2. FROM KAZUMI TO ANNE

Kazumi Takigawa

—　Could you tell us how you met Anne?

Kazumi Takigawa (Kazumi) :　Anne visited Japan in 2013 for her exhibition and she’d bought my work at a select shop in Ebisu. I received a sudden Facebook message from her saying that she’d bought my work. She gave me a lot of compliment about my work, and I was so chuffed since I’ve known her and also liked her work.

Kazumi’s bags in RECTOHALL, the place Anne found her works.

—　Have you two been contacting each other since?

Kazumi :　Yes we have. We message each other about once a week.

—　The two of you sounds almost like a long distance relationship.

Kazumi :　That’s very accurate. But, we started really talking to each other after she shot the photographs for my look book.

Look book on www.kazumitakigawa.com

—　Could you tell me more about the collaboration on your look book, which is also on your website?

Kazumi :　Sure. After the first ever message, Anne had ordered me a bag. Back then I had just began working and had no commercial photographs of my work, which I needed in order to build my website. I had no photographic skills or a lot of money, so I asked Anne if she could shoot my look book in exchange for all of my works. I also requested her to shoot my work in however way she likes, and I was very happy when she kindly accepted my offer. After a while, suddenly I received a package from Anne. It was the original prints of the pictures. I was really surprised as I expected her to send me the photos as data files. I chose my favorite pictures to publish onto my website.

The original prints which Anne sent to Kazumi.

—　I believe that can only done when creators trust each other. I’m quite jealous. After that, did you two exchange more works?

Kazumi :　Yes. When Anne held a stall at a market in Berlin, she offered to sell some of my works there as well so she bought a lot of it. She also requested an order made bag for herself. That was near the Christmas season, so together with the bags I sent her a Christmas present. In return, she sent me handmade cookies and her work. The cookie was very delicious. Since then we send each other Christmas presents.

—　The relationship between the two of you sounds so nice.

Kazumi :　I always receive something from Anne very suddenly, so I always look forward to the surprise.

—　I heard you two have never met in real life. Is this true?

Kazumi :　Yes it is. I’m surprised myself.

—　You must be excited to finally meet her. How do you imagine Anne to be like?

Kazumi :　This is just my imagination, but I believe she’s very kind, cheerful and tough. After she shot my work, she helped me by telling me about select shops from different countries and introducing my works to potential buyers. She’s so powerful, and to me she’s like an older sister I can trust. I can’t wait to meet her.

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Next article is about Anne Schwalbe's artworks.