Name: Masumi Watanabe
Occupation: Craft Artist
Current Residence: Sizuoka (Japan)

I was born and brought up in Sizuoka, Japan and I lived in London for over ten years.  London culture is now in my blood and has become my second home. London is so unique because of the mix of cultures you can socialise with.

I have just moved back to my hometown and forgot how relaxed and carefree it is. You can leave your bag on a chair in a café to go to the toilet and find everything there when you come back. Everything is safe and clean…even the fashion! The best way to describe fashion in my hometown is immaculate. That’s why I miss the personality in people’s fashion in London. People wear what they want to wear, not what they are expected to wear. I like that a lot, which is why I would describe my style as beautiful imperfection.

I illustrate, knit or draw creatures I have imagined in dreams or when I’m drinking tea from my favourite Scandinavian mug. My work has no practicality nor does it have an amazing story behind it.  I just want my work to be like ‘a cup of tea’ for people. It’s just something simple that I hope can put a smile on someone’s face.