A look at Chihiro Makio’s top five sources of inspiration

When asked to name five of her favorite things that inspire or help her to make great jewelry, Chihiro Makio of Boston shared the following:

Nature. I am often intrigued by flower and plant forms. When I discover a new bud on my houseplants or an unusual vine on a fence, I get excited about it and sketch it immediately. Natural forms can be so complicated and intense, but you don’t realize it until you stare at the details.

Vintage jewelry and design. I’ve always been a fan of the art nouveau style, probably because of the floral motifs. It has swirly curvy lines but still very stylized forms. I consider my work to be akin to this style, featuring abstract versions of natural forms.

Fiction. Growing up in Japan, my father worked for a publishing company and always encouraged me to read. When I was in elementary school, I borrowed more than 300 books a year from my school library. I would get into the world of a fictional story and draw the people, clothing, and surroundings as I imagined them. As an adult, I still love to collect beautiful picture books that inspire me.

Classical piano. I took piano lessons as a child and I am just getting back into it after a 15-year hiatus. I love classical music by Debussy, Chopin, Ravel, Liszt, and Satie. When I play music, I feel like I’m recharging the side of my brain that I use for jewelry making.

Glassblowing. I admit it: I think I love glassblowing more than jewelry making. It is frustrating and challenging, but the process is so rewarding and mesmerizing. I got my degree in glassblowing from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, only to realize that I wasn’t very good at it. Now that my husband is a glassblower and teaches classes, I get to practice. Someday I would like to combine blown glass into my jewelry lines.