Being Marie Tomeoki

I strongly believe in this.

2012-03-01T01:57:00.000-05:00

I just scanned a part in Ayn Rand's book Atlas Shrugged; it spoke to me when I read it and have gone back to it many times there after.

Part II, Chapter IV, pages 489 and 490

Yes, I underline and make notes on my books as I read, even the enjoyable reads, so please excuse the scribbly bits.

I believe this whole heartedly, but this day and age, is it possible? Do relationships like this exist often? Can it exist?

Just wondering and wanted to share,

UPDATES for APRIL 5th ART EXHIBIT OPENING!

2012-02-25T19:03:00.000-05:00

The date has been changed to the 5th of April, 2012 as I realized the 6th is Passover and many people would not have been able to make it.

http://marietomeoki.com/wordpressgallery/index.php/news/

I will be raising awareness for children/youth mental illness/health with The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre: http://www.hincksdellcrest.org/

Also music will be provided by DJ Floh Back: http://flohback.com/

More updates are to follow as they happen so please subscribe and stay tuned!

Thank you:)

Marie

Are you a sprinter or long distance runner?

2012-02-24T18:22:00.002-05:00

Relay race in kindergarten.

I have been a sprinter since I can recall; I never went through the crawling phase, stood up and started tottering around on foot when I was nine months old. Although it may have seemed a positive development, from another perspective I had weaker arms. There are always pros and cons, the many angles to life's happenings and developments.

Hey, varsity track and field in high school.

As I am getting ready for my first solo exhibit I am realizing that my 'give it all I've got, at all times, to everyone' sprinting ways are not the most conducive to life's journey (which most of the time is a lengthy process of progress and evolution). At the same time being who I am, I don't think I will ever be able to not give everything my fullest and complete attention, effort and heart.

So I remain wondering how then do I keep from getting tired/exhausted/burnt out while sprinting?

-I've learnt that the corporate world is definitely not for me, neither are the systems in society like schools. Unless I am able to reconfigure and sculpt it accordingly (but usually these systems are not that flexible).

-I am aware, hyper-sensitive to signs and sensations that I know to look out for.

-Remember to breathe.

-I schedule time out for myself from the 'doings' in life to recharge and nurture, heal, and prepare. It can be anything from a vacation to just sitting in bed before I go to sleep.

-I stay organized. And try not to procrastinate.

-Remember to eat, and sleep.

-Write or draw things out either in a notebook or journal or drawing pad.

-Laugh often. It relieves tension.

-Listen to music.

-And keep the positive affirmations flowing in my head, especially when traveling uphill, on unsteady ground, low on fuel, or decrease in capacity.

-Another aspect that helps is to have a support system, one or a few people you can talk to about things wracking your brain. If you don't have anyone to speak to/with, maybe facebook or tweet about it, sending it off into the universe... although this is risky and can backfire depending on content.

-Big hugs and an encouraging word or comment make an impact; we don't do this enough in the world.

-Create a positive dialogue with the self instead of negative destructive critical noise that seems to keep playing.

-Surround yourself with genuine people.

-Stay in touch with your passions and meaningful subjects which are interesting and enriching to your soul.

So, as I keep fine tuning the balance of creating art and spending time on the business aspect of art, I take it one step at a time and keep training to become a long distance marathon runner as well as a sprinter; interchanging the two, and adapting as I go, and being in tune with my well being.

Clover during three day long photo shoot at my place full of studio lighting, and 'lamp shade' like apparatus that she loathes. She has dealt with it her own unique way; giving me the constant 'I can't believe how long this is taking, I am not pleased, you better be feeling guilty' look.

Also, for my upcoming solo show I have chosen to raise awareness for children and youth mental health with The Hincks-Dellcrest Center: http://www.hincksdellcrest.org/

The music for the opening event will be organized with DJ Floh Back: http://flohback.com/

I have just sent out material for an article on TORJA: Toronto and Japan cultural magazine: http://torja.ca/ as well as a bit on E-Nikka, a part of Nikka Times, Toronto Japanese community news central: http://www.e-nikka.ca/

Further details and news will be updated in depth and up to the event as they happen. Thank you for reading and going on this journey with me!

Simple make up for photo shoot.

More to come, I only have this shot from the shoot last weekend:)

Big Hugs,

Marie

New Video Live: Contemporary artist collaborates with fashion designer: Photo shoot, and review.

2012-02-20T12:30:00.000-05:00

My recent experience meeting the fashion designer with whom I've collaborated with to create the out fit for the opening event for my inaugural solo art exhibit, now live on video, with further review and information:

I hope you enjoy:)

-M

PHOTO SHOOT with Latex Fashion Couturier: solo exhibit outfit collaboration.

2012-02-15T22:38:00.000-05:00

Last week I had the opportunity to meet with the fashion designer who I have been collaborating with for creating the outfit I will be wearing to the opening of my solo art exhibit. She is based in the Netherlands and her husband who is a photographer also came to visit Toronto. I will put the links to their website at the end of this blog. Her work is immaculate and I have never encountered such detail and precise quality in a garment made out of latex. I am extremely glad I had a chance to meet them in person and work with them on this project.

This was my first time ever doing a photo shoot so I was nervous, and just trying to take everything in as I went along. I felt very comfortable and enjoyed the whole process. It is always a joy to connect with interesting, creative and genuine people. Thank you for making it such a pleasant experience:)

There are more photos to follow when complete so I will keep you updated.

Also, on the fine art front, I am making lots of progress and I hope to share a few things I have been working on in the next post, and a new video for my youtube channel is in the works (http://www.youtube.com/user/BeingMarieT).

If you are interested, please visit, the fashion designer's website: http://www.arditaff.com

and my art website:

http://www.marietomeoki.com

Thank you for tuning in and I shall speak to you soon:)

-M

REASON: BeingMarieT 101 series.

2012-02-09T18:53:00.001-05:00

REASON:
A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event. A good or obvious cause to do something. The power of the mind to think, understand and form judgements by a process of logic. What is right, practical or possible; common sense. One's sanity. Rationale, logic, understanding, answer to a problem after considering various possible solutions. (MacBook dashboard dictionary states.)
A statement presented in justification or explanation of a belief or action. The mental powers concerned with forming conclusions, judgements, or inferences. (Online dictionary states.)

Stickers for my solo exhibit. Character is of a Japanese divinity and guardian called Ojizo-sama.

As I mentioned in my previous post here are the reasons I decided to do the BeingMarieT 101 series:
-Three weeks ago I was having a particularly difficult time; that niggling feeling inside and mind searching furiously to find the cause and answers to my state of being. Everything from the weather to my own values. You may ask why a niggling sensation is such a threat, well, throughout my long recovery process to being somewhat functional in life, I've picked up some wisdom and signs or shall I say red flags that alert me to my state of well being under all kinds of circumstantial risk; stress, imbalance, family disfunction, memories, old anniversaries of experiences past, unwelcome sensations ingrained in the body from years of repetition, etc. These are never ending and my brain seems to fire them off naturally now every moment (sometimes annoyingly in my sleep too). Survival of the fittest? Fight or flight response? For me its another one of those coping methods I've picked up and honed along my journey, so NOT to slide backwards or allow the dark shadow to creep near.
-As I realized there were MANY reasons; uncertainty of career, new unexplored and scary territories, my inner critics, the unexpected direction my videos on youtube were starting to veer towards, not being happy with that direction, how do I want to portray myself or 'brand' myself as, the fact that society can be very narrow minded and how does a multi-faceted individual like myself succeed without dwindling myself into one corner (the one trick monkey), how things once shared with the public gets filtered and processed which is to some extent out of my control, time, finances, the way my heart operates, the jumbled mess of a knot the path from my brain-to-heart often leaves, the fine balance of studio time and business aspect of art, what is to come, why the hell do I have such a tendency to strive for the best and nothing else, leaving me usually exhausted, tense, overwhelmed, and a bit doubtful, where is that head ache coming from!? Oh, such is LIFE.
-I am human. I've always had this frustration since childhood with the realization that I have limits, an expiration date, I am breakable, I can not be everything to everyone, that I need to sleep and eat, people happen, some systems are, I can not put my foot under a Jeep Grand Cherokee and not feel the pain, or force my legs into a 180 degree-and-beyond turn out without the grinding of hip sockets and joints, or be able to like physics class in school. I curse and shake my fist at my mortal capabilities/capacity/confinement!!!
-I need to have a voice, and be able to express these on-goings that often feel would burst at the seams if there weren't pressure release outlets.
-The question; will mixed media art be enough for me? I don't think so, I need a full, complete, all senses moved, influential, soul reverberating, stimulated, evolving, embraced in creation, thought challenging existence! I think my boundaries will definitely overstep those of the formal school of 'fine art'; already is, so where to will this take me? The unknown is another one of those human aspects that make me wonder.

Do you have moments where you find yourself searching for reasons to niggling thoughts or feelings? How do you react to them and what do you do to cope and deal with these realities?

I will be speaking with National Initiative for Eating Disorders with the support of MP Mark Adler at a Toronto high school (http://www.nied.ca/). I also have a photo shoot coming up this weekend with the designer from the Netherlands (http://www.arditaff.com/). I need to start on my large art piece with the amazing hand made Japanese unryu paper I ordered from Paper Connection International (http://www.paperconnection.com/). Also upload a video on my Youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/BeingMarieT). Cook dinner, do the laundry, exfoliate, paint toe nails (so I am somewhat presentable in front of the camera), clean paint brushes, finish up other art pieces, and remember to breathe.

A few years ago in NYC...

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I am so grateful:)
-M

AUTHENTICITY: BeingMarieT 101 series.

2012-02-01T14:50:00.001-05:00

AUTHENTICITY:

The quality or condition of being authentic, trustworthy, or genuine- states Google, and Free Dictionary.

Undisputed origin, genuine, original. Relating to or denoting an emotionally appropriate, significant, purposive, and responsible mode of human life- states Dashboard Dictionary on Mac.

So, how do I stay authentic to myself and the world in a day in age where corruption, lies, betrayal, transience, super sonic pace, laziness, immorality, the 'masses', propaganda, negative greed, ignorance, ill manners, and the lot run naturally rampant, even promoted?

One of the first memories I have of preschool in Tokyo were of a group of girls that kept close and did the usual 'girly' things, keeping the boys and other unfortunate souls who didn't fit in far from their circle; I was not too fond of those girls, as they would often be quite irrational and unpredictable. I was far happier hanging with the boys playing tag, going down in history being the first girl who need to be rushed to the ER (I think a few of the nuns fainted) as I did a face plant into the solid piano, splitting my brow bone. I touched it to see if it was bleeding and it wasn't, I thought I could continue playing, the teacher looked at it and went an ashy blue color. I knew play time was over.

In my uniform from kindergarten.

I was the school relay star, until I left.

I've many stories similar to this that have accumulated and don't think will ever end. But the point is, I have always stood apart from these so called groups; never fitting in, always thinking, and wondering, I was an 'in-between', and in a way, I guess I got along with everyone... but did I feel that back then? Nope, I felt alien. And for much of my life I was an alien (in an immigration/customs official, international way), unable to speak the language, learning new cultural traditions and mind sets, good byes and new hellos, always in transit. I had no opportunity to plant roots in a destination, community, friends, and even family; for a while I was searching frantically, it lead me to the darkest areas of life where hopelessness and death ruled, and I no longer existed.

I always got along well with dogs; they got me and I got them, simple.

The toughest was -first the decision/choice to climb, -next the process of climbing (especially at the beginning, for the longest time, there was no light up ahead anywhere, the tunnel/hole was that deep), -then not giving up and persevering, -gaining as much knowledge along the way, so not to slide back down. But sometimes it was inevitable, so I -learned and kept trying. I looked like hell, I felt like shit, I didn't think I knew what I was doing or where the heck I was going, I was scared, anxious, and everything amplified to the max!

But, I learned a whole lot about myself; who I am, what defines me, my universal truths, values, morals, mannerisms, cultural heritage, the inner workings of my psychological, emotional, spiritual, and physical self, wants, needs, where who I am originates, why, when, how, who, works or doesn't work, a small red flag or a big neon red flag, to the tips of my fingers and every cell in between I have researched, experimented, experienced, sensed, felt, known, defined, and affirmed. Every moment is new, unknown, and something to be discovered! That excites me, and makes life worth living; enthusiastic, exuberant, intense, honest, and authentic. Why be anything or anyone but your naked, whole, truthful self. (And don't be lookin' at me like you'd rather be like so and so and look like so and so; I've been there, thought/felt that, but truthfully, being unique is a treasure that no one can take away from you, so embrace and enjoy)!

The traditionally Japanese side; that is my great grand mother, the grand master of tea ceremony and flower arrangement.

I am going to be doing a series of these posts writing about BEING Marie T; my life experiences, lesson's learned, options and possibilities of regaining healthy life and well being, trials and tribulations in society, being an artist, the truths in the art world (which I will probably get a lot of flack for), and for anyone else in any profession, sect, corporation, community, and walks of life (as they are all inter-related).

In the next blog post I may talk about how this idea came about; this is more my style. Personal, honest, frank, sharing, expressing, and being authentically me. So I hope you enjoy and will journey on with me:)

What traits make you authentically you? Do you embrace those special aspects or are you still trying to accept them? What does authenticity mean to you?

Hugs and Smiles,

Marie

NEW DESIGN FOR SOLO EXHIBIT!

2012-01-10T18:47:00.000-05:00

So here we are in the new year, I hope everyone's 2012 is off to a good start, I wish you all the best:)

First some interesting/curious facts:

When you set things in motion, everything else seems to start snowballing and there is an increase in momentum. And here are few things that have entered the mix...

Clover (my cairn terrier) is really cashing in this year with a four hundred and some dollar check/blood/cytology vet visit last week, it gets better, tomorrow she is going under the knife, fetching in at a nice nine hundred some dollar vet bill, CHA CHING *pull lever*... she will be okay, it is nothing life threatening (cross fingers and knock on wood), she is my little bearded lady:)

Doing the print design for the upcoming solo exhibit, I realize I am going cross eyed! Vectors, photo shop, illustrator, files, lines, colors, options, alignments, dimensions, layers, and pixels are a bit too much for my painterly eyes; I start yelling at the screen asking why can't it just mix the darn pigments together to create a new color, or do what I say!!! To no avail, I ask for professional advice, from one professional graphic designer, who gives me professional input, here is the professional's website: www.naturaloutlook.com He has the skills I don't in the graphic design field. *GRIN* (oh, just said it, yes, I've admitted to something I can not do). So here is me cross eyed:

And the print design:

Then I am assuming you'd ask: "What the hell is that snowman in the middle?" That is one graphic ojizo (the Japanese divinity that I talked/talk of ad nauseum these days). Super cute, I think:) But for those of you whom I have snail mail addresses there will be a surprise, *wink*, yup, if you would like to receive one in the mail for your surprise please email me your address to marie@marietomeoki.com or marietomeoki@yahoo.com Thank you. Link to sight where you can check out the new design: http://marietomeoki.com/wordpressgallery/

Next on the agenda, I have been sent images of the outfit I will be wearing on the opening (April 6th), the fashion designer with whom I am collaborating with from the Netherlands, and WOW, I am so amazed with how this is turning out, truly an honor to be collaborating with her! The images will come when the time is right:) Please stay tuned and subscribe to get email updates.

Youtube: I've been uploading videos on my youtube channel: www.youtube.com/user/BeingMarieT For some of you this may come as a shock/surprise as you'll probably see another side of the various facets of who I am, yes, I can be quite out of the ordinary (aside from the fact that my first ever drawing I did in life was that of a blue Power Ranger... yeah... more about that later). Anyways, the channel has garnered some good interest: as of now I have over 600 subscribers and almost 100,000 views, so I think that is a positive thing:)

I also just got an email saying I have been nominated for the "Versatile Blogger Award" on the Sketches & Jottings Blog: http://sketchesandjottings.wordpress.com/ Thank you, I truly appreciate that!!!

I am sure I'm missing a few other things, but, for now I am moving forwards, and that is truly something I am extremely grateful for, as years ago I had to re-learn how to live again (going to the grocery store amongst many other things, but right now I'm hungry and have dinner on my mind, hehe), but what a journey it has been!!! "HOLY SHIT, I'M DOING IT", is about spot on.

How are we liking the Union Jacked ass?

Now I need to go make supper so I shall leave it at that:) I will definitely be updating/uploading further so please do follow/subscribe/etc. Thank you so much for tuning in.

Hugs,

Solo exhibit NEW DESIGN!

2012-01-10T18:11:00.000-05:00

News

Please save the date: contemporary art exhibit!

2012-01-05T16:11:00.000-05:00

I just updated, dates and info regarding my solo show in April; please save the date for the evening opening!

http://marietomeoki.com/wordpressgallery/index.php/news/

I wish you all the best in the new year!

Kind Regards,
Marie

Initial solo exhibit announcement.

2012-01-02T13:37:00.000-05:00

Date: April 6th-9th

April 6th evening, opening (invites will be sent out soon).

Venue: Bizune Event Gallery

Address: 452 Richmond Street West

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

(http://bizune.ca/)

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-19T16:12:00.000-05:00

The gathering of artists at the MAD BEAN coffee house was cozy and a great atmosphere to enjoy an afternoon. I think I will be going back to hang out at the Mad Bean as they have all kinds of teas, coffees, and treats; what a great intimate family owned space.

Happy holidays to everyone!!!

As for me I will be working through Christmas, and the New Year. My work has encroached upon my living quarters; my dining table is space for drying transfers as well as the work area to create my little ojizo figures, the bath tub is great for soaking the huge number of transfers I have started on for the collage piece as well as large enough to clean all my palettes, next to my laptop are small figure sculptures made of clay in various emotional states that are waiting to be stuck in the oven for curing, the living area is scattered with things I am working on at any given moment, and my studio has two large canvases that need finishing, another canvas which is being pre-primed (to prevent SID, support induced discoloration), a few others that will be put to good use after I have more space when I finish the other two or however many... oh that reminds me I need to order more matte medium and Japanese unryu paper!

The constant sitting on the floor and getting up, bending over, etc has been a pain in the knees literally, and the weather getting colder by the day doesn't help either; but the bath is soaking transfers, not me or my knees...

Aside from all that is/has been going on and the thousands of things going through my mind every moment, I get thoughts and images of ideas and pieces for possible future exhibitions (after the one in April... yeah, I can be a little intense). New techniques I want to learn, others I want to perfect, and much more to explore and try! So, nothing will stop me, that's for certain:) I love it!

So, what kinds of things in life keep you going? What are you passionate about? Do you like the winter holiday time? Have you ever taken a man's breath away? Okay, the last question was so random but it came to me as I was taking a shower the other day and is turning into a new art piece!

I do not have many images to share right now as everything is a work in progress... but maybe this will do... Have fun, enjoy, take it easy, laugh, make a fool of yourself, entertain yourself/me/others, cuddle with a furry friend, be healthy and fill life with a bit more adventure! *BIG SMILE*

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and you are in my thoughts!

Hugs,
Marie

Art for sale at MAD BEAN COFFEE HOUSE.

2011-12-02T21:32:00.000-05:00

A few of my pieces are on sale and in a group showing at the MAD Bean coffee house at 519 Eglinton Ave. West, with Artify.

On Dec. 17th there will be a gathering of artists with music, poetry reading, and displayed art pieces. Warm delicious drinks to stay nice and cozy during the holidays!

Cheers,

Marie

SOLO EXHIBIT MORE INTEREST THAN EXPECTED!

2011-12-02T15:47:00.000-05:00

I have been planning on a solo exhibit in February but as I have started organizing there have been more interest than I had expected and I've realized I will need more time to set things to high standards and make the most of the gallery event.

So the date has been changed to April.

I am currently updating the HTML website: www.marietomeoki.com I am also now on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BeingMarieT

I will be collaborating with couture latex fashion designer: http://www.arditaff.com/ who is based in the Netherlands. We've got an amazing one of a kind latex outfit in the works for the opening event!

I have also been coordinating with the owners at Bizune, an amazing space: http://bizune.ca/ They have been ever so gracious.

I am also planning and collaborating with many others, please stay tuned for updates. This will be a bit of a different solo art exhibition experience as I am breaking rigid boundaries of creative communities, bringing together those who would usually not be interacting. Opening and broadening the perspectives of art from various angles!

I have a very clear vision, and believe it is crucial to share the experience with everyone. I am so excited I can't contain my enthusiasm. *BIG SMILE*

Here is a peak into something little that I am working on for the exhibit, but much more to come!!!

Thank you for your patience and support, it truly means the world to me. I am so grateful.

Big Hugs,

Marie

NEWS and UPDATES

2011-11-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

I am organizing and planning to have a solo exhibit in February 2012. Everything is still up in the air, I am organizing and planning everything as I speak; including location, date, time, new art pieces, website update, PR that goes with putting on a show, and oh my gosh, I ask myself what have I gotten myself into! But this is how things go~ One thing at a time, I will make progress. Through all of this I will be creating 5 new pieces, maybe 6 depending on time constraints. A few will be installation pieces.

I have been in touch with a fashion designer in the Netherlands who will be designing a one of a kind outfit for my opening night. I will disclose details closer to the time.

Putting this info out there makes things official and there is still much work that needs to be done. I've never done this before so I am in new territory but I believe it is a healthy challenge which is achievable. There will always be glitches but please bare with me as this is my first time putting on a solo show.

Right now I need to get back to sculpting, power sawing, soldering, and painting, not to mention having to find a venue, date, ads, and the 'not so fun' aspect of making this happen, so I will keep you closely updated and in the know:)

Thank you so much for supporting and wish me luck!

Art piece from hell.

2011-11-01T16:07:00.000-04:00

This is just my luck, omg, I am working on a piece from hell at the moment which needs much improvisation. Improv is no problem for me, I even formally took class after class for improv for classical ballet, but this is a bit different... frustrating piece of ____ (insert preferred word here).

Here is my predicament; first I used masking tape and I was a bit too thorough with the GAC 500 to get clean edges and took forever lifting the masking. Oh my fingertips... uggh. That's fine these things happen, and I got very clean edges so I am happy with that.

Then for reasons foreign to my brain I choose to use mosaic glass tiles which need splitting with hammer, into squares, little squares... do I decide to use this sparingly, NO, I end up having to do some MATH, and from my calculation I need 16 more BOXES of these little glass suckers! There are approx. 180 in each box, I need 2976 tiny squares!!!

To complicate matters I decide to place them onto my canvas in a cross hatch patterns, one at a time (paint picture in head of me sitting on an old tub of gesso, well sometimes leaning or laying on my stomach on the tub so I am a few inches off the surface of my canvas). NOT COMFORTABLE! NECK PROBLEMS? YES!

I also bought these tiles a while back and needing more of the same tiles I find out they are no longer in stock... where do these tiles originate? Some place called Monheim, GERMANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????? Just grrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeaaaaaatttttttttttt......................

Excuse my bitching but why didn't I choose to use little stick on tiles or macaronis or I don't know, anything but these freakin glass tiles!?

This is going to take a while.

Nuit Blanche Toronto

2011-09-27T15:58:00.000-04:00

For Nuit Blanche Toronto my work will be displayed at the Red Head Gallery for their INSOMNIA exhibit from Sept. 28- Oct. 2.

The piece is called RAGE: Rape, Antagonism, Gnawing, Eviscerate. 2005 June. Mixed media: acrylic paint, paper, ink, pen, marker. Razor blades, pins, nail, leather, velcro, and found objects.

I think it accurately mirrors the way I felt at the time I created the piece; beyond pissed or angry, I was enraged. I believe it was after a huge fight I had with one of my ex's, but it drew out more than just the rage of the moment, kept me awake throughout the night, and for a few nights, therefore 'insomnia'. The first piece that came to mind when I heard of the exhibit.

Have you ever experienced emotions so strong that it kept you awake throughout the night and/or completely preoccupied (even during the day) until it was resolved?

Osaka Puzzle Project photos

2011-09-18T20:26:00.000-04:00

Pictures from the Osaka Puzzle Project exhibit at Tachibana Gallery.

I thought the project was such a great concept and I am glad I was able to be a part of it. I shall keep you posted on further on goings and I may do a post about my recent experiences galleries.

Have a wonderful week!!!

NEW YORK, OSAKA PUZZLE PROJECT EXHIBITS

2011-09-08T13:47:00.000-04:00

Here are some recent pictures from the NY PUZZLE PROJECT exhibit at Ouchi Gallery:

And my piece will be flying back to Osaka, Japan for the exhibit taking place at Tachibana Gallery:

Just a reminder, this is the puzzle piece I created for the show:

I shall keep you in the loop:) Right now I am waiting for large canvases and wood panels to be delivered to me; lets see if I can sit still and wait for them to arrive before I end up dashing to the store near by, carrying a large (bigger than my body) canvas on my own by foot, that would be a site, huh? I have to say I do get cranky and antsy when I run out of supports and/or supplies. Well, I haven't created an art piece out of the walls of the studio yet, but there is always the risk... other walls from the past have not been so lucky, it wasn't even in my own house, I was just staying at a friends. And in the morning 'there was art'!!!

That was in the past, these days I don't act on impulse unless it is a good positive impulse:)

Autumn is here!!!

I took this picture the last time I was in Japan; can you believe this beautiful installation was next to the bathroom stalls!? I got strange stares from others using the bathroom, but I always get strange stares!!!

The story behind new work; SUBJECT TO SUGGESTION

2011-09-07T16:33:00.000-04:00

Let me first paint you a picture of the setting while I came up with my most recent piece SUBJECT TO SUGGESTION.

-In the living room sitting lazily on couch
-TV on some channel I am not really paying attention to
-I'm flipping through one of those weekly magazines that has been bundled with the cable provider package, that comes in the mail, which usually ends up as the lining that protects my floors while I do some top coat spraying or painting
-Herbal tea on coffee table, dog snoozing on the rug

I usually don't concentrate while doing this, its one of those passing routines that take less than a few minutes, but for some reason on that day, words, especially sexual in nature, were annoying my attention. Then as I'm flipping through, I hear the TV ranting about Pippa Middleton's tight sexy butt that captured people's interest more than her sister's actual wedding, blah blah blah...

So I'm trying to finish the pages of this extremely boring mag (since I paid for it, in the bundle, I feel I need to make sure I get some glance of each page before I bin it) and all I can think of and hear going through my head is Pippa's sexy tight ass, and being completely perplexed about why I'm somehow bothered, the fact that it is perplexing, the whole 'huh?' feeling, made me interested and curious, intrigued!

Here I go rummaging through the psycho babble in me, questioning and trying to be super aware (as I am usually a bit too much, making me even more loopy than I already am), I see clearly the sexual innuendos we are subject to these days, in everything, everywhere, every who what where when why how...etc.

Next few days were a blur of scissors, piles and piles of magazines, news papers, publications, slivers of paper scraps that ended up on the bottom of my feet to in my dogs fur, and who knows where else. I amassed a box load of sexually charged/related/suggestive messages, words, images, phrases from the most unexpected of places, sorted them out so only the ones that really popped out at me would be worthy of being included in the art piece. Once I got those together I placed each cut out, some teeny tiny, onto one of four non-stick palettes which I use for my acrylic painting (some glass, others HDPE). Coated them with acrylic medium, waited for the layer to dry so I can put another two layers of medium to make a strong enough image transfered film. Then when I got my image transfered I cut the images to the specs I wanted and placed them into the collage of suggestive sexual messages on my canvas.

Oh did I tell you that I also had a stubborn bug as I was going through this process; the last cold I had was about 2 years before and all of a sudden I came down with this annoying bug. So you can imagine me a complete mess and shit faced as I'm doing these transfers religiously throughout the day into the night 7 days a week and so on. Uggh thank god that is done with.

Here is the piece after thousands of transfers, and layers of medium, colors, and a few inclusions here and there, ta-daaaah~... never mind, already onto the next few pieces I've got visions for in mind(*^_^*)!

SUBJECT TO SUGGESTION

for info click link below:

http://marietomeoki.com/wordpressgallery/index.php/2011/09/subject-to-suggestion/

I hope that was somewhat entertaining. Some of the crazy aspects of being an artist. So do you ever find yourself aware of the veil of sexual innuendos evident in society today? Or do you enjoy it? What does this mean for the younger generations? Is it a good thing or bad, or are you not really fussed? Just something to think about:)

More posts coming up, please subscribe if you are interested in getting updates. Thank you!

-M

PASSWORD; Exhibit in Italy

2011-08-27T13:40:00.001-04:00

Two of my pieces will be featured in the exhibit mentioned above in Lecce Italy. As per website description: http://www.primopianogallery.com/eventieng.asp?ID=213

The exhibition aims to investigate the synergies and the associations between words and images. Art is a form of cartography, spatial representation that illustrates the relationships between the different components. Through the interpretation of some words that represent our society, the artists are invited to works site-specificto make a fantastic dictionary of the human condition of the twenty-first century.

These are the pieces which I created and the description for the pieces are as follows:

SPIRITUAL CONSERVATION

Ojizo-sama are Japanese divinities or symbols of guardian and protection, in particular

children and travelers. Although they are usually made of stone they seem to have a life

and soul of their own. Each one is totally unique and has different expressions, gestures,

or postures. People usually make hats, scarves, bibs, etc to keep them warm and show

their respect, also leaving flowers, and food. The ojizo’s spiritual protection can also be

personal and encompass a number of aspects; such as watching over critically

endangered species and the plight of the natural world which connects the art piece

ENDANGERED PLANET.

Spiritual Conservation

Acrylic paint, paper, ink, woven beads.

Endangered Planet

Acrylic paint, collage transfers, paper.

I shall keep you updated on my recent endeavors:) Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day!!!

Canada Post Mental Health Awareness Stamp in Print

2011-08-25T16:58:00.000-04:00

I got word recently that the winning stamp for the mental health awareness stamp competition will be out on September 6th. Although I did not win the main stamp design, all of the the finalists designs will be printed on the outer booklet and annual Canada Post stamp magazine. Also I have decided to donate the money won from being a finalist in the competition towards the Eating Disorders Clinic here in Toronto.

For further detailed views:

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/f811d37d#/f811d37d/1

Thank you again for those who supported and voted for my stamp design:

NEW WORKS EXHIBITS and UPDATES

2011-08-19T14:49:00.000-04:00

The summer has flown by so fast as it always seems to happen, but I hope you have had a wonderful summer.

In a few days there will be an exhibition held at Ouchi Gallery in NY called the Puzzle Project here is the description they have on their website: http://ouchigallery.com/upcoming.html

Aug 23 Tue - Aug 28 Sun 2011

The concept of the project: FUSION

This project will involve many different artists independently creating artwork on
puzzle piece shaped canvases. All pieces will finally be connected and
assembled creating one large puzzle. The artists will not know what each other
are creating, and no one will know what the final creation will be until it is assembled.

The theme of the project:
EXCEEDING THE BOUNDARY OF NATION, RELIGION AND RACE WITH ART: IT WILL BE CONNECTED!

The world is a place where things connect and interconnect; they affect each
other regardless of direct relations. This project will present a world showing how
these interconnections and relations represent the order and disorder of
existence. While politicians and big business may care little for the common
people, we strongly believe that art will be able to expand the importance and
feasibility of reconciliation; we don’t need further opposition and separation.

The piece which will be shown:

NOMADIC OJIZO

Acrylic paint, collage transfers, paper, hemp

Other pieces which I have completed recently which can also be viewed on my website: www.marietomeoki.com

NEGOTIATING TETRIS

30 in x 24 in x 1.5 in

Acrylic paint, paper, glass tiles, collage transfers, clay (or shall I just say mixed media:)

I was also working on a few little pieces I thought would be going to Italy but unfortunately not anymore:

ENDANGERED PLANET

8 in x 6 in x 1.5 in

Acrylic paint, collage transfers

This one I am almost finished but I haven't signed or titled it yet, therefore the simple snap shot:)

I am working on a large piece which appears very sexual and obscene, but as with most of my pieces there is a deeper story and it mirrors current society issues. What am image it was constantly transferring images onto acrylic medium then pasting them onto the piece; at one point I think I had a cold and had snot running down my nose as I transfered images of corset clad women, and words/phrases like 'hot stuff' 'turn me on' 'knickers' 'suck on this' and 'no time for swine'... all of which came out of the usual everyday magazines and papers... obviously I was not feeling any of the above while I was chicken noodle-ing, and kleenexed up!

Thank god colds are temporary, uggh, I was quite surprised as the last cold I had was two years ago. Anyways I hope to keep on posting a lot more often than I have been this summer, even if I don't have followers or fans.

The catalogue and stamp booklet from the Canada Post Mental Health Awareness stamp competition has been printed and it has been uploaded to my website (in flash), but I will post it on my next blog, with whom I decided to donate the finalist award money.

Big Hugs,

Meaning behind recent art piece.

2011-07-03T00:23:00.000-04:00

I have recently completed a few art pieces which I would like to share with you. If you would like further information and details, they are in the link as follows: www.marietomeoki.com

Also I've realized that my art pieces do not translate accurately enough just through flat photographs like on my website as they are replete with textures and different techniques, so I am going to try to post images of the pieces from different angles, etc on my blog. Or I may just upload a video.

Anyways to the exciting stuff...

SPIRITUALITY PROTECTS

Last November I took a trip to Japan for three weeks visiting many country side towns and loving the traditional Japanese cultural roots. The leaves were changing colors and it was a treat for the senses. I have always been drawn to the Ojizo-sama which are Japanese divinities or symbols of guardian and protection, in particular children and travelers; they can be found in the most remote places all around Japan. Although they are usually made of stone they seem to have a life and soul of their own. Each one is totally unique and have different expressions, gestures, or postures. People usually make hats, scarves, bibs, etc to keep them warm and show their respect, also leaving flowers, and food.

When I came back from the trip my sketch book was full of Ojizo drawings and I started the painting above. At this time I was not aware of the traumatic and devastating events that were to take place. After the earth quakes and tsunami happened for some reason the painting stopped progressing; maybe a part of me wasn't ready to let go of the little figures watching over me in my studio. Maybe as I had such a wonderful experience in Ofunato (one of the ocean side towns I visited) where the scenery and people were friendly and beautiful, I could not come to terms with the fact that it was now completely engulfed in water, destroyed, and full of chaos and lost souls. I am sure the reasons are many but eventually I came back to the piece and felt ready to proceed. Now complete, I look at it and there is so much life and comfort translated throughout, I am very happy with how it turned out.

Every one of my art pieces go through life experiences and progresses with me, at times it can look disheveled and a complete mess, but time mends and I keep moving forward; this one went through a heck of a transition, WOW, I mean at one point I had colored sugar crystals stuck in the acrylic medium (in Japan the confection is called 'konpeito') which I had to make sure didn't affect the longevity, and properties of the acrylics, WHICH IT DID as it started to weeeeep the colors they were dyed! So I pried them out and had to sand the surface down, etc; very appropriate and in keeping with everyone's reaction and recovery process, never an easy road, at times unexpected and you feel like crap but one step at a time with hope and inner spirit we can heal and create or find a better solution and place (internal or external). I believe spirituality protects; humanity, individual souls, and lives, rebuilds places, gives reason and purpose.

So, I did not expect to write so much but sometimes the story behind the piece is the treasure:) There are also flowers and Japanese maple leaves which I collected, pressed and kept from/throughout the trip within the piece. The next two pieces are quite straight forward compared to the above. Sculpted, dyed, handmade paper incorporated into acrylic medium, mosaic glass tiles (which make the SHIELDS OF BLUE piece super heavy), and many many layers of color that you can sort of make out when you see them up close.

Thank you so much for reading, you are in my thoughts and I hope you have a wonderful long weekend!!!

SHIELDS OF BLUE

WHERE ARE WE GOING?

Texture

2011-06-13T17:28:00.000-04:00

I have taken a few images of the texture in my pieces and how I incorporate paper into my paintings. They are photos I took casually so they are not the best quality but I think they capture a little more detail of the three dimensional surface.

This is a piece I only recently started...