Father & Daughter

This series of illustrations are my rendition of Sotetsu Holdings' "Father & Daughter" video commemorating the opening of their Sotetsu - Tokyu Link Line. I first saw this heartwarming ad back in February and was so impressed by the cinematography, director Show Yanagisawa's amazing vision, how the whole thing was planned out and shot—one long continuous take that took a group of 200 staff to make it happen, including 25 pairs of actors who played "father & daughter" depicted them over the course of 12 years.  I loved it so much that I shared it with numerous friends and then one day sometime later, it struck me that I should paint it. Here they are, five illustrations of the video that made such an impact on me.

I even purchased the theme song "Time Machine/Kazokuno Fukei" by PUNPEE & Hanaregumi that was the perfect fit and played in on loop while sketching, tracing, blotting and painting them. It set the right mood to complete this pet project of mine.

Please kindly visit:
Here (YouTube Link) to view the video, as the original site www.sotetsu.co.jp/2023movie has since been deactivated for the original and making of footage. It won gold at Cannes Lions 2023, which was well deserved. A sincere and big thank you to everyone who was involved in creating this beautiful piece!

It really makes me want to take this train line when am back in Japan next.

Credit of original content: Sotetsu Holdings and its creators

Space

Space—it's amazing when you display a painting, by itself or in a group, against a certain background, and in what type of space, how much changes the painting(s) for the viewer. It is a very interesting element to take into consideration, especially when someone approaches me about wanting a piece for their space, but have yet to decide which exact one. besides the other person's likes, dislikes, personality, reasons for acquiring a piece/pieces, the space in which will be its new home, makes a huge difference in deciding which artwork I would eventually recommend or show him/her as suggestions.

A great friend reached out one day couple of years back asking about potentially owning a piece of my work, given the pandemic and all, both of us were not sure when I would be able to show in Tokyo again in the near-ish future. After much consideration—and trust me on the much, a good number of photos and detailed notes of what I believed would work for him were sent, he decided on a quartet of paintings to be displayed together that I had suggested. And I could not have been happier with it because that was what I really had in mind when he reached out to me.

First photo: the paintings in their new home vs. second photo: them in my space. The colour, material, texture, you can even say "temperature" of the wall the paintings hang from plus lighting completely changes the mood and feel of the artwork. Am soooo humbled to be able to add to someone's space, let alone a great friend's, be it as a subtle addition or an amplified existence.

Side note: third photo is of me respraying protective archival spray to ensure my babies will arrive safely and stay vibrant in their new homes for many many years to come. I liked the difference in colours and textures of the smooth paintings vs. crinkled kraft paper vs. cold concrete floor outside.

Commissioned Pieces V—Faith & Haiga

Painted

Side by Side

This is actually a continuation of the post earlier. The same lovely gentleman who upon commissioning portraits of one of his granddaughter, reached out months later about his other younger one. The photos I received of her were adorable, and had a hard time narrowing down to which two to paint, but somehow I managed. That said, I also had to request for extra time to complete the paintings even prior to accepting the request, as my situation had changed since I shipped off the portraits he had commissioned earlier. Was very very lucky that he had faith in me and gave me more than a reasonable timeframe to complete the piece—and did I take my time.

It's not easy to have people have faith in you, especially if it is coming from someone who requested a one-of-a-kind piece that hasn't even been created yet. They can tell you all samples of your work they liked and have an idea of what they want, but for them to trust you enough with not only creative approaches but with a very loosely set timeframe, is a big ask. I wanted plenty of time to make sure that I was in the right mindset/space to be able to capture that sweet quality his little granddaughter had—and still does of course. I also debated for the longest time if I was going to paint some flowers in the background of the painting where she is sitting with a mirror in her hand, which was in the original photo provided to me. After going back and forth many times in my mind, decided against it and when I told that to "client" I was happy to hear that he felt the same—again, that's having faith in me, my decision to give it what I thought was needed white space and continuity of all 4 pieces that he commissioned.

He also mentioned that my pieces have the simplicity of haiga which is why he loved my work. From Wikipedia: hagia is a style of Japanese painting that incorporates the aesthetics of haikai. Haiga are typically painted by haiku poets (haijin), and often accompanied by a haiku poem. like the poetic form it accompanied, haiga was based on simple, yet often profound, observations of the everyday world.

To have him say that meant the world to me, as he got exactly what I wanted to convey all along—simplicity, calmness, joy, with a light poetic touch. and this is also about me being grateful and having faith in my clients/people who I am connected to.

Commissioned Pieces IV—En

Painted—Hot Cocoa

Sketched

Traced

Blotted—Waiting to be Fully Dried

En, the Japanese for destiny/fate. If you ask me what am most grateful for in life, I would answer without any hesitation, that I truly have the best en. A message came in via my website to me 2 years ago, asking for a commission portrait of the sender's lovely granddaughter and mentioned that we have met, both grandfather, granddaughter and I way back in Spring 2016 at Jalk Coffee, where I was holding my exhibition. She was 12 at the time, and now is turning 17, and I have since relocated back to Vancouver, moved three times, still trying to settle back into my hometown. Who would have believe this? An almost 80 year-old gentleman, who English is not his first language, searched the internet for me, reached out in a wonderfully written message in English, and asked for me to paint a portrait of his granddaughter? I really was too much—meaning, I was beyond humbled and delighted for someone to remember me from just one encounter and then to find me 5 years later.

We corresponded over the course of a week and then longer to update each other on preferences, progress, details, and most importantly, things that have nothing to do with the commission itself—about how are we doing and what has been happening in our daily lives across the globe. During this process, it was decided that instead of 1 portrait, 2 would be commissioned, since we both or his family can't decide which sketches would be "the one" that would be her birthday present. She would in the end choose which one she would like as her present, and he would keep the other. To me, one is of her "now" a young girl in summer, enjoying an iced coffee, and one is of her "future" a young lady in thought, enjoying a hot chocolate. Both the same and different at the same time—but still very her.

After having them safely shipped off to Tokyo, I heard that the girl, now a young lady, would be spending time here in Vancouver to study English. I have since met her a number of times, and ended up meeting both her parents as well, enjoying great food, stories, and laughs together. Of course, all this was reported to her grandfather, who happily took great time and effort to write back to me. Every word of his correspondence was as sincere as sincere can get. she did return to Japan the following spring, and we all promised each other that when I do go Tokyo again, we would all visit Jalk Coffee, where our meeting filled with en first happened and hopefully not end there. Side note, we are still in touch!

Commissioned Pieces III—Zen

bubbles—hearts on canvas II, In Progress

bubbles—hearts on canvas II, In Detail

bubbles—hearts. I only intended to paint bubbles—hearts for my first show back in Vancouver at the beginning of 2017.  Did one on canvas and one on watercolour paper, both being small pieces (8" x 8" and 8" x 12"). They found new homes, and that was supposed to be it. Then, a couple of years ago, a dear friend reached out to me asking for a larger one for her home. Since it'll be travelling all the way back to Japan, we decided to go with a 16" x 16". Purely looking at the numbers/dimension, doubling of a 8" x 8" to the commissioned size seems to be an easy one, but in reality, painting bubbles, especially hearts, was very time consuming and took quite a bit of effort. of course, my habit of only painting when am happy/in a positive mind set/space, did not help. so, one of my conditions to accepted the commission was, are you fine with me taking my time and I will take my time.

Yes, I make it a "rule" to only paint when am ready to, which means when am of positive energy because I truly believe that my energy gets transferred to the pieces I paint while am painting them. Why would I want to spread negative vibes around, especially with this piece which is composed solely of layers and layers hearts? My goal is for whoever has a piece of my work, that it brings them joy and hopefully, some zen/calmness in life. Modern day life has lots of stressors and do not need to be an amplifier of that. I much rather my work warms the soul, well, at least that's the goal......

Note: all photos were taken under natural sunlight with shadows. When seeing the progress photos, does it seem like the love/hearts/feelings are growing/multiplying on you?

Comissioned Pieces II—Resonate

Initial Sketch

Trace

Blotted Outlines

An unexpected request came in from a dear friend of many years. A portrait of his adorable little girl, who unfortunately I have yet to meet, as they live elsewhere across the globe. He was in town for a short while and we met up during his stay. Of the photos he sent, decided to sketch and paint this one, which I thought was especially cute. The reason for commissioning the piece was personal and unique, which is not for me to share, but what I can say is that it resonated with me and opened up a new way to look at things. Hence, I wanted to do it justice. painting long wavy hair is not a specialty of mine and did struggle a bit with it.

I couldn't get good photos of the finished piece nor its progress, as the weather was not great while I was working on it. It's been a number of years since I shipped off the painting, his little girl isn't so little anymore. I hope that it still captured that very special moment and embodied the meaning of it being commissioned in the first place. It really is a honour and blessing to be able to do what I do and then share it with you lot—though with significant time delay! And oh, don’t you just love that little teddy bear?

Commissioned Pieces I—Process & Joy

It’s been 2 1/2 years since my last post. Lots have happened during this time, and am taking it slow to get back into posting—it’s like am waking up from a long hibernation. Will write about my reflections, so to say……

Sketched

Blotted

Painted

Completed—signed and framed

Commissioned Pieces I: am going to share with you some stories about the commissioned pieces that I have done over the past few years that I have to put down in words. For me, commissioning a piece is always very special, be it me asking for one, or being asked of one. For portraits that I do, I would always ask for a number of photos if possible that they particularly like of themselves or of the person they are asking to be painted. for there, I would come up with a sketch, sometimes two, and show it to the client, for a lack of a better word. once approved, the outlines are traced and traced again in ink to create the blotted lines, and once dried, painted in.

The correspondence/conversations and photo updates that fall in between are not short or few. I want to make sure that I get things right and have the person to be a part of the journey, since it's my piece as much as theirs. please swipe to see the progress of it.

This one was painted in my temporary home, and painting it brought me so much joy. Not only because it was requested by a person who valued art and anything beautiful—meaning made with love and craftsmanship, but his massive support of it. it also we have met up for coffees before and even after the piece was completed, and continue to do so. Our conversations covers so many aspects, and always full of good laughs.

It's a rare one, where I painted some leaves in the background, which I normally wouldn't do. However, it just felt right. I loved the original photo of him, very natural and humbled, and was very happy with my take on it. glad that his was too!

New Beginnings

New beginnings for 2021. Something came to me one evening while taking a warm bath that I just had to painting And here it is, a humble but important red thread, that ties me to the others, the world, and the universe. It’s neither anything super original nor complicated. It’s a reflection of how I am and feel right now in this new year, and it’s completely unlike anything I painted in the past.

Ito, Japanese for thread, like in English carries the meaning of connections, fate, and feelings. I thought it's something we need now more than ever. This is the first piece, with my favourite Japanese word en inscribed on it. So, am presenting you my “ito” series here—well if you can really call a painting, because it is a simple red line with a simply written “en”. However, I did put my heart and thoughts into it, making sure it’s done in the exact colours and feel that I had visualized. Hopefully it conveys my simple and honest feelings to the viewer, whoever it may be. In some way, it’s like a love letter to the wonderful unknown future, present and past.

I haven’t updated my blog here for over a year, though I did post on Instagram here and there @js_daydreamer. I was initially going to way back in January 2020, to welcome everyone to a new year, a new decade, but lots happened since. By spring, the pandemic took over, summer was getting used to the “new normal”, fall was preparing for a new surrounding, and here we’re now, winter once again. Over the course of the year, I realized how much love, kindness, and resilience we have all around us, especially during these crazy, difficult, challenging times.

And with this reflection, cheers to our new beginnings!

'Tis the Season

'Tis the season everyone! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and everything in between! Wishing you all an amazing & bubbly festive time will lots of love & joy that will go all the way into the new decade of 2020’s!

"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.

Spring & New Series

It’s spring and have been soaking up the beautiful golden rays of sun before the blistering summer weather hits. I just love how the gentle sunlight warms up my heart and soul. I love spring, cause it’s always a time for something new or renewed—fresh new leaves, the droplets of rain left by the passing showers, and the busying little humming birds so eagerly flying by.

Besides taking walks to absorb all this goodness in, have been working quietly with more local boutiques to bring my little “babies” to more communities. Am so glad to have have worked with the following BC stores since the beginning of 2019, all of which are dedicated to bringing lots of real, lovingly made items to people and building up a sense of community amongst everyone: Banyen Books & Sound (Kitsilano Vancouver, the now not only carry my book, How to Take a Wa-style Bath, but my greeting cards as well!), Second Nature Home (Commercial Drive Vancouver), The Handpicked Home (White Rock), Scout & Co. (Steveston Richmond), Spark Art Collective (Mission).

Honestly speaking, I have been out of my element since my relocation over 2 1/2 years ago—yes, am still trying to feel more grounded and “at home” back in where I grew up. Am so grateful of everyone who has made this journey of mine so meaningful.

I have also been working on a new illustration series that I will be sharing with you all in a little while. Since I really concentrated last year on my “bubbles” paintings, I needed to pick up my pen and ink again and reacquaint myself them. Was soooo glad I did! I felt refreshed, and giddy. Am very blessed to be doing art in different styles, whimsical blotted line drawings, calming watercolour “bubbles” paintings, fun small-batch greeting cards & prints, and writing here and there. All of which, nurtures me as a person, helps me grow every day, connects with countless wonderful people, and be a part of something that is way bigger than myself. For that, am forever grateful.

Local Love

Today is Valentine's Day and would like to take the chance to write about an appreciation of a different kind of love, a love for the local communities, more precisely, boutiques that have created them, which support local talents.  My relocation back home to Vancouver has not always been the smoothest, and without these wonderful stores and their owners and staff, it would be even more bumpy.  Though am writing about only 3 here today, am very grateful of others too: Branches & Knots (W Broadway), Stock Home Design (W Broadway), Giving Gifts (Main Street), Banyen Books & Sounds (4th Ave), espace d. (Gastown), and Little Gypsy's Fine Jewelry Gifts & Gallery (Port Moody).

First up is Half Fool Cafe in Chinatown (18 East Pender Street, Vancouver).  It’s a wonderful place with a great selection of drinks: coffee (they use locally roasted Modus Coffee beans), freshly made smoothies, and teas, caffeinated and not, alongside a sweet collection of edible and inedible goodies made by talented locals—baked goods, teas, chocolates, body & bath items, mason jar products, decorative plants and more.  Of course, cards, prints, and artwork too!

I have always placed a lot of emphasis on en (Japanese for fate, chance, connection, destiny), I mean even titled one of my exhibitions, with the word.  One day last month I decided to pop in and check out the cafe, as it has been over a year since I last stepped into the place.  Was pleasantly surprised by the new look arrangements, and a new owner.  We had a great chat, which turned into more later on.  Am very blessed to have connected with him—he is as lovely if not more than the wonderful space he has created.  More than just wanting to turn a profit, he really is determined to build a community of local talents and be a part of the community that his cafe is in by taking part in cultural celebrations such as Chinese New Year and by hosting an array of special events to shine a spotlight on hometown talents.  *Update Jul 2019, Half Fool Cafe is now closed, and will be deeply missed*

Next up is the must stop by place in Port Moody, Willow & Wallflower in Port Moody (2606 St. Johns Street, Port Moody).  The charming store is always changing with new and beautiful finds—the owner has a great eye for the perfect one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, locally made arts and crafts and much much more!  Though I don't have a baby, their baby section is marvelous.  I hardly leave the place empty handed or without inspirations.  Like Half Fool, Willow & Wallflower is about hometown love and pride, so much so, that it has been the winner of Port Moody Golden Spike Award for Arts in Business 3 years in a row, from 2016 to 2018!  The awards are handed out by the City of Port Moody to "recognize Port Moody businesses that impressed residents in a variety of ways, from their street appeal and great customer service to their business spirit and environmental leadership".

Lastly, is White Lotus Divine Healing (2607 St. Johns Street, Port Moody), right across the street from Willow & Wallflower.  Every single time I open the door and step into the boutique, I feel a sense of peace and positive energy.  The scent of the place is so calming and ever so subtle, which I tried to recreate myself and sadly did not work.  The store is not home to just healing items, such as crystals, books, art, jewellery, herbs, and more, but it also hosts meditations, wellness sessions/workshops for the body, mind & soul, and even retreats.  It's not just for "spiritual hippies", White Lotus is for anyone who likes or is looking for a little zen and goodness, which am all about.  Get your dose of positivity recharged here!

Please do check the above places and thank you to them and to you for being so supportive of local talents and businesses!  Because without them and without you, people like myself would be at a complete lost.

Reflections—Nourishing Art, Self-Care & Wellness Art

As 2018 is drawing to a close, I have been reflecting on this year. I will be honest with you, it hasn’t been an easy one, there were some major learning curves for me—new website, Etsy, my own online store, a show featuring 12 new paintings, but most of all, health and family-related issues. Actually, am still under the weather, and have been for this holiday season. I needed to learn to connect better with myself and am grateful that I have my art and writing as an outlet, not just a creative one, but a spiritual one, which has given me a purpose, kept me grounded and going.

I mentioned many times before, the aim of my work—illustrations, paintings, books, even commissioned pieces is to share with others joy, light, zen, and positive cheers. For example, there are many people who believes that if they were to have a painting up on their walls, it should be bright, big, bold, even shocking, and draws your attention in immediately. However, with my “bubbles” painting(s), it is soft, delicate, calming, and draws your attention in slowly—the more longer you look, or the more times you see it, you’ll discover something new, or at least that is what I try to achieve! Hahaha……I want it to be the piece that you can unwind in front of after a long day, or at the beginning of your day, and from time to time get lost daydreaming in it.

As for my blotted line drawings, they are almost always whimsical and lighthearted, with lots of white space for you to imagine the background and hence the story the illustration or you is/are telling. I aim to create a world that I invite you to join and then make it your own. When it comes to writing, I just want to bring a smile to whoever is reading my piece, and if they can take something away from it that will brighten their day(s) or improve their well-being, all the merrier! That was why I wrote How To Take a Wa Style Bath. It took more than 2 years for the project to be finalized and published, but I really wanted to share and spread the word on the amazing health benefits (relaxation, detox, increasing metabolism, and more)of taking Japanese style baths. Of course, the same can be said about my greeting cards, prints, and commissioned pieces.

So, I have decided for the 2019 to focus on nourishing art, how art nourishes the soul and how it connects with wellness, be it self-love, self-care, wholeness or balance. Would you please come on this journey with me? I may not the the perfect companion, as I too am learning all the time, but it’s nice to have some company, no?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone! Wishing you and your loved ones a beautiful holiday season, full of love, joy, laughs, great food, and cheers that will continue to 2019 and beyond! Am like the little boy in this illustration, eyeing the delicious buche de noel (Christmas cake!), waiting for someone to cut it and share it with me! Hahaha……

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