Shigeko Okada illustration blog

Dandy Catalogue

2012-02-13T22:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's day to everyone~!

Shopping

2012-02-10T07:58:00.001-08:00

I often saw this kind of girl near the studio I worked for. In the holiday season, everyone near Macy's at 34st. was like her and they blocked my way with their shopping bags...

Perfume

2012-02-08T04:34:00.000-08:00

I don't often wear perfume, but those two perfumes are my eternal friends. Sweet and elegant scent suits for a lady. Am I eligible to wear them?

2012-02-05T17:48:00.000-08:00

My new year's card, tea-poring piece, got 2nd prize at apollo image New Year's card contest in Japan.
This is a good start of Dragon year. Thank you so much!

2012-01-26T12:04:00.001-08:00

New business cards! I am ready to promote myself in Tokyo. Pleas wish me luck.

2012-01-20T20:02:00.001-08:00

Dipping oreo cookies into milk... yummy!

2012-01-19T21:52:00.000-08:00

Valentine's will come soon.

2012-01-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

2012-01-05T07:04:00.001-08:00

Weekend.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T17:53:00.000-08:00

I wish you a Happy New Year-!!!

Kyoto and Nara 2011 Fall

2011-12-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

I have been having terrible jet lag yet since I came back from Japan. Having jet lag makes me feel that I am lazy... I should adjust myself into the U.S. life cycle.

Last month, I went back to Japan to see my family and friends for the first time in two and half years. My hometown is Saitama where is located next to Tokyo like the same relationship between New Jersey and Manhattan. I traveled Kyoto and Nara during my stay in December and the autumn leaves were at their peak! It was really beautiful. Also, I am a fan of Butsuzou ( image of Buddha or statue of Budda) and I had a great experience to see the special image of Buddha at Hase temple in Nara . I felt peace when I touched him. I would like to share some photos I took there.

JUXTAPOZ JANUARY 2012 ISSUE

2011-12-16T20:17:00.001-08:00

My illustration is featured in the profiles section of JUXTAPOZ magazine January issue. What a great early Christmas gift for me! Big thanks to editor, Evan Pricco.

2011-11-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

Portrait of Japanese couple at Grimaldi's Pizzeria at Brooklyn.

2011-11-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

How to make a good tea.

2011-10-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Self-Service...

Coffee connoisseur

2011-10-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

2011-10-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

Habit...

Dandelion

2011-10-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

This is my third time to paint dandelion. Both yellow flower and dandelion down are very attractive and friendly for me, also this flower reminds me of my childhood. I found very interesting myth about dandelion. Dandelion down reveals how much your lover is thinking of you, the more you are being thought of. How romantic is it?

I participate 22nd Anual the Cathedral Art Festival at Van Vost Church in Jersey City on Saturday, November 12. Unfortunately, I can't go to Champaign Gala night because I will be in Japan at the time.

2011-10-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a portrait painting. The request is a guy driving Japanese transportation company car with the setting in Hiroshima.
When people saw this painting, first reaction is "why Pink road" with big smile. Why Pink? Because I want to make people smile!

I painted two cars and one truck recently, and I found out myself that painting automobile is kind of fun.

2011-10-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

My illustration will be showcased with a graphic designer and a motion graphic designer at Carpe Diem on October 20 at People Lounge in lower manhattan. I don't know anything about DJ, but it is interesting to see how mix and match my works and DJ world.

Carpe Diem
Hosted by King Francis Harris & Pannie Navarro

http://peoplelounge.com
163 Allen Street, New York
Free Admisson 21 and over

Featuring DJ's
Bradford James (Seed Recordings /galaktik)
Mike Dominico (mutedtrax)
Phil D.(Phil D. records)
Opening set by Young-ji / DJ Love

"Playing an Ecletic Mixture of Dance Music"

Special Artist Showcase
YBK
Shigeko Okada
Deaeun Danny Kim

Epic Oregon

2011-10-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Map of Oregon based on my Summer trip. Here is my first map illustration! It took me a long time to finish, but it was so fun. I want to try another map. Where I should choose? Maybe, Kyoto and Nara where I plan to visit in this autumn. It sounds good that I travel somewhere with my original map! If someone plan to Oregon, I can share the map ;-))

2011-10-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

I was asked to paint one work for my friend's father in law as a birthday present a month ago. This is NOT the one. She sent me many his and his wife's photos as a reference, and I made a extra one as a gift from me. Hope my friend like it.

Travel

2011-10-05T20:50:00.001-07:00

I like 1970s samsonite suitcase. I love their color a lot. My dad had the one, but my mom throw it away long time ago. I should have asked my mom to keep it, so I could use it for something..like keeping my painting! I haven't been back to Japan two years and a half. I miss my family, friend, food, and Onsen...

2011-09-30T15:04:00.001-07:00

The Print of this work will be on sale at here and I will post more information of this project later. Until then, please savor of Autumn breeze-.

the Artfuls

2011-09-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

My interview is on the Artfuls website now.
Also, you can download my wallpaper from the site!

Lycoris radiata

2011-09-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Lycoris radiata.
I got an email from my mom that Lycoris radiatas (we call it Higan bana) bloomed in the backyard this morning. Then I started painting it from 9.a.m. but the image doesn't suit for the beautiful morning.

This flower itself is simply beautiful, but this flower has many unlucky another names in Japan such as Hell flower, ghost flower, fox flower, etc. I don't know such unpleasant name was given, but I guess that it is poisonous flower.....
If you eat Lycoris radiata, only place you can reach is HELL. Be careful.

It fun to use the colors that I normally don't use, moreover, I painted it roughly.

Instigatorzine 12

2011-09-27T13:43:00.001-07:00

I was waiting for this moment to post the illustration for Instigatorzine 12. Now you can buy the Instigatorzine 12 digital pack at Instigatorzine

Papaver Orientale

2011-09-25T20:14:00.001-07:00

I've never seen Papaver Orientale. I know only Poppy flower, which is my favorite one!

Original image

I don't use Black for the background normally, and then I played around with it.

Sketchbook.

Chocolate Cosmos

2011-09-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

One more Cosmos. Do you know Chocolate Cosmos? This flower is not only color like chocolate but also smell like chocolate! I came to know about 10 years ago, because my mom grew the flower in the backyard. The name is very unique and represent the flower's characteristic very well. The size of Chocolate cosmos is smaller than cosmos and the shape of the leaves between them is different.

Surprisingly, chocolate flower came over to Japan in Taisho era, ha!

Cosmos

2011-09-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite flowers is Cosmos. I am normally attracted to the family of compositae like daisy and aster, and this flower delivers me the coming of autumn.

I painted this on my sketch book that I bought for myself as the new start in the U.S. as an illustrator. That's why I can't scan the image cleanly.

Also, I got this book only 50 cents at Church last Sunday. I was excited to have this book and paid as the price tag said, but I am regret that I should have paid at least $1... I will do next time for sure. ;-))

2011-09-19T19:54:00.001-07:00

Oregon Seaside

2011-09-08T14:35:00.001-07:00

Summer has gone, but the memory at Oregon beach still exists in my mind. Though I don't do much simple landscape, I try this as an experimental.

2011-09-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

I got a dog portrait offer from my Ex-CoWorker with specific situation and details. Fortunately I finished it today. I would like to share the part of image!

mini TRIKKY

2011-09-02T15:08:00.001-07:00

He is a climber who challenges hazardous mountain without hesitation.
I used to wear like this, and the model is my cat, Chiko. It was so fun! I want to do one more!

Brooklyn Art Project Quarterly #1

2011-09-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

I just came across some good news today after 3 months it was announced. my Candy Store was selected by Samantha Levin, a curator for White Rabbit NYC, as one of 100 artists featured in Brooklyn Art Project Quarterly #1 coming out this summer. I am humbled and excited to see the issue! Please let me know if you find this issue in Brooklyn or NYC, because the summer will be over this weekend officially.

2011-08-31T19:46:00.001-07:00

Fish-tea Party work is selected for Pocketful Illustration Magazine issue 6 with other 39 illustrator's works.
The magazine is available at Amazon.com now.

Oregon 2011

2011-08-29T21:15:00.001-07:00

Best summer vacation in the U.S. ever! I spent two weeks in Oregon based in Portland. I used to be a very nature person who loves mountain climbing, rock climbing, skiing, and biking. Oregon is the best state to enjoy nature in the U.S. I draw blue print for my future, which is to be a Portlandia who enjoy weekends in the nature and works as a freelance illustrator weekdays. But for achieving the goal, I need to be an successful illustrator....

Peach and Tomato

2011-08-02T15:37:00.000-07:00

I bought weird Peaches and Tomatos today.... but those are delicious!

2011-08-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

After I read the novel "Mary Antoinette" By Shusaku Endo, a Japanese renowned author, my impression on her was completely changed. Then she became one of my favorite woman in the history. Many movies captured only her gorgeous life and her ignorance, but the novel captured the different aspect of her life. You may feel sympathy toward her.

2011-08-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

August is the best month of the year, because it's my birthday month!
One of presents I got from my present was a ice shaving machine. I asked to them to have the one, because it shaped like a bear and his eyes were moving when I shaved ice. It called Kyoro-chang. I guess it was 8 years old birthday present. How pure kid I was. I put the cube shaped ices into his belly, then I could shave ice. For 8 year-old child, the machine was an innovative machine in the world.
Before Kyoro-chang came to my home, my parents owned a very old-style shaving machine. It required a rounded ice to set the machine and shave by hand. If my mom forgot to frozen the ice, my brother and I accused my mom's laziness... my mom has never been lazy though. But Kyoro-chang kindly accepted cube ice that we normally use, so I could eat whenever I felt like eating! Also I remember the day I said good-bye to Kyoro-chang, because he was broken.

Typewriter

2011-07-10T13:16:00.001-07:00

4.5x4.5inches Gouache

There was an old typewriter in my home when I was a child. The typewriter belonged to my dad. He used it for his translation job. When he took a rest, I typed something meaningless on a paper. I liked the sound of the typewriter. Later, a new white electric typewriter came to my home. My curiosity toward typewriter was reduced to the electric value.

I have made a typewriter painting for my portfolio in my senior year at SVA, but I still love to paint it. I have the same one in my home and it still works if I give a fresh ink to him. I don't have time to do this now, but I want to try some day.

2011-06-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

Requested portrait based on Yumeji Takehisa's famous Kurofuneya portrait. Yumeji Takehisa is one of my admired illustrators in Japan. I didn't draw pretty girls much when I was in school, but I have many opportunities to draw pretty girls in the real world. Interesting...

taking her cat for a walk

2011-06-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

I heard that a russian cat likes to sit on someone's shoulder when she takes a walk..., if so, she doesn't take a walk, just sit on shoulders.

2011-06-04T20:43:00.001-07:00

Tonight was "Dear Japan - 170 Artists 170 Messages" exhibition. This show was about Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Crisis Relief Benefit Art Exhibition. 170 famous artists and someone like me donated their works to the exhibition. When I got the gallery in SOHO, my work was sold by a wonderful person! I was happy, but I miss my work a little bit at the same time. I whispered "Don't forget about me, baby" . There were so many interested works and It was a great night! Thank you for everyone stopping by!

http://dearjapanny.wordpress.com/

Dear Japan

2011-06-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Please visit and say hello to me on Saturday.

endangered species

2011-05-16T15:51:00.001-07:00

My personal project is about endangered species. The first animal I picked up is Malayan Tapir. The big reason why they are endangered is loss of habitat. We cut down forest, and they have no use to hide when poachers come to catch them.
Tapir is very unique animal. It says that God created Tapir with left over bear"s body, tiger"s legs, arms, elephant"s nose, rhinoceros' eye when God created animals. Also, the white part of the body is the imprint of saddle on which Buddah rode. What a interest animal malay tapir is.

Society of Illustrators

2011-05-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you for everyone to bring this wonderful result to me!

my beloved cat

2011-05-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

2011-04-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

It"s been a year since I graduated from SVA. Time flies so quickly. It is time to think myself and my future again. Life is tough!

Here is the image for Chopsticks NY May issue. Please check this!

stress

2011-04-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

How do you relieve your stress?

Skin?

2011-04-14T08:03:00.001-07:00

I was a bit hesitate to post this image, because this is different from what I make usually. Here is my first medical illustration ever. It's been a while since I used adobe illustrator to draw something and it took me a while to finish it including researching the structure of skin! You know it should be accurate. A printed image came out darker than the original one though, I am happy to see it on the paper.

About me

2011-04-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

This is for About page of my website!
Please visit the site (again) when you have time. You will know the reason why the wild bore is there!
http://shigeko-okada.com/

Forbear

2011-04-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

My work at silent auction auctioned off at the silent auction at graphite last month.
There was another big minor earthquake in Tohoku two days ago. Political issues relating to Earthquake are arising one after another. Forbear from leisures including Hanami (enjoying Cherry blossom) is one of issues, but that may bring economical sluggish at the same time. I believe beautiful flowers may help ease their stress and anxiety. My parents visit to an old temple near my house that have an very old cherry blossom tree almost every day in this season. And they do this year, too.

Keep your hope up high

2011-03-30T17:24:00.001-07:00

This image is for upcoming charity art event for Japan. I chose "Hope" as the theme among others.
Hope they accept my work! Recently, I use computer for coloring final images, and I enjoyed Gouache a lot. But I used a cold press papper for this one today and this paper didn't work well for gouache. I struggled a little bit. Maybe hot press works for me.

By the way, I went to see ophthalmology doctor yesterday, because I was sick last weekend and Monday. Why not a physician? Because it started with vomit ( sorry! ) and ended with ache from right eye. Am I ok? The Doctor said the right side of optic nerve that was damaged two years ago starts acting again. She recommended me to take 2 pills of Omega3 every day.
My dear friends who use a computer a lot, please take Omega3 before your eyes get damaged!

2011-03-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

This is my first strip cartoon in my life. I didn't even think I made a cartoon strip, but it was really fun and good experience. I don't know anything about a cartoon strip except Peanut, but I tried my best. This is for Chopstics NY advertisement. When you get a chance, please take a look at it.

The Earthquake and Tsunami really broke my heart. Thank you for your warm consideration for my family and friends in Japan. I believe Japan and Japanese will overcome this disaster in the future with many helps and thoughts from all over the world. I've talked to my parents just now via Skype. During the conversation, there was a big one came again. My house through the camera was very shaken. What I concern is seismic intensity 3,4,5 are not taken seriously now. People call it "aftershock", but it still 5 or 4. It's still enough big. I experienced only 4 in my life and I know how it was scary. Please please no more disaster...

I am going to participate in this charity exhibition for Japan.

2011-03-04T02:05:00.001-08:00

I made Temakizushi for a special dinner tonight! This is easy party food at the same time. Also, today is HInamatsuri day for girls in japan. We ( only my home?) eat Chirashi zushi and clam soup. I jus wants to introduce our culture to you.

I like doodling like this very much, but I recently too much forcas on making illustration work. I enjoyed doodling at 4 in the morning! ;-D Good night!

2011-02-26T18:31:00.001-08:00

Borders bankruptcy filling was very shocking news to me last week and the news makes me worry about paper books' future at the same time. I love reading paperback books, children's books, magazines, newspapers, and any type of reading stuff made by papers. When I was a child, I stayed a library almost every day after school. I learned mountain climbing technic, ski technical method and names of flowers and trees all from books. I learned moral and human nature by masterpieces. When I saw those book in the book shelves, every single memories came across my mind. They are like trophies of my life.
With the appearance of e-book such as Kindle and Nook, paper books are in a tight squeeze. I am not interested in e-book at all, but I checked Nook at Barns and Noble yesterday. Well, I can read a children's book with illustration, which releves me as a person who wants to make a living with illustration, I can carry it easily, which is good for someone who always annoyed with stiff shoulders like me, and e-book can save many trees and change environment. But simply I hate it! It doesn't provide the smell of ink, it doesn't give me a freedom choosing a book from a book cover, and it doesn't have any texture that each books have. There are more reasons I hate e-book, but this is like emotional thing. Am I sounds wired?

Then, I made a illustration of the relationship between I and books! This is really personal piece!

Children's book Section

2011-02-20T13:22:00.001-08:00

I created Children's book section on my website,

then I realize how much I like nature and animal!

Banner for Lost At E Minor

2011-02-17T06:50:00.000-08:00

Finally, my banner showed up at Lost At E Minor website! I thought they changed their mind not to use it. But I happened to find this! Thank you, thank you!

CMYK49

2011-02-16T09:57:00.001-08:00

My sewing machine piece was accepted to CMYK 49. The magazine will hit the bookstands on Feb.25. When you get a chance, please check it :-)

2011-02-06T22:04:00.000-08:00

My works are introduced at Lost at E Minor. It is good to know that people seem to like my four-seasons series. Please check it. Thank you!

MJ and B

2011-02-05T22:33:00.001-08:00

Portrait: MJ and B

I created MJ portrait with watercolor a year ago, and I recreated this one with Gouache again.

2011-02-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

Two of my works are on Think Faest blog today! I am so excited about this. Please check it!

Soaked Head-deep in love!

2011-01-28T21:53:00.000-08:00

Valentine's card!

WG

2011-01-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

The owner of graphite. where I had a dual show with Keiko Tokushima recently sent me a photo. WG, Williamsburg and Greenpoint News+Arts. One writer wrote the article of our show with images. I can't wait to see the original one!

Please save one for me, if you find this news paper in Brooklyn.

Chicken Chaser

2011-01-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

I made this piece, chicken chaser, more than a year ago in my portfolio class. I liked the piece when I finished, but it has been buried among other mediocre illustrations.

Today I checked Illustration Friday and this week's topic is Chicken. It is better to make a new piece for the topic, but I decide to use my old piece (lazy?). I always wanted to participate in this site, but other things made me away from it ( excuse?).

photos from the show

2011-01-19T09:55:00.000-08:00

I regret forgetting to take photos with many my friends who visited the show.

I could say that the show was successful and I felt truly flation on the opening night!

Thank you every one!

Gardening

2011-01-13T09:58:00.001-08:00

My parents' house in my hometown has a backyard. When I was a child, I helped them mow a lawn and pull out the weed. But I was always distracted from other things something like this image. I actually pulled an earthworm with chopsticks and screamed later because she was so fat and long!!! Whenever I go to my parents' house, I still help them with mowing the lawn, pulling out the weed. And I always scream when I find an earthworm.

Sketch

Final

Cheap-candy Store ( Dagashi-ya)

2011-01-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

I draw this piece is for the show at Graphite. I showed my mom this image through e-mail, she said the girl looked like me when I was a little girl. Maybe she is right. It took me a long time to buy something with my money.

At the opening night, many guests made comments on my works, and it seemed that ladies not only Japanese but also American found their childhood memories in this piece.

It is rare to see this old candy store nowadays, but the store still exists in our memory.

Thank you for coming to the opening night!

Hope you had a good time.

The show is going on till Jan. 16 at Graphite.

Last but not at least, belated Happy New Year everyone, wishing you the very best for the year of 2011!

Time Traveler

2010-12-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

Please be announced that Keiko and I have an illustration show, Time Traveler, at graphite. on January 8-16, 2011.

Opening Reception is on January 8th, 7-10 PM.

http://www.graphiteny.com/

Please visit and say hello to us!

Happy holidays and Happy New Year!

Holiday Card

2010-12-12T20:43:00.001-08:00

Before I came to the U.S., I never doubted that cats of all countries love fish and don't like meat. It was one of my shocking moments of entire my life when I saw a cat ate meat on TV. But, I can't accept the fact still now and I decide to stick to my old knowledge about a cat. My beloved cat, named Yuki (Yuki means Snow), in Japan loves Tuna fish very much. When I go back to Japan, I buy Sashimi for her and we eat together! I used to keep one more cat, named Chiko. He was a connoisseur of Sashimi. He was discriminating when it came to Sashimi. When I was a high-school student, I bought a pack of Sashimi for him with my money. But he rejected it, because the sashimi wasn't fresh enough. Then, I ate the Sashimi alone...

Anyway if I were Santa, I would put this into her sock.

It could be an ornament?!

Happy Holidays and Best wishes!

Tea Party

2010-12-09T09:16:00.000-08:00

This image is 30x22 inches with Gouache.

As Gouache lover knows, it took me a week to finish this big piece (for me). Good thing is that I can paint details of each part.

I gonna try two more till the end of the year.

Letter Press

2010-11-28T06:19:00.001-08:00

This is a illustration for a wedding invitation card for my special friend in Washington. It is hard to tell with this photo, but this cards were printed by letter press! I love printmaking.

I took a silkscreen class and etching classes at SVA, but I didn't take a letterpress class. Finally, the chance of doing letterpress came to me. This is a collaboration work with a graphic designer who has a expert knowledge and a long experience of typeface and design.

We visited a printmaking studio in Bedford, Brooklyn one Friday night and printed! People working in the studio are all kind and nice, and two dogs living in the studio are very cute, too.

The pressed letter and image came out very beautiful more than I thought, and my friend and her fiance are happy with the card. The cards were sent to invited guests last week.

Gordon Ramsay

2010-11-09T17:45:00.001-08:00

I like to draw a portrait of a celebrity in whom I am interested.

This guy is very interesting for me.

Yesterday, I talked about him and his TV show, Hell's kitchen, with my co-worker,

and she suggested me to draw this guy's portrait!

So I did today.

It was quickly finished more than I expected, and it was so fun!

Second Story - Dual show

2010-11-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

I have a dual show with Keiko Tokushima, an illustrator, at Grumpy cafe in Chelsea by the courtesy of the owner of the cafe. When you get a chance, please visit and enjoy a cup of coffee and our works!

Grumpy Cafe

224 West 20th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenue) New York NY10010

http://www.cafegrumpy.com/2010/11/second-story-illustrations-by-shigeko-okada-keiko-tokushima-chelsea/

Snuggle

2010-10-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

Suddenly Autumn visited. I drank a glass of cold tropical ice tea last week, but I love to sip a cup of hot green tea now.

Last time, I tried to make illustration by digital and I was back to Gouache this time. I got used to use a vertical 11x13inch paper, but I tried a new weird size, 3 1/4 x 17 inch plus margin. It was fun to think a composition of a work.

I realized that I haven't make any final illustration in past two-months, though I drew many idea sketches. Then, this work is not from those idea sketches. What a waste of time!

2010-09-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

One of my close friends in Japan sent me this weird fish image. Actually, I didn't know what this is! After I read her e-mail I knew it.

She has a beautiful daughter. Whenever I visited her home, I played clay and drew something on paper with the daughter. This weird fish was drawn by me! It was more than 6 years ago that I draw this and the daughter was about 3 or 4 years old at that time. Surprisingly, her daughter still keeps this weird fish drawing as one of her favorite things. I was so moved about that and I regret that I should have drawn more beautiful fish for a child. Here is another story that I made the daughter cry with my scared lip monster made by cray one day. When she saw what I was making, she ran away from me. Then, I chased her with the cray monster and I even said " I am gonna eat you~!". How Bad I am! I miss the daughter a lot and I want to show her my recent work. I want to get her critique on my work!

tote bag

2010-08-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

I made this tote bag last night, but I realize that it's time to kiss Summer good-bye.

Summer Memory

2010-08-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

The heat of Summer starts leaving and Autumn is just around the corner.

I was supposed to finish this image at the beginning of August as a summer greeting, but eventually I finished this today. So the title for this image is summer memory.

This is my first attempt digital coloring officially and it took me longer time to finish it than gouache with which I usually work. I am happy with the final image and I may try more digital works later!

Sketch

Tight Schetch

Final

Portrait

2010-07-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite TV shows in the U.S. is Take Over by Tabatha Coffee. Why I like her? I guess I like her personality and her perfect confidence in her ability, and she is cool.

I felt like making a portrait, and then I chose her without a moment's hesitation.

2010-07-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

When I was a child, I heard a story about what happens to my friends' mom. When she was on her way home from grocery shopping by bicycle, a crow sit on the rear sheet of her bicycle and suddenly cried "croak, croak". She was so surprised to hear the voice from just behind her and had no idea how long the crow sit there. The story made me excite, and I expected a crow to sit on my bicycle whenever I rode on my bike. I was a weird kid.

There is a crow in the first sketch, but the composition was boring. And I put 3 more crows t and changed the story a little bit. Then, my roommate asked me " is this your trauma?".

I decide to give the title to this "trauma".

Since I graduated, I have been busy with many things. Finally I start working on illustration.

Rob

2010-05-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

Since the senior portfolio review was finished, I haven't made any illustration. I have to keep making works for my portfolio and I have a couple of ideas for new pieces, but I am sleepy all day.

This is my first attempt at a portrait picture. Does he look like a frog?

Breakfast at Tiffany's

2010-04-28T20:52:00.001-07:00

This is a monkey version of Breakfast at Tiffany's for animal and creature class. My mom is a big fun of Audrey Hepburn and I may not show this to my mom.

Typewriter and Goats.

2010-04-08T09:31:00.001-07:00

I thought Spring has come finally, and I feel Summer has come at the same time.

I am afraid that Autumn will arrive next week, too.

Do you know that a white apron is a kind of trend fashion specially for kids in Taisho era of Japan. I love Taisho tast from fashion to furniture. It is so interesting for me to see the fusion of western and eastern cultures. I believe that Art Deco and a little bit of Art Nouveau delivered to Japan in Taisho era. When I was in Japan, I liked to visit " Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum". The museum was housed in an Art Deco building that was previously Prince Asaka's residence.

A man and ducks

2010-04-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

I heard the story that a first TV came to my grandparents' house when my mom was a child. Their neighbors gathered to my grandparents' house and waited for the first TV show broadcasting. I found myself how I love old staffs and nostalgic scene as I am getting old.

Now I am addicted to watch "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" in 1974, written by Johanna Spyri, directed by Isao Takahata and Hayao Mizayazaki, on youtube. I could say that I was grown up with such a beautiful Japanese animations by Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki.

2010-04-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

I can't concentrate on writing an essay at my desk. I should not stay at home in such a beautiful day.

Blowfish captain （フグ隊長）

2010-03-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

Spring break starts!

Taisho roman

2010-02-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

I did this piece again and messed up at the stage of painting ;-(

This is the sketch before I messed up.

Profile

2010-02-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

Unagi

2010-01-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

うなぎ

Tokyo Office Worker's Diary

2010-01-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

by Silkscreen

2010-01-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

2010-01-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

A Happy New Year!

I wish 2010 brings happiness and success in your life.

2009-12-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

Is this the last piece in 2009?

2010 is almost there.

I am not ready for 2010 yet!!!

2009-12-18T21:20:00.000-08:00

Medium: black and pinkish papers

My index finger is still hurt.

I don' t want to do this again, though I like it.

2009-12-09T16:02:00.001-08:00

One of my friends in London launched her own business!

She sent all her scarves to NY from London,

and Jin and I helped her to make this website!

The model on the web is me, though my face doesn't show.

Fuwari Kirari

2009-12-07T21:49:00.000-08:00

This peice is for the article of " South Africa's Fire Kingdom" from New York Times' Sunday Opinion. I just chose the article and made the work as an assignment for Portfolio class. As I felt, I need to fix the color of the proteas flower for the next class. It took me more than 12 hours to come up the idea at the desk yesterday. It was so frustrated for me that I just sit and think at the desk, but I get used to it now.

Winter again

2009-12-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

My eyes are so tired and itai desu.

2009-12-01T19:17:00.001-08:00

This sketch is a part of Tokyo Office Worker's diary

and is going to be done by Silkscreen.

Winter

2009-12-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

I need to work this again,

because the composition is not strong.