A working nail artist is captivated by the infinite possibilities of the indigo plant.

Are you familiar with the indigo plant? Some of you may have even tried indigo dyeing. I learned from a woman that indigo has many other fascinating qualities besides dyeing.

Sayaka Sato, a nail artist living in Yokohama City, is captivated by indigo. Now, she grows it from seed to harvest in an organic farm, and truly enjoys the process. We spoke with her at length about the indigo that excites her.

The inherent power of plants that you never knew before

Sayaka had been suffering from various physical ailments, often feeling "just not well." She tried many things to cure these ailments and eventually discovered the power of plants. She realized that the strong energy of wildflowers, which spread their leaves and bloom in harsh natural environments, might be what she was looking for, and so she began participating in hiking trips with a wildflower society.

"As I gained knowledge about various plants, the mountain scenery changed dramatically."

This plant has antibacterial properties and is effective for wounds. A decoction made from this plant warms the body and improves blood circulation. It seems they experienced firsthand this kind of wisdom from their ancestors.

Elevating plants to art

While I was interested in wild plants and participating in wild plant walks in various places throughout the seasons, I met someone who creates works using indigo that he cultivates himself. That person is Reita Moriya, the representative of Art Moriya Co., Ltd. and an indigo dyeing master*.
* "Aisashi" is a term coined by Mr. Moriya, referring to a profession that fuses traditional Japanese indigo dyeing with modern plastering techniques.

Ms. Moriya has produced many works that bring out the full potential of indigo dye, and is currently based in Fujisawa City, holding solo exhibitions and workshops in various locations. Sayaka says she learned from Ms. Moriya that "indigo can be used in clothing, food, shelter, and art."

For example, "clothing" is dyed fabric; "food" is ingredients for tea and sweets, and herbal medicine; "shelter" is paint for walls and plastering materials; and "art" is art including paintings and sculptures. Art Moriya's works can be found in the Fujisawa City Hall main building and the public restrooms on Enoshima Island, and unique shades of indigo color our city.

Art Moriya
Official website: Click here

Sayaka had always loved collecting indigo-dyed fabrics, but she fell in love with the versatility and high adaptability of indigo beyond just dyeing. She then decided to further develop this knowledge and incorporate indigo into her main profession, nail art, believing that "beauty" could be added to the existing "clothing, food, shelter, and arts."

I want to express myself through something other than nail art! I want more people to know about the beauty of indigo!

Seeking further expression, Sayaka next went to a sumi-e (ink painting) class. She learned sumi-e from the basics and finally completed a work incorporating indigo. The unique depth and softness of indigo, when combined with sumi-e, seems to have broadened her range of expression even further. She is currently working on a new piece. She is also considering a public exhibition of her sumi-e works using indigo in the future, so be sure to check out Sayaka's updates.

Looking back at the history of indigo, it faced many hardships, such as a drastic decrease in domestic production due to the advent of synthetic dyes, and the threat of extinction during wartime when indigo cultivation was prohibited to prioritize food supplies. It seems that it is thanks to the people who persevered and protected it that it exists today.

Knowing the aspirations of those who came before her, Sayaka is expanding her activities to spread the charm of indigo. She holds workshops where participants grow and cultivate indigo from seed and then dye with it, and she also serves tea made from dried indigo. The number of indigo fans around Sayaka is definitely increasing.

"Of course, indigo is fascinating, but the same goes for other wild plants. The teachings of our ancestors, who lived in harmony with nature and valued the power of plants, are very interesting. I would be happy if even a few people became interested."

Sayaka's activities will continue.

(Photo courtesy of Sayaka Sato)

Sayaka Sato
Official website atelier Soranite: Click here