"the stars" series astrology characteristics II

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)
They are the scales, a symbol of balance. An air sign with Venus as its ruling planet. Because of this, Libras are elegant, charming, with a great love of beauty, harmony, and the arts.

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
They are the scorpions. Scorpios are strong, independent, loyal and passionate. It is also the sexiest sign of the zodiac—and hence my more "grown up" interpretation of the sign, a bit mysterious, with red lips and long black hair…...

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
The archer—they are honest, fair-minded, inspiring, optimistic, enthusiastic, encouraging, and dedicated. A fire sign, Sagittarians are big on travel and ideas and are inspirers at heart.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
The goat, ruled by the planet Saturn, they are all about discipline and love structure & order.  As it is an earth sign, Capricorns are down-to-earth, and are happily rooted in traditions.  they are loyal, fearless, hardworking, and family orientated.

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
The water bearer. A water sign, Aquarians are individualistic, strong, truth seekers, with high expectations of themselves others and can make friends easily.

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
The fish. A water sign, Pisceans are dualistic—they are kind, compassionate & very understanding, yet they can keep their true emotions from others and focus greatly on their own inner journey.

"the stars" series astrology characteristics I

I have been meaning to write more blog posts this year, but things came up and I ended posting more on Instagram @js_daydreamer instead. That said, I have wanted to compose a roundup of my short astrology characteristics/personalities I did on Instagram for my “the stars” series here for sometime now. And since it’s almost the end of 2019, am finally doing it. So, let’s begin!

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
Also known as the ram. As the first of the zodiac signs and one of fire, Aries are leaders, fearless, energetic, encouraging, motivated, bold and caring.

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)
Otherwise know as the bull. They are stable, reliable, practical and loyal. Though they can be stubborn at times, but it is also that same character that gives them amazing determination.

Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20)
Aka the twins, is an air sign and ruled by the planet Mars, so they are true communicators, who are witty, well informed and quick to adapt. True to their twin aspect, their moods can swing—but that’s because there are 2 personalities inside them always (which I personally think is lovely!).

Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22)
The crab. It is a water sign, with its ruling "planet" being the Moon—the moonchild, which I interpreted with its claws in a circular shape around a small pearl in the middle. Of all the 12 signs, Cancerians are the most home-loving, family and loved ones orientated, who are sweet, compassionate, nurturing, romantic and sensitive.

Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22)
The lion, and fittingly so, this fire sign has the Sun as its ruling planet. A summer spirit, Leos are enthusiastic, courageous, kind, loyal, generous and protective just like the how kings/queens of the jungle should be.

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)
The virgin sign, is ruled by the planet Mercury and is of the earth element. Virgos are perfectionists, who have high standards of themselves and others. They are also helpful, logical, practical and witty.

JS Prints

I have been working on these decorative art prints for a while now, since it has taken me quite some time to get it just right and out to local stores, and as of this post, I still haven't listed them on my own website nor Etsy yet. I have been thinking of having decorative art prints for a long time, but to get the quality of printing, the right paper/card stock, a nice description card to go with them, and then sourcing the right matting and packaging materials—all within reasonable pricing, have been a little challenging.

Because these are not "fine art" prints, but "decorative art" prints, the price point is much much lower. At the same time, I didn't want the quality of my work to suffer.  After several test proofs on different paper and many discussions with my printer, am happy to say that they turned out beautifully and I hope you would agree with me on this one.

The result, my "the stars" series are now not only available as greeting cards, but decorative art prints as sized 8" x 10" (11" x 14" for the matted versions) and locally printed in small batches/runs, on premium linen paper card stock with vegetable ink, while my "bubbles series" along with my "lotus" are printed on premium vellum finished stock.  Yes, I used different paper for different prints, to achieve the best look and feel for the finished piece.  That said, the purpose of the prints remain the same, as with my books, paintings, and other work—to spread some joy, positive vibes, and zen to others.  That has been my goal when I create my creative projects.

Available Now at:

Giving Gifts
4570 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
givinggifts.ca
the stars, matted bubbles series & lotus prints

Stock Home Design
3060 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC
stockhomedesign.com
matted bubbles series prints

Willow & Wallflower
2606 St. Johns Street, Port Moody, BC
willowandwallflower.ca
bubbles series & lotus prints

White Lotus Divine Healing
2607 Saint Johns Street, Port Moody, BC
whitelotusdivinehealing.ca
the stars & lotus prints

BARAKA x JS - Moon Beauty

BARAKA x JS for Moon Beauty featured in BARAKA Bi-monthly Digital Magazine

Here's a first look at the special column written about how to maximize our beauty routines with the moon's cycle.  Written by internationally renowned and distinguished astrologist, Stella Kaoruko, regarding the powers and effects of each month's New and Full Moons.  Available exclusively to BARAKA members.  My "the stars" and the new "the moons" series are used in this digital magazine, which am so humbled to be a part of.

baraka-style.com

BARAKA x JS - Upcoming

BARAKA x JS for BARAKA Bi-monthly Digital Magazine

This is very exciting upcoming project.  It's humbling to have the amazing opportunity to collaborate with BARAKA, a cosmetics life-style brand that was inspired by the Beauty of the Queens. The brand does not only focus of "outer beauty" but the entire well-being of its clientele.  The ingredients used in its products such as lotus, frankincense, and Dead Sea salts were and still are prized for their effectiveness in nourishing the skin and soul.

Another interesting aspect of the BARAKA is its incorporation of what is called the "Moon Beauty Method".  The Moon, it has amazing power that is beyond human grasp. We don't usually think about New Moons and Full Moons, but these events can actually bring along dramatic changes to our lives and can effect our outlook, feelings, and body conditions, of course am talking from more of a spiritual healing stand point.  The "Moon Beauty Method" involves making the moon cycle a part of our regular beauty routine.

To help us understand this better BARAKA will start its Bi-monthly Digital Magazine soon with special messages written by internationally renowned and distinguished astrologist, Stella Kaoruko, regarding the powers and effects of each month's New and Full Moons, available exclusively to its members.  My "the stars" and the new "the moons" series will be featured in this digital magazine.  The only thing is that it is available on in Japanese at the moment, but plans are underway for availability in other languages.

baraka-style.com

Stella Kaoruko's Official Website:
stella-club.com

It is always an honour and my great luck to work with people and brands I love and believe in.  I actually posted about BARAKA before being involved in this project, so please to take a look at the post if you haven't already:
jodisam.com/blog/2016/01/04/energy/

My sincerest thank you to everyone who has supported me all this time and I look forward to many more destined collaborations--the Moon will lead the way!!

the stars - A Display

The stars. It's a part of my daydreaming universe.  And of course, many girls are interested in the astrological signs too.  These were the main reasons why I painted "the stars" series.  The paintings were briefly on show in April, and now they have the chance to make their second major public appearance.

Was pleasantly surprised when I was given the opportunity to extend otona kyutto until the end of October. But after some thought, decided that it might be better to switch up the theme, and display the stars series along with few space related pieces instead.  This way, it will have a fresh feeling, and may even bring some starry connections to the customers of this lovely restaurant!

I will stop short of calling this a "show," but rather a "display".  So, please come visit the stars display from wed oct 1 to fri oct 31 at plate tokyo.

plate tokyo
1f 1-11-6 Nishiazabu, Minato, Tokyo
Everyday from 12 PM to 12 AM (last order)

JS x Tokyu Hands Gallery Market Shibuya Apr 27 - May 24

Tokyu Hands is one of my favourite stores in Japan.  They have everything you need and do not.  Am very happy to share with you from Sun Apr 27 to Sat May 24, my postcards will be on sale at their Hands Gallery Market on the 7th Floor of their Flagship Shibuya Store!!

I will be a part of a number of crafty talents showing and selling their works.  It's really the perfect place to discover various creative minds while enjoying a cup of coffee, because this Shibuya store in particular as Hands Cafe--there are only 2 of such cafes in Japan, in Shibuya or Uemeda in Osaka.

On show are my "the stars" series postcards, as well has some of my other designs.  Please do visit it during this time!

http://www.tokyu-hands.co.jp/handscafe/shibuya/index.html

First Day Report of the stars & my favourite things

A short report on the first of the stars & my favourite things show.  It was an extremely fun opening day.  Many familiar faces came to visit, as well as some new ones!

I had my favourite sandwich and lots of coffee and tea!  I say, even if you don't like my work too much, you must come and try their bread!  Hahaha.....Three and a half more exciting and delicious days to go!!

***Kindly note that the Friday Closing Hour has change to 7:30 PM from the usual 10 PM***

Blotted Line Drawing & Aries

Many people ask what kind of medium and what kind of technique do I use.  So, I thought I should share how do I paint my paintings using my interpretation of the astrological sign Aries as an example.

The technique I use is called "Blotted Line Drawing".  Since I was a child, I have loved illustrations created by this method without ever knowing how it was done.  It was only until I saw an Andy Warhol drawings exhibition, that I found out about it.  After that, I completely changed my painting style, and adopted blotted line drawing technique.  Though looking back, I should have done more research when I first started this, because it would have saved me lots of trials and errors!

Above is the final product which is all hand-drawn, scanned, and touched up on a computer.  And below are the steps:

1. I first sketch out my original idea for Aries

2. I then trace the sketch in pencil with design vellum paper, as I find normal tracing paper to be too thin

3. The traced sketch is outlined with ink by me slowly blotting the outlines on to a mounted sheet of watercolour paper.  This is a really time consuming step, where lots can go wrong--too much ink, small splatters, smudging, and etc. Oh, how much time and sheets of paper and time have I wasted in the past (and still do) on this step alone!

4.  After completing the ink blotting, I wait overnight for the ink to dry

5. I use watercolours with traditional fude, Chinese/Japanese paint brushes, to colour in the illustration

6. After another night, the dried coloured image is scanned to be touched up digitally.  I do this because too much of the texture from the paper shows up in the scans, and is very distracting especially when viewed on a computer screen.  This is the same image as the initial one of this post--the completed product, so to say

7. The original painting is framed, and is really to be showcased at the stars & my favourite things show!  Of course, my little Aries is also looking forward to meeting her new owner, and finding her destined new home!

For more information about the blotted line technique, please visit the Andy Warhol Museum website (For me, I found this out a little too late):

www.warhol.org/education/resourceslessons/Blotted-Line/

They even have a step-by-step video, though I personally neither use watercolour ink nor trace from photos even when I draw items in real life.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlvFRDvvNow#t=196