The Genesis of Patti Endo

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHTON ALLERT
STYLING BY LA OCULTA

Patti and her sister make up Endo². The brand came to life at the beginning of Patti’s art career. Endo² started with simple art apparel, then homemade jewelry, and now intricate homeware.

Patti Endo is a Japanese-Kenyan visual artist, born in Tokyo and raised in Nairobi. Influenced by both her Kenyan and Japanese roots, Patti’s work is a representation of herself. We sat down with Patti to talk about her heritage, culture, and art.

Did you always know art was what you wanted to do?

As cliché as it may sound, I have always known I would be an artist. Your purpose and fulfillment come from when you are an artist at heart.

Has ink always been your medium of choice? What else have you dabbled in?

I’ve played around with lots of mediums and ways of creating till I found what connects most to me. I used to paint and use mixed media in my work, but ink has always been my main medium. I also dabble in sculpting with clay for our Endo² line.

Why did you choose ink?

I chose Japanese ink in particular because it is the purest form of ink. The purity, depth, draws me to it. I believe it interprets my work and message in a beautiful and delicate way. The fact that it is a technique and medium used within my Japanese culture and family just ties it all together. It is also what feels most grounding and natural to me.

How did growing up in two different cultures shape you into the person you are today?

Growing up, I never truly fit into the norm or societal box. Being from two very different cultures, defining my identity was complex. I learned that no place or person could completely define me. I learned that only I could honor my whole self.

In what way has honoring both your cultures inspired your artistic style and technique?

I am equally inspired by both cultures. Stylistically, the minimalism and use of traditional Japanese ink and calligraphy paper are inspired by my Japanese roots. However, the abstract continuous line pieces reflect more of my Kenyan roots.

How are you also honoring yourself as an individual through your art?

Though my culture influences my art, the process goes against the traditional norms. Traditionally, you’re meant to avoid creasing the calligraphy paper, but I intentionally create creases. I believe that there shouldn’t be rules when creating and expressing yourself.

Tell us about your creative process:

My work is solely instinctive. I let my ideas flow and avoid being too rigid with direction. Ink is my main and chosen medium. With ink, you need to allow it to flow and create trust within the process, making each mark and stain intentional.

What is the main vision or goal when you create?

My goal is to reflect my truest self in my art and honour that true self. I want to show the vulnerable and raw reality of what it is like to be human through my eyes and inner psyche.

What do you want people to feel when they see your art?

My main aim is for people to feel-feel whatever emotions the art might emit whilst interacting with it as an artist and a human. I cannot control the narrative of what or how people feel; however, if emotions are sparked, then I believe I am doing my job.

Which pieces or body of work do you feel embody who you are the most?

I wouldn’t say there is one specific piece that embodies me as a whole. Identity is such a broad and ever-evolving spectrum to translate into work. I believe each piece is a reflection of every layer of myself and my identity.

However, the ‘Shadow Self’ series and ‘Yin to Yang’ series resonate with me the most. They are reflections of my mental space-those I have evolved from and those I am still growing from.

What sparked Endo²?

At the start of my career, I was always the youngest in the space. I felt the lack of representation as an artist, and I also felt inaccessible to the younger audience. So, Yvonne and I created a brand where art is inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status.

What values does Endo² hold?

The majority of the pieces are handmade by me, creating an intimate relationship between creating and purchasing.

Endo² has collaborated with a few brands over the years:

Yeah, we have collaborated with iconic brands like Sandstorm to create exclusive, timeless pieces on their leather and canvas bags. We have worked with LilaBare to create a capsule hand-drawn kimono collection.

Apart from apparel, we have also worked with BluSand Tokyo to create organic temporary tattoos. We worked with Jägermeister to recreate their iconic stag and bottle and to create merchandise for the pieces.

Our latest collab is with Arvo jewellers to create handcrafted 18k gold and 925 sterling silver rings featuring our signature red dot, depicted with a locally mined ruby. This collab intertwines our art with jewellery, creating some bespoke pieces.

Collaborating with the right people and brands has created a whole other realm of inspiration and growth. We are a testament to this—we have grown so much both mentally and creatively.

What new projects are on the horizon for your art and Endo²?

I am a strong believer in energy and frequencies, so I don’t want to share too much, but there are some exciting things in the pipeline!

We are so excited to see what other successes come your way!

Thank you so much. Our growth has been very organic, and we are extremely grateful. My sister Yvonne Endo and I are extremely passionate, driven, and particular. We work as a team and push our brand in ways that are authentic to who we are and what we want to put into the market.

All we have achieved so far has only made us more grounded and grateful.