Complementing Buddhist-like Serenity Into Wardrobe
Artist, New York City
The eminent and soft-spoken Manhattan-based artist Miya Ando is one of those few who utilize the uncommon swordsmith skills onto steel, exploring the light-reflecting gradients in artistic form. The half Japanese half American artist was raised in a Buddhist temple in Okayama, Japan, among swordsmiths-turned-Buddhist priests, exposing her to a different world since childhood. Influenced by her upbringing, Ando pursued a Bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies from the University of California at Berkeley and subsequently studied Buddhist iconography and imagery at Yale, followed by an apprenticeship with the master metalsmith Hattori Studio in Japan. Her love for metal and her ancestors’ history inspired Ando to propose a new interpretation of this material, combining traditional techniques with her trademark modern process of anodized steel. Since her debut in the art scene, the artist has stood out from the crowd by winning the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant in 2012 and the Bronx Museum AIM Residency in 2013. Miya Ando has exhibited extensively around the world including New York, London and Hong Kong.
We interviewed the woman of steel to learn how she implements that Buddhist-like serenity and poise into her wardrobe, as well as the reason behind her love for New York City.
What does your ideal working outfit look like?
I usually wear clothing that is easy to move in since my work requires quite a bit of action.
What’s best: heels or flats? Which brand or style?
I always wear Y3 sneakers and flats, sometimes I wear heels, I like miumiu, they fit well and I can wear them all night.
What’s your favorite art-related blog or app?
I love Instagram, Artsy, Artspace, Spoon and Tamago
.
What was the last thing you bought and loved?
A juzu (prayer beads rosary) made of citrine
.
What is/are your personal style signifier(s)/identifier(s)?
Simplicity and monochrome
.
What’s your necessary extravagance?
I love candles and cashmere blankets.
Three things/products you always need to have in your purse?
Iphone, sketchbook and a pen
.
What’s your ultimate beauty secret after long working hours?
Remaining calm.
What’s/are your favourite work(s) of art?
Kasuga Deer Mandala
.
What in the art world are you most excited about at the moment?
I’m always excited about what Yayoi Kusama does.
Where are you off to next?
I recently travelled to Hong Kong and Singapore for my dual solo exhibitions at Sundaram Tagore Gallery, then heading to Japan
.
In your eyes: what is the most arty city?
New York City
.
Someone you have in mind to call the perfect artworld gentlemen?
Shelter Serra
.
Which artists should we have on our watchlist?
Shantell Martin.
Instagram: @studiomiyaando
Website: www.miyaando.com
Photos: by Marc Tan, Leonard Fong and Lorraine Young
