HOME > PROFILE [ JAPANESE ] PROFILE A SYMPHONY OF COLORS Long ago, glass was cherished as a pyrogenic treasure. Hard in texture yet graceful and fluid in form, it was the glittering substance lying among the embers of ancient bonfires. Quietly and unassumingly, glass has lived on through countless seasons and passed through countless hands, evolving together with the evolution of mankind. This is the material I work with and the source of my inspiration; this is the origin of my tombodama*. Working with glass rods of over a hundred different colors, I bring various colors together to create each “tombodama.” I think my experience with “ikebana,” or Japanese flower arrangement, plays a large role in the way I select colors and mold them into shape. Flower arrangement is a process of taking flowers and sprigs―each possessing its own unique shape and character―and creating a distinctive arrangement that is in harmony not only with the vase but also with the surrounding space. Taking glass rods and molding them into tombodama is a similar process for me; and the result is a mysterious combination of subtle earth colors, fiery evening-sun colors, and tropical plant-like vivid primary colors, each with its own distinct expression. A CRYSTALLIZATION OF PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE The glass I work with is fiery-hot and constantly succumbing to the force of gravity. It is in constant movement, its color, expansion coefficient, and temperature determining how it will metamorphose. Rather than controlling this movement, I try not to force my own will on it too much as I mold it into a single shape. This is probably why my tombodama bear a faint resemblance to ammonoids and other life forms embedded within many layers of sediment, fossils that have taken minerals from the earth and slowly evolved into their present form. Fossil-like, yet transparent and colorful; solid, yet fluid and dynamic in form. When used to adorn the body, its distinctive character brings out the individuality of the wearer; but at the same time, it has a modesty that allows it to blend in with all colors of skin and hair. I see my tombodama as an item that people can build a lasting relationship with, changing the string material or color combination to suit their changing tastes and sensibilities. It has the universality of something ancient, but the distinctiveness of something completely new.     HANAKO RICHARDS I began making tombodama about six years ago, after seeing some displayed in a small glass shop in my neighborhood. I was fascinated by the colors and shapes that were possible, and eventually began to incorporate my creations into fashion accessories, using fibers such as hemp, silk, and wool, and adding rocks, coral, shells, minerals and whatever else took my fancy. With each of my creations, I try to produce something that is at once unique and crosses all boundaries of age and gender. In addition to producing my own accessories, I am involved in a collaborative project with Swedish-born designer “Tanja,” in which I incorporate my tombodama into Tanja’s earthy macrame creations. I also accept tailor-made orders. Previous purchasers of my accessories who are interested in tombodama/string replacement, maintenance, or addition can contact me here. I look forward to working together with you to produce your very own, one-of-a-kind creation. *tombodama: The Japanese word for glass beads produced by melting colored glass around a stainless steel rod. Since “tombo” is the word for “dragonfly” (“dama”: ball), some say that this word derives from its resemblance to the eyes of a dragonfly.