sketchbook n° 3 July 2020
1
CONTENTS
02 - 13
Kavita Kapil
14 - 25
Carson Teal
26 - 39
Masa Honda
40 - 53
Ousmane Bä
54 - 65
Dong Bing Tou
66 - 77
Chris Yue
78 - 93
Tong Shen
94 - 105
Alexis Venerus
106 - 117
James Lai
118 - 133
Hadsky Miyasaka
134 - 145
Tim Schijns
146 - 157
Kaley Flowers
KAVITA KAPIL @ DEZEYNNE
SERIES:
KAVITA KAPIL
SIENNE
2
For me, success means that you’re fulfilling your life’s passion day in and day out. When you love what you do, there’s this intrinsic feeling of contentment and fulfillment that just beams from your core. That feeling is what I define as success.
What triggers your ideas?
My ideas are usually triggered by music or forms of art/design (ie. interior design, architecture, fashion). Anything that I look at and say “wow, that’s beautiful”, is a form of inspiration for me.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
I believe I was born an artist, but life experiences help hone those skills even more.
What does it mean to be original or unique?
All art and design in the world is inspired by something that you see/hear/ experience. I think what makes it original and unique is how you interpret that inspiration and make it your own.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of pursuing my passions and doing what I love on a daily basis.
KAVITA KAPIL
What does success mean to you?
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4
JONATHAN VDK
5
6
KAVITA KAPIL
KAVITA KAPIL
7
9
10
KAVITA KAPIL
KAVITA KAPIL
11
12
13
CARSON TEAL @ CARSONTEAL
SERIES:
CARSON TEAL
UNTITLED
14
Being happy doing what I love.
What triggers your ideas?
Emotions, feelings and music.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
A bit both, I first knew that I was an artist at the age of 8 and the rest was a lot of practice and patience. I would say that I am a made artist due to the many hours I’ve spent trying to improve.
What does it mean to be original or unique?
Making art in your own voice. Don’t worry about what others are doing. Be genuine, authentic and express your true self.
What are you most proud of?
Not giving up on my dreams. CARSON TEAL
What does success mean to you?
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CHRISTINA CHU
CHRISTINA CHU
17
18
19
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23
25
MASA HONDA @ MASAHONDA
SERIES:
SERENDIPITY
MASA HONDA
Photographer: Takashi Murata | @takashimuratamura Hair: Masa Honda | @masahonda Makeup: Michiko Chiba | @michikochiba Model: Mimi Sai | @mimi.sai Shizen Kazama | @shizenkazama
26
What does success mean to you?
It’s something you dream of. But never be able to reach. It’s something lead you forward or pull you up.
Detoxification.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
I am acting an artist.
What does it mean to be original or unique?
Original>>don’t think. Feel. Showing yourself, just as you are. Unique >>revolution of original.
What are you most proud of?
Parents. MASA HONDA
What triggers your ideas?
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MASA HONDA
MASA HONDA
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30
MASA HONDA
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32
MASA HONDA
MASA HONDA
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34
MASA HONDA
MASA HONDA
36
MASA HONDA
MASA HONDA
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38
MASA HONDA
MASA HONDA
39
OUSMANE BÄ
OUSMANE BÄ
@ OUSMANE_THE_1ST
40
What does success mean to you?
Count my Tree in my future huge gardens.
What triggers your ideas?
I am a bulemic of images. I eat it every day, all the time, it’s my eros, it makes me vibrate all my senses. When I finish my daily meals that my senses are at their peaks in general I give birth to some art pieces.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
Made artist definitely, I keep following my artist journey everyday like a monk going to the illumination.
What does it mean to be original or unique?
Original is something that is only one of that certain item. Different is the total opposite of the item or word you say. Unique is basically something that is rather odd that you may have some interest in. Original is something that is only one of that certain item. At the end of the day we dont give a shit, no? Let’s enjoy everyday.
What are you most proud of?
My differents Japanese brush and sumi rock.
OUSMANE BÄ
I imagine all the different people who have paint with them before. This is my legacy I’m just a smuggler; They are so old and beautiful.
41
OUSMANE BÄ
TITLE:
DHARMA DROITE 42
OUSMANE BÄ
TITLE:
DHARMA GAUCHE 43
OUSMANE BÄ
TITLE:
FLAMMES FLEURS 44
OUSMANE BÄ
TITLE:
FROOSTIES A FAIM 45
OUSMANE BÄ
TITLE:
JAZZMAN 46
OUSMANE BÄ
TITLE:
LA JOIE ET LA LIBERTÉ 47
OUSMANE BÄ
TITLE:
PORTRAIT BLEU 48
OUSMANE BÄ
TITLE:
SHAMISEN 49
TITLE:
L’ÉLÉGANTE AVANCÉE
OUSMANE BÄ
TITLE:
LE LION 52
OUSMANE BÄ
TITLE:
SEUL LES FORTS SURVIVRONT 53
DONG BING TOU @ DONGBING1120
SERIES:
DONG BING TOU
SPORTS ART
54
Photographer: Kenta Watanabe | @kentawatanabe6239 Model: Christina Trostynska | @christina.trostynska Stylist: Kenshi kaneda | @kanedakenshi Hair: Masashi Konno | @ma34hair Makeup: Dong Bing Tou | @dongbing1120 Art Director/Graphic Designer: Keito Suzuki (CATTLEYA TOKYO)
Growing up and taking on more responsibilities.
What triggers your ideas?
Contact with new things will bring me more inspiration.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
I think it is acquired, but in the process, I found that there are some innate elements that are inseparable.
What does it mean to be original or unique?
Differentiation.
What are you most proud of?
Like new things and dare to try.
DONG BING TOU
What does success mean to you?
55
Left Image: Vest / Akiko Aoki Tops / Used Inner / Used Skirt / The keiji Socks / Nike Shoes / 深緑 Right Image: Tops / COMME des GARCONS Skirt / Stylist’s Own Socks / Bodysong. Shoes / 深緑
DONG BING TOU
Jacket / Used Hoodie / Stylist’s Own Inner / Bodysong. Shoes / 深緑
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DONG BING TOU
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DONG BING TOU
SERIES:
WA( 和) DONG BING TOU
Photographer: Shuhei Tsunekawa | @shuhei.da Model: Mioko | @mioko_thanzuiyue Stylist: Mizuki Sakakibara | @m_iz.k Hair: Aiko Tanaka | @aiko__tanaka Makeup: Dong Bing Tou | @dongbing1120 Clothes: Issey Miyake
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DONG BING TOU
DONG BING TOU
62
DONG BING TOU
ERIKA FUNG
63
CHRIS YUE @YUENIQUE
SERIES:
FORBIDDEN WATER
CHRIS YUE
Photographer: Chris Yue | @yuenique Production: Octavio Caceres | @_octaviiio Hair and Makeup: Justin Leung | @justin_ybn Production Assistant: Savannah Ip | @savannah_ip Model: David Sullivan Clothing: Dress - Random Identities
66
Success for me is when my work creates an impact on viewers. Whatever that reaction may be, as long as my work can leave audience members questioning or thinking about the piece I feel that my job as an artist is being fulfilled.
What triggers your ideas?
Music has always been a key part of my creative process, often initiating inspiration. But recently, I have found myself watching more horror films and I am seeing how it is influencing my work and overall aesthetic. The films bring anticipation, mystery and tension to life and have encouraged me to try and capture these characteristics in creation.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
I consider myself a made artist, although I grew up always having an interest in design and visual art. It wasn’t until recently that I have felt myself honing in on my skills and creating work that I feel represents me. I look forward to continuing on this path and developing further as a visual creator.
What does it mean to be original or unique?
I personally don’t feel that originality really exists as we so often pull inspiration from others and create work using references. For me, what makes work original is taking inspiration and reinventing it into something that represents the artist. Adding that twist and pushing boundaries allows for a different story to be heard, fully reflecting the artist that is presenting it.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of my constant drive, and my intention to continue to learn and grow. While having the skills to execute photography, painting, design and hair cutting is rewarding, it is also a reminder that there is a lot of room for growth. I am proud of the skills I have developed but I am eager to continue to evolve as an artist and to someday feel equally confident in all these artforms.
CHRIS YUE
What does success mean to you?
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DRESS - RANDOM IDENTITIES
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71
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DRESS - RANDOM IDENTITIES
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CHRIS YUE
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DRESS - RANDOM IDENTITIES
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TONG SHEN @TONGSHENCREATIVES
SERIES:
TONG SHEN
LIGHT/OVERCOMING DEPRESSION
78
A feeling of success is very important to emotional well being and contributes greatly to self-esteem and self-confidence. We all want to know what a true triumph feels like but sometimes it’s the little things that really surprise us. I think success is knowing that you did today better than you did yesterday, at anything at all. It doesn’t have to be about anything specific, maybe it’s interpersonal relationships, financial decisions, or even simple things like learning a new recipe. At the end of the day there is no one to compare to besides my former self. Slowly but surely, the gradual accumulation of small victories leads to a big victory. Big or small, new or old, there is no limit to how much personal success one could achieve, there are only limits to what society sees as success. Personally, winning is not a dramatic plateau, but a continuous gradual climb to obtain new heights. If I have learned something new by the end of a project, I mark that down as a success. Right now, I am tree planting in interior BC (Lumby/ Vernon area), I call a day a success if I don’t get injured in some way! But over time I know I’m building up an immunity toward fear of stress, fear of the unknown, procrastination, self-proclaimed feelings of privilege, sadness and anger. The progress may be small and slow, but as days go by, it becomes invaluable to my creative processes and critical thinking. I’m very open to what success is, because everyone it’s different! I tend to think in the long term, my mental health is my number one priority, as long as I am consistently working on my art practice, I should be alright.
What triggers your ideas?
Being physically healthy and active definitely spark ideas. Body motion has always been a key factor in working through the “writer’s block”. If I should be thinking but cannot envision an idea clearly, or materialize it phonetically, I start moving my body as much as possible. To me, the mind is not a separate/special part of the body, they are the same, and they share the total function of thinking. I have PTSD and have had a long past of
TONG SHEN
What does success mean to you?
79
TONG SHEN
depression and anxiety. Of course, I need to feel safe, physically and mentally, to arrive at a place where I can start and continue to produce my artwork. Being physically active (maybe even overly active and adventurous) takes away a part of the negative feeling that isolates me mentally, and gifts me a sense that I am indeed truly just a droplet in an ocean of people who are constantly on the verge of action and thought. That ocean rocks me back and forth, calms me down deep inside. Rhythmic breathing helps a lot too. Lots of reading, talking to other artists, and writing a journal are also productive ways of arriving at new ideas over time.
80
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
My parents brought me to Germany for the first time in 2000. My mother and I never went back to China. It has been two decades. Before we left China, my mother taught me chinese calligraphy the old fashioned way. I was among the best in my age/style category in the country at age 10. She also introduced me to learning the keyboard, violin, dance, chinese brush painting and literature. Sadly after we emigrated, she became very saddened by difficulties in making a living in Germany, U.S. and Canada where we settled down. But I never forgot the ideas art represented, and a sense of being in something greater, a sense of continuous spiritual renewal and becoming. In the beginning, I’ve excelled at art because of love, and love is something you’re born into; in the end I am producing work because of self-discipline, persistence and a lot of stubborness, that part is made. Love is what makes an artist, hard work comes next.
What does it mean to be original or unique?
To be original means the artist has done the research, has had some time to digest, experience, and live that research, and has gradually formed a new philosophy as a result. It varies from person to person, but a new neural network usually takes between six month to a year to form. So honestly I would say it takes about that amount of time to
create an original idea. Compared to traditional mediums, mixed-media installation continues to give me a greater freedom to explore material, techniques, machine-learning, physiology and thought process, emergence and complexity, physics etc. etc. I have come to understand that when my body is exhausted with only 10% energy remaining (tree-planting is a great example of physical exhaustion), my mental creativity is heightened to 90%. Combining this kind of activity level with reading, writing, talking to other artists, writers, administrators, gallerists and critics. These ideas guide me to work without having to worry about uniqueness. As long as I know my work is original and authentic, whether or not it is unique we will only know with time and more research. Uniqueness is a direct consequence of being original. Authenticity comes from life experience combined with knowledge in critical theory. Without life experience, theory is information, it does not become knowledge.
What are you most proud of?
TONG SHEN
Slowly stepping out of severe depression without the aid of medication is one reason I smile everyday. I’m not sure if I’m proud of that, but I am really proud of anyone who does their best to do whatever they must do in life everyday, with or without the aid of medication. It’s a very tough life for most people on this planet, I’m proud of the little things. For every tiny tree sapling I plant, there is sometimes only a tiny pocket of fertile soil, a lot of rocks, a lot of red-rot that may dry out precious moisture from the root, a lot of uncertainty, natural competing growth, rough elements, not enough nutrients, constant change in conditions (sudden hail, snow storm, fire, flood etc. etc.). And yet most of these trees manage to grow and complete the cycle of life, and even support new life. I think this is a great metaphor for life. I’m proud of anyone struggling to find spirituality in simple existence, in art, and in each other. And I hope from my experience, other people can find relatable factors to help them on their life journeys.
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TITLE:
THE LETTER Collage
TITLE:
THE FALL
TONG SHEN
Collage
82
TITLE:
THE TENDER MONK Collage
ANN LIN 83
TONG SHEN
TITLE:
TREE Mixed media on found material 84
TITLE:
THE FORBIDDEN TEMPLE Mixed media on found material 85
SERIES:
THE MISSING PRIESTESS Mixed media installation
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87
TITLE:
CROWD
TONG SHEN
Drawing on found pages of a book
88
SWAY
NATSHA GERSCHON
TITLE: Drawing on found pages of a book
89
SERIES:
LUMINAL SPACES
TONG SHEN
Mixed media papercut
90
TONG SHEN
91
SERIES:
THE THREE DANCERS Drawing 92
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ALEXIS VENERUS @ ALEXUS_PROJECTS
SERIES:
ALEXIS VENERUS
MAKING TO A MASK
94
Everything is wrapped up and I can begin to deeply explore the next idea.
What triggers your ideas?
Often colour. I get obsessed with a colour or series of. Then I’ll want to see what textures they can exist in and combinations. I like to watch colours dance and vibrate, be dressed in colours and mix them. I feel constrained if my serging threads match the colour of a garment I am stitching. That is an opportunity for surprise, combination and play, it should not be taken for granted.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
I believe we are all born as artists. Some are encouraged and supported in their creativity throughout [stages of] life. I have been supported by my family, friends and many mentors. I have also sought out support and offered it to others when I could. This support to practise creates a space and allows one time to develop ideas, skills and experiment. A “made artist” may simply be one who is able to have practised and can now express their ideas effectively.
What does it mean to be original or unique?
In a course on arts writing I said, “I work with unique artists...”, my prof, Marissa Largo countered, asking if all artists aren’t unique [in some way]. This has stuck with me. To be original or unique is just to be. Even if you make an exact copy of a work or reach the same idea as someone else, your life path has been only yours leading you to that creative point.
What are you most proud of?
I once had a plant hung near the ceiling and it grew to touch the ground. In that time I was able to propagate it and give pieces to many loved ones.
ALEXIS VENERUS
What does success mean to you?
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ELENA PACIENZA
ALEXIS VENERUS
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ELENA PACIENZA
ALEXIS VENERUS
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ALEXIS VENERUS
ELENA PACIENZA
10 1
10 2
ELENA PACIENZA
ALEXIS VENERUS
10 3
10 4
ALEXIS VENERUS
ALEXIS VENERUS
10 5
JAMES LAI
JAMES LAI
@THEJAMESLAI
106
What does success mean to you?
In elementary school, grade 2 or 3 I believe, there was a school wide reading contest. Each student--via the honour system--would record the total number of books read over the course of the term and in turn contribute to an overall class total. All the grades from 1 to 5 would compete to see who read the most books. My youthful schoolboy confidence had convinced me that I could single handedly carry my class to a competitive finish, even against the older students. I read book after book, week after week and dutifully filled out my tally form. At the end of the term, an assembly was held to sum up the school year for the summer and also to announce who had won the contest. In front of the entire school, the Principal declared the winner and that our class had read the most books, by a large margin. On the walk up to the front of the Gymnasium where we would receive our prize, I raised both my balled up fists into the air as a sign of victory. I was quickly scolded by my grade teacher Mrs. Reeves to put down my hands and be humble in victory etc. So I sheepishly dropped them. To me, that is success.
My idea generation runs on my mind’s backburner and as I do my day-to-day things (shower, eat, sleep) thoughts occasionally bubble up, coalescing into something worth pursuing.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
I don’t consider myself an artist.
What does it mean to be original or unique?
It is meaningless.
What are you most proud of?
My cat.
JAMES LAI
What triggers your ideas?
10 7
JAMES LAI
SERIES:
ORCHIDS UNDER PAINTING 10 8
SERIES:
LILIES ON BED STAND
111
JAMES LAI
SERIES:
TULIPS ON RADIATOR 112
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SERIES:
DEAD DAISIES ON RADIATOR
115
TITLE:
JAMES LAI
TULIPS’ LIFECYCLE
11 6
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HADSKY MIYASAKA @ HADSKY
HADSKY MIYASAKA
Photographer: Nobumasa Suzuki | @u2bluerose
11 8
What does success mean to you?
Success means to make people and me happy. The number of appreciative words that I accept makes me succesful.
What triggers your ideas?
Meeting people, animals are my triggers.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
I was made an artist, I suppose‌
What does it mean to be original or unique?
It means not to be concerned about others’ evaluation
What are you most proud of?
I am proud to ENJOY painting!
HADSKY MIYASAKA 119
HADSKY MIYASAKA
TITLE:
VERMER PINOCO 12 0
LEANDRO AVANCO
TITLE:
RED
12 1
LEANDRO AVANCO
TITLE:
MONET PINOCO 12 2
HADSKY MIYASAKA
TITLE:
YUMMY 12 3
HADSKY MIYASAKA
TITLE:
WOMAN IN FLOWERS 124
HADSKY MIYASAKA
TITLE:
LOOKING AT YOU 12 5
HADSKY MIYASAKA
TITLE:
BLUE OCEAN 12 6
TITLE:
SURPRISING CAT
LEANDRO AVANCO 12 7
HADSKY MIYASAKA
TITLE:
COLORFUL PINOCO 12 8
HADSKY MIYASAKA
TITLE:
CLASSICAL BUDGERIGER 12 9
HADSKY MIYASAKA
TITLE:
COLORFUL PINOCO 1 30
HADSKY MIYASAKA
TITLE:
MOMMY AND CUB 131
HADSKY MIYASAKA
TITLE:
COLORFUL IGUANAS 132
TITLE:
DALMATIAN
HAZUKI MIYASAKA
TITLE:
MOMMY AND CUB 133
TIM SCHIJNS @TIMMYDRIFT_
SERIES:
TIM SCHIJNS
HANDY
134
What does success mean to you?
If I can continue to create work that makes me happy, and challenge myself to reach new goals that weren’t possible before.
What triggers your ideas?
I do a lot of stream of consciousness sketching, bending shapes to create loose ideas, which I refine later in my paintings. Lots of ideas never make it further than a sketch, but it’s important to keep the creative energy flowing.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
I used to draw a lot when I was younger, but it wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I began to turn my focus to art more seriously. Practice, experimentation and collaboration with my peers has helped me become an artist.
What does it mean to be original or unique?
Keep the concepts fresh, always evolve and explore new mediums, techniques, and styles. Be open to new ideas, and avoid anything too obvious.
What are you most proud of?
TIM SCHIJNS
I’m proud of the growth and progress I’ve made over the past couple years. And I’m so proud of the way the art community has come together to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
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1 38
TIM SCHIJNS
TIM SCHIJNS
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TIM SCHIJNS
14 1
142
TIM SCHIJNS
14 3
1 44
TIM SCHIJNS
14 5
KALEY FLOWERS @ KALEYFLOWERS
SERIES:
KALEY FLOWERS
UNTITLED
1 46
What does success mean to you?
Feeling happy and confident in the work I am making.
What triggers your ideas?
Flow states, dreaming, intuition and experimentation.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
Both, but I feel like most people are born with artistic tendencies.
What does it mean to be original or unique?
To be your authentic self without fear.
What are you most proud of?
My ability to focus, follow through on ideas and taking risks.
KALEY FLOWERS 14 7
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KALEY FLOWERS
KALEY FLOWERS
14 9
150
KALEY FLOWERS
KALEY FLOWERS
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KALEY FLOWERS
KALEY FLOWERS
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KALEY FLOWERS
KALEY FLOWERS
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KALEY FLOWERS
KALEY FLOWERS
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