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Jodi Sam

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illustrator ∙ writer ∙ fashion stylist ∙ daydreamer

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Jodi Sam

  • ABOUT
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Thank You & from The Art of Daydreaming

December 8, 2017 Jodi Sam
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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!

In events, notes & thoughts Tags bubbles series, blotted line drawings, taipei, art exhibition, the art of daydreaming

Thank You & from bubbles - of zen & en

December 8, 2017 Jodi Sam
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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.

In events, notes & thoughts Tags bubbles, bubbles of zen & en, tokyo, art exhibition

The Art of Daydreaming

October 7, 2017 Jodi Sam
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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!
 

iac_logo.png

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

In events Tags blotted line drawings, bubbles series, taipei, the art of daydreaming, art exhibition

bubbles—of zen & en

September 13, 2017 Jodi Sam
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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!
 

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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

In events Tags bubbles series, bubbles of zen & en, tokyo, art exhibition

Thank You Vancouver

March 8, 2017 Jodi Sam
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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

In events Tags vancouver, art exhibition

love art

January 12, 2017 Jodi Sam
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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/

In notes & thoughts, events Tags art exhibition, tokyo, vancouver, tokyo trend, bubbles series

Thank You - of dreams, time & space

May 31, 2016 Jodi Sam
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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!!

In events Tags art exhibition, of dreams time & space, blotted line drawings, tokyo

of dreams, time & space - Week 1

May 8, 2016 Jodi Sam
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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!

In events Tags art exhibition, of dreams time & space, blotted line drawings, tokyo

of dreams, time & space

April 1, 2016 Jodi Sam
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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/

In events Tags art exhibition, of dreams time & space, tokyo, blotted line drawings

bubbles - of dreams, time & space

February 3, 2016 Jodi Sam
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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

In coming soon Tags art exhibition, of dreams time & space, tokyo

~ Day 10 Urara-chan & Lala's new home(s)

September 11, 2014 Jodi Sam
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It's been crazy, in a very good sense, since the opening of otona kyutto!  I made so many new friends and met many old ones too!  And it's not even half way through the show yet.

The best part is that I get to chat with people--talking about art, food, and other things, to enjoy some delicious food, and the chance to show my original works along with my digital ones.  Some were pleasantly surprised at the fact they were getting the originals of the LINE Stickers they are using!

Yes, Urara-chan and Lala have found news homes!!  Am always very happy when people I know have my work up on their walls, but it humbles me when people I have just met or didn't even know decide to purchase my original paintings.  I really can't thank everyone enough!

And the opening party on the 6th was extremely successful, only because of the people who showed up to support me, and that of course including the amazing DJs Kei Shiratori & Yutaka Kitamura, my friend who had kindly arrange for my yukata, and the amazing staff of plate tokyo!  Of course, I have to share with you the beautiful flowers and red sparkling wine I received.  Red sparkling?!  You heard right!!

There is this priceless human connection full of positive energy that others bring to me, and I hope I can do the same for others.  There is still 20 plus days to go.  So, please come by and say hi, and let's spread the joy around!!

In notes & thoughts, events Tags art exhibition, otona kyutto

Highlights: Honda RA272

September 4, 2014 Jodi Sam
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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.

In notes & thoughts, events, my favourite things Tags blotted line drawings, otona kyutto, art exhibition, classics

otona kyutto Day 1: Setup and Lunch

September 1, 2014 Jodi Sam
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Lala and Urara-chan have happily made themselves at home at plate tokyo!! Thank you to Ayano-san and her wonderful staff at plate tokyo for making this possible.

Autumn is finally here, and otona kyutto starts today! Was setting up since 9:30 this morning.  I needed lots of help to pull this exhibition off.  Am very glad it was done on time, and we could enjoy a fantastic lunch--you can tell I love their food, since there are as many pictures of food as my paintings!  Hahaha......

Yes, we are all waiting for you!!  Please come by, have a delicious meal and or drink, while enjoying some artwork.  Paintings on display include "my favourite thing series"--vintage Miura, Lady Dior......and of course Lala and Urara-chan. You can even see some of the original paintings used for my LINE Stickers!

otona kyutto

Mon Sep 1 – Tue Sep 30 2014
plate tokyo
1f 1-11-6 Nishiazabu, Minato, Tokyo
Everyday from 12 PM to 12 AM (last order)

plate tokyo
ホテル & レジデンス六本木
東京都港区西麻布1-11-6 1f

In notes & thoughts, events Tags art exhibition, otona kyutto, blotted line drawings

A Sneak Preview II: Lottusse - Cambridge Oxfords

August 26, 2014 Jodi Sam
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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

In notes & thoughts, events, my favourite things Tags art exhibition, otona kyutto, blotted line drawings, fashion

A Sneak Preview: Lady Dior - Pink Alstroemeria Flower

August 21, 2014 Jodi Sam
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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

In notes & thoughts, events, my favourite things Tags art exhibition, otona kyutto, blotted line drawings, fashion

otona kyutto

August 2, 2014 Jodi Sam
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As previously mentioned, I am honoured to be holding my second 2014 show at plate tokyo. otona kyutto will run for the entire month of September.

Mon Sep 1 - Tue Sep 30 2014
plate tokyo
1f 1-11-6 Nishiazabu, Minato, Tokyo
Everyday from 12 PM to 12 AM (last order)

Opening Party Sat Sep 6 from 2 PM to 6 PM
With the very special DJs Kei Shiratori & Yutaka Kitamura

"Otona Kyutto" means "grownup cute" in English, but for me it is more like "cute grownup".  In keeping with the name, the paintings on show this time is a little more sophisticated, focusing on my vintage and fashion inspired works.  Vintage cars and phones, classic accessories, along with pieces featured in the Bulletin Magazine's, "tokyo trend" will be on display.  Maybe even some wine?! Someone did say the spelling should have been "kyuuto", which is correct. But I went for the "tt" instead. Hahaha......

plate tokyo is a modern french restaurant that offers fantastic food, and just as my philosophy towards a fulfilling life "great food, great wine, and great company," it is the place to be!  Please see the link below for my full report of the place, as well as their official (did I mentioned beautiful too?) website:

jodisam.com/blog/2014/07/05/platetokyo-js-exhibition
arigatoinc.com/plate

I can't wait to see everyone one there!

*Since the format is a little different from my last show, I will not be at venue most of the time.  Please do contact me in advance, and I will try to meet as many of you there as possible*

Here is the address in Japanese:

plate tokyo
ホテル & レジデンス六本木
東京都港区西麻布1-11-6 1f

In events Tags art exhibition, otona kyutto, lala
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