Grace Mirams

Grace Mirams
Mar 2024

You described your recent 6 week trip to Japan as transformative. How would you begin to describe why?

I was lucky to have that much time there. It meant for these long, hot days wandering around without any pressure, or a plan necessarily.. in and out of the trains above the urban rooftops with lanterns and clotheslines. At the beginning of the trip, it was thrilling being under Yuka’s wing. I got to see how she grew up in Tokyo, spending time with her family and friends. The way of life there is so charming, the food, the architecture, modes of transport.. Everyone is working really hard, and going so deep into their craft whatever it may be. Hard to pinpoint what was ‘transformative’ but I came away from it with a new perspective of my day-to-day habits, and working relationship with the art I’m making; slowing down a bit, making more space for reflection, drawing, writing, things like that. I keep dreaming of days in Japan, I can’t wait to go back. 

You met a lot of local artists and visited their studios, was there a common thread in this that made an impression on you? 

Artists’ I got to visit, such as Rando Aso, Shiho Hayashi and Natusmi Kobayashi were very kind, and talented people. Their practice, materials and space making were intrinsic to the outcome of their work. In conversation, it was inherent, the strong bond with materials and resourceful making processes. I noticed many hand-made or custom tools lying around that were unique to their work, always a window to the outside world, perfectly placed as a point of reference. Objects or equipment in their studios were very considered, yet had a feeling of openness - they were all so curious and experimental. Encounters like this were very inspiring and linger in my mind. I keep coming back to them when I feel lost in the studio.  

How was the experience exhibiting at Gallery Crossing in Gifu?

The gallery was located in Minokamo city, perched next to the Kiso river in a very small town. A couple of places to eat, rest and a temple to see but very quiet and rural. Walking into Gallery Crossing for the first time it was like walking into a cloud, it was immaculate - dream-like. It was in the middle of summer, days were long and festivities were taking place. The night before the opening we had a dinner party upstairs at the gallery and fireworks were sparkling over the river for hours on end. People came to the opening from all different cities, gathered and engaged with the work over tea and polite conversation. I was so nervous, I can’t remember what I said in the talk with Yuka, but I think everyone was tuned into her Japanese translation - it was very special to have her and Masami by my side. I won’t forget that day, I met the most gorgeous people, shared great food and celebrated over a Yuzushu... cried happy tears lol!

Was there a favourite place you visited?

There are so many, but to name a few, Rando Aso’s studio, ristorante della collina, 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, Rofmia, Chichu Art Museum, Taiga Takahashi, nichica, bar nest

I like your play on scale and how it has changed from each exhibition; from your first show at PR, your show in Japan, and now your current show. Have the themes of each show led to this or was it for more practical reasons? 

Hmmm both I would say. Many of the works in this show have been in my head or scribbled in a book for years now. I was limited on what I could get to Japan last year, with steel being so heavy, so practically yes but also, I don’t know.. I think it takes a while to build up the confidence and patience to do larger works - and to feel ready in your technical ability, there is so much trial and error, doubt and spiralling that comes with it. Yuka brings about a great sense of freedom and trust working in her space which helps, as does having access to a welding and studio setup here so it felt right - and had the right people supporting it.

Do you have any particular future plans or things that you want to try ? 

Yeah, lots to look forward to this year.. It's hard to think about it at the moment as I’m in full recovery mode from this show. It takes a bit to decompress.

I’m heading overseas for a while, not sure how long yet but to fullfil a residency in Europe and a show in Tokyo. Daunting and exciting feelings surrounding those affairs! But I hope to continue learning new approaches to work, experiment more with structural work and mark-making techniques, and collaborate more... Right now, I’m enjoying catching my breath, cleaning the studio, doing some graphic design work, giving back to the people who've helped this show come together.