Thank You Vancouver

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

Art Show Open House

I haven't participated in a group or community art event in years (in both Vancouver & Tokyo). However, next Saturday from 2 PM to 4 PM, I will be at the Art Show Open House happening at Amica at Arbutus Manor. Because it's not a formal showing for me, I will be sharing some of my older and newer pieces together (Lala is making her debut in Vancouver along side some bubbles!), which is a rather rare occasion. So, please do come by and join me for some artistic fun!

Sat Mar 4 2017
2 PM - 4 PM
Amica at Arbutus Manor
2125 Eddington Drive
Vancouver, BC

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/

Merry Christmas - Ain Soph Aur

It's a day late but, Merry Christmas Everyone! Wishing you a beautiful holiday season full of joy, laughs, and sparkles!! Ain Soph Aur means “Limitless Light” in Hebrew, from the Kabbalah—Tree of Life.  Transcending beliefs and backgrounds, since we are wonderful & different, May Limitless Light Be With Us All!!

I learnt the phrase a little while ago. I loved it so much that I dug up my calligraphy pen nibs from high school to hand write it out and then later incorporated it into my holiday greeting! As for the blue bubbles they were painted with Vancouver's rain/snow as the inspiration. Am lucky to have grown up in a multicultural city with people of all sorts of background, and had the same wonderful experience in my 6 1/2 years in Tokyo. Thank you and really, Happy Holidays!!

Warmest,
Jo

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!