Vormator Publication

You can read the text on my flickr site where the images are a higher resolution:
Bio
Main Copy

First time to have my work published in a book and I'm quite proud. The Vormator project started about 2 years ago and the book was finally released in October. The book is an import and can be ordered online here.

Taken from the book:
"Vormator is the ultimate design challenge that requires each artist to create a one-page visual by using only eight shapes within a set of given rules.

The goal of the Vormator project is to show the importance of limitations on creativity. The result is shown in this book and proves that even with a large number of limitations and a few graphical elements to start with, a huge variation of quality graphics is still possible.

The best works published in this book were selected from over five hundred submissions from all over the world. The variety of art works is mind-boggling. Each creator also explains how the art work was made and provides insight into the process of creation, which gives this publication an educational value as well as an inspirational one.

Vormator has been very successful on the internet and is widely discussed on design portals, blogs and design forums. Now the best results of Vormator are available for the first time in print.

Vormator is an initiative by two Dutch designers: Wimer Hazenberg of Booreiland and Jan Willem Wennekes of Zeptonn."

Here are a few of my favorite designs in the book:
Hicalorie

MWM Graphics
Mykola Dosenko
Mishfit
David Polonia

My New Mug

I found this super awesome crying baby through Etsy. The shop, "Plants on the Brain", caught my attention (who doesn't love baby heads???) and I couldn't resist inquiring if a handle could be added to my favorite one and Viola! a mug was born (pun intended)! Can't wait to start my mornings off right by drinking caffeine out of a screaming baby's head. Test run shown above (my first effort at animating pics, so silly), serves up a lovely cuppa chai. :)

Dreams to Dreams

The phases Nature Otokonoko went through while in my possession.
My final customized vinyl Daruma (about the size of a volleyball).

The next show I'm in! I edited the back of the virtual postcard so my fans can recognize me on the list (lol). How I ended up amongst such a marvelous group of artists I'm not entirely certain, but complaining I'm not! The artists' reception is this Saturday (Dec. 6) at JANM from 1pm-4pm. I will be there proudly grinning ear to ear, if you see a geeky red-head please say "hello" and if it happens to be me, I'll surely give a warm "hello" right back. And then probably talk your ear off about the amazing museum, my Kokeshi project and any advice on the best place to visit that night while in LA.

My Daruma's title is Nature Otokonoko (Japanese for 'boy'). I named him after a friend I was visiting in Washington state that inspired the theme of my piece. The real "Nature Boy" lives next to a salty lake, hidden away from busy streets and noisy neighbors. I was in-love with his location and working outside on the patio, viewing all the lovely foliage and nature at its best definitely influenced my work. Thanks Wil aka "Nature Boy".

There will be around 50 custom Darumas in the show, all for sale, with proceeds benefitting the museum, which needs all the support it can receive during these trying times. Also, small blank vinyl DCTO Darumas will be for sale and some artists will be available for signing.

Project curated by Maria Kwong (director of JANM Store) and Dacosta (designer of the DCTO vinyl Daruma).

Here's JANM's write-up of the project:
Dreams to Dreams
December 2, 2008 - January 4, 2009

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT
The Japanese American National Museum in association with Dacosta of Chocolate Soop bring you the first custom vinyl toy show in a museum.

Just in time for the holidays, 40-50 artists will customize Chocolate Soop’s DCTO (Dream Come True Object), a futuristic vinyl version of a traditional Japanese New Year’s folk toy. Artwork will be on display and on sale at the Museum through the month of December and through the Museum’s Oshogatsu celebration. Pieces from this show will also be available for sale online in December on the Museum Store Online.

DCTO (pronounced dik-toe) is an urban vinyl version of a daruma, symbol of the 5th century Buddhist monk who meditated so long he lost the use of his arms and legs. Daruma dolls come with unpainted eyes. The owner uses Daruma as a symbol of personal dedication to a new venture or new beginning. Painting in the left eye shows commitment to a goal; once the goal is achieved, you paint in the right eye.

I Heart APAK

I didn't think I could be more smitten with APAK, but they've gone and made it possible! Keep an eye on this amazing artist couple, their works are smiles and warm hugs in art form :)
And congratulations to the new parents on their most amazing creation ever, baby APAK (not real name).

I Finally Took a Drink and It's Quite Refreshing

I was cautious but then felt the power of "Change" and "Hope" which is exactly what my country needs. The fact that a candidate could inspire so many to support him in such positive and refreshing ways, you cannot deny that this is an amazing time and we need more uplifting influences. Never before have I seen so many come together and pour their hearts out in as many creative ways as this Presidential election.

(Click on images to find their original sources and artists' credit).

Poor Neglected but Loved Blog

A present: Beirut "Postcards From Italy"

Sneaky Stuff

Here's a new sneak peek of a different project I just finished up. This time someone else has been busy curating and I was able to play the part of an artist ;)
Show will be at the beginning of December at JANM and this link has something to do with it. Will give more away when the show is closer to opening.

Kokeshi 2009 Sneak

It's not until mid-next year but I had to share a peek into the project and proudly display the artists that will be contributing to the next Kokeshi show. There's a new shape (unreleased) and a bevy of new artists for 2009. Artists' links have been added to the Flickr images. Click on above images to be taken to Flickr set of artists in next year's show.

An early "Thank You" to those contributing, I am truly honored!

Akino Kondoh

Found through BoingBoing, I'm immediately enamored. Watch this Japanese artist's films below and check out more of her work here.

I AM this crazy* for Julie West & Rabbits

*"Big Pink Rabbit" by Julie West. Embroidered Fabric/Felt 13" x 30"

"Sickly Sweet" is a solo show of new works by Julie West. It opened at MyPlasticHeart in New York, August 8, and yes, I invested in something too huggable to ignore. :)