"I have the greatest interest in the human being as a source of
artistic inspiration and, in particular, in human relationships, which
are the essence of living.
Dressing is one of humanity's greatest gifts, both allowing us to express ourselves and live our lives through our chosen garb.
The human face is perhaps the most direct expression of our feelings.
To meet a face is to meet a person. I am drawn to faces that express
the person's will and feelings; their own religious, musical, and
aesthetic dimensions --delights, sorrows, dignity, integrity, and
innate intelligence--these are the human dynamics that our faces reveal.
I started out as a mere hat-lover who soon began making hats for
myself. As my working life progressed, I become increasingly aware of
the profound relationship between hat and face, face and heart, and
heart and life. I came to know many people through hats, which provided
me with a window into their lives. Thus, hat-making has become more
than a creative occupation for me, it has become a means of heartfelt
unity."
- Mariko Kayama
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