Mayu Anzai: Wool Felt Artist In Tokyo

TALKS EATS JAMS:
Introduce yourself for us.
Mayu Anzai:
My name is Mayu Anzai and I’m from Saitama Prefecture and now I live in Saitama in Tokyo.
TEJ:
What art medium do you work with?
Mayu:
I work with handmade wool felt.
TEJ:
What do you like to make?
Mayu:
I create bags accessories, sculptures, and my own characters. My characters come to life with felt.
TEJ:
Can you tell us where you live and what it’s like?
Mayu:
Asakusa has a unique Japanese vibe. There are many historical buildings and it feels like an old town. People have been living there for generations. It’s a famous sightseeing spot. There is a nearby red light district with people from different backgrounds.
TEJ:
How long have you been felting?
Mayu:
I’ve been felting for 10 years.
TEJ:
What’s your oldest creation?
Mayu:
I made up an imaginary character called “Moko” when I was a child. I didn’t know what material to use to make it, until I found a book about wool felt. I think my creations are normal, but some people might think they are strange. I make them for fun and as a business. Check em’ out on my online shop!
TEJ:
Do you have any upcoming events or shows?
Mayu:
I have art shows in the fall and winter. The next one’s in October in Tokyo.
TEJ:
What do you want people to get out of your art?
Mayu:
I hope to get people interested in Japanese culture and think about the relationship between humans and nature through my art. I love my culture and nature.
TEJ:
Where does your inspiration come from?
Mayu:
My inspiration comes from the forest, plants, and creatures. I try to incorporate Japanese plants or endangered species as the motifs of my work.
TEJ:
What would you like to do in the future?
Mayu: In the future, I’d like to live in a cabin so I can relax, be surrounded by nature, and sell my art.
Check out Mayu's LinkTree to see her Instagram, website, and all of her creations.