If you’re feeling stuck, or uninspired, how do go about transforming your thoughts?

I turn everything off — remove the distractions of the phone, social media, email, internet. I sit in the silence and do a task that produces a result. Feeling stuck feels unsuccessful and debilitating, so for instance, sewing something that I’ve already figured out gives me a successful result, confidence that can allow me to focus and muse on the unanswered things, on the designs that are unresolved, the destination of what I’m doing in general.

What practices do you have around analyzing or being critical of your own work?

I’m likely to burn or box up anything I’ve made since I was 20-years-old until I can overcome creative shame. But early ideas can be indicators for smarter and more magnificent concepts later on. It’s often productive to sit with past and present work, even work I’m really proud of, to consider what more (if possible) that idea can give, a re-examination. I don’t want to be creatively repetitive, so that’s the contemplative angle.

How do you overcome feeling anxious or nervous?

I just let those feelings happen and then the energy of a situation or a room relaxes and you can refocus. In a social scenario of unknowns, I tend to ask the other person questions about themselves, their work and let them begin the storytelling to find the connecting point.

What are some systems you have in place to successfully get out the door on time?

Wake up early, make lunches the night before, get caffeinated and keep breakfast simple.

How do you manage boundaries in relation to technical devices?

I accept that these devices are here to stay, but I remember how my early twenties were very uncomplicated. It was straightforward— a phone was used to call someone or to send a T9 text. You used a Thomas Guide map to get somewhere. Blogs were how you showcased your interests and questions, explored style and curiosities. You had to do more work to discover things and be discoverable, so that was a mysterious element. Not using a device encourages me to remember objects/people/moments in a very particular way so that you can be conscious of that experience of looking/feeling/smelling/listening. I also don’t value documenting every experience. Excessive!

Do you practice any of your family’s traditions from when you were growing up?

By making home cooked meals and hosting family/friend gatherings often, an organized Japanese laundry system by my husband Shin, and every week fresh flowers from walks. On Sundays, if schedules permit, we have a slow start listening to records, a hearty breakfast and a leisurely reading hour.

What rituals do you practice in taking care of yourself?

Exercise/movement in some capacity- I like a run. Vitamins. Eye cream. Studio time regardless of productivity. Tea and a warm shower at night. Books. Reading before bed to leave the brain with content.