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Jodi Sam

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illustrator ∙ writer ∙ fashion stylist ∙ daydreamer

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Jodi Sam

  • ABOUT
  • ART
  • BOOKS
  • PROJECTS & SHOWS
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Stubbornness & Human Connections

September 20, 2014 Jodi Sam
telephone_jodisam.jpg

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.

In notes & thoughts, my favourite things Tags blotted line drawings, classics

Highlights: Honda RA272

September 4, 2014 Jodi Sam
1965 honda ra272_jodisam.jpg

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

For the Love of Vintage and Cars

May 30, 2014 Jodi Sam
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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?

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

1935 Nissan Datsun Usagi-san

May 4, 2014 Jodi Sam
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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......

In notes & thoughts, my favourite things Tags blotted line drawings, classics

JS Wax Seal

March 4, 2014 Jodi Sam
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Customization, personalization, adding a personal touches to the little things always make me happy, and hopefully the ones who receive them too.  Am in the process of creating my promotional piece for the year, and thought what can be better than to seal the envelopes with customized "js" wax one?

After lots of running around, Internet searches, and emails, I ordered one from France.  And it finally arrived last night! Though I have yet to test it out myself, I was extremely happy with the results--a sample was kindly included in the package. This beautiful, little brass and lacquered wood seal is going to seal not only envelopes, but also lots of thoughts and love!

Mr. Dominique Chaine--a true artisan, crafted the seal for me and corresponding with him has been a great pleasure. Please visit his site for more details:

www.gravure-marseille.com/en

In notes & thoughts Tags classics

My Favourite Things - Vintage Moschino by Persol Sunglasses

November 24, 2013 Jodi Sam
vintage moschino by persol_jodisam.jpg

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!

In notes & thoughts, my favourite things Tags blotted line drawings, fashion, classics

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