Why does Risa Kaikirisa, a sculptor who makes figures of dolphins and other monsters, continue to offer garage kit classes? [Hobby Industry Insider #85

The world of figurative art is still deep and unfathomable," says Risa Kaikirisa, who lives in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. She gained popularity in the 1970s when she made a figure of a dolphin that Shigeru Komatsuzaki had illustrated in a children's illustrated book, "Dolphin Came to Came to Came! and other unique motifs are sculpted into three-dimensional forms.
In addition, Mr. Kai-Ki has been vigorously offering "the fastest 3-day class in Japan for beginners to make garage kits from prototypes," spreading the fundamental joy of garage kits, which is to "reproduce by hand the modeling work you made by yourself". He is also a member of the "Garage Kit Club". What kind of person is Risa Kaikyorisa, who continues such freewheeling activities?

...... So you like creepy things, huh?"　Started modeling on her husband's advice

─ I heard that you are from Kyoto, isn't that right?

Kaikki I attended an art university in Kyoto and worked for a graphic design company in Kyoto for about two and a half years after graduation. After quitting that company, I got married and moved to Tokyo (my husband is illustrator Koshi Kitahara). At that time, I wanted to become a prototype artist for garage kits and figures, so I asked my husband, "How do you think I can become one?" I asked him. He said, "For starters, why don't you try participating in the Wonder Festival?" He said, "Why don't you pick a subject that you can sell without having to get the copyright?　And you should decide on your own colors," my husband advised me, and I began to list my favorite things. Insects, aliens, monsters and dinosaurs. He said, "So you like creepy things, huh?" He suggested that I should make "Soma no Furudairi" by Kuniyoshi Utagawa, which is as popular as Hokusai Katsushika's "Fugaku Sanjurokkei" (Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji), but no one has made a three-dimensional version. So, the first garage kit I made while listening to my husband's opinion was "Soma no Furudairi.


───After that, you started working for a company again, didn't you?

Yes, I joined a special modeling company and a manufacturer that develops figures and goods, and I was able to learn many things. During that time, I continued my activities as Risa Kaikki, but the new coronavirus began to spread, and I became afraid of living in the city. So the couple moved to Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture, where my mother's parents lived. But we were defeated by centipedes in a Japanese house that looked like it was still furnished in the Meiji era. ......

─ ─ Was the house old enough to have centipedes?

Kaikki Yes, I was stung by a centipede two days in a row, the shed behind the house was crushed by a typhoon, and I began to feel uneasy about living in that house. But I found that I liked living in the countryside, and I was exploring Hiroshima Prefecture on a moped bike with my husband, and we arrived at the port of Onomichi at night. He said, "This place is so nice!" We both liked it so much that we watched a couple of Obayashi movies.

We watched a few of Obayashi's films.　Which one is your favorite?

Kai-Kai I like "Futari". I live now near a fishing village in Onomichi City, and my neighbor, an old man of about 90 years old, is very kind to me. You may have an image of fishermen as "stubborn and scary," but that is not true at all.

──Did these old houses and country life have an influence on your work?

I have always loved movies and was interested in yokai (monsters) and special makeup. Also, my father was a craftsman who made transoms for temples and other places. He is still working today, and from the time I was a child, I was allowed to enter his workshop at home and make all kinds of things. I think that experience was very important. Whether it is a chair or a desk, everything in the world is made by someone else. I had the feeling from an early age that I could make anything, and gradually my love of making things took shape and has led me to where I am today.

───Now, please tell us about the "Dolphins are cajoling me!