SUMI—PAINTINGS BY JODI SAM

sumi—paintings by jodi sam
sun aug 11 - sat aug 31 2024

cc violin
1564 marine drive, west vancouver
10 am - 5 pm mon - sun

Sumi means ink in Japanese and it is ink that I paint and write with, which connects me to people close and afar.  I recently fell in love with fountain pens again, and thought that I will share my joy of them with others not only by the letters I write, but by the illustrations and paintings I create.  

This collection of artworks is made up of pieces of fountain pens and inks I write with or ones that have written notes I received, plus paintings inspired by ink, and of scenes and items that connect people to one another.

Unlike my previous shows, where everything would have been meticulously designed then printed, I decided to handwrite the welcome message and title cards. I truly hope you can enjoy sumi as much as I do and feel a little more connected because of this show.  Thank you!

—Jodi

Reflections—paintings by jodi sam

paintings by jodi sam
fri aug 18 - thu sep 28 2023

melo patisserie 
154 e 8th avenue, vancouver, bc

mon - thu 8:30 am - 7 pm
fri - sun 8:30 am - 9 pm

Reflections is a collection of works ranging from my earlier days of blotted line illustrations and "bubbles" paintings to my most current pieces of the two.  There is a Japanese idiom 一期一会 (ichigo ichie), which means "one time, one meeting" or in other words "once in a lifetime".  This show is a reflection of all the ichigo ichie I have had over the years that had either inspired me to create these pieces, allowed me to have such chanced meetings with other people, or the special encounters/relations I have had with the pieces when painting them.

I want to thank you for this opportunity, allowing me to share with you this ichigo ichie. I also hope that I was able to convey "beauty in gentleness” through my artwork, bringing a bit of balance to our hectic modern day lives.

—Jodi

Memories—paintings by jodi sam

paintings by jodi sam
wed jun 16 - sat jul 31 2021 (extended into aug 2021)

commercial street cafe
3599 commercial street, vancouver, bc

mon - fri 8 am - 2 pm
sat - sun 9 am - 3 pm

A collection of new and previously exhibited artworks, “bubbles” series paintings and illustrations, will be on display.

This opportunity came up just recently, so unlike most of my previous shows, where I spend months in advance creating new pieces for the show, I will be sharing paintings that I painted both not long ago and from before. It’s a mix of my bubbles paintings and blotted line illustrations. The theme is memories—my memories of nature, tranquil flowers and glistering gemstones, and memories of cafes, well, ones made inside them, conversations, coffees and sweet treats. I enjoy spending time in cafes, and a lot of my fond memories are of them. I think this is one big reason why I love having shows in them.

Actually, I started painting some French pastries and desserts a couple of years ago, but for some reason, it didn’t feel right to coloured them in, until now. Am very excited to share a few of them with you then!

A side note: dine in service is not yet available, patio seating and takeout are. Customer numbers are limited, so it’s a safe, quiet and spacious environment to view the artwork. You can take your time to enjoy looking at the pieces before and while you wait for your order. Please come take a look, as my art has always been created to be enjoyed in person. I hope these paintings will also make some great memories for you!

First Pacific Arts Market Charity Art Auction

Am extremely excited to be participating in an amazing charity art auction event, organized by Pacific Arts Market (on W Broadway & Granville), happening on Thu Jun 13 from 6 PM - 9 PM. It’s my and their first ever charity art auction, and a great chance to get yourself some beautiful local art, fine jewellery and more starting at a fraction of the actual price. One of my bubbles pieces, bubbles—summer II as pictured above, will be up for grabs amongst the other 60+ items available.

It's going to be a fun event with live music, great bites, and of course, lots of art—it’s also the perfect opportunity to meet all the talented creative minds who created these special pieces. So, if you have the time, please do come by! We are fundraising for Kids Up Front Foundation, which distributes tickets to arts, culture and sporting events to deserving kids and their families--am looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Pacific Arts Market Charity Art Auction
Thu Jun 13 6 PM - 9 PM
1448 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Here's the event auction guide link:
www.pacificartsmarket.ca/art-auction-giude-2019 

And this is the Facebook event page:
www.facebook.com/events/803102183404503/

Holiday Illustration Display

With the holiday season coming up, am very happy that my original holiday illustrations are on display and available for sale at Stock Home Design (3060 West Broadway) in Vancouver. Please come see a skating Lala, nikoko the polar bear, an adorable & hungry boy eyeing a bûche de Noël and more in person. And do check out the beautiful store—my holiday greetings and new decorative prints are here too!

Please note: the last photo is of the store’s interior, the artworks shown are not by me.

Thank You & from bubbles--of gems & light

Here are the photos taken just before the opening reception—all 12 paintings, each inspired by a birthstone from each month. The ones I decided to paint were, listed here in order of the month (Jan - Dec): Garnet, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Peridot, Sapphire, Pink Tourmaline, Topaz, and Turquoise. It was a dream come true to finally see all 12 pieces on walls and be displayed properly in a beautiful space, and then have others enjoy them.

I cannot thank everyone enough who has made this show possible and the opening reception such a wonderful experience. These people are not just the wonderful owner of espace d. and my supporters who came to the event; but from the friendly staff of the art stores I visit often with my questions and requests, to the dear friend who took all the photos of my art, from the team at the printer I turn to for all the small and detailed orders I place, to friends from all over the world wishing me the very best. The owners of other local boutiques too have been extremely helpful with their advice and suggestions. Thank you thank you thank you.

I must also thank the local farmers here who lovingly grow the nutritious produce that power me (can’t live without the Farmer’s Markets here), and then the various cafes that fuel me with great caffeine and excellent food when am sleepy, on the run, or just too lazy to make my own meals. And lastly, thank you to you, who are reading about this post now. It hasn’t been the easiest relocating from Tokyo back to Vancouver, but you all have made it this amazing and am forever grateful!

bubbles—of gems & light

Please join us for the opening reception of my art exhibition featuring all new the "bubbles" series paintings. I have been working on these watercolour on canvas pieces for the past 6 months. They were inspired by the wondrous beauty of gemstones, warm rays of sunlight, and vibrant colours of the light spectrum. Shown here are the artwork for the exhibition, the first is the printed postcard, and the second is the digital invitation. I used 4 different bubbles paintings as "bars" that are similar to the colours/wavelengths of the light spectrum, since the show was inspired by gemstones and light. 

This is the first time I am sharing my large sized "bubbles" paintings in North America. Additional pieces will be shown during the opening reception, so don't miss out on the special opportunity—I look forward to seeing everyone then!

bubbles—of gems & light

Opening Reception
Wed Oct 31, 2018
6 PM - 8 PM

Exhibition Dates
Wed Oct 31 - Fri Nov 23, 2018

espace d.
215 - 332 Water Street (entrance on Cordova/Homer Street)
Vancouver, BC
604.662.3008

A true story about espace d. besides it being of my favourite art/interior/houseware boutique in Vancouver: when I first came back the city 2 years ago, I walked past espace d. on a dark and chilly autumn evening. The lights from the store’s big front windows was glowing, the many faces inside were lit with joy, and I can tell from afar that there was an opening party for an art exhibition. I thought to myself then, wouldn’t it be nice if I were to hold a show there someday? Two years later, I am!! What a wonderful opportunity/gift I’ve received from the owner of the boutique and the universe! Am forever grateful.

For photos from the event, please see here: jodisam.com/blog/2018/11/27/ofgemsandlight

Thank You & from The Art of Daydreaming

Was my first show ever in Taiwan. Despite the fact that I had just previously wrapped up an exhibition in Tokyo, I headed to Taipei with a suitcase and bag full of paintings for my second stop of this so-called "Asian tour" of mine. I named it "The Art of Daydreaming" because it is the result of my constant daydreaming, and because of my love of a certain music album--"The Art of Doing Nothing" by Mark Owen (you really should give it a listen, as it honestly is a work of art). The biggest challenge for me was transportation, since the Tokyo and Taipei shows featured different paintings. No piece of work was shown twice for these two exhibitions.

I am grateful of the Image and Art Center, Chinese Culture University, School of Continuing Education in Taipei for allowing me to hold show in their wonderful gallery space for only a week, since they usually have ones for a minimum of two. Though I didn't speak the language, everyone was extremely helpful and I had a great time introducing my work to a new audience outside that of North America and Japan.

The first two photos are of my work in the gallery, and the last one is of setup--taking paintings out of my suitcase and deciding which ones go where.

A sincere and heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this show in Taipei possible, especially to my good friend who helped with all the arrangements and translations, and for the ones to came by (one who even surprised me by coming all the way from Tokyo!), sent their well wishes, and the new friends I have made. It has been an amazing and memorable experience!! I will definitely be back again one day!

Thank You & from bubbles - of zen & en

Thank you everyone at Fireking Cafe in Tokyo for having me & my bubbles in your beautiful space! It was an amazing 3 weeks, where I debuted my large sized bubbles on canvas paintings. I couldn't ask for a warmer reception of bubbly works! Also, thank you to all the people who made this happen (the arrangements, transport, roof over my head--the list is endless), the ones who came in person to spend their time & smiles with me, the others who wanted to come, and the new friends who I made! Am an extremely lucky person, with great "en" and love.

Yes, it's been a little over a month since the conclusion of my bubbles–of zen & en show. Apologies for the delay in updates here, as soon after the show, I was out in Taipei holding another one, with a completely different set of artwork (please kindly see my post below).

The first picture above is of our setup at 2 AM in the morning, yes, 2 AM! Everyone was a pro, and I can't thank all enough, with a special nod to my friend who arranged everything, and I mean everything for me. On top of that, was lucky to be the beneficiary of the brand new museum lights that the owner had just purchased. The lights made the bubbles come alive in the evening. You honestly have to see my work there in person, and again I thank you to all that did. Was even able to have a friend who I haven't met in person in 15 years!

The second photo was taken at opening hour, the moment of calm before the rush. The paintings and atmosphere of the venue is completely different during the day and at night. The third picture reflects this well. And lastly, me and the lunch & dinner time staff who were all so welcoming, that it made me feel like I was a part of their big family--am forever gracious.

The Art of Daydreaming

This is my first exhibition in Taiwan. I am excited to share with everyone a collection of originals paintings of my: published and soon-to-be-published books, “tokyo trend” reports for The Bulletin Magazine, plus other blotted line drawing and “bubbles series” pieces.

Please kindly join me at the Image and Art Center, Chinese Culture University, School of Continuing Education in Taipei. I will be there personally every day during the exhibition around 12:30 pm - 5 pm, though for the most accurate time (please check my Facebook and Instagram pages) and on appointment basis. I look forward to seeing you there!
 

Image and Art Center
Chinese Culture University, School of Continuing Education
1F, No. 231, Section 2, Jianguo South Road,
Da’an District, Taipei

Sun 9 AM - 5 PM
Mon -  Thu, Sat 9 AM - 9 PM
Fri 9 AM - 7 PM (last day)

中國文化大學推廣教育部 大夏藝廊
台北市建國南路二段231號1樓

iac.sce.pccu.edu.tw

bubbles—of zen & en

I have been rather silent of the late, but for very good reasons. I am beyond excited to announce that I will be having my first full show of my bubbles series in Tokyo in less than 3 weeks time. Am honoured to be showing my all-new large sized creations at the amazing Fireking Cafe in Yoyogi Uehara, whose owner and staff have been more than supportive of local and international artists. All the pieces were painted specifically for this exhibition, and were inspired by the beauty and the memories I have experienced in Japan. Hence the name, bubbles—of zen & en.

It is my visual ode to place that has given me so much and that I couldn't thank it and its people ever enough.  Please come join me for this special engagement and though there would not be an opening reception, I look forward to meeting everyone there in person--yes, I will be in Tokyo for the entire time. And a special thank you to all that made this exhibition possible, as it would have been impossible without you!
 

mon - fri 11:30 am - 2 am
sat, sun & holidays 12 pm - 2 am

1-30-8 uehara, shibuya, tokyo
ファイヤーキング カフェ
東京都渋谷区上原 1-30-8
fk-cafe.com

Thank You Vancouver

Finished wrapping up my first art exhibition "love art" after relocating back to Vancouver, and the art show opening house event.  A big thank you to everyone who made it possible and came out to see me & my creations! A special shout out to Branches and Knots for having me and Sleepless Kao for our joint show and to Amica Manor for allowing me to participate at their wonderful event.  And last but not least, to Drew's Catering and Events for making our reception party really delicious and memorable--their edible creations were so beautiful that I honestly thought they outdid our art!!  Hahaha......

I can't express my gratitude enough. Here are some photos from the opening reception party.  The last one was taken after the party of me hiding from the camera with the beautiful flowers I received and with my favourite people.  Thank you Vancouver, for making me feel more than at home again! 

branchesandknots.com
drewscatering.com

Art Show Open House

I haven't participated in a group or community art event in years (in both Vancouver & Tokyo). However, next Saturday from 2 PM to 4 PM, I will be at the Art Show Open House happening at Amica at Arbutus Manor. Because it's not a formal showing for me, I will be sharing some of my older and newer pieces together (Lala is making her debut in Vancouver along side some bubbles!), which is a rather rare occasion. So, please do come by and join me for some artistic fun!

Sat Mar 4 2017
2 PM - 4 PM
Amica at Arbutus Manor
2125 Eddington Drive
Vancouver, BC

love art

What have I been working on and is coming soon? Why, it's my joint art exhibition, the first one show in Vancouver since 2010! Am honoured to be holding it with my talented & wonderful friend and artist Sleepless Kao (aka Kaori Kasai) and at the beautiful space of Branches & Knots in Kitsilano area of Vancouver.

Please come join us at our Opening Reception on Fri Feb 10 from 6 PM - 9 PM. There will be drinks & snacks along with a special sale on Branches & Knots merchandise. It runs until Tue Feb 28.

I'll be sharing the original blotted line drawing illustrations for “tokyo trend” report I did for The Bulletin Magazine and my popular “bubbles series” for the first time in North America.

Sleepless Kao (aka Kaori Kasai) is an artist-in-motion, who graduated from Setsu Mode of Tokyo in fashion illustration, travelled to live and work in San Francisco, Hong Kong, and now Vancouver. She has written and illustrated three children’s books, Monchan’s Bag, Emily and the Mighty Om and Duet for Simply Read Books, premiers her new original large paintings and limited edition prints.

https://www.facebook.com/events/735412966617341/

Thank You - of dreams, time & space

It was been a great month-long show. And thanks to everyone, of dreams, time & space opened and closed successfully. Over the past weeks, I've seen some old friends, made some new ones, had lots of great coffee & food, received many warm messages & surprises, and most of all, I got to share my happiness and Lala's world with everyone!!

The theme was happiness & time that is spent, received, and found at a cafe, with a touch of "happy" red here and there. It truly was a dream come true. And special nod to Jalk Coffee, because without everybody there, it would have been impossible. Words can't express my gratitude, so thank you thank you thank you!!

of dreams, time & space - Week 1

The first week of of dreams, time & space passed by fast.  It's Golden Week (spring) holiday here in Japan, so I was able to meet many friends over the course of just a few days, while enjoying so delicious café au lait and cakes--especially, the special strawberry custard one!

The best thing about showing at Jalk Coffee, besides the wonderful coffee and food, is the natural lighting their big windows provides.  The light "lights" up my artworks unlike anything else.  It really is every illustrator's dream to show in a space like this!

Decided to wear red and white to the first day of my show, both of which are not my usual colours when it comes to clothes, though they do play a huge part in this particular exhibition. I used touches of red in most paintings to go with the white space, which is my so called "signature touch".  Just realized that I matched the cake too!  Hahaha......

Well, it's just the beginning of May, so am looking forward to seeing more friends and making some new ones in the upcoming weeks!