5 Things We Learned... Sky Pape

I visited Sky Pape in her upper Manhattan studio in 2009. She was working on a commission with us for Tiffany & Co., taking inspiration from one of the brand’s calling cards: strands of luminous (ethically sourced!) pearls. Sky’s process involved blowing ink through tubes and funnels in various diameters to create the pearls’ perfect shapes on delicate Japanese rice paper.

Throughout the years, I’ve kept up with Sky’s work and watched her evolve into new materials and new subjects. Always a pleasure to see what she’s up to next.

Here are 5 Things We Learned about Sky.

What made you...you?

I’m the consequence of my nosiness about the littlest nothings and the immense what is. That dancing duo, chance, and choice have conveyed me to this point, occasionally stepping on each other’s toes. My toughest experiences and greatest risks, sometimes one and the same, have been by far the most formative. Independent from a young age, resourcefulness, and resilience have been my helpful guides.

When are you happiest?

Many things contribute to contentment, but I’m probably happiest when I’m silent: observing and listening to creatures in the wild, especially in springtime; reading or making marks on paper; people-watching in public places; dancing in my living room; experiencing art in person; arriving at a new destination.

Would you rather have a muse or be a muse?

Having a muse makes it much easier to be one, because a good muse shows you how. When I accept support, it fuels my commitment to extend it to others.

Who do you admire?

I have great esteem for generous-minded people who don’t jump to conclusions, those who can cope with the discomfort of uncertainty and still move with integrity towards high ideals. People who illuminate my path are folks who show up, who know how and when to speak up or listen up, and who never give up. I have a long and growing list of people whom I admire but naming a few leaves out too many. I’ll make an exception and name you, Anne T. Rogers, for making space and opportunities to amplify others, your attention to beauty and meaning, and for the way you stretch boundaries to explore new terrain. (Thanks Sky! - Culture A)

What is important?

Seeds and deeds. I can’t say what is important for others, but my m.o. connects imagination, generosity, adaptability, empathy, and corny as it sounds, love.