Break it. On purpose. The first thing I do with a new material is find its breaking point. Then I work just to the left of that line. Respect the material enough to know where it dies, then dance right next to that edge.
(Laughs) That is very true. I was never interested in the body as a thing to be wrapped. I am interested in the negative space —the air between the body and the room. Most textile artists ask, "How does this feel on the skin?" I ask, "How does this define the air around the skin?"
In this previously unpublished interview from 2018, we sat down with Tachikawa in her Atelier in Setagaya, Tokyo, to discuss how she un-wove the rules of contemporary craft. rie tachikawa interview
Rie Tachikawa: Ah, Nichijou was a blast to work on! The creator, Yoshimoto Kohji, has a very unique sense of humor, and I loved the challenge of designing characters that fit into that world. For Nichijou , I focused on creating characters that were both absurd and lovable. I think the show's humor and charm come from its ability to find humor in everyday situations, and I tried to reflect that in my character designs.
I would lock them in the material library. Literally. I told them: "For one hour, you cannot touch a loom. You can only touch the thread. Smell it. Stretch it until it breaks. Burn the end and watch the bead of plastic form." Break it
Rie Tachikawa's unique blend of traditional and electronic elements has captivated audiences worldwide. With her innovative approach to composition and production, she continues to inspire a new generation of musicians and composers. As we conclude our interview, Rie leaves us with a thought-provoking message: "Music is a universal language, capable of transcending borders and cultures. I hope my music can be a source of comfort, inspiration, and joy for listeners around the world."
As our conversation came to a close, it was clear that Rie Tachikawa is a talented and dedicated artist who is passionate about her work. With her impressive body of work and infectious enthusiasm, she is sure to continue inspiring fans and fellow artists alike for years to come. Then I work just to the left of that line
When asked about her creative process, Rie emphasizes the importance of intuition and experimentation. "I often start with a simple melody or chord progression, and then let my instincts guide me," she explains. "I'm heavily influenced by nature, architecture, and human emotions. I try to capture the essence of these elements in my music." Tachikawa cites artists like Aphex Twin, Autechre, and Bjork as inspirations, praising their innovative approaches to sound design and production.
While many of her interviews are packaged as "casting specials" or "documentary-style" features within her video releases, several recurring themes emerge across her media appearances:
: Tachikawa has noted that her entry into the industry was driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire for financial independence while still in school.