We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeanne Akita. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeanne below.
Jeanne, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
I believe that the art tells a story. It’s a story that can reflect either the real world or a glimpse into the artist’s own imagination. I believe that our imaginations are a very real and vital part of our lives, showing up in literature, art, music, and other non-physical expressions. These creations carry the emotions and personal experiences of the artist.
Each piece in my wearable and decorative art collection is filled with my own imaginative world, sharing the unique story of my journey through life. What’s incredible is that each person looking at my art sees it in their own way, connecting it to their own life experiences and inner thoughts. It’s like a multi-dimensional mirror, connecting the hidden and unspoken parts of the artist’s world with the viewer’s world.
I’ve often heard people say, “Your art is out of this world,” and that makes me feel like my vision as an artist resonates with many others. Even if we interpret the same piece differently, we share a common feeling and meet at the crossroads of our imaginations to create something new together. The phrase “your art speaks to me” reinforces the idea that it’s a dialogue, an exchange of energy between the art and the viewer, calling for a continued and deeper conversation.
I describe my art as having two sides: it’s both decorative and functional. Its identity depends on how it’s displayed and seen by the observer. When it’s functional, I’m fascinated by how it can become a part of a runway performance, blending visual art with the personalities of models, set in motion, and enhanced with music to stimulate all five senses. It’s a powerful way to evoke emotions.
On the other hand, static displays of soft fiber sculptures explore the decorative side of art, allowing the viewer to focus on the art itself. Let me share a story: I wasn’t a big fan of Van Gogh until I saw his original paintings in a museum. The experience was completely different from seeing his work on a screen. It was like having a profound conversation with the artist about life, pain, and beauty.
My artistic journey is all about understanding the impact of visual art and how it’s presented. I like to experiment with different forms of visual art and performance in my ongoing projects. I’m also interested in the synergy between STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and art, as it offers a deeper understanding of life, culture, and society. All that ideas have found the reflection in my business name “Illusions Lab”.
Jeanne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Jeanne Akita, and I work as a fiber artist in my home studio, which I’ve named Illusions Lab. My studio is situated in Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas.
My journey into the world of art has been quite a long and winding one. Back in my childhood in Siberia, Russia, I attended art school where I took classic painting classes. I was deeply passionate about practicing oil and pastel painting and clay sculpture during my school years. Later on, even as I pursued a professional career in finance, I continued to dabble in painting on glass, a form of stained glass, and oil painting as a hobby.
It wasn’t until 2014 that I stumbled upon felting as an artistic technique. This discovery completely captivated me, and my inner artist began to overshadow my rational and mathematical side. This shift led my hobby to evolve into a full-fledged profession and a way of life. It felt like a romantic embrace between the logical and artistic facets of my personality, both deeply engrossed in the creative process as I sought to find my unique artistic voice. I also needed to strike a balance between pursuing artistic passion projects and sustaining myself as an entrepreneur.
My artistic voice is an ongoing development, evolving with each new project that translates my imaginative visions into tangible art. Simultaneously, this developmental journey is intricately tied to the broader expansion of our world and influenced by the ongoing processes in our society and culture. Throughout my artistic career and through interactions with other artists, I find myself gaining a deeper understanding and heightened sensitivity to the wide range of human emotions and thoughts. These experiences serve as the threads that weave the fabric of my art.
There’s still a significant portion of the “unknown” awaiting its moment to be discovered and reflected in my art, and I eagerly welcome these mysteries. During the pandemic, with the cancellation of many public art events and festivals, I’ve had more time to experiment with new sculpting techniques and material combinations, exploring fresh and intriguing ways to convey my artistic vision through felting and fiber art. I have a multitude of ideas waiting for the right time to bring them to life.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My dedication to sustainability and ethical practices in the art creation process aligns with my personal values. It reflects my belief in the significance of small actions contributing to a global movement, akin to a tiny ripple in the vast universe that can ultimately lead to profound and widespread changes on a global scale.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Engaging in fiber and felting art presents a distinct array of gratifications. This medium permits the exploration of diverse textures and materials, resulting in a rich tactile experience that brings profound contentment.
It provides me with the chance to delve into my creative vision, allowing me to shape my ideas through the manipulation of fibers, a spectrum of colors, and various forms. Felting emerges as a canvas with extensive potential for personal expression.
In alignment with other art forms, the practice of fiber and felting art fosters personal development and a journey of perpetual learning.
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