Tell us a little bit about your label (art) and what you do?
What inspires your work?
Origami is an ancient art form practiced widely in Japan and worldwide. It quite literally means paper folding. It is thought that the art’s origins took root during the early seventh century, as the technique of paper making was introduced to Japan by China.
Parry Yang dreamed up Miss Chopsticks as a result of her miniature origami hobby. “One day it clicked to me that designs could be made tiny enough to be worn as unique piece of jewellery.” After honing her skills to make these intricate creations, the positive feedback she got was enough to make a start and it is now a worldwide business with pieces loved by young and old.
Still in her full time job as a Childcare Educator, Parry is inspired by “happy big smiles on children’s tiny faces”, along with her love of travel and nature.
Miss Chopsticks jewellery is made from Japanese Origami Washi Paper, which is a traditional paper made from the long inner fibres of three plants Koze, Mitsumata and Gampi. Traditional Washi paper is filled with symbolism. Koze (paper mulberry) is said to be the masculine element, the protector, thick and strong. It is the most widely used fibre, and the strongest. It is grown as a farm crop, and regenerates annually, so no forests are depleted in the process. Mitsumata is the “feminine element”, graceful, delicate, soft and modest. Mitsumata takes longer to grow and is therefore a more expensive paper. It is indigenous to Japan and is also grown as a crop. Gampi was the earliest and is considered to be the noblest fibre, noted for its richness, dignity and longevity. It has an exquisite natural sheen, and is often made into very thin tissues used in book conservation and chine-collé printmaking. Gampi has a natural ‘sized’ finish which does not bleed when written or painted on.
Each fold is painted with a strong water resistant glossy finish and the piece is complemented by delicate crystal and beaded pendants made of silver with Swarovski crystal, Chinese crystals and fresh water pearls. Parry’s range includes earrings, necklaces, brooches, hair pieces and rings, among others.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
Parry has worked in retail for many years. She has gained her Social Worker Degree and worked with Refugees and Asylum Seekers, as well as people with disabilities for the past years. However, her passion for working with Children is very strong which leads her current career as a Childcare Educator which she love educating children with arts and craft especially bring her talented skill of origami making. Parry has also worked as professional band photographer the past 5 years, she currently design, photograph and promote her own Miss Chopstick Origami Jewellery solely on her own.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Some of memorable responses Parry had to her work were when Ken Done an Australia Artist/ Designer bought a pair of her Origami Fan earrings as a gift at the Rocks when Parry had her design in a pop up shop. Parry was privileged to be part of Power House Museum shop front for a year and recently sold a selective of her design to Noosa Regional Gallery shop front.
Here are some of my reviews from my customers published on my website and facebook:
Click links to view review:
http://www.misschopsticks.com.au/review
https://web.facebook.com/misschopsticksorigami/reviews/
One thing you can’t live without?
One thing Parry cannot live without would be her loving families and the nature. Parry loves the fresh air and enjoy blend in with the nature for relaxation and inspiration for her work.
What gets you up in the morning?
Parry has a body clock wakes her up 6am every morning straight to her origami workshop. Parry loves her origami and enjoys every moment of it that she love it so much she could do it 24 hours a day if she has that opportunity.
How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?
Passionate, Quirky and Smiley
What is the next skill you want to learn?
Parry believes life is an ongoing learning process. Parry is very curious about anything creative and innovative are always her new skills that she will continue to gain on a daily basis.
What is your dream project?
Parry’s dream project is to open a Miss Chopstick Origami Jewellery shop of her own one day.
Favourite or most inspirational place in Sydney?
My favourite place in Sydney would be in my own imagination where freedom rules my world. ☺
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Do what you love and enjoy the most of it from a good friend of mine.
What advice would you give to new, aspiring Makers?
Follow your passion and believe in yourself the sky is the limit.
And most importantly, what would your ultimate karaoke song be?
Karaoke is not my thing, but if I have to pick one. I would say ‘Stand by me’ by Ben King this was a song played on my first dance on my wedding day. ☺
Miss Chopsticks Origami Jewellery now in stock at Work-Shop Makery, 106 Oxford Street Darlinghurst