Satomi Kawakita’s Tribeca atelier is a pretty perfect extension of her
jewelry. Both her work and environment make use of warm colors blended with
organic texture and geometric shapes. In a room supported by exposed brick
walls and beams, under architectural lights, sits an oval shaped mid-century
sofa and marble table. Every detail down to the leather serving coasters has a
touch of Satomi’s hexagonal trademark. “I really like making and finding
beautiful things; my heart beats for these things and those moments,”
explains Satomi. “Even at home with friends, I like to cook
for them and serve with the beautiful tableware that I have been
collecting over time.”
Over the past 5 years, Satomi has filled Catbird with her stone
and shape compositions, and adorned countless brides with their own Hexagon Ring, designed to stack in a manner of self expression. We chatted with
Satomi on her beginnings, what she’s excited to be experimenting with, and of
course our mutual favorite topic of conversation, food!
You’ve been working and designing in New York since 2008.
What led you to this point?
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, really fell in love with the art of glass blowing and
decided I needed 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.
What was the first piece you made that
really took off?
It would have
to be my Hexagon Ring. The geometric shape is timeless and resonates
with a lot of people, it's our signature. The turning point was definitely my
exposure on the former blog Unruly Things, written by Alyson Brown. She
introduced some of my rings on her blog at the end of August 2010 and changed
my world. That, and the day Catbird started carrying my line. Both of
those 2 moments happened in late 2010 and my life has never been
the same since.
Describe your work in 3 words.
Organic, delicate, simple.
Are you experimenting with any new designs?
I’ve been trying to make an Eternity Band with Pearls. I’ve
been experimenting and trying this for years now, but haven't been
entirely satisfied with the end result. I’m not sure if I can make
this happen, but let’s see, I'm tenacious. My design approach has not
changed for years and I don't think it will. My line has always been
designs I, myself, would wear: organic, yet timeless. But I am always
looking for new materials and something fun to work with like our
One-of-a-Kind series.
Who would you most like to
see Satomi Kawakita on?
My
grandmother who passed away in 2013 at the age of 100. I always wanted to
make a ring for her, as the Opal ring my grandpa gave
her got too loose on her skinny finger. Unfortunately,
though, it never happened.
Browsing Satomi’s Instagram, you’re bound
to be as mesmerized by the pastries as you are by the gems. We had to end our
interview with Satomi’s Top 5 food picks in the city.
Burrow, #1, of course. Ayako is an amazing artist
and a great friend of mine. Not to mention the pastries are
delicious.
Kajitsu and Brushstroke for dinner. I go there when I need to treat myself
well.
The French Toast from Ladurée.