TIPTOE

From plump deep-fried cream doughnuts to fluffy flowers and branches of mistletoe—the ornaments, which somehow appear realistic and delicious-looking despite discernably being made of fabric, endear us and capture our hearts the moment we set eyes on them. These are the works of Kanako Fukuyama, also known by the artist name TIPTOE. Most of TIPTOE’s ornaments are sewn by hand; a method she intentionally chooses as it enables her to create wrinkles and subtle unevenness in the fabric. As a result, the shape and expression of each work varies individually. Nevertheless, it is interesting how the finished pieces, when lined up all in one place, appear to look one and the same as if they were some factory product. The artist name “TIPTOE” is derived from the name written on the insole of a pair of vintage red heels that Fukuyama had purchased for her runway show while she was a fashion student. Not only does she like the sound of the word, but she also expresses a fondness for the positive connotation of walking. The very image of walking steadily on tiptoe also connects to the image of her works each carefully crafted stitch by stitch. The appeal of TIPTOE’s works are not only the artworks themselves, but also their packaging and the experience of purchasing them, which is tailored to tell a story. The ornaments come packaged in a rough bag, like the kind one gets when buying things overseas, and are even accompanied by an expiration date. The sight of the fluffy fabric ornaments all charmingly lined up in rows, truly brings to mind a factory of dreams.

The source of Fukuyama’s creativity, which appears somewhat untypically Japanese in nature, can be traced to Bristol, UK—a place which she considers as her spiritual home. From times prior to starting her artistic practice as TIPTOE, Fukuyama, while working in the corporate profession, had the opportunity to experience products from many different countries. For some reason however, she had found herself irresistibly drawn to products from the UK. From workwear with an emphasis on functionality, to classic yet unrefined industrial products that have remained unchanged in both design and construction since times past—whether the product is a teapot or even a vacuum cleaner, different manufacturers and factories produce products of the same shape and design, and such have become a standard part of British life. Fukuyama was also drawn to the “roughness” observed in British industrial products. She found charm in the typical “spontaneity” of British products, which when closely observed, were each unique from piece to piece, or had seams that were unusually large, indeed unlike Japanese craftsmanship that does not allow even the smallest discrepancy, or from the beautifully pristine tailoring of Italian products. As her love for the UK grew over the years, she finally left her job and moved there. She lived in the city of Bristol, which is home to many artists, musicians, and poets. It is also famously known as the city where Banksy lives, and the standard greeting when meeting someone for the first time is, “Do you like Banksy?” “He’s actually a friend of a friend of mine.” Walking the streets, one comes across works of art, everyone is making things, and the people are unpretentious and laid back. Fukuyama felt at home here and was able to be her true self. It was also here that Fukuyama, who had engaged in sewing as a hobby, was encouraged to pursue her creativity, as the city itself had showed her that “anyone could indeed become an artist.” Blessed with many encounters and opportunities, TIPTOE began her artistic activities.

In making things, Fukuyama values her own personal story. She tries to only make things that spark joy in her based on her memories and experiences, like what she has seen or eaten. She finds no interest in making anything else, and these feelings are that which can also be felt by the viewer. The new twisted doughnut works that she has produced on this occasion, are also inspired by Fukuyama’s personal memory. At a language school in Bristol, she came across a traveling bread vendor selling these twisted doughnuts in a simple bag. Later, she found a bakery in town run by the same old man, where she first learned that the name of these twisted doughnuts was “Chocolate Yum Yum.” Thinking that the name “Yum Yum” sounded like a joke, she couldn’t help but ask the old man, “Really?” When she visited the same place for the first time in several years after the pandemic had subsided, she saw that the bakery was no longer there. Although not directly relevant to the viewer of her work, it is this kind of small yet charming story that serves as the greatest inspiration for TIPTOE’s creations. The process of giving shape to things that spark joy, even though it is work, uplifts and instills her with excitement as if being in love. Fukuyama also loves sewing so much that she says making things for her is like “mixing work with pleasure.” It is precisely because these works are created in this way that they spark joy, captivate, and instill those who view them with happiness.