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.

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

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/

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/

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!

of dreams, time & space

It's been in the works for quite some time now, and finally, it's ready!  Well, Lala definitely is!  I am happy to announce that I will be having my third, and probably last show in Tokyo for the next bit.

The paintings to be featured in this time will reflect the atmosphere, feeling, and things that inspire me to daydream.  Lala and My Little Book of Happiness were dreamt up in a cafe. So, I cannot be happier to be showing at Jalk Coffee, a place that gives me a sense of serenity, happiness, and being at home--especially when am having their amazing café au lait made with their in-house roasted beans, warm fluffy toasts, and heavenly handmade desserts!

Along with a number of paintings of Lala (in her signature black turtleneck unlike my previous shows--fans of My Little Book of Happiness will definitely be in for a treat), will also paint some of things that I have personally seen and experience at Jalk Coffee.

Please come join us for:

of dreams, time & space
Sun May 1 - Sun May 29 2016

Jalk Coffee
Ando Building 1F
4-19-4 Eifuku, Suginami-ku
Tokyo

10 AM - 7 PM, Closed Mondays
jalkcoffee.com

ヤルクコーヒー
東京都杉並区永福4-19-4
安藤ビル1F

***I will personally be there on all Sundays in May from around 12 PM to 4:30 PM.

Since the exhibition is really about time spent in cafes, it is highly recommended that visitors of the show, would enjoy viewing the paintings while soaking up the atmosphere over a cup of amazing Jalk Coffee or tea (the toasts and cakes are lovely too!).

And please kindly message me in advance if you would like to have a cup of coffee with me there. Of course, on a different day other than Sundays is possible as well.

Thank you very much and am looking forward to seeing everyone there soon!***

http://www.facebook.com/events/783572698453073/

http://www.facebook.com/events/1343311685684607/

bubbles at Tokyo Midtown

Started painting my bubbles only cause someone I know asked me about a possible collaboration, but when things didn't work out, I continued to paint them anyways, since painting made me happy. I even painted them when I had other deadlines to meet--am an idiot!

And where did my bubbles go? Who would have thought that in less than a year's time, they would end up at one of my favourite spots, Tokyo Midtown of all places!! And as their 40 m long spring campaign window display!!

From my humble A3 painting to an amazing 40 m!! I would like to thank everyone who was involved in this massive project, cause it is crazy as it is amazing!! Am so, so grateful!! From now until Thu Apr 21--please go see it if you have the time at the B1 floor area that connects Odeo & Hibya lines to Tokyo Midtown.

Regarding the work-in-progress pictures, the A3 painting itself was a challenge for much because I usually painting this series on paper 1/4 of that size. The original painting that was used for the proposal is on the right hand side corner of the last picture. Just painting on the A3 size paper took me hours, close to 20 of just bubbles. Think have became a bubble myself!!  Hahaha......

bubbles - of dreams, time & space

Speaking of bubbles, am using the painting of it as my temporary image for my upcoming exhibition at Jalk Coffee in Nishi Eifuku (www.jalkcoffee.com)--one of my favourite spaces & cafes here in Tokyo. We just decided on the date and I wanted everyone to know: Sun May 1 to Sun May 29 2016!  After my last show in Sep 2014, I promised myself to take one year break before doing another one.

The title & theme is "of dreams, time & space" and though my bubbles series will not be a major part of this show, felt that this image will set the mood. The paintings I will be doing for this will be mainly of the time Lala spends inside a cafe, and I hope to share her feelings, experiences, and thoughts with everyone. Thank you and am looking forward to seeing you all there soon!

--Jodi

Goto Tailor

As a stylist, I have always loved menswear more than ladies.  There is a certain classiness to it from the impeccable tailoring that ladies wear tends to lack.  Actually, I wore a full on suit with a customized shirt and Armani silk bow tie to a friend's wedding years ago--that's how much I love menswear!

So, when I heard a friend was getting a suit fitted, I decided to tag along.  Turns out the craftsman of the suit was no other than the famous Goto Tailor in Nihonbashi.  Recognized internationally and by the Japanese government for their craftsmanship, Goto Tailor has been hand making customized suits for clients for decades, from the royal family to politicians, celebrities, and anyone looking to own a special suit to own for a long time.  More than about trends, classic elements, fine details, and the wearer's needs are the focus of a Goto Tailor made suit.

I was very fortunate to have met and spend over an hour and an half with the 3rd generation master tailor and current owner of Goto Tailor, Mr. Kazuhiro Tsuchiya.  Mr. Tsuchiya is as nice as he is skilled in suit making.  He told us many stories about the 1st master tailor, the Mr. Goto, his successor, and himself while fitting my friend's suit to the "T".  Every dart, every detail, down to a millimeter was considered, and not overlooked.  Mr. Tsuchiya was very generous and even gave me a scented sensu, a Japanese folding fan.  Was told that receiving a sensu will bring good luck and many more meaningful meetings!

If you are ever thinking about having a tailor made suit and are not in a rush (since there is a long waiting list and a real suit takes time to perfect), please do visit Goto Tailor at Nihonbashi!

www.goto-tailor.com

Sothys from Paris to Japan

Sothys Paris is a professional beauty brand that is available exclusively at beauty institutes & spas worldwide. Known for its unique combination of natural active ingredients and advance skincare technology, it truly is a gentle yet effective brand. A dear of mine sent me a gift certificate as a treat, which I was more than grateful of, so I had the chance to experience a relaxing facial at the Sothys Institute Aoyama in Tokyo, one of their 3 directly operated salons here in Japan.

The esthetician was very helpful in choosing the right facial treatment for me, and she did an amazing job.  The facial & upper body massage were carried out with great skill. From the service, to the actual treatment, and even till the very end when I was leaving, she was friendly, professional, and considerate.

I have really sensitive skin and the extreme weather here (crazy dry winters, and super humid summers) along with the no-so-skin-friendly air conditioning, stresses out my skin a lot. Even with my skin condition, was extremely happy with the results. I was relaxed, refreshed, and my skin was much softer and hydrated than before--no unwanted redness or irritation. I really can't thank my friend enough for the special treat!! Their prices are not what I call everyday ones, but it is definitely worth it if you are looking to splurge on yourself or someone special. So, do visit their website for some for information.

Actually, I heard that their salon, Iridium Featuring Sothys, at the St. Regis Hotel in Osaka won the World Luxury Spa Award for 2015 in the Best Luxury Emerging Spa Section/Category. Saw some pictures of it, and the interior itself is a reason to visit there, let alone their excellent treatments!  Now, am looking for the right opportunity......Yes, am a daydreamer!  Hahaha......

Sothys Japan
www.sothys.co.jp/salon/index.html

The photos above are from the Sothys website, and the illustration is mine of course--Lala too loves spas and relaxation.

Limited Edition Converse - Japan

I think by now, you all know about my love for leather shoes.  And it goes beyond oxfords.  Converse, especially leather the ones limited to Japan are something that I can't walk without, or so to say.

I starting wearing the "Made in Japan" hard leather One Stars (last two images above) over a decade ago, and still own a pair now.  The company did switch production to Indonesia for a few years at a certain time--which I never bought.  But I was extremely happy when they decided to bring it back into Japan.  They listened to what the consumers wanted.

The first 3 images are of the new pair of Leather All Star Chromexcel Hi I recently purchased to replace the worn out, but much loved All Star QL (OS) Hi (images 4 to 6) that was available exclusively at only one of their Converse store and online store in Japan back in late 2012/early 2013.

Though both pairs are not made in Japan, they have specially qualities, besides being limited, that are totally worth buying.  Both are made of more solid leather to give the shoes better shape of the years, have black rubber soles instead of the dark brown on see on most Converse shoes, and came with black laces.

The Leather All Star Chromexcel Hi are made with high quality leather from Horween Leather Company in Chicago.  And the logo patch is only black and white, whereas the usual one has a blue star and red font.  According to Wiki: Horween Leather Company is one of the oldest continuously running tanneries in the United States, and the only one located in Chicago. Isadore Horween founded the company in 1905, and worked in it until 1949.

The Leather All Star QL (OS) has black quilted stitching, a black leather logo patch, with brass eyelets instead of silver ones, and the rubber soles are off-white, not white.

Well, that's enough of Converse for today, and now, am heading back to work/painting!

A note on the images, they were all taken from the Converse Japan website:

www.converse.co.jp/products

Lottusse Finally In Japan

Am happy to share the great news that the Spanish heritage shoe and leather goods brand, Lottusse, will finally make its official landing here in Japan.  Starting from Feb 4 their leather men's shoes will be available at the B1 of Isetan Shinjuku Men’s building, and slightly later at the beginning of March, their golf shoes on 7F as well.  Now, if we can only get their ladies shoes in stock here too......

The picture here is a tearsheet from the Jan 2015 issue of WWD Japan.

www.lottusse.com/?lang=en