Meet Lesley Kice Nishigawara: Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lesley Kice Nishigawara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lesley, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Giving up isn’t an option for me. Being an artist is an integral part of who I am. Through the years what being an artist has looked like for me has taken various forms; a practicing studio artist, independent textile designer, and an owner and designer of a clothing line. For me it has been important to be flexible, and adapt to changes in my life which is important to keep going.   

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create visual artwork that is primarily textile based but also incorporates other mediums that are often related to textiles. Artist Statement: “In my work I explore the world around us with a system of visual examination. The grid frames my work in both a conceptual and practical manner. Conceptually, the grid reflects a need for regulation and perfection; a method or system of organization. With the aim for exacting and ordered spaces, slippages in the grid appear within varied applications and renditions. Explorations into these concepts present misalignments that occur within a desire for order. Through various translations including reflections and shadows, each articulation is created following a system of self-imposed rules to shift into new forms, images, and ideas. Practically, it creates a structure for my ideas to unfold. Translating the grid and patterns that appear through human intervention in our built environment produces an expanded view of the world. Highlighting and refiguring the nuanced visual elements—from the regularity of a chain link fence to a shadow projected from an overpass—this work is developed through a series of iterative examinations that develop beyond their original form and meaning. It acknowledges that the simple is often more complex as it is explored; the perfect is often more imperfect than at first glance. It exposes that the limits of perfection have endless possibilities.” What excites me most in my studio is the iterative nature of my work. Often one piece will be made from the remnants of the previous piece, other times I repeat the same pattern in different materials or processes. Currently I am working with one warp (the yarn threaded on the loom) on my loom and pushing the potential of possibilities of what can be woven from a single warp. I love the energy of building ideas and creating work. My journey has not been particularly hard but there have been some challenges. Raising kids and running a business, then finishing grad school and maintaining my own practice as an artist while still being engaged in my kids’ lives was challenging. Creating a solid schedule for myself to allot time for my studio practice has been important to create a balance in all aspects of my life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Museums: I would look at what shows are up at the local museums to plan my itinerary. I would try to visit MOCA, LACMA, Craft Contemporary, The Hammer and The Getty. Ideally the weather would be nice so we could enjoy the gardens and view at the Getty. LACMA has a great bar and lounge outside to get a drink in the evening before dinner. Galleries: There are so many galleries worth seeing, I would try to visit at many as possible including Night Gallery, Francios Gebaly, Gavlak Galley, Vielmeter Gallery, Hauser Wirth, Blum and Poe, La Louver, Shulamit Nazarian, Tonya Bonakdar, Regen Projects, Various Small Fires and other galleries located next to these. It’s hard to list them all. Food: A few of my favorite restaurants that all have good vegan/vegetarian options I would be sure to bring an out of town guest to: Sage Vegan Bistro, Dune, Guisados, Din Tai Fung, Meals by Genet, Elf café (it closed down during the pandemic and will hopefully reopen, HiroNori, and Pho Café. Unfortunately a lot of great places have shut down during the pandemic. Hiking: Hiking to the Griffith Observatory for the view would be one the list, also hiking Bronson Canyon to the Hollywood sign. Orange County: The Orange County Museum of Art would be on the list and visiting the Noguchi Garden in Costa Mesa, they are near each other. I prefer the Noguchi Garden at night because of the drama the lighting creates. Arc and Vaca are two restaurants nearby that have great cocktails and dinner. HiroNori is also a great spot for ramen.  Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s hard to narrow a “shout out” down to just one person as I have a lot of people in my life who are supportive of me. My twin sister has been with me throughout my life, literally since birth. She and I attended college together, and owned a clothing line together. She is now a curator and is always helpful in giving me feedback about my work, editing my writing and helping me clarify my thoughts. Beyond the professional support she’s a valuable part of my daily life. We talk on the phone at least once a day, and she plays an integral role in my kids’ lives, which I am grateful for. Very few people are born with their best friend, I am fortunate that she is so supportive and is an important part of so many aspects of my life.

Website: www.lesleykicenishigawara.com
Instagram: lesleykicenishigawara

Image Credits
Nobuhito Nishigawara