Today’s Artist of the Day features an interview with Saki the Artist. Please find our conversation below.
Thanks for joining us and we’re so excited to have our readers learn more about you and your creative works. Kick things off for us, what should they know?
I make all kinds of things, from writing music and poetry to making custom cosplay props and stage costumes, but my recent work has focused on raising awareness for the need for sustainable practices. I make a lot of wearable art from upcycled materials, and I run workshops on how to be more eco-friendly on individual and institutional levels.
I bring glamor to sustainability. Everything I make is eye-catching—it turns the heads of those who don’t give a hoot about climate change. In everything that I create, whether it’s a poem or a sculpture, I try to make it grokkable by art snobs and laypeople alike. If I’m unable to connect with my audience, my work won’t have an impact or meaning. The purpose of my art is to communicate and inspire, whether it’s about going green, social justice, or general philosophy.
Please tell us about one creative work or project you’ve worked on and what it means to you.
My latest large work is a ball gown made entirely of used nitrile gloves donated by scientists from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria. The success of this piece means so much to me.
Nitrile gloves make up a large proportion of the waste generated by scientific and medical institutions. Although they are technically recyclable, there aren’t many facilities that accept them. I decided to shed some light on this and inspire people to rethink how they can reuse this valuable material.
I debuted the gown at the Vienna Ball of Science, and this was a scary moment for me: Viennese balls have a long tradition and very strict dress code—they will deny entry to those who arrive underdressed. After spending over 200 hours carefully stitching this delicate material together, I was very nervous that I might be stopped at the gate. But not only did I get in, I got so many compliments! Fellow scientists approached me from afar to tell me how beautiful the dress was, only to realize upon seeing it up close that it was made entirely of lab trash!
The fact that the dress was able to join the ranks of high fashion and society, as well as the ability of the dress as an art piece to spark interest and conversation, made it a double success. I’m really proud of this piece!
This project was also a milestone for me as my first international collaboration and my first project funded by a large institute. I felt really validated that they liked my work enough to showcase it in upcoming campus events. We are continuing into 2025 with several other projects.
Alright, before we go, let’s do a quick lightning round.
Favorite artist?
Tom Lehrer
Favorite book?
The Little Prince
Favorite movie?
Survive Style 5+
Favorite genre of music?
Parody
Favorite cuisine?
Japanese
Surprising Fact
I have Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, which means I can do the splits and lick my elbow without even trying, but I also sometimes accidentally dislocate my shoulders and hips. I thought about joining a circus, but I can’t juggle or ride a unicycle yet, so that’s still on my bucket list.
Ketchup or Mustard?
Mustard
Savory or Sweet?
Both, at the same time
Sparkling or Still?
Sparkles, all the way
How can someone support you?
I love collaborations! I used to kind of work in a vacuum, but I’ve come to realize that collaborative art has a greater chance of connecting with an audience. If anyone out there wants to create stuff with me, just shoot me a message on Instagram or Facebook! My handle is @saki.the.artist on both platforms. I’m also open to commissions, depending on my current workload.
If you would like to simply support me by giving me money, you can Venmo me or purchase one of my digital items (such as a codpiece sewing pattern, $2) on my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SakiMakesThings
Contact Info:
- Website: sakitheartist.com
- Instagram: @saki.the.artist
