Paradise Metal Art

Q: Tell me a little about yourself! Where are you from? What are your hobbies? Do you create jewelry full time?

A: I am Diana Ishimizu, owner of Paradise Metal Art. I was born in Japan but raised in the US. I have lived in Long Beach for nine years. Aside from making jewelry, I also like to paint, go to shows, get tattooed and run. I work as a jeweler and custom fabricator full-time.

Q: How did you get in the jewelry business?

A: I have always been an artist, but I have been making jewelry since I was 14. I learned traditional techniques by Native Americans from Arizona. I decided to major in metal-smithing at El Camino College in Torrance, Ca. and I obtained my BFA from Cal State Long Beach in 3D Media-Metals. I started my business, Paradise Metal Art in the beginning of 2012. I started at Patchwork Festival in Long Beach at an $80 booth and the next year was in the Pool Trade Show/Magic in Las Vegas selling internationally.

Q: Do you have a favorite metal?

A: Silver is my metal of choice, but I also enjoy working with gold.

Q: How do you come up with pieces? What is your inspiration?

A: My inspiration for Paradise Metal Art is West Coast Native American symbolism. I am especially drawn to Zuni artists and in particular the artist, Effie. I enjoy researching iconography and symbolism and Native American culture and incorporating traditional aspects into my contemporary pieces.

Q: How did you come up with your label/brand/name?

A: It was Jorge Luis Borges that said, 'I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.' My paradise has always been jewelry and fabrication.

Q: Any special instructions or tricks people wouldn’t normally know? Storage? Care? Cleaning?

A: A trick to keeping your silver jewelry clean is to wear it a lot. Normal wear keeps the piece from oxidizing as fast. Buying a 'sunshine' cloth at a local bead store will also help clean your pieces without scratching them.

Q: What do you dance to by yourself?

A: Everything! I like a wide variety of music and I have no problems dancing like Elaine to any song.

Edited by Toni Mathews ms.tonimathews@gmail.com

Sew magic

One of a kind Overnight zipper pouch’s

Q: Tell me a little about yourself! Where are you from? What are your hobbies? 

A:  I am originally from Germany. I now live near Hood Canal in Washington State. My hobbies have always been centered on creation; whether it is drawing, sewing, or gardening.

Q: How did you get into sewing?

A: I got into sewing from my Oma Johanna and my Mom. I started with embroidering handkerchiefs when I was seven years old. Later, I moved on to sewing Barbie clothes, which also introduced me to my love for fashion.  After high school I took a two year sewing course at Bates Technical, which was quite in-depth. At that time there were no real artistic schools in Washington. My dream was always to study fashion design in Paris. Ah well, maybe one day!

Q: How do you come up with designs? Inspiration?

A: I like to study all the stuff on the Internet and go with my gut as to what would be liked by my family members.

Q: Any special instructions or tricks people wouldn’t normally know?

A: I think most people don't realize the importance of the old fashioned basting technique. Also, when I sew something for someone, I always start out with the garment about 2 sizes too big and then take it in on the person for a custom fit.  

Q: Who was your teenage idol?

A: . Oh how many there were. An oldie was Burt Lancaster. He was young in the 40’s! Paul McCartney for sure, but lesser known is Rick Springfield when he was starting out in ‘65 in England. I lived in Germany during this time and he was as popular as the Beatles back then, he came much later to the states.

Q: Anything in particular you would like to add?

I wish women would realize the impression they make on others by the clothes they wear. I am a child of the 60s and believe in freedom of expression, but I think you could get your point across better if you took the time to wear quality clothes. I do like the wonderful new fabrics available, especially hand painted silkscreen, but have as yet to make anything for anyone out of this fabric. 

Edited by Toni Mathews ms.tonimathews@gmail.com

C E L E B R A T E

Hope you can make it next month at the shop!

3706 E. Anaheim LBC

Long beach magazine spread

Its really too bad they spelled my name wrong in the credits, But its true I styled this shoot. July 2011 Long Beach Magazine

http://www.longbeachmagazine.com/