[Interview with lacquer artist Sachiko Yano, Part 1] A roundabout story of facing lacquer

── Please tell us how you first encountered lacquerware.

Of course, I knew about the existence of lacquer as a material.

But I never thought about making it my job.

It all started when I came across a lacquerware course at a vocational school for traditional crafts.

It's not that I was particularly attracted to it, but rather that it somehow left an impression on me.

Among the many different craft courses, the lacquerware section was very quiet.

There was hardly any machinery used and the atmosphere was calm.

I think that atmosphere was comfortable for me at the time.

── I heard that you originally studied design.

In high school, I studied art and design.

I thought it would be nice to work in that field in the future.

However, the world of visual design is strongly linked to the speed of consumer society.

As I watched the speed and the abilities of those around me,

I began to feel like I wasn't strong enough.

It was a hugely disappointing experience.

Gradually, I was no longer able to go outside, and for some time I was unable to move.

Still, as long as we're alive, we have to start moving somewhere.

── So, among those options, lacquer was the choice for you.

At that time, the situation itself strongly demanded that people "show their individuality."

I think I felt something was off.

I was tired of trying to be myself.

So, first of all, you need to master the technique properly.

I wanted to be involved in manufacturing without putting myself forward.

There was no particular preference for the materials.

While I was exposed to various crafts at vocational school, lacquerware was the one that I felt suited to me.

*The process of attaching washi paper

── What did you think when you actually touched the lacquer?

Anyway, I thought it was a time-consuming material.

Paint, scrape, dry... Repeating this process is honestly quite tedious work.

At first, I was worried about quitting.

Still, I continued to try my best.

After graduating from vocational school, he continued training at a workshop in Kyoto.

As a result, I continued to work with lacquer for about 10 years.

── When did you decide to make a living from lacquer?

I think it was decided naturally over those seven years.

To be honest , up until then I had thought, "If lacquer doesn't work out, there's another way" (laughs).

But before I knew it, I had started to think that I wanted to make a living from lacquer.

-- What is the appeal of lacquer to you?

I think lacquer is a special kind of natural paint.

It is durable, shiny and long-lasting.

The very idea of applying sap

It may seem obvious now, but it must have been quite revolutionary at the time.

I find the way technology develops in Japan a little strange and interesting.

There are many rules, but there is room to play within them.

I myself try to tweak the theory to suit my current emotions.

I'm sure that people in the past also experienced these things through their experiences.

I think he has invented a new technique.

── Lacquer is a difficult material to work with.

I agree.

Lacquer is not something that can be completely controlled, so it can be called a material.

I feel like I'm always trying to please him.

When I apply it and let it dry, I think to myself, "Please"

Even a slight difference in thickness or humidity can cause the color to change.

When I was younger, I sometimes found that infuriating.

But now, I feel like my pace and the pace of lacquer are gradually matching up.

The second part will be released tomorrow.