About
a Japanese word meaning energy, enthusiasm, pep, health, vigour
I began making Japan-inspired art with paper and scissors during my time as an English teacher in Japan. That experience left me so inspired, and when I returned to the UK, I just kept going! I started to sell some Christmas cards, featuring Japanese Snow Monkeys. They ended up being really popular so I carried on.
Since then, my selection has expanded to include prints, badges, stickers, embroidered patches, t-shirts, and hopefully many more products on the horizon when funds allow! (puzzle, anyone?) These days, not everything I make has a Japan theme, but the same gleeful, nature-loving and life-affirming spirit runs through all my work. I always try to keep 'genki' in mind when I'm making and I hope that my small business helps spread some genkiness to you.
I do my best to ensure that every item in my shop is well made, responsibly sourced and sustainably packaged. Everything is sourced from within the UK.
I make my artwork from my Bristol studio. As mentioned, I have spent some time in Japan, but most recently I spent six months in Taiwan. When you're travelling and seeing everything for the first time, it's like looking through a child's eyes. That sense of wonder and curiosity is really great for making art.
Although I'm tech-savvy, I love using real or 'traditional' media the most. What I like about using colour paper as a medium is it forces you to reduce things down to their most essential elements — there would be no Miffy or Hello Kitty without papercuts! Analogue media also lends a human and tactile quality that we need now more than ever.
If you like what I'm doing at Genki Club, you might consider hiring me as an illustrator. I love combining the practical side with the creative side and am keen to illustrate packaging for yummy vegan food, as well as for children's toys (a kite is top of my list!). Actually, I'm open to all sorts of things so do get in touch. My portfolio is currently under construction but will be ready soon.
When I'm not arting or working I enjoy learning languages, touching moss, and tending to two very demanding guinea pigs.
