We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Red Moth a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Red, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

When I first started off creating haoris, I got some fairly brutal reviews. Some called them ugly, carnival wear, culturally appropriated, weird, and unusual.

(Btw mine are not authentically Japanese of course. They’re meant to be an intersection of art and fashion. A purposeful mix of Eastern and Western styles to symbolize the two at peace. Anyhow, I digress )

But I’m a stubborn artist with a compulsion to create.

So I kept on practicing. Learned more about working with the fabric, instead of against it. How paint liked to interact with different textiles. Practiced my sewing skills more. And started exhibiting them in art shows, not just fashion venues to show the limits of art and fashion.

Interestingly enough, some of those who used to hate, apparently like what I make now.

So don’t give up. Haters gon’ hate, but creators gon’ create.

Red , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! I’m Red Moth, a visual artist/fashion designer/ Moth Queen. I create traditional canvas paintings, skate decks and graphic novels.

But my signature works are haoris (Japanese style jackets).
They’re all cut, sewn and painted by me. Largely using natural fabrics, with a focus on deadstock or eco friendly textiles.

Though I create one offs for exhibitions and my own designs, I do commissions as well. Merging the soul of the wearer and my artsy perspective at the same time.

I love fashion, culture, art and nature. But these spheres don’t always play nice with each other. But you can build bridges through creating.

On a subconscious level they also symbolize a fusion of East and West, art and fashion, nature and mankind being at peace with one another.

And you look stylish as hell wearing them, kiss kiss.

Has it been a smooth road? What challenges have you faced along the way?
As far as challenges go:

Not knowing where to start. Being overwhelmed. Financial unpredictability. Self doubt. Feeling my skills weren’t enough. Being brand new to the art community. Stress.

Trying to balance the creative with the marketing side of art.

However, in an odd way, I’m thankful for the experience. Through the struggle, you learn so much more. So for newly starting artists, I try to help as best as I can.

Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so –who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
Yes. Though, I don’t have enough time to thank everyone, I really appreciate all who helped push this forward!

Be it from the art community, friends, family, or just random people that were feeling nice that day.

Your kind words, collabs, good vibes, support, feedback, critique, opportunities, etc all contributed. And I’m incredibly grateful, you have no idea.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.redmothart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redmothart/

Image Credits
Generally Right Brained Photography – Rachel Williams Hall PMuir Art – Pratiksha Muir