Photograph by Emily Kohlert
We asked our staff to answer some questions for you! Read on to hear from Gallery Assistant Kei Tanaka.
What do you enjoy about working at the SCC?
I adore meeting all of the craftspeople through the SCC, being able to talk to people about their crafts, many of which I have no experience or knowledge about. Spreading the knowledge and love of craft at the Boutique to Broadway wayfarers is something I enjoy immensely.
What have you learned about our organization that you’d like to share with other artists?
Everyone is here because they’re passionate about what they do, both staff and members. There’s always something new happening and upcoming, nearly all events are free and it’s always a great place to learn, see what’s happening, and meet other craftspeople.
Kei Tanaka
What kind of artwork do you create?
I’m an illustrator and theatre artist. My main series in illustration is Animal Friends, it’s illustrations of animals in clothing doing little activities, such as going to outer space or making pancakes. I also do theatre design, mainly props with costumes and set design on the side.
What’s your current favourite piece in SCC Fine Craft Boutique? Why?
I have so many favourites. I love Bonnie Gilmore’s Muglys because they’re filled with so much personality. Brenda Wolf’s fruit collection is deceptively delicious! Joan and Al Hiebert’s glass always amazes me, I love their glass bird houses and neighbourhoods, and when it’s quiet in the boutique, I like to imagine the little people who live in the little houses.
Al & Joan Hiebert
What inspires you?
Kei Tanaka
Doing something I love inspires me. It’s such a privilege to be able to do art and interact with art for a living, whether it’s at the SCC, at the theatre or in my studio. I’m so lucky to be doing this and I don’t want to lose this, so I work hard every day to do something new.
What’s your favourite thing about craft?
I love the overlap between art and utility in craft. Such as Grant Iron’s Ulubell from Dimensions 2021, which as sold to someone who said they will utilize it in their cooking. The two lives that the ulu has in the sterile environment of a gallery versus the busy life in the kitchen fascinates me.
Yeti by Dawn Rogal, scarf by Jean Price
What’s a craft piece you experience every day?
I got a beautiful Jim Gerlinsky side table for Christmas which I’m loving, perfect for my tea (and sitting if my cat has a say in this). My favourite craft I have is my yeti! I bought a yeti stuffed animal made by Dawn Rogal and named him Moran. He was hiding in a box in the very back of the shelf with Parker the Owl and I immediately fell in love with Moran. Though I oscillated about getting him, I finally caved and have a new best friend to keep me company in my studio.
What do you like to do for fun, when you’re not working or making art?
I love reading mysteries, doing crosswords and puzzles, or anything to keep the mental muscles moving. I don’t like having idle fingers, so having a Rubik’s Cube in my hands or a puzzle to solve is perfect.