TALKING TUTUVÍ WITH COLLEEN KIMURA
Six years ago, I met Colleen Kimura, a Hawai‘i-based screenprint artist and creator of the brand Tutuví. I fell in love immediately with her bold use of color and large-scale illustrations of Pacific flora and fauna. In Spring of 2019 we began a conversation to conceive collaborative pieces—now known as the UMAMI collection. A dream come true, to say the least. I recently got to virtually catch up with her to ask a few questions that have been on my mind. Enjoy our discussion where Colleen shares a bit of her backstory, creative process, and upcoming projects. -RM
Tell us about the birth of TUTUVÍ as a brand.
Starting out, my aim was to make comfortable garments for local wear in Pacific island prints. I actually never set out to create a certain “look”. I didn’t even know if my work was distinguishable from all the other Hawaiian prints out there. Each design was a new project and I focused on them one at a time. But after doing these print designs for a few years, with my use of line, shape, color etc., I think a consistent recognizable style did start to emerge. Whatever beauty, surprise, and uniqueness I am able to bring to each of my designs — that’s what I would call my ‘brand’. I think the ”birth of Tutuví as a brand” started happening from those early prints and I like to think it is still happening with every new print I do. As for the name Tutuví, it is a Fijian word meaning to wrap oneself up. After working for two and a half years in Fiji I came back to Honolulu and started screenprinting the most simple garment - the lava lava, or pareau.
Plumeria shadows dancing outside the Tutuví studio.
One strong sweep of Colleen’s practiced hand does the trick.
Was being a business owner something you sought out intentionally?
In my early years I as a self employed business owner, I used to think I might be better off working for a big company. But I was shocked when an accountant I knew suddenly lost his job at a big firm and had to leave the same day. I realized his job was no more secure than mine, and as time passed, my decision to continue my business became clear and intentional. Some circumstances did make it easier to have my own business. My family was supportive and I had only myself to take care of.
What are some things you do to nurture your creativity?
I like to look at unusual plants, rock formations, the shapes of mountain slopes etc. for new design ideas. But that’s not the same as nurturing your creativity. It could be happening but I can’t think of anything I do for that specifically.
Colleen’s hand illustration prepped for transfer.
The night blooming cereus takes form.
You shared before about taking your work beyond household and fashion textiles. Any updates or project you can share about?
As a result of the Umami collaboration with Rumi, I’ve been lucky to be invited to design and paint a mural in a big office space. The client chose a design based on one of my existing print designs. Beyond that, this has been so different from working alone on my fabric prints. It’s been reassuring to have the help of an experienced co- muralist. And good to be working out ideas with a project manager who has a clear vision. The preliminary work on the design, the budget, the contract, the insurance issues — all done. We’ll see what other challenges await when the actual painting starts.
Do you draw a distinction between your work and the rest of your life?
Yes, I do have a separate life outside of work. It’s mostly getting together with friends several times a month. I spend about ten hours a day working, and if a project deadline becomes a priority I will put in more work time. I’ve made some very supportive friends through my business. Dealing with them can sometimes make my work life as rewarding as the rest of my life.
Mahalo for sharing your space with us, Colleen.