We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jeanne Akita. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Jeanne, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m learning from nature. It’s my greatest teacher, whispering lessons through the curve of a leaf, the texture of bark, the shifting of light on water. Nature shows me harmony, resilience, and transformation — it reminds me that beauty is often born through time and patience. Every detail, every subtle change, becomes a guide, teaching me to create with intention and to honor the organic flow of life in my work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jeanne Akita, a sculptural fiber artist who creates one-of-a-kind, three-dimensional fiber artworks. My work blends ancient felting techniques with a contemporary sculptural approach, using natural fibers like Merino wool, silk, flax, and other sustainably sourced materials. Each piece is shaped entirely by hand with water and soap, then enhanced with hand-dyeing and painting to bring out vibrant textures and depth.
I’m passionate about creating art that feels alive — pieces that invite touch, spark conversation, and connect people with nature’s intricate beauty. My work is currently exhibited at CraftTexas 2025 at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and has been shown at national art festivals and galleries across the country. I’m always exploring new ways to push this medium further, from large-scale installations to immersive experiences. My goal is to honor sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation in every piece I create.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I’ve built with myself. It’s been a journey of learning to trust my own rhythm, to listen to the quiet voice within, and to honor both my strengths and vulnerabilities. Over time, I’ve come to see myself as ever-evolving — much like nature, shaped by seasons of growth, stillness, and transformation. This deep connection with myself guides not only how I live but also how I create, infusing my art with authenticity and intention.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were times I truly felt like giving up. I remember submitting my work to art festivals and facing rejection after rejection. It was discouraging, and I often wondered if I had the strength or talent to keep going. The hours of painstaking work, combined with the uncertainty of making a living from my art, felt overwhelming. But even in those moments of doubt, something inside me — a quiet persistence, a love for the process, and the vision of what could be — kept me going. Those struggles, as painful as they were, taught me resilience and shaped the depth and authenticity in both my life and my art.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say the public version of me is a part of the real me, but not the whole picture. The version people see — confident, composed, creative — is filtered through how I choose to share myself. Behind the scenes, I have doubts, struggles, and moments of quiet reflection that aren’t always visible. I see my public self as an invitation into my world, a reflection of my values and passions, but the truest me is more layered, evolving, and often revealed only through my work, my art, and the moments I allow myself to be fully present and vulnerable.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m immersed in nature or fully absorbed in the process of creating my art. Whether it’s the quiet rhythm of working with fibers, watching sunlight shift across a landscape, or listening to the subtle sounds around me, those moments bring a sense of stillness and connection. Peace, for me, comes from being present, noticing the small details, and allowing myself to flow with the natural rhythm of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.illulab.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illusionslab/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-akita-a6a63128/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illulab
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeanneakita6902
