some quotes from a 91 year old painter

Fumiko Hori says:

" It seem I've always learned by the act of destroying or crashing...breaking down myself, and not holding on to my own
treasures...if you hold on, that's all you will ever be."

"The best state for an animal or any life form is to be somewhat unhappy or dissatisfied. For example, if a tree is deprived of sunlight by other taller trees, then it will collect all the energy in itself and try to be closer to the sun. If the tree is in a completely satisfactory state, then it will die eventually."

"Never get too accustomed to your practice, Never flock in groups, Be on your own spiritually...do not rely on another."

RIP Maki Asakawa

Queen of 60's underground Japanese culture and muse of Shuji Terayama, Maki Asakawa has died of heart attack today in a hotel in Nagoya.

" At the break of dawn
I'll take the first train out
So buy me a ticket
At the break of dawn
At the break of dawn....."

Happy Holidays

2010 is the year of the Tiger.
"Fierce Tiger" by Kirei Kameoka (1770-1835)

Issue 1, Feature 5: Toshio Saeki showcase

Toshi Saeki is a cult fantasy artist of Japan, active since the 60's within/outside the avant-garde scene, known for his daydream imaginative world full of eroticism, vivid colors, and quirky humor. He is also know for his unique style of creating art using method that is similar to the traditional Ukiyoe (17C Japanese art). So the content of his work is universal and transcends time, but his approach is very traditional.
I've had the great opportunity to visit his studio/house in the mountains outside Tokyo. Despite that fact that he is such a genius and has such respectable career as artist, he welcomed us with politeness, modesty, and open-mind.
The season was early spring and the studio was brightened up with an ikebana of wild flowers and leaves picked from the mountains. I complimented on how subtly beautiful they were to his wife, assuming she had done them, but she said, "They're all done by Saeki, he likes to do such things."

THIS COOK BOOK IS MADE FOR JESUS

　
Title ：THIS COOK BOOK IS MADE FOR JESUS
Artist：Susan Cianciolo

Contents: First cook book from artist/fashion designer Susan Cianciolo!
Susan Cianciolo’s mark defies definition: on one hand, she is a revered fashion designer who happens to make art and on the other, she is a conceptual iconic artist who occasionally designs clothing. Her work regardless of media provokes debate and pushes boundaries of contemporary art and modern fashion. Food/cooking has always come hand in hand with her creativity, showing her collection in the form of "Run Restaurant" since 1995.  

Here is her first cook book featuring an interview on food and lifestyle, 14 recipes & drawings, and photo documentary of food and family.

Size：24cm x 18cm (9.5 inches x 7 inches)
Number of pages: 24p
Binding: yellow thread singer sewn
Retail price: US $12
Language：English
Label ：TINY PERSON
Publisher ：PRESSPOP INC
Release date：November, 2009

SCHOOL No.1

SCHOOL
WOMEN AND JAPANESE CULTURE
No.1

Content:
SCHOOL is a printed matter dedicated to reporting about the lives of women, especially Japanese women in general, and also art, culture, lifestyle, and history of Japan. SCHOOL plans to deliver interviews and writings about women who are either leading, has lead, or aspire to lead beautiful lives full of creativity and energy without giving up on their search for individuality and inner peace. The subjects are wide, from established professional artists chosen from the past and present, to aspiring creators and typical working women in Tokyo. But all of them share the spirit of a rebel whose intentions are sincere and honest. At the same time, SCHOOL sheds light on different themes, events, and aspects of Japan that the editor feels is worthwhile; but often overlooked or not deeply researched and covered by the overseas media. Overall, the aim of SCHOOL is to inform the unknown, inspire, and to cross all boundaries to think together: Where are we heading? How should we live?
Edited and published in Tokyo.
Red thread singer sewn binding.

Featuring:
Michiko Kitamura (costume designer/fashion stylist), Fumiko Okada (shojo-manga artist), Yumiko Oshima (shojo-manga artist), the work of Toshio Saeki (artist), Mari Mori (novelist), Goddess Worship, "Let's Get Drunk Under the Cherry Blossoms", "Tokyo Girl Depression Diary"

Size：24cm x 18cm (9.5 inches x 7 inches)
Number of pages: 24p
Binding: red thread singer sewn
Retail price: US $12
Language：English
Label ：TINY PERSON
Publisher ：PRESSPOP INC
Release date：October, 2009

Issue 1, Feature 4: Fumiko Okada

Okada is the first avant-garde female manga artist who paved the way for Japan's shojo-manga. She was active mainly in the late 60's, and left behind a jewel box of fantastic and poetic shorts that mirrored the interiors of young sensitive souls. Her style was new and fresh, and liberated many women manga artists to pursue their creative experiments in the years to follow, leading to the bloom of shojo-manga in the 70's. Okada is know for her eccentric behaviors and suicidal tendencies.