So what happened to art?

I noticed there hasn't been much art update on my blog recently..haha. So better do an update on that right now.

Recently I've started working again on some personal pieces for future shows and such..
Currently I am working on a 6x6 piece for an online show coming up in early July and perhaps a few 12x12 pieces for the square foot show coming up in August. I will post details of the shows when they are near. Heres a pencil sketch I started (did a little colour tint to see how the mood looks)...might be used for the 6x6 piece.. or use it for the 12x12...thinking right now...


















As for the concept of the piece..i'm trying to work around the themes of nature and human interaction right now.. as a general theme of my traditional paintings. I also want to continue to explore the idea of 'dark fairytale' in my work like the past few paintings...we'll see how that goes.

I finished two digital paintings not too long ago..they are designs for two miniature fairy toys which is probably in the process of being made right now. I can't post the full image yet but here are some small cropped part of the piece. I will post the final image as well as images of the actual toys when the toys are made and shipped. I haven't painted digitally in a while now so it was interesting to do this..again. Now I am itching to paint with oils again...

soon...

Also, for those interested, I believe the pieces me and Elise Trinh put up in Passion restaurant is still up. So if you're in the area and looking for a restaurant to eat maybe you can consider it. Its on yonge street..heres the link http://acanac.org/blogs/passionrestaurant/

Special thanks again to Anda Untila for inviting us to be a part of the show.

Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara Merchandise

During my trip in Japan, I had the chance to visit Mori Gallery Shop and it was awesome. If you like Takashi Murakami and/or Yoshitomo Nara, you'll love this store.. I haven't seen any store in Toronto that sells merchandise related to him..so this gallery shop was particularly special for me.

Anyways here are some pictures I want to share.

Of course, I had to pick up a bunch of Murakami postcards, stickers, buttons and a dvd.. just couldn't help myself..
i had to pick up this nice print/poster at the shop for a very affordable price...sorry for the bad photo..it is one of the promo posters he did for 'Roppongi Hills'

On the note about Yoshitomo Nara, i saw a few of his originals at the store too, which was nice.

During my stay in Osaka, my homestay introduced me to a lady who was the curator some of Nara's gallery shows.. which was very cool. So we sat down, had some dinner that night, talk some, and before I parted, she gave me this beautiful poster as a gift.

"Ode to Edo" Show Photos

Just got back from the show, since i'm still awake, thought I should just upload the photos now.

It was a totally awesome show, hands down, one of the best I've seen in Toronto. Great art, people, and atmosphere. It was also nice to finally check out Yoskay Yamamoto, Kagan Mcleod, and Hiroshi Harakawa's original work in person.

This gallery is actually pretty big, much bigger than I had imagined. Excited to see what shows they have planned next.

In the show, they even had a 'bargain' section where there are some very affordable art ranged from $50 - $100.

Also for those interested, they have opened an online shop to sell these original work and more.

Tonight - 'Ode to Edo' @ Jerome Jenner Gallery

Tonight, I will be visiting the Jerome Jenner gallery for the "Ode to Edo" show. I will update with show photos when I'm back.

I am not part of this show, but I'm plugging it here anyway because a lot of my friends are in it. It will be an exciting show, so if you're in the area, head down and check it out!

Some participating artists include Harvey Chan, Joe Morse, Tessar Lo, Yoskay Yamamoto, Tyrel McNichol, Martin Wittfooth, Jose Ortega, Jon Todd, Yukiko Otsu, and the list goes on..

For more info about the show, check out their website.

This gallery is a new exciting gallery which recently opened in Toronto, check out this video of their gallery..its going to be an awesome new gallery in Toronto exhibiting young emerging artists and low brow art culture.



New Links:
Jerome Jenner Gallery
Yukiko Otsu

Back!! Osamu Tezuka Museum Japan!

Alright, I am finally back to Canada.

Trying to get back on track and start painting/drawing again. I have to scan in some of the drawings and sketches I did in Japan too.

Anyways, I thought I'd share some photos of the trip today. During the trip, I took over 3000 photos. It would probably be too much to share all of it, but here are some art related photos I took.

I'll probably put up more later on too.

First here are some photos of the Osamu Tezuka Museum! Osamu is the creator of Astro Boy!

`The Shit` - art show at Passion restaurant \ lounge

An upcoming event at Passion restaurant. Unfortuntely, i am still in Japan this friday. So I won`t be able to attend the event.

Anyways, for anyone interested and live within the area, here is the info.

Event: the shit
"passion's official launch party"
What: Cocktail Party
Host: Passion
When: Friday, June 6 at 9:00pm
Location: Passion Restaurant Lounge
Street: 774 Yonge Street
City/Town: Toronto, ON


funk, hiphop, mashups, electro, house, 80's
and a secret garden patio....

Featuring Music by Sean Roman
Toronto Artists Exhibition in our 3 galleries
Robert Ross
James Brylowski
Anda Untila
Kathryn Boyd
Juliana Neufeld
Peter Chan
Elise Trinh
Ilichna Morasky
Sarah Kim
Lena Lee
Ale Diaz

Musical Guest Performances
Times Neue Roman

Also Passion Features a Special Tasting menu.
Book your reservations now.

$6 cover w partial proceeds going to Banyan Tree Community Initiatives

Bottle Service available upon request