This interview is a part of the "Artisan Feature" section in the articles area of the Kanzashi Garden site. In an effort to bring greater understanding towards the craft of kanzashi making, as well as an awareness of talented and inspired artists in the community, these interviews featuring artists have been conducted. This particular article is a feature on the kanzashi artist known as Songbird. Please look below to find out more information about her and view some of her creations.



Name/Username: Sara (aka SongBird516)

Birth date: May 16, 1982

Location: Beautiful Central Virginia, USA

What got you started on the path of making tsumami kanzashi?
I started making kanzashi because I loved the idea as soon as I saw it, and didn't have enough money to buy kanzashi from a craftsman.

Originally I bought a kanzashi from a hobbyist here in the US, but decided that I could do just as well or better myself. I've always loved to put flowers in my hair, so crafting flowers from silk (I also love fabric!) seemed like the perfect way to wear flowers and not having to worry about them dying.

Songbird has a love of the beauty found in the natural world and greatly admires all flora.
Songbird is seen above at Japanese-styled garden at Maymont park in Richmond, VA.

How long have you been creating kanzashi?
I've been crafting kanzashi for a little over a year, but I don't get the opportunity to do it as often as I'd like. I try to make each one as perfect as I can so that I don't waste my time ;) .

How would you define your style of kanzashi?
I guess my kanzashi are more traditional, but I try to modernize the design and scale of them. The materials tend to be traditional, but the way they're put together and the scale make them easier to wear in multiple hairstyles. I tend to be practical in that way; I have very short hair, so most of my kanzashi lately are fastened to clips, not long pins.

Along with creating kanzashi, Songbird also enjoys traditional kimono and kitsuke.
Songbird in dotted komon kimono at an Italian garden, posing among the blooms.

What is your favorite seasonal kanzashi motif?
I think my favorite motif is willow, because it looks so flowy and elegant. My favorite flower to make is clematis, though, which isn't very Japanese...

Do you have any other interests in Japanese culture?
I love kimono and also practice kitsuke (kimono dressing). I think that finding a theme and the seasonal awareness inherent in kitsuke also goes with kanzashi-making, and the two hobbies complement each other.
 

Songbird often tries to wear kimono while visiting gardens and other nature areas.
She is seen above wearing a Summer kimono among bamboo and on a pagoda.

Any stories or anecdotes about kanzashi, kimono, or the Japanese craft culture?
My cats chewed on and ruined my last kiku kanzashi...a hundred tiny petals lost. *sniff* They like to destroy everything precious to me...

Any other comments you would like to share with the kanzashi world about yourself?
There are lots of people out there that love kanzashi, but don't think that they could make it themselves. I'd like to tell them that They Can. I've always believed that a person's potential is only limited by their means and imagination. Kanzashi materials don't cost much; just try to make it, and you'll be surprised how relatively simple and rewarding of a hobby it is.

Some advice: Use good materials (invest in some thin silk; don't fool with synthetic). Study other kanzashi keeping a good eye for detail. Don't settle- work until it looks like you want it to, even on your first try. Practice! Don't keep copying other people's designs- the more you do, the more you'll be able to create your  own ... and always keep challenging yourself.



Thank you Songbird for allowing me to interview you and for all the help and your contributions to Kanzashi Garden! I look forward to seeing many more of your creations in the future!

If you wish to see more of Songbird's kanzashi work, visit these the link below:
Songbird's Flickr Gallery - Gallery of her Kanzashi work and other photographs.

Interviewer: Skye Altamirano
Interviewee: Sara (Songbird516)
Photographer: Songbird (And Her Mom :D )
Date: March 2008
Contact: tantaga [at] tantaga.com


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