Rikako is a Japanese artist, we met in Tokyo, and together we visited Lurf Gallery, a truly beautiful space showcasing her work. The team there was incredibly kind, even setting up a special corner in their café for us to enjoy some tea and cake after the visit.

I was already deeply moved by Rikako’s art when I first discovered it online, but standing in front of one of her paintings in person was an entirely different experience, it truly touched me.

It was a large-scale piece, and it felt as if it was speaking for itself, so much depth and emotion in it. We were fortunate to have Rikako share more about the work with us, which made the moment even more special. 

A heartfelt thank you to Kaori Takizawa at Lurf Gallery, and to Kale Ishigami for all the support.

You can see Rikako’s work here.

1. How would you describe yourself in one sentence?

Unusual

2. What do you have for breakfast?

Kiwi, yogurt with soybean flour (kinako) and honey, scrambled eggs and bread, and a few vegetables.

This is almost my standard breakfast.

3. What gets you out of bed every morning? As they say in Japanese culture, what is your “Ikigai,” that thing that keeps you alive inside?

My works.

Creation, works, and my own projects.

Or hunger (as far as what gets me out of bed each morning).

4. Who or what has inspired you lately?

I occasionally attend Japanese tea ceremony practice. I find it fascinating to learn about the unique ways people connect ideas, attributing meanings to objects and actions, and interpret stories through the tea ceremony and the items displayed in the tea room. The coexistence of rationality and irrationality is also intriguing, and I sense a beauty in the mismatch between meaning and interpretation, which also resonates with my artwork.

5. What do you dream about?

Like magic, I want to paint as much as I want in a studio so big that no matter how much I paint, I can never fill it.

6. What is a day in the life of Rikako like?

I start my morning by taking it slow, relaxing, reflecting on my work, and thinking about everyday things, whether it’s food, plans, or something I want to buy. That is, until hunger kicks in. By the time I feel hungry, it’s already close to lunchtime (laughs), but I still have breakfast before getting ready for the day. 

Once I’m ready, I head to my studio and work until late in the evening. When I get home, I have dinner, unwind, and watch my favorite videos. I usually go to bed at midnight.

7. What does jewelry mean to you?

Something that clarifies confidence.

8. Would you recommend a movie, exhibition, play, etc., that you’ve seen recently?

Moomins and the Comet Chase (2010)

As the comet approached the Earth, the world gradually turned redder. I found it fascinating how the three-dimensionality of the Moomin puppets blended with the flat animated backgrounds, 

Also, each Moomin character embodies human-like traits: their selfishness, unreasonableness, and biases add depth. I find that lovely.