’s what is needed to be a skilled artisan and craftsman. It can be a big plus to learn the material you’re working with and its potential for your craft — your design possibilities could be endless; however, that same knowledge, if too great, could limit you. I like to feel challenged and feel it’s very important not to set limitations within yourself.
Any exciting projects in the works?
We have been continuing to make more and more of our One-of-a-Kind pieces. We love creating something truly unique. I can’t wait to go to Tucson to look for more sparkles to fall in love with and explore what’s next.
Click here to shop Satomi Kawakita.
Copy by: Abbey Abate and Hayley Brehl | Photos by: Satomi Kawakita
