Japan Blog - Part III - The RIR riso event (Day 2)
Part 2: The RIR Riso Event - Day 2
On a sunny Monday (a national holiday in Japan), the RIR Riso event continued with its second day, held at Risogura, nestled close to Nato City. This day carried a relaxed and open atmosphere, where everyone was welcome to explore Risogura. It's not just a Riso studio but also a small gallery and creative space owned by Kyoko Takeshita, known affectionately as Toetiee.
The day offered a chance for studios to come together in a more casual setting. For many, this event marked their first gathering of its kind, fostering new connections and discussions. The riso market, though in a more compact format, continued to showcase the creativity and diversity of the Riso world.
Kyoko and I collaborated to host a delightful Risoroid workshop, adding a fun twist to the day. Participants were encouraged to choose their favorite photographs and print them in two colors. After that, they could further embellish their creations with whimsical drawings, resulting in kawaii-inspired artwork that radiated charm.
As the sun set, the day concluded with drinks and a plethora of delectable snacks. As participants made their way back to their respective cities, the atmosphere was filled with high spirits and promises of future collaborations.
Risogura - Slow Design
Risogura’s cozy sudio found in Natyo City, close to forest mountains. It is run by Kyoko Takeshita also known by her artistic alias Toetiee. Built within an old shed that her grandfather built many years ago, Risogura is not only a beautifully designed space, but it also has a soft and calm atmosphere. So it’s no surprise toetiee's Riso prints feature soothing color blends and playful graphic shapes that are sure to bring a smile to your face.. toetiee is an artist and graphic designer that has worked as a designer and conceptual art director for advertising and design studios in New York, London, Amsterdam and Tokyo.
In 2018, after her return to Japan, her fast-paced lifestyle came to an abrupt halt. Kyoko was diagnosed with a chronic condition known as PPPD, which brings about constant dizziness and vertigo. This transformative experience led her to create Risogura, where she embraced the ethos of "slow design," an approach that values intention, creativity, and the joy of the artistic process over haste.
In toetiee’s own words:
After my first major dizzy spell, the only thing I could do was lie in bed for months. I thought I would be bedridden indefinitely, but my desire for creativity and always 'making something' made me contemplate what I could do with this condition.
Initially, I started painting since it's an easy way to begin, and waiting for paint to dry taught me the importance of resting between works. I knew I couldn't work as I did before since I could only manage about an hour a day at first... Then, somehow, I came across an article about Riso printing and how some people appreciate the imperfections of the prints. I felt a deep connection to the concept of Riso, as I wouldn't be able to work a 9-5 job anymore but could create something that embraced my imperfections through Riso.
So, I decided to search for a local studio, learned about Riso, and for some reason, things started falling into place, making me believe that this is something I can pursue. Now, I find myself co-hosting a Riso festival with you and Ishibiki-san.
I believe Riso enables me to showcase my slow working process in a creatively appealing way. Riso allows me to express my unique and gradual creative journey.
I've learned a lot about collaborating with others (because I definitely need them) and relying on them. This has pushed me to become a better person and pursue what I genuinely want to do because I have come to realize, I tend to get sick if I don't.
I was fortunate to receive an invitation to spend a week with toetiee at her family home. The unhurried pace of her daily life, both in her studio and at home, offered me a new outlook on creativity and the art of living one day at a time.
