Piggies! From artist Taeko Ozaki.
Piggies on Buttons too!
Piggies in love!
Piggies in Lemur Outfits! Could anything be more adorable?!?
Not a pig fan? There are other animals too. Mostly with pigs. Because Pigs are so darn cute!
Of course, my ocean-loving self loves this whale featured in “Diving in the Sky.”
I came across this painting today and it has so moved me. Simultaneously beautiful and terrible, from artist Jamzombie, a reminder of the work left to be done and an unfortunate environmental legacy.
Japanistic is hitting the road this week. Well, sort of. My son is going to New York with his grandmother, and lucky him, he gets to go Taro’s Origami Studio.
Recently profiled in New York magazine, the shop is the brainchild of origami artist, and Patent Attorney (!) Taro Yaguchi.
“Taro’s Origami Studio is a space dedicated to the art and expression of origami folding. By folding origami one at a time with focus and care, one can enjoy the beauty of process itself while your creativity is expressed from a sheet of paper to something completely new. Taro’s Origami Studio offers Drop in & try out corners, classes and workshops for all levels of children and adults.”
The shop welcomes everyone from beginners to more advanced origami practitioners and has classes for kids, adults, and space for parties too. My son’s birthday is in January and I only wish we lived close enough to have his party there!
No reason to be nervous, as Taro’s motto lets you know.
Even if you are totally new to origami, with a little practice, you’ll be making beautiful origami in no time. Just remember the following tips:
If you are in NY, support a small independent business, hone your origami skills, and, of course, send us a photo of your work.
Can’t wait to see what my son comes home with!
Posted in Origami, Papercraft, This inspires me, art
Tagged Origami in Park Slope, Taro Yaguchi, Taro's Origami Studio
A photo a day, from Color Travel Guide blogger Naoya Okazaki.
What do I like about them? Almost like a series of polaroids that capture a moment in time.
What else do I love? It’s like these photos were all taken through a 1970s lens, as if they belong in the film version of The Virgin Suicides.
It’s like the best of Japan, through a Hiptasmatic lens. And doesn’t EVERYTHING look better in Hipstamatic?
Posted in Pretty Pretty, This inspires me, art
Tagged A Japan photo a day, Color Travel Guide, Naoya Okazaki
Although I’m a knitter, the art of felting is a mystery to me. While I don’t understand it, I am in awe of the artistry behind these felted birds from Samurai Felt.
So lifelike they look ready to take flight, the artist , based in Hyogo, Japan, says “I have needled felt little animals out of wool since last year,inspired from nature near by my habitation. I realy [sic] love the beauty of nature animals and birds, so I always strive to make them as realstic [sic] as possible.” (via)
If only these sweet friends would visit the bird bath in my backyard.
On a gorgeous Monday, I am drawn to these images from Lil Sonny Sky.
Her series of Japanese Spring Girls is quite beguiling. Simple, and yet, entirely lively and joyful.
I’m also in love with her Japanese Rain print.
There’s also her Kokeshi Doll print.
Can you see one of these on your wall? I certainly can.
Posted in Craft, Things I'd like to have, art
Tagged Folksy, Japanese Spring Girl, Kokeshi, Lil Sonny Sky
How did I not know about this? A Haruki Murakami Art Contest! (Thank you Superpunch, for enlightening me!) Happening at Nowness.com, the contest is in honor of the English translation of Murakami’s new book, 1Q84. Entries are up, and voting is open for the next week.
“The winners will be announced on NOWNESS on October 25 to coincide with the publication of 1Q84. The six most popular entries will each be awarded with a first-edition copy of 1Q84 signed by the author, as well as a complete archive of his previous works courtesy of Random House, Inc., our partners in the competition.” (via)
There are plenty more so be sure to look at all of them before you vote. I can’t quite decide if I prefer the literal or more abstract – what do you think?
Posted in Books, Special Events, This inspires me, art
This morning, I am sitting at home, listening to French Rap on an iTunes radio station and loading product. (I know, I know. French Rap? But seriously–give it a chance.)
I am so excited about these cards that I had to stop and tell you about them.
Last time we had these incredible Atsuhiko Misawa cards in stock at the store, they sold out so quickly, I didn’t have a chance to put them online. This time, we ordered extra so you can have them too!
Japanese artist Misawa is well-known for his collection of “wooden life-sized sculptures of animals, which are lively and humorous.” (via)
Although famous for his sculptures, Misawa works in a number of other mediums as well.
Now, you can have your own collection of his artwork with these Cards at Japanistic. Thicker than card stock, they would mail well, of course. I see them, however, with a hole punched in them and a lovely piece of ribbon strung through to hang them on my wall.
I love this cat with two differently colored eyes.
How would you hang your newest gallery pieces?
Posted in Beauty, New Product, art
Tagged Misawa Atsuhiko, Misawa Atsuhiko Animal Cards, New Product at Japanistic
Today’s the day! If you don’t have plans and you are in NY, make your way to the J-Collabo “Heritage” exhibit and event.
Another of the fantastic artists featured is paper cut maestro Kaori Nakanishi.
According to an artist biography at from her April show at EXCY Gallery, she was “born on 7th January in1975 in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, she took up the art of kirie paper-cutting when she was in university. In 2006, she left her job to become a professional kirie illustrator. Presently, she creates kirie illustrations for magazines and holds exhibitions at various locations. Delicately created by hand with a sharp utility knife, a cut paper kirie makes a beautiful picture.
Historically, kirie is well-known and popular around the world. In Japan, kirie is regarded as a form of traditional culture because its motifs often depict Japanese customs and folktales. While honoring the rich kirie tradition, she aims to employ the art form in contemporarily expressing design and illustration.” (via)
What is it about these guys that makes me love them so much?
I love this sassy girl!
If you go, and get to meet her, tell her I love these, especially this strong girl with the whale. She is my Japanese Pippi Longstocking!
Posted in Craft, Design, This inspires me, art
Tagged J-Collabo, J-Collabo Heritage Exhibition, Kaori Nakanishi, Kirie, Paper Cut art
A few days ago, I tweeted about the J-Collabo exhibit and event coming on September 9th but I wanted to look a little more at some of the artists and illustrators involved.
First up today, artist Yoko Furusho.
“YOKO FURUSHO is a Japanese artist/illustrator based in New York. She was born in Tokyo and moved to New York to study illustration at the School of Visual Arts. After her graduation, she started her career as a professional illustrator/artist. She likes to draw details, textures and patterns with ink and acrylics, and often uses fashion as her inspiration. She is addicted to collecting fashion magazines and likes to look at a lot of dresses and cute textiles.” Yeah, sounds like a perfect fit for Japanistic.
She also has her own collection at the Keds Collective.
I would wear any of these!
And if I can’t have the sneakers, I’d certainly settle for this mug for my morning coffee.
And remember, if you are in NY on the 9th, you can see her work and meet her at the J-Colabo event in just a few days.
J-COLLABO Exhibition “Heritage”
The telling of Japanese fairy tales is one vehicle with which the Japanese have handed down their sense of beauty, customs, lessons, and social norms through the generations. With “Heritage,” J-COLLABO’s biannual celebration and exhibition, artists in New York present Japanese tradition in a new light, using new media and innovative collaborations across artistic platforms.
Wish I could be there!
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