Chicago- 'I spent weeks researching and experimenting with materials and techniques until I figured out what worked. I knew I had found my niche and began working on the designs that give Kiku it’s distinctive style. My imagery and drawings are primarily inspired by pop culture pattern and nature. I particularly love mid-century modern and Japanese design aesthetics in fact the name 'Kiku' means 'chrysanthemum' in Japanese. Using fine enamels I print with multiple screens onto layers of glass to create depth and using my knack for color and composition pair it with an amazing glass color palette. One thing I especially love about the ability to print an image on glass is that it enables me to do a variety of custom work for my customers which has become a specialty of mine. I approach the design of each new piece whether my own image or a custom design looking to strike a visual balance between the graphic printed image and the nature of glass: color translucence light and depth- the qualities that originally called me to the medium. While my work is very graphic I'm a practical girl so most of my pieces are as functional as they are pretty.'