Different Shimatsuka

Vimma Eri Shimatsuka -

How did you become a designer?
That's all I'm interested in. In Japan, I was an English teacher. However, I always dreamed of making art and that I could learn more about it. I chose the job of a designer because I want to create things that bring joy to people's lives.

 

How did you end up as a designer at Vimma?
I've known Marjuti since Marimekko's days. I like Vimma's design and its dynamic, open-minded and bold patterns and colors. It is so nice to work with Vimma, because there is always a positive atmosphere and a good feeling.

 

What is the most important Vimma pattern for you?
They are probably the first patterns I designed for Vimma.
The traffic pattern is simple. I like the relaxed rhythm of it.
The wings print was inspired by torn papers. The patterns have a nice handmade feel. 'Wings' looks like a glowing stained glass against a dark background. I drew the Räpäys print casually with a marker. The name of the pattern is Räpäys, because it looks like it consists of many eyelashes. For a baby, everything he sees is new and wonderful. Every 'blink' as exciting. With Räpäys designs, I wanted to remind you; 'sense of wonder'.

 

The best thing in life is...
The baby that came to us in 2016. The moment I got him is the most wonderful and touching thing in my life. Of course, all the paths I've taken have been meaningful. Family and friends have made life special.

 

On my desktop I have…
Postcards, papers and pencils that I drew. All… Help, a little messy!

 

Autumn feels..
The sun is so important. When you can't see it in the sky, you have to find it in yourself.

 

My favorite hobby is..
Traveling, yoga, cooking, picking mushrooms and drawing.

 

I listen to the radio?
I usually don't listen to anything. Sometimes a classic channel.

 

My favourite food is…
Japanese food! I often do it at home too. In Finland, Finns eat sushi more often than Japanese people in their home country. I also like food where you can use mushrooms you have picked yourself.

 

I would like to someday…
Travel by Siberian train to Japan. When you travel more slowly, you feel the right distance and can enjoy it when the culture and landscape change little by little.

 

The most beautiful part of Helsinki is..
I like to look at Helsinki from the sea, for example from Suomenlinna ferry or Laajasalo. That's when it's at its most beautiful.

 

My favorite outfit is…
A high-quality sweatshirt and pants are comfortable and warm. I also like Marimekko's vintage shirts. They are in good condition and durable.

 

On Sundays..
Sometimes we go to the cabin, sometimes to the forest and sometimes I work.

 

Forest..
A place of inspiration. You can get everything from berries to mushrooms in the forest. The forest is my Finnish temple. I love Helsinki because nature and forests are close here.

 

Legs, pillar, dösä, track or car?
Nowadays, I walk a lot with the stroller. It's good exercise at the same time. I also use the subway. The subway color is awesome! There are endless people and you don't have to wait for the subway.

 

I was playing..
With my daughter Aila. It's wonderful to play with your own child. Playing reminds me of my own childhood and on that side I often get in touch with creative works.

 

I hate it when people..
Are too serious.

 

What song is playing in your head right now?
I like to listen to tropical music especially in the winter…bossa nova, African and Okinawan music.

 

A style icon or a guy you're a fan of in general?
Maija Isola, Vuokko Nurmesniemi, Annikka Rimala, Wakisaka Katsuji and FujiwoIshimoto are work-related icons.

 

How do you work?
I draw postcards for ideation and that habit has been really good for me. My idol Katsuji Wakisaka draws a postcard for his wife every day. Even though I don't draw every day yet, I want to follow his example.

 

As a child I drew…
I have always liked drawing.
Even as a child I drew a lot. The Chinese characters for my name mean 'painting' and 'countryside'. When I was little, my father hoped that I would become a person who would enjoy and appreciate art.

 

Some of my own duuni, which has been especially remembered..
I'm always happy when I see people wearing a print I designed! I held my first exhibition in Japan in 2015. That moment was unforgettable.

 

My biggest dream would be to be able to do...
Keep drawing. I would love to make children's books and collaborate with architecture. I also dream of a cooperation project with women living in developing countries.

 

What kind of patterns fascinate you right now?
Simple and freestyle patterns. Abstract handprint.

 

What do colors mean to you?
I have lived in Okinawa for three years before moving to Finland. Okinawa is a sub-tropical island. The color scheme of the island is really beautiful. Finnish forests also have enchanting colors that change with the seasons. In colors, light affects everything. I love Alvar Aalto's home because the natural light flows so beautifully there.

 

Who do you follow on ig?
Friends, international fashion houses, museums, design brands, etc. On Ig, I follow news and get inspired.

 

Where can we see your work in the future?
At exhibitions, in my office and in stores.

 

IG: erishimatsuka
www.erishimatsuka.com

Different Shimatsuka. 38 years.
 

Textile designer. Illustrator.
In addition, Eri does coordination work and writes for Japanese magazines and books. Eri will soon also graduate as a color bath instructor.
 

Moved to Finland in 2007. Started textile art studies in Thailand in 2008. Worked in Marimekko's drawing room. Started as a freelancer in 2014. Does design work for both Finnish and Japanese brands. Has been illustrating Moomin fabrics in Japan since 2015.