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?

Happy 2017 & En

A Very Happy & Sparkling 2017 to my friends from all over!! Added some golden splashes to mark the special occasion! Also, えん for 縁 and all comes full circle. This was what I wanted to paint/write for 2016--thanking the universe & loved ones for all the en I have and will have received.

Purple for wine and gold for sparkles?! Hahaha......

A New Chapter - Vancouver

I haven't been updating my blog at all these days, and even with my other social accounts, there aren't many images of my new work.  Why?  Well, have been extremely busy working on something that required more time, energy and effort than first thought.  After 6 1/2 years in Tokyo, I made the big move to relocated back to Vancouver, Canada to set up my new home studio!!

The past 6 1/2 years have been more than amazing and am forever grateful of everyone and everything that has made it possible!  Words cannot express my gratitude, and this experience definitely has made me a better person--creatively and body & soul.  Tokyo will always be my second home!

On my last day before my big move I visited Meiji-jingu, Meiji Shrine, one of my favourite places in Tokyo.  Despite being located in the crowded area of Harajuku, it is of zen, serenity and a quick great escape from the hectic city life.  Currently, the main building is going under rebuilding, and the shrine is offering a chance to donate to the cause by purchasing a copper plate will be used under it's traditional tiled roof that one can write a personalized message.

How can I miss this wonderful opportunity? And my message: May Love Energy Flow be with us all--Always, of course!! Hahaha......

With this message at heart, I am starting a new chapter!  The top image is a collage of pictures I took while back in Vancouver.  Though it is "home" am rediscovering it every day!!  Please come join me in this exciting journey and thank you!!  And watch this space, as there will be more about my new home studio soon!

Aura Aroma Salon

Have always loved beautiful scents, the wondrous healing power of crystals, and self-care, from inside out, and outside in.

So, when my amazingly talented friend, an internationally certified esthetician & aromatherapist, Chiharu finally opened her new private salon AURA (by appointment only) in the beginning of October, I was the first one to book and receive her relaxing treatment!! Amongst the number of treatments she offers, her holistic Esalen® Massage and Mary Nelson's Original LaStone® Facial & Body Treatments, which are still rare but highly sought after in Japan. I just love the name, AURA.

Chiharu is one of the few who infuses traditional approaches with aromatherapy essential oils and crystals. And I must say, my full body massage was just what I needed to get me prepped for my next big project! What's more is that she carries a number of beauty brands and products the are salon exclusives and not easy to find. I too became a converted fan! One of my favourites is the Soluna (know as Lunasol outside of Japan) Energetic Spray that even contains alchemical gold solution along with a beautiful mixture of essential oils. It "removes tension from the air, and promotes deep, calm breathing, creates a positive and creative atmosphere for mind and spirit, and when sprayed on to your pillow, gives you a relaxed sleep". Isn't that what we all need?

Her salon is situated in the relaxing area of Hiroo in Tokyo, and just 2 minutes away from the station. Please do visit her website for more information, which is only in Japanese right now, but she is hoping to have the English version done soon:

www.aura-aroma.com/

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!!

love energy & flow II

While on my quest of finding things to "embody" my love energy & flow mantra, I went to Etsy looking for items that would do just that. One of them was a pair of Sugilite (a beautiful purple stone) earrings, which after lots of searching, failed to click with me. So, I decided to make my own and ended up meeting Lari & John of Movingrock, who offer some of the amazing hand-cut loose stones I have ever seen.

Lari & John is a wonderful couple with over 30 years of experience as a jeweller (Lari) and a lapidary--a artisan gemstone cutter (John). Unfortunately, their home-workshop was burnt to the ground in 2013, and Lari can no longer make jewellery, which I have seen pictures of and are impressively beautiful.

After hearing their story, I ended up purchasing a pair of Sugilite stones, and 3 loose cabochons--1 Moonstone with Purple schiller (sheen), 1 Moonstone with Pink schiller, and 1 Lavender Quartz. The schillers of the Moonstones are hard to tell from the pictures, but they are amazing in person. The Lavender Quartz (the biggest stone and on the left) is really wonderful, not only because of its warm purple colour with a touch of golden glow within and a star that shows itself when light shines on it, but the story behind the original rough stone as well.  Here it is in her own words:

"I made jewelry for over 25 years - all fabricated, silver and 18k. I lived and breathed to make jewelry and dreamed I was working as I slept, then I would get up and make what I designed in my dream. (After the fire) we couldn't afford to replace mine (workshop). We had to replace John's - our livelihood depended on it. This is our sole income - we are in our 60's and after our home and shops burned, we had to start all over. Not what we had in mind ;~), but life gives you what it does.

The lavender quartz, John and I mined ourselves probably 20 years ago. The site can no longer be accessed as all the old logging roads have been moved, or more often removed altogether......

As luck would have it, I had moved a box of stones over to what was my brother's house (now ours) we were care-taking it for him, and I worked here and had my photo booth set up. We didn't have high speed internet at our old house. It burned to the ground along with our shops in July 2013. We lost everything but the box of stones I had moved. And the lavender quartz survived the fire as it was buried in a flower bed in coffee cans!"

Their story was so inspirational and encouraging that I had to share it with everyone. Please do check out their items--they are really lovely, and Lari & John is one of the nicest couples I have ever met! It's a blessing being to wear their stones:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/movingrock

Now about the ring, I once again asked Youzan & his team to set the amazing stones into a pinky ring. I never thought that I would wear, let along request a customization of, a pinky ring, but it felt like the right finger to wear Lari & John's stones.  The 3 stones were set into a branch-like band of gold vermeil to match the other rings I have from Youzan. When I first saw the finished ring, which was so gorgeous--the detail, the comfort of the fit, the balance of the setting, that I couldn't stop praising them for the excellent job they had done!

It looks like am wearing the bubbles I painted recently on my fingers--hence the second last picture. Thank you very much for making my dream bubble, 3-stoned "love energy & flow" ring into a reality! Again, here is the link to their store:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/youzan

The last picture is of the Sugilite earrings which is something I put together with 10K gold wires and beads.  Am really happy with the results, and both Lari & John and Youzan & team agree too!  Hahaha......here's to love energy & flow!!

love energy & flow - flow

Part III is FLOW.  If something is broken are the flow will be disrupted.  This goes for time, things, the body, and mind.

There were several things in my possession that needed fixing, and did just that before then end of last year.  The place I went to is actually where most would buy things from, not repair things at.  However, Tokyu Hands Shibuya has repair shops for jewellery, watches and more.

Took my much loved broken earrings, necklace, and watch for repairs.  And they have done more than a fine job!  The repair staff there are not regular shop staff, but experts with years of experience in their craft.  Due to my, again, crazy requests and funny way of speaking Japanese, I actually came to know a couple of them.  I went by Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, to say hi and drop off my belated Christmas postcard to their Jewellery Repair staff who have helped me out lots.  They were kind enough that they even displayed it inside one of their showcases--see the picture below.  Was so happy they did that for what I call, a random, demanding customer!

Could not be happier--to start off the New Year, I finally got the watch that dad got me (the one in front) for my grad year fixed. It gave way 2 years ago, and instead of paying the $100+ to repair it at the time, paid $300+ for a new one (right, yes the same brand too!).

Both are relatively inexpensive watches, but they have been through thick and thin with me. In the consumerist, disposable world we live in today, fixing and cherishing old items is ever more important. Am grateful that it's on my wrist running again, and I got my flow back. Thanks dad and to the staff at Tokyu Hands Shibuya's Jewellery Repair (on 5C) and Watch Repair (5B) departments!  And isn't 2016 already looking great?

shibuya.tokyu-hands.co.jp

love energy & flow - energy

Part II of my "love energy & flow" posts, of course is ENERGY.  I believe most things have energy, and many give off great amounts of it.  Since skincare is something that I have to say, is the closest to the skin, its energy is very important to me.

A friend of mine introduced me to "BARAKA" a Japanese cosmetics brand that was inspired by the Beauty of the Queens.  The concept sounded far fetched at first, but reading more about it, I realized it was sincere in its idea and product lineup.  At the center of their products is the almost ancient ingredients which queens, say Cleopatra, used for their own beauty routines.  These ingredients such as lotus, frankincense, and Dead Sea salts were and still are prized for their effectiveness in nourishing the skin and soul.

Tried everything they had and though I love them all, I particularly like their "Lotus Water Mist".  So, will share my thoughts with you here.  Every time after I wash my face or finishing taking a bath/shower, I immediately spray the Lotus Water Mist on my face.  Its soft scent and moisturizing effect is heavenly.  I feel like am surrounded by a mist of gentle, positive, nurturing energy.

The main ingredient is Lotus Water--yes, you heard me right.  Apparently, BARAKA used state-of-the-art cosmetics technology to extract this water.  Saw the stats: it was so scientific that am skipping it here.  But it is amazing how they do it.  Knowing how much I am attracted to lotus flowers, it is hard not to like this.  As mentioned previously, the lotus flower is known for symbolizing purity, beauty, enlightenment, and rebirth.  It is also known for its healing properties and energy.  They have another product too that is comprised on this rare ingredient, "Lotus Waterdrop Cream" which too is worth trying out.

BARAKA is unfortunately only available in Japan right now, and their website is all in Japanese.  However, I heard that this may change, and soon too, as they are getting ready for an international launch.  Whatever the case, am very fortunate to have discovered this energizing brand!

baraka-style.com

*Update as of March 2018, they have turned their focus on their Body Care Line instead, which also amazing*

love energy & flow - love

"love energy & flow" came to me one night late last year while laying in bed.  Made it my mantra for 2016.  Cause I am a very tangible person, who loves to feel with my senses, am going to write about physical things I relate with my theme of the year.  This is will be a 3 part blog due to its long length, am also going to post Part I (this post) last so that it shows up first, followed by the Part II & III on my blog.

LOVE

I believe if I surround myself with happy people, I would be happy too.  This applies to love--truly think if I am around things made with love, would feel their/makers' love as well.  Hence am always drawn to handmade items, of course, especially homemade food.  But since I blog non-stop about food already, will make it about something else.

For years, I have been known to wear black with lots and lots of simple, big silver jewellery.  I really mean lots and big.  Something changed last autumn, and so decided to switch things up.  Since then, have been searching for things made with rose gold or silver, with touches of gold or with stones--not really sparkly diamonds or gems, but something with colour to brighten up myself.

The result was me finding creators on Etsy who were willing to listen and answer my crazy requests to make items I know I would cherish for years.  After numerous messages, photos, and etc., then me waiting for them to be lovingly crafted, shipped, and finally making their way to me, here they are!  Yes, the vanity of the fashion stylist inside me never died!  And please don't think I spend money like crazy or do this often.  The items were reasonable, since I did my bargain hunting, and it was for a special reason.  Consider it as one big Christmas present to myself to mark a new outlook and fresh start!

First up, a brilliant Blue Tourmaline Rose Gold Pendent Necklace by Rebekah of Boss Studio Jewelry created at my request.  Rebekah had to run around to look for "the right" stone for me, literally.  This particular little beauty stood out from the rest, and in her words, had more "personality...there's something about it as it just sort of jumped out at me from amongst the rest of the tourmalines that surrounded it!".  It really does sparkle like no other.  With all honestly, the picture does not do the actual necklace justice! And corresponding with Rebekah was a real joy.  Her messages were full of thought, understanding, and love that brought a smile to my face every time.  Am lucky to be wearing her creation while writing this post.

www.etsy.com/shop/BossStudiosJewelry

Next to it, is the Lotus Rose Gold Pendent by Teri of Teri Lee Jewelry.  I was looking for pendent with a lotus flower, because it is one of the flowers my dad had specifically asked me to paint when I was a child, learning traditional Chinese watercolour painting.  It is also the flower featured in the painting that Chicago Children's Museum acquired from me years ago.  Lotus flower is known for symbolizing purity, beauty, enlightenment, and rebirth--the perfect flower to reflect my own transformation while retaining my roots.

After lots of searching, I found this one, and asked to have it made in rose gold instead.  And she did, beautifully!  I just love how tactile the piece is.  It is made with the "lost wax" method, which gives it its special characteristics.

www.etsy.com/shop/TeriLeeJewelry

Next, a trio of delicate yet strong, Branch Stacking Rings made by Youzan, and his team of real craftsman/woman jewellers right here in Tokyo.  Youzan Yamamori is a traditionally trained jeweler and so are his pupils.  Everything they make is inspired by nature, and fittingly so.

Came across their Pink Tourmaline and Carved Nephrite rings, love them so much, that personally requested an additional custom order for a slightly larger, round cabochon Rose Quartz one.  Each was make with such care and detail.  Youzan was also very helpful, cause despite my long emails in English, which of course is not their native language, everything turned out perfect.  The rings remind me of the beautiful sakura blooming in spring, and warm my heart up.  They have received many c0mpliments ever since I started wearing them.

www.etsy.com/shop/youzan

And last but not least, the creator of the rings featured at the top of the post and shown here again, Annie of April & June Jewelry.  Her Personalize Rings (Pink Amethyst & Rose Quartz here) are just that--personalized to the T.  In person, the rings are softer and much prettier.  She too had to search for a rose cut quartz stone for me during the busy holiday season, so that I can have the rings for the New Year. Wonderfully made and hand stamped, which I personally like more than engraving, is "love" and "energy & flow".

www.etsy.com/shop/aprilandjune

You can really feel the love that was put into the making of each of these unique pieces, where no two are alike.  They contain the feelings of their makers, and as the owner of them, I cannot be more grateful, happier, and proud.

Thank you Rebekah, Teri, Youzan & his team, and Annie!  Now, this is also a good motivation to work harder to make up for all the money I spent!  Hahaha......