Election 2012

Therapy Pets

There are numerous studies and examples that prove therapy pets are truly healing and magical for the human psyche. Back in March of this year, NPR had a piece on the subject and I have come across story after story after story, proving that even cats make great healers.

This past weekend I attended a handlers' workshop necessary for taking the steps to be registered as a Pet Partners Therapy Team with my cat, Tao. I traveled two hours north to Long Beach for an all day workshop that included practice visits using stuffed toys and videos of dog calming signals. It was really enjoyable and I learned quite a bit. Next step is evaluation of myself and Tao in a series of activities. I have unlimited time to continue training him before we have to test and I want our efforts to be successful.

So far Tao has learned to walk (decently) on a leash, knows "No" when it comes to leaving things alone (even yummy food), high-5, handshake, sit (often confused with lie down - but it's an acceptable start), riding in a basket on my bike and playing fetch. Oh, and talking. Words that only he understands, but this cat has a full repertoire.

I've been rather distracted from creating my own "HiddenInspiration" piece this week with the adventures of training my cat and also getting a severe pinched nerve on my right shoulder and neck... lol, that's what I get for suddenly riding a bike 4 days in row. Exercise is dangerous. ;)

Here's my fella, Tao the Amazing Cat, on one of the hottest days in San Diego. My upstairs apartment doesn't have air-conditioning (as most older homes in SD do not) and it must have reached at least 100ºF inside. To keep Tao and myself from melting, we wore wet handkerchiefs around our necks and I have to admit that Tao was looking pretty dapper in his.

imPOSSIBLE

Rough sketch of "imPOSSIBLE" hand-drawn type. Still figuring out how to be at least half as awesome as the talented Jessica Hische. practice. practice. practice.

Lucky Black Kat

Many cultures actually welcome

a black cat as a sign of "Good Luck".

 Here's my Lucky Kat to help turn-around

Americans' negative views of this fine feline.

According to a post in Wikepedia,

there's a famous black cat I need to read up on:

"The character Behemoth in "The Master and Margarita", an enormous black cat (said to be as large as a hog), capable of standing on two legs and talking, and has a penchant for chess, vodka and pistols."

MEOW!

{{ HiddenInspiration #4 }}

Random photos, random creations.

{{ HiddenInspiration #4 }} by Christina Conway (me)

Chose to try this one again as the one before I wasn't really "feeling".

{{ HiddenInspiration #3 }}

Random photos, random creations. 

{{ HiddenInspiration #3 }} by Christina Conway (me)

{{ HiddenInspiration #2 }}

Random photos, random creations. 

{{ HiddenInspiration #2 }} by Christina Conway (me)

{{ HiddenInspiration #1 }} can be seen in previous post, "Catch Up".

Catch Up & {{ HiddenInspiration #1 }}

Welcome Back!
Has it really been almost a year since I last posted? Despite this time-lapse, I haven't disappeared completely. I have found distracting avenues for posting life's chapters of interesting moments (Facebook) and collecting items of interest (Pinterest). Even my updates of great places to find new music has been befuddled with the introduction of a popular music application (Spotify).

Let's catch up:

• The day after Christmas I started fostering a 5 month old rescue cat (third cat down) that started fetching my hand-crocheted mice and I fell completely head over heals for. We're in the process of getting us both certified to be therapy Pet Partners. I'm hoping to eventually take him to hospitals and convalescent homes, bringing the healing power of fuzzy cuddles and purrrs to everyone he meets. He's learned "high-5", "sit", "shake", "lie down" and walks on a leash. Yes, he's that awesome.  AND... I'm probably THAT Crazy Cat Lady. :)

15 year-old Ashley

8 year-old Baxter

1 year-old Tao - The little dude that is training to be a therapy pet.

• More of my logo design and pattern work has been available in stores via International Arrivals, a client I've had for almost 5 years now. Always fun to see my projects in cute shops around the country. 

• I was recently contacted by Pottery Barn Kids for freelance work and had a chance to visit San Francisco, which I am now completely smitten with this creative city.

• And now I'm back to posting on my blog again for an experiment in inspiration and discipline. I'm calling this project "{{ HiddenInspirations }}", I plan to expand my creativity by randomly picking photos/art/design images and creating repeat patterns, logos, characters, etc. based on the chosen "inspiration". Basically I'm forcing myself to create SOMETHING, ANYTHING based on seeing a photo and putting pencil to paper/ Wacom pen to tablet. My first design is below, the pattern was created after playing around with a shape I found in the photo (shown directly below design). My plan is to create designs based on this structure, at least once a week. Would love to have you follow along and give your feedback and even see your own creations!

{{ HiddenInspiration #1 }} by Christina Conway (me)

Cyber Monday Special!

Ooooh! Support Small Businesses AND Artists with a 'Cyber Monday" sale on Homeroom paintings. Free shipping within the continental U.S.! Yay!!

Beautiful pdf of all pieces here: http://subtextgallery.com/preview_homeroom.pdf

Get your ART on!

Thank you for your support,

Chris, Dylan & Don

Homeroom @ Subtext Gallery Peek

show postcard with Soey Milk's art.

lovely shot of gallery front window by the talented 'gumisforlovers'

three main gallery walls. makes the space look super miniature.

but it was a BIG event. :)

fourth gallery wall "classroom" with original childhood drawings

and photos of the artists.

You can find all the artwork for the show HERE

in a pdf that includes information about each piece.

Reception for "Homeroom" at Subtext Gallery was perfect! The rain stayed away, crowds of art lovers viewed amazing works, drinks were had, people were fed, coloring ensued and the band played loudly. Thank you to everyone for making this event so much fun!

If you missed the show, never fear, I'll be here holding fort every Saturday until the end of the show, Sunday, December 11. Take an intimate look at all the pieces and bring your family and friends. I'll even have the art supplies out for your creative drawing adventures.

Artists' website can be found below. Enjoy and discover great talent:

Allison Sommers www.allisonsommers.com

Audrey Kawasaki www.audrey-kawasaki.com

Celëne Petrulak www.celeneart.com

Chris Ryniak www.chrisryniak.com

Dadu Shin www.dadushin.com

Harmony Gong www.harmonygong.com

JAW Cooper www.jawcooper.carbonmade.com

Jeya www.jeniyang.com

Jennifer Davis www.jenniferdavisart.com

JUURI www.juuriart.com

Kelly Vivanco www.kellyvivanco.com

Leung Ka-Yin, Joey www.leungkayin.com

Martin Hsu www.martinhsu.com

Naoshi www.nao-shi.com

Nimit Malavia nimitmalavia.com

Sean Mahan www.seanmahanart.com

Soey Milk milkbomb.blogspot.com

Tran Nguyen www.studentpages.scad.edu/~tnguye25

Yoskay Yamamoto www.yoskay.com

Zoë Williams zoewilliams.net

A HUGE "Thank You"

to everyone that made

this event possible

and showed their support. -c

Subtext Gallery, 'Homeroom' Early Preview

Late night shots of Subtext Gallery in progress

for opening night Friday, November 11. It's looking AMAZING!

So Proud!

The delightful Jeni Yang photographing her final painting

alongside the original childhood masterpiece.

One of the owners of Subtext Gallery,

the always dedicated, totally stocked,

art enthusiast, Dylan Jones,

giving a well-earned thumbs up.

"Thanks, Subtext guys, for making this possible!"

Nimit Malavia

Ooooh, more progress photos for Homeroom @Subtext. This time it's the intensely brilliant work of Nimit Malavia from Canada. You really need to see this piece in-person to fully appreciate.

Homeroom @ Subtext Gallery

My cat ate my homework. Yes, that's why I haven't updated in so many many days.

Actually, I have been hard at work putting together a stunning show with intensely amazing super incredible talents that have me in awe to be working alongside. The show opens this Friday night, November 11, 2011 at Subtext Gallery in Little Italy, San Diego.

I will now have to make a shortcut to provide more information on the show until I can catch up properly, click HERE for Homeroom: Opening Reception and show information.

Soey Milk's progress shot for her piece in the Homeroom show at Subtext Gallery. Mesmerizing.

Back from 11 days in NYC

I call this one "The Guilt Trip".

This Charming Life

The Village from Pedro Sousa | visuals on Vimeo.

♬ Currently Listening To:

Agnes Obel Philharmonics

Austra Feel It Break

Little Dragon Ritual Union

And I can't wait for Beirut's new album, Rip Tide, on August 30th. First two songs I've heard are already stuck lovingly in my head: "East Harlem" and "Goshen". Listen and I promise no regrets.

Reader's Digest of Updates

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We raised over $6000 with the Ema Art for Japan Fundraiser... WOWOWOW! THANKS to each and every one of you that participated, checked out the auctions and supported the cause. It was a bit of a nightmare working with Mission Fish (and I flat out can say, "DON'T USE THEM.") since they are greedy little buggers. But overall it was a huge labor of love and I'm proud to have been able to help Japan in some tiny way.

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In Los Angeles, for the "Year of the Labbit" at the Japanese American National Museum, I have a custom Labbit on view from July 14 through September 11, 2011. My "Pooka" is showcased with mighty talent all around, including work by Edwin Ushiro, Yoskay Yamamoto, Camilla d'Errico, Lou Pimentel and Harmony Gong amongst others. All pieces are for sale, support the museum and the artists.

"Pooka", customized Labbit by me. Acrylic, Sculpey and Love.

"Pooka" close-up of riding babooshka.

Blank Labbit with Sculpey droppings.

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Kelly Vivanco's painting with bonus Kraken(s).

I'm currently working on a piece for the 5 year celebration show at Subtext Gallery in Little Italy, San Diego. The show is titled, "Release the Kraken" and has local talent repainting collected works of art depicting water with a "Kraken" added to the scenes. I wish I could be there for the opening of this show on August 12th... but alas I will be in New York City for work, play and adventures! If you attend the opening, please takes loads of photos and share the experience with me. Wish I could be in two places at once.

KRAKEN BEFORE/AFTER

Lebedinoye Ozero by Anonymous & Christina Conway

Acrylic and Velvet Painting on Cardboard

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In August, I'll be visiting NYC (and New Jersey) for almost two weeks. Can't wait!!! It's mostly for pleasure so I have next to nothing to complain about... even with the weather predicting to be H-O-T. Can't wait to visit my art friends and see all the things that make NYC, NYC.

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"I ♡ Unicorns", an early work by Christy Conway

(yes, in the days of unicorns I was a Christy).

AND... In the works for this Fall is a show I'm curating for Subtext Gallery, "School Night Open House", with artists reinterpreting existing works of art from their youth. The line-up is truly incredible and gives me goose-bumps each time I review - Check out these artists and links for yourself and see why YOU MOST DEFINITELY SHOULD BE IN ATTENDANCE November 11, 2011 - that's 11/11/11 for all you number kids out there.

Confirmed Artists:

Allison Sommers www.allisonsommers.com

Audrey Kawasaki www.audrey-kawasaki.com

Catherine Brooks www.catherinebrooksart.com

Celëne Petrulak www.celeneart.com

Chris Ryniak www.chrisryniak.com

Dadu Shin www.dadushin.com

Harmony Gong www.harmonygong.com

JAW Cooper www.jawcooper.carbonmade.com

Jeya www.jeniyang.com

Jennifer Davis www.jenniferdavisart.com

JUURI www.juuriart.com

Katherine Brannock www.katherinebrannock.com

Kelly Vivanco www.kellyvivanco.com

Leung Ka-Yin, Joey www.leungkayin.com

Martin Hsu www.martinhsu.com

Naoshi www.nao-shi.com

Nimit Malavia nimitmalavia.com

Sean Mahan www.seanmahanart.com

Soey Milk milkbomb.blogspot.com

Tran Nguyen www.studentpages.scad.edu/~tnguye25

Yoskay Yamamoto www.yoskay.com

Zoë Williams www.x03.org

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More Ema Art for Japan! YAY!

Additional ema art added to the "Artists Help Japan/Give2Asia" Auction HERE

Joel Nakamura

Joel's Donated Art Ema for Japan

Acrylic on Metal

With Custom Hanging Based on Winning Bidder's Preferences

CLICK FOR DIRECT LINK TO AUCTION PAGE

My love for Joel Nakamura's work started before I ever began collecting art or curating. In college, many many moons ago, I came across his work in a random magazine and instantly was enthralled. So many details, such interesting characters and exquisite colors! I cut the image out of the magazine and pasted it inside a book I was putting together for an Art Education Class book titled "What is Art?". I was questioning if illustration was to be considered "Art" and of course, I knew it to be true, but you had to make the book full of opposing images and leave the answers up the viewer. Joel's work was a large painting on the side of a semi-truck advertising Corona Beer, it was a complex image with many hidden characters and objects. The first time a beer company actually caught my attention with a campaign. Yes, advertising can contain "art".

The next time I thought of Joel was about 6 years later while taking an Illustration Art class. We had to write about our favorite illustrators. Something I hadn't thought too much about, but I had already started collecting children's books so it wasn't a hard topic to write about. Narrowing down to 4 artists only, I thought of the impact Joel's work had on me so many years before and chose him as one the illustrators to focus on. I found his website, copied his bio photo where he was wearing an odd hat with "horns", and then learned more about his background and techniques. He is influenced by Mexican art and paints and hammers on metal, creating time-consuming and thought provoking images often around mythical stories. It was great to learn about a technique not commonly used in current art. I admired his work even more than before. The class assignment was actually useful!

Around the same time of the paper, I started an apprenticeship with an established designer who collected art and worked with many of his artists friends. The first day on the job (his home), there across the living room I spied something very familiar. It's was an original Joel Nakamura. Wow. Strange coincidence, small world. And the designer was personal friends with Joel. Soon after I found myself on the phone talking with Joel and he was giving me advice on being an illustrator (I was under some strange illusion I could be one). I was thrilled to be getting advice from such a talented man, and he had an amazing peacefulness about it that made me immediately feel comfortable and like an old friend. Later that same year, Joel came out with a children's book and was signing them in Pasadena (Joel lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico). I of course made sure to be there and he signed and doodled inside my copy, I was thrilled and it was nice to finally meet him in-person.

Years later, I was curating my first big art show and I knew I had to include Joel. He agreed with much gumption and completed three beautiful pieces that all sold almost immediately. The next year I ran into him at San Diego Comic Con, he was watching the booth of the designer I use to work with. I invited him to be in another show I was curating, this time we had a long talk over the phone discussing the true nature of people, it was a good conversation and I left feeling like I had a true friend in Joel Nakamura. He's the real deal, down to earth and modest with an explosion of creativity emenating from his fingertips. Keep up the great work, Joel.

New Painting Joel just sent me a preview of. :)