One Year Ago, I Couldn’t Even Imagine

My endless gratitude for anyone who has supported me in any way: big, small, or something in between

It was just a little over a year ago that I made my mini “debut” as Iro Iro Things, bringing just 5 or so pieces to Earthen’s West Coast Craft booth where I was working at the time.

This practice began somewhat accidentally when I picked up an old spoon carving kit during the thick of the pandemic, looking for any creative outlet I could find to counter the isolation. Carving by hand was strangely soothing to me, especially the idea of creating soft shapes from a hard material. From a few wiggly utensils, I made my way to brushes, a form I’d always been inspired by. I learned a lot by trial, mostly by error.

L: That fateful spoon that started it all | R: The first brush I ever made; I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.

When you’re pursuing something new, in the moment it can feel so slowgoing, so directionless, and so tedious. My process didn’t really solidify itself until years later, after a lot of failed attempts, dead-end Internet research, cold emails to strangers, and one amazing artist/teacher who really opened up my world.

When you start to see your effort take shape, part of you still knows the universe is random, but stringing experiences together in hindsight is kind of fun. There are so many frustrations, big and little, that I’ve collected over the years that brought me to this point. When I connect those dots with my own hand, that part of me starts to see that no experience is truly a waste of time.

A collection of objects I carved in that first month from May to June 2020.

But it was selling my first pieces last year that catapulted me into what Iro Iro Things is today—still very much a work in progress. I was so touched by the encouragement, kind words, purchases, interest, and support from each person and shop whom I’ve encountered; it really showed me that there might be a space for me in this huge world.

The first pieces I sold at the Earthen booth—forever a part of Iro Iro Things history :)

If you’re reading this, you’ve undeniably been part of that in some way, and I’m deeply appreciative of you. Thank you for supporting this little “thing” of mine, following this journey, cheering me on, being patient with how slow and small I want to keep this (especially since I only get to work on this part-time), respecting my intentions, and just being here with me. Because I wouldn’t be right here without you.