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Delving into the World of Nail Art: An Unlikely Journey
Times Insider offers readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the journalistic process at our publication.
Embarking on the assignment to profile Mei Kawajiri, a celebrated New York-based nail artist with a significant Instagram following, I realized I lacked a fundamental experience: the professional manicure. In fact, manicures of any kind were foreign to me.
A Childhood Ban and Shifting Perceptions
My mother, a stickler for cleanliness, fundamentally opposed manicures due to nail polish’s propensity to stain. Consequently, my early experiences involved clandestine nail painting sessions at friends’ houses, followed by discreet removal to conceal any trace.
Later, in high school, my participation in softball further complicated the prospect of manicured nails. The rigors of the sport, particularly the impact of catching line drives with bare hands in a glove, proved incompatible with maintaining polished nails.
Despite these personal constraints, nails held a certain fascination. From the venomous talons of Sigourney Weaver’s character in “Holes” to Cynthia Erivo’s striking ombré acrylics in “Wicked,” nail artistry always captured my attention.
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Discovering an Instagram Sensation: The Artistry of Mei Kawajiri
Last year, I encountered the Instagram profile of Ms. Kawajiri, renowned for crafting elaborate, bespoke nail designs for prominent figures like Cardi B, Ariana Grande, and Bad Bunny. Her feed showcased nails adorned with hand-painted anime characters, intricate six-inch acrylic extensions embellished with jewels and lace, and tips featuring miniature sculptures of everyday objects – asparagus, French fries, even socks.
These creations transcended mere manicures; they were genuine works of art, pushing the boundaries of nail design.
The Genesis of an “Art of Craft” Feature
In January, Dan Saltzstein, a deputy editor at The Times, approached me with an intriguing proposition: contributing to an upcoming “Art of Craft” series. This series would explore the intricate processes of specialists whose work elevates to an artistic plane. Immediately, Ms. Kawajiri came to mind as the ideal subject.
The series aims to demystify complex creative practices, presenting them as easily understandable steps. Previous articles had dissected the meticulous creation of ornate, $5,000 saddles with extended waiting lists and the patient artistry behind avant-garde balloon sculptures.
Navigating Challenges: Reporting from a Distance
Initially scheduled to attend a photoshoot with Ms. Kawajiri and our visual team, Sasha Arutyunova (photographer and videographer), unforeseen circumstances arose. The passing of my grandfather necessitated my absence to attend his memorial service.
Consequently, I faced the challenge of writing an article detailing a technical, three-hour nail art process without direct observation. The nuances of nail tips and their varying sharpness were entirely new to me, presenting a steep learning curve.
Unveiling the Process Through Conversation
During our extensive 90-minute conversation, Ms. Kawajiri patiently elucidated her toolkit and techniques. She described the fine-tipped brush, as delicate as a strand of hair, used for intricate hand-drawn designs. She shared her unconventional use of eye shadow to achieve subtle gradations in 3-D shapes, and identified the specific 3-D gel employed for sculpting miniature croissants and suitcases.
To bridge my knowledge gaps, I posed fundamental questions about the procedures. “What is a base coat? What is a topcoat? What differentiates gel manicures from regular ones?” Ms. Kawajiri addressed each query with remarkable patience.
In retrospect, the reliance on verbal description demanded a heightened level of focus compared to direct observation. This scenario highlighted a recurring question for journalists: Is subject-matter expertise more valuable than a fresh, unbiased perspective mirroring that of many readers?
Undoubtedly, a nail art aficionado would have pursued more specialized technical inquiries. However, my novice status, I believe, ultimately contributed to a more accessible and lucid article for readers similarly uninitiated in the intricacies of nail art.
Appreciating the Artistry and Detail
The experience cultivated in me a profound appreciation for the artistry inherent in creating intricate details on a minute canvas. I listened intently as Ms. Kawajiri articulated her perspective on nails as a form of personal expression. Her diverse sources of inspiration, ranging from everyday objects like her baby’s bottle, were particularly captivating.
I was reminded of the journalistic significance of even seemingly minor questions in documenting complex creative processes. My learning paralleled that of the reader, ensuring shared understanding and relevance.
This instance underscored one of journalism’s inherent rewards: exploring unfamiliar subjects and individuals, and continually uncovering the dedication invested in seemingly simple creations – be it a poem, an elaborate red carpet event, or, indeed, potato chip-themed nail art.
And to allay any concerns, my personal nails remain unadorned, pink, and conventionally clean.