"Kawaii" is a phenomenally popular word in Japan. It's bandied about by people from all walks of life to describe anything cute. I also tend to say kawaii now and then with frivolous abandon, but the last time I used it, and really meant it with heart and soul, was when I was exposed to the artworks of Chico Hayasaki, exhibited in a gallery tucked away in a storied section of Wall Street.
For me, what makes Chico's works "kawaii" is her sensitive rendering of delicate lines and her liberal use of watercolors. The end result is sheer elegance. But don't take my word for it. Take the word of many others instead, like the fashionistas at Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Cosmo Girl, Gap, and St. Martin's Press. They're just a few of many of Chico's happy clients, who happen to share my adoration for her illustrations.
Her creativity is a many-splendored thing. For a collaboration with Japanese jewelry company, Art Heaven Works, Chico helped design a ring with a reversible piece that can be flipped at will to show a wink or a kiss. No doubt, it's sure to help sparks fly when eyes lock in the heat of the moment, somewhere in the city. I'm sure Carrie will approve.
Another fun repurposing of Chico's "kawaii" is the line of ceramic plates and mugs from "&MO' design" bearing her illustrations.
Clearly, there is an undercurrent of "happiness" in all of Chico's works, something buoyant, if you will, giving off warm and fuzzy vibes. So it comes as no surprise that she was tapped to be one of the four featured artists in a recent group show that took place in Tokyo, titled "Shiawase wo Kaku," which translates to "Drawing Happiness."
Her illustrations also adorn Gap's (Product) Red line t-shirts, and are highlighted in a book featuring the works of top contemporary illustrators, released by Gestalten, an authoritative voice on modern design movements.
For more information, and to download screensavers, visit here. Chico also has a blog here, and her recent entry talks about a new project that makes use of the Moleskine notebook.
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