Ker
CoM: CIAO! TODAY WE’RE INTERVIEWING COSTUMED CARNEVALE ATTENDEE AND COSTUME DESIGNER, KER SATOMI.
Ker’s Caption: Demons, one of my favorite themes. And of course, the costume for the Venice Carnival was no exception. Here I am showing the world the charm, cunning, and perfection of a demonic nature.
Photo by Tim Swart
CoM: KER, WHEN DID YOU GET INTRODUCED TO VENICE ITALY’S CARNEVALE?
KS: In my youth, I saw a TV program about Venice’s Carnevale and I couldn't forget it. I was literally obsessed with the idea of going there. It was a long journey spanning 30 years and the realization that I had no opportunity to go.
But, a miracle happened. I made friends who had been to Carnevale. They led me down a path of confidence and opportunity, opening up this magnificent world to me.
When I first flew to Venice, I was ready to kneel and kiss the ground and hug the buildings. I couldn't get enough of the air. Since then, I've become part of the mask community. I bring two costumes to Carnevale, which I sew myself.
Ker’s Caption: This is perhaps my favorite costume. Its refined lines convey the character's personality—a slightly haughty Venetian princess. She calmly looks at the world that surrounds her in the Carnevale extravaganza, and only touches the festivities with her fingertips.
Photo by Roberto Carsi
CoM: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CARNEVALE?
KS: The splendor of the masks, costumes, and mysteries. This is a completely unique and original event that leaves a deep trace of admiration in the soul and blood. Carnevale lives in my body, memory, and thoughts. It flows through my veins like blood, filled with golden splendor.
Besides Carnevale, I adore Venice. Its beauty, history, and exclusivity. The air, the unique sounds, the mysteries, and the atmosphere. The historical value of the city, like Carnevale, is worthy of love and admiration.
Ker’s Caption: The fourth costume is a carefree Pierrot who knows the value of his laughter and tears and can afford to be different. The whole world is at his feet, and he is at the feet of the whole world. He embraces this world.
Photo by Tim Swart
CoM: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE CARNEVALE TO SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN?
KS: Costumes and masks change you and reveal all your possible facets. You can become anyone. And this someone will certainly be different from the real you.
Sometimes, when you see a mask in a workshop, you literally feel it calling you. Telling you who you want to be in life. The mask leads you… And when you take off your mask and costume, you change too.
Ker’s Caption: A photo shoot in an apartment with my lovely and capricious favorite lady. This mask, like the entire costume, inspired mischief, flirtation, and delight.
Photo by Robin Jang
CoM: WHICH CARNEVALE BUSINESS IS YOUR GO-TO?
KS: My admiration is given to papier-mâché masks. I love choosing and wearing them. The most delightful workshop for me is Ca’ del Sol.
CoM: ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
KS: One day, three days before my flight to the Carnevale, one of my costumes demanded, "Make me a beautiful one, I'm going to Venice." I had to urgently embroider it with rhinestones and lace at night, after work.
Every year I look forward to Carnevale like a child looks forward to a Christmas miracle. My heart skips a beat with anticipation of the holiday, meeting friends, and photographers. All this gives me tremendous strength and motivation to create and bring joy to others.
Carnevale will give you a world full of unique colors, delight, and mystery. It will give you genuine laughter and smiles. You will become a part of those who are admired and who make Carnevale history. Reach out to me, and we will plunge into a world that exists nowhere else in the world.
Ker’s Caption: Back in 2017, my dream came true and my friends Vetta Ochs (Pierrot in the photo) and Don Burlone (photographer) from Tallinn, Estonia, took me to my first Venice Carnival. There was no end to the excitement and awe, incredible feelings and joy. This photo shows the Maiden of Winter.
Photo by Don Burlone