Andy
While Nakanari was in Jakarta for Popcon Asia and UIC Design college help inspired young generation in design. Joshua from Plastic Culture was ever so kind to introduce Natasha our Popcon Asia correspondent to Nakanari and also invite her to a small meet up after his busy schedule. I took this opportunity to ask Natasha if she could fire some of our questions that we made over to Nakanari, of course she agreed and Nakanari was kind to accept.
Natasha :I’m lucky enough to finally have a short chat with @Nakanari aka Tony Shiau before he’s going back to Orlando, USA. He was really a kind, funny and passionate in person. Thanks to Joshua from Plastic Culture for arranging this meeting, and here’s the interview !
I believe Number 1 is you have to have a passion. Anything start with passion would be leading to success. So an artist definitely have to be inspired and patience.
I‘m actually used to work for toy company and we supply for Kidrobot before they even make toys. But then I got invited to their major events and making a custom 20inch Dunny for their grand opening in New York and Miami Kidrobot stores. My 2012 Dunny, they actually reject my design at first, but couple of months later they told me to make it. So I worked a little bit more detailed and we finally produced them and the top 3 pick for that series.
What was you’re experience like at this years Popcon Asia?
I like the Popcon more because it’s a smaller event, so the fans got a chance to contact personally with the artist. So it’s giving me the chance to engage better with the people who really into it.
Outside of sculpting/toy work do you have any other interesting hobbies?
Here’s the thing, maybe people envy-ing my life, I love my life too, but I considered myself as a boring person. My daily life would be working at the University, and working with the Maihiro team. So I’m also working in the weekends, and have no time for other hobbies. But I really like um…. toy shopping? Oh…. and sneakers!
Did you see any artists at Popcon that caught your eye?
Actually I found many talented Indonesian artist, especially the one that independent and not manufactured. But I actually like @Alympu design because I always like anything with samurai.
When you sit to create, can you describe your ideal setting?
I enjoy the silent moment in the midnight, so I’m happy to work at that time, and nobody bother me. I also like watching TEDx ( TEDx Talks ), hearing inspirational people speaking and Vice Magazine.
While in Jakarta whats the best place you have eaten and dish?
So I see you met my dear friend Paulus Hyu did you meet his dog Nimbus?
Yes, I also went to his house, which really cool. He’s design also has his personality, Great guy.
*MOON BABIES* MURAL IN DENVER from SparklesPositron on Vimeo.
Is there anything you’re working on that you can tell us about?
Plastic Culture actually ask me to do couple of design, but we’re still working on it. Next big project is we will working with a big Japanese brand and Gibson.
If you could work with one artist to do a collaboration who would it be?
I would say Michael Lau, because he’s inspired me before I became an artist. He changed my mind that toys is just not a toys, but an art.
I would personally like to thank Joshua from Plastic Culture for inviting Natasha to the meet up and Nakanari / Mai Hiro Team for giving The Toy Chronicle you’re time
You can catch Nakanari via http://www.maihiro.net/ Twitter , Facebook and Instagram
Natasha Lucas yummy food /styling blog http://www.yummytraveler.com/ and her Instagram
If you are around Indonesia the biggest must is check out http://www.plasticculture.toys/ and hit them up Via Facebook , Twitter and Instagram
Video of Nakanari aka Tony Shiau working his magic.
Nakanari x Bluemotion x PXL+ Wall Mural from Bluemotion Studios on Vimeo.
(images lifted from Nakanari and other resources and belong to original owners)
