JS Essentials

Have been thinking of doing this for quite sometime, so right after my show, I started painting some of my favourite and must-haves for skincare & cosmetic products, and is what am calling the "js essentials" series.

The first is one that I posted about before, cause I really do love it! It's BARAKA's Lotus Water Mist. 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. And here is the link for the full details:
jodisam.com/blog/2016/01/04/energy/

The second painting is of my long time favourite, and probably most expensive item in my makeup bag: Shiseido Cle du Peau Beaute's Correcteur Visage Concealer. As many of my friends know, I have the worst black circles ever--I had them since was 12 or so. Tried many skincare products over the years to the point that I just gave up and started covering them. And of all the products I have used, by far, Cle du Peau's concealer works best for my skin and provides the most natural and heavy-duty coverage that I need. Expensive, yes, but it lasts forever. Two sticks last me an entire year!! Bye-bye eye circles, well at least when I have makeup on!! Hahaha......

The third one of my js essentials series is something that I was given a sample of earlier and absolutely fell in love with. It's the Bioeffect's EGF Serum. Made in Iceland, and is full of botanical goodness contains cellular activators without any unwanted additives--just 7 ingredients.

Costly it is, but wonderful too! For me, it's only takes 2 drops of the serum at night after cleansing, and it really makes your skin feel subtle, moisturized, and better looking the following day!! The craziest thing was that I found out it cost more in Canada to purchase this than in Japan, which the opposite usually is true!! Am now debating when to get the full-size product, since I really do like it! And a special thank you to the person who introduced me to this amazing product!!

Fresh Colours: Lunasol Spring 2015 Makeup Collection

Spring is definitely in the air, and the lovely colours of sakura (cherry blossoms) and other flowers are everywhere.  Decided to paint the Spring 2015 collection of my favourite makeup line, Lunasol (from Kanebo), for the upcoming issue of The Bulletin magazine.

Am showing here, a side-by-side image of my illustrations and the actual product shots of the items.  The photos are from Lunasol's official website, as with the two images with model wearing the beautiful colours. The limited edition collection comes in fresh, shiny, sheer, and milky pastel colours, and their white packaging makes them even more eye catching!

The last photo was actually taken in downtown Vancouver, and is of blooming sakura and magnolias!!

www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/product/index.html

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

Stubbornness & Human Connections

Contrary to appearances, am amazingly stubborn.  I have been told to do many things a certain way or paint this and that.  However, I have stuck to my own beliefs and stood my ground--politely so.  If not, I don't think I could have made it this far.  Of course, I had lots of help along the way.

Am grateful that I get to paint whatever I like, and still have people acknowledge and admire it enough to reach for their wallets and pay for my work.

Now, will have to work harder to make sure that the value of the pieces they all have kindly bought will increase.  Value, not only in terms of money, but of sentiments and human connections.  Yes, art does connect us all.

My aim is to create a world that I get to share with others, which will eventually become a world of theirs--one that brings joy, and leaves plenty of room for daydreaming and creativity!

Note: I chose a painting I did of the vintage turning dial phone that has been in my family before I was born for this post.  Jet black, heavy as a rock, Japanese made and from the 1970's, we still use it at my parent's place.  Calling is one way of connecting, as with writing by hand, and posting on the Internet.  However, I still prefer meeting people face-to-face, and have been blessed that during the past month, I have been able to make so many of such human connections.

Highlights: Honda RA272

The 1965 Honda RA272, the first Formula One race car that won a Japanese carmarker its Grand Prix title. Saw the real thing last year at Tokyo Motor Show, and decided that I have to paint it (just like the 1935 Nissan Datsun rabbit motif)!  What a beauty it was and still is!!  It is one of the midokoro or "highlights" of and reason for otona kyutto.

A Sneak Preview II: Lottusse - Cambridge Oxfords

Here's another preview for next week's show, otona kyutto.  I was lucky enough to have tried on many pairs Lottusse, the Spanish heritage footwear brand with over 130 years of history, at a special viewing last month.  Was amazingly surprised at the comfort, look & feel, and quality of their shoes.  Fell in love with their "Cambridge" oxfords, and just had to paint it!  Now, am waiting to own my personal pair of customized Lottusse!!

Notice the rougher brush strokes?  That's because the real shoe is of naturally tanned leather, and was individual crafted to have this particular look!

www.lottusse.com

A Sneak Preview: Lady Dior - Pink Alstroemeria Flower

Why did I name my upcoming show "otona kyutto," cute grown up?  It's because there is such a thing as elegant or sophisticated cute.  The SS2014 Lady Dior -  pink alstroemeria flower handbag is one of such example.  So, here's a sneak preview of what is going to be on display next month.  And contrary to what I am usually known for painting--characters and simplified representations, this illustration is more realistic.  Now, you do have to say, it is still cute, no?

A side note:  The handbag Lala is holding in the poster for otona kyutto is also for the same collection, Lady Dior

jodisam.com/otona-kyutto

For the Love of Vintage and Cars

If you have been following my posts for some time now, you would know that I have a particular thing for vintage and cars.  So, was amazingly excited when I got to see a vintage Lamborghini Miura up close back in April!  Took some pictures, and of course, decided to paint the beauty.  Though it is not an exact replica of the car, am hoping I did it some justice!  What would my many car-loving friends say?  Hahaha…...

Note: see that cute UFO-like antenna on the top?  How can you say no to that?

Mother's Day - Tsubaki vs. Carnations

It's Mother's Day and I, trying to be a good girl am wishing from Japan, my mother a wonderful day.  She deserves more than just one day of course, but hey, aren't we all a victim of commercialization of celebrations?

I decided to paint a tsubaki, Japanese camellia, not only because it is one of her favourite flowers, but also of mine and someone who I have great respect of.  I know that carnations are "the" symbol of Mother's Day, but I really don't remember when I last gave carnations on this day.  I almost avoid it, if possible.

Tsubaki are beautiful, and we used to have a pink camellia tree outside our first home in Canada.  The flower brings back such wonderful memories, though my personal favourite is of the white varieties.

Well, Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers around the world! Yes, we children, just love to drive you crazy, so be the Queen for the day that is purely dedicated to you!  And thank you for all the years you have put up with us!!

1935 Nissan Datsun Usagi-san

This is my first attempt at painting usagi-san, Mr. Rabbit, that is actually the car hood ornament motif of the the 1935 Nissan Datsun.  It's also my first time painting something all chrome.  While nowhere near perfect, I still wanted to finished it and share it today. How come you ask?

Despite having lots of projects that I want and need to work on, I must first get usagi-san off my creative chest and hands.  I have been wanting to paint him since I first laid my eyes on him at Tokyo Motor Show back in Nov 2013.  The sketch has done earlier this year, but I never got around to blot and paint him until now.

Also, not many people know of him, as the image of Datsun most people have recently is the cheap car Nissan produces mainly for the Indian and other emerging markets.  I really want change that.  In those days, Datsun was one of the fastest compact cars, hence the use of a rabbit as the car hood ornament.  I learnt of this myself, at the Motor Show when a kind and patient Nissan staff explained its history to me.  Of course, he is just to cute to be unknown!

I really just finished colouring and scanning my beloved usagi-san.  Unlike my other images I share here, I didn't even bother doing all my usual digital touch ups--I just adjusted the exposure, and got rid of some of the spots/paper texture.

Am sure that I will paint him again, cause I am not completely satisfied with the results.  Though I can't say exactly when.  Now, on to some real work......

the stars & my favourite things

Ladies and Gentlemen, the stars & my favourite things, my first exhibition for 2014 will take place mid-next month:

Wed Apr 16 - Sun Apr 20 2014
Le Chalet Cafe • Levain Bakery
2-43-13 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Everyday from 10 am until:
7:30 pm Wed - Sat
6 pm Sun
*Fri is now only until 7:30 pm*

On display will be my rendition of the 12 astrological/zodiac signs, plus paintings from "my favourite things" series.  Almost all of the works are new, and have yet to be shown before (though I have been posting a couple of them here on my blog).

It's a long overdue show.  Have been wanting to share my new original works for the longest time, and I made it my New Year's resolution to do so in 2014.  Am happy to say, that this resolution I was able to keep.

As the venue, Le Chalet Cafe is a part of Levain Bakery in the Yoyogi-uehara area.  They serve excellent natural food, and offer one of the best sandwich you can find in Tokyo.  It's the "goma-miso sando" (sesame-miso sandwich) you should ask for.  Le Chalet is a small and wonderful cozy space--I couldn't think of a better place for this show.

Please do drop by during my show in Mid-April.  You can, not only to see my paintings, but do so while enjoying some very delicious natural goodness!

The closest station is Yoyogi-hachiman on the Odakyu line and Yoyogi-koen on the Chiyoda line.  And it's about a 5 to 8 minute walk, depending on your speed.  Here's their address in Japanese:

ルヴァン & ル ・ シァレ
東京都渋谷区富ヶ谷2-43-13

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

my favourite things - The Peplum

The Peplum: in "modern" (20th century) fashion history, was revived by the Mr. Christian Dior in his amazing "the New Look" collection of 1947, finally bring back glamour and elegance to fashion in the postwar era, easing the utilitarian look that dominated every aspect of life at that time.

Fast forward to today, it is again fashionable, and the approach of the peplum element/silhouette varies vastly, from the hip fashion to the classical look.  I love love love the peplum, and am happy to see it used again in different styles.  I painted my favourite element in the two different approaches too:

- Ringo-chan sporting a peplum black and white cropped blazer, pairing it with jeans and platforms while listening to her iPod

- Lala wearing a white peplum pencil skirt with her favourite black turtleneck as she is shopping for some new shoes

Either way, I hope more people will come to know of the Peplum, and Mr. Christian Dior's "the New Look" collection.

My Favourite Things - Vintage Moschino by Persol Sunglasses

I own a number of sunglasses, but you will often see me in these: my vintage Moschino by Persol sunglasses from the early 90's.  I got them a few years ago as "New Old Stock" from a wonderful optical store I frequent in Vancouver, and I just love them like crazy!

Actually, the owner became a good friend of mine because I would go into the store, and spend hours looking at the amazing vintage stock he has.  We would chat about each frame: the maker/designer, the colour, the details, the material, the craftsmanship, and etc. Yes, I added "the" to all the words because they are so important! I still see him every time I visit home, and usually come out with a new pair of sunglasses! Hahaha......

Side note, Lady Gaga was spotted wearing a pair of Moschino by Persol from the same collection.  Instead of the key motif on the side, hers had large cut gems.  Funny, as my friend also had that frame in his store!

My Favourite Things - Jo Malone

Decided to share some of the things that make my daily life a little more enjoyable.  One of them is perfume.  I used to wear different ones everyday, as storing them properly so they don't become "off" (like wines) was not a problem in Vancouver.  However, the high heat and humidity in Tokyo has made this difficult.  Have since become very selective of the ones I wear and purchase.

Jo Malone is one of them.  I have worn her fragrance for a number of years now, and have always repurchased the same scent.  It makes me feel refreshed yet grounded, feminine yet boyish--ready to take on the day.  Which particular one you ask?  Now, that's a little secret of mine!