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.
otona kyutto Day 1: Setup and Lunch
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
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
PechaKucha - from daydreams to ink and pixels
Ever wondered how I create my work or what my creative process is--or if I even have one?
It's rather embarrassing posting about this, since I can't stand my own voice (have yet to watch this personally)! But, I hope you'll find my PechaKucha presentation interesting! And after watching this, I look forward to you stopping by my show next month, to see my creations in person. Nothing beats the originals!
www.pechakucha.org/cities/tokyo/presentations/from-daydreams-to-ink-and-pixels or click on the image above to bring you to the site.
P.S. Special thanks to the people who came to watch this live last month, and the ones who previewed this before me posting it. Was told that I did not too bad! Hahaha......
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
otona kyutto
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
plate tokyo and Fall 2014 Exhibition
With deadlines looming and lots on my "plate" these days, what could be better than visiting one of the best causal, but exceptional French restaurants in Tokyo for a late lunch meeting?
plate tokyo, located in the chic Nishi-Azabu area, is wonderful with an amazing menu from single dishes to course menus ranging anywhere from 1000 yen to 8000+ yen. Their special priced lunches are not only available during weekdays, but on weekends as well--a rarity here in Japan.
The ingredients are fresh, the cooking is superb, and the atmosphere is relaxing. I am a lover of great food, but not stuffy and uptight surroundings. The cheese board and wine selections are to die for! What is even more impressive, is their personable service, and love of great music and arts. They even produced their own CDs, and have artists showing their works on a monthly basis.
The owner, Ayano-san, is as attentive as she is cute. Feel free to drop by plate tokyo anytime, for some great food, or even just a glass of wine, though you really should try a couple of their amazing dishes!
Thank you everyone at plate tokyo for making my stressful life, more relaxed and delicious. Can't wait until my next visit there!
arigatoinc.com/plate
+81(0)8046899059
* A special advance notice: Am honoured to be holding my new exhibition at plate tokyo from Sep 1 to 30 2014
Nero-chan on Neptune Design Web Store
Am happy to announce that nero-chan postcards are now available on Neptune Design's web store! Though the website mainly features cycling-related goods, it does have a kuroneko, black cat, category. And since nero-chan is a black kitty, he somehow found his way there!
Please do check him and all the other hi-performance cycling items out:
JS x Tokyu Hands Gallery Market Shibuya Apr 27 - May 24
Tokyu Hands is one of my favourite stores in Japan. They have everything you need and do not. Am very happy to share with you from Sun Apr 27 to Sat May 24, my postcards will be on sale at their Hands Gallery Market on the 7th Floor of their Flagship Shibuya Store!!
I will be a part of a number of crafty talents showing and selling their works. It's really the perfect place to discover various creative minds while enjoying a cup of coffee, because this Shibuya store in particular as Hands Cafe--there are only 2 of such cafes in Japan, in Shibuya or Uemeda in Osaka.
On show are my "the stars" series postcards, as well has some of my other designs. Please do visit it during this time!
http://www.tokyu-hands.co.jp/handscafe/shibuya/index.html
Thank you! Day 4 & 5
Well, a great big thank you to everyone!! I couldn't have pulled off the stars & my favourite things show without all love and your support. To have been able to see so many friends, make new ones, and share in person what I have been doing since relocating to Tokyo is a true honour.
Of course, the same has to been said about the wonderful staff at Le Chalet and Levain. They really had to squeeze us into their cozy little cafe while still running the place packed with their own customers.
And just had to share the pics of the cookie that was as big a baumkuchen, and of the giant loafs campagne from Levain--am turning into a pig surrounded by beautiful flowers!!
Day 3: Good Food, Good Art, and Good Company!
Day 3 of the stars & my favourite things was as much as food for the creative mind, as for the heart and stomach! Thank you for the beautiful little gifts and everyone who came out to support me. Fellow artists and supportive friends came to enjoy lunch and teas, and lots of great conversations. And the same went for the new people I met.
Le Chalet is usually very busy on the weekends. That's why am sure this one is going to be even more so!!
Above is just a small sample of what is served at the cafe. The first is my favourite, goma-miso sando (sesame-miso sandwich), veggie & cheese toast (apologies for me taking a bite before taking the photo), and french toast made with real French bread!
True happiness indeed!!
Day 2: Nico
Day 2: How can you not fall in love with him? Nico and his owner came to the cafe for an early dinner, and I just had to take a picture of him!
First Day Report of the stars & my favourite things
A short report on the first of the stars & my favourite things show. It was an extremely fun opening day. Many familiar faces came to visit, as well as some new ones!
I had my favourite sandwich and lots of coffee and tea! I say, even if you don't like my work too much, you must come and try their bread! Hahaha.....Three and a half more exciting and delicious days to go!!
***Kindly note that the Friday Closing Hour has change to 7:30 PM from the usual 10 PM***
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!
Happy 2014!
Decided to go with a four leaf clover to post on Jan 4 to celebrate 2014. Clovers are a symbol of Good Luck, so I wish everyone a healthy, lucky, and creative New Year!