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"