" ZaaArt "

"MERRY CHRISTMAS"

2011-12-25T18:33:00.000-08:00

Wishing all my wonderful followers the magic and joy of Christmastide.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

" DRESSING UP FOR CHRISTMAS "

2011-11-20T07:24:00.001-08:00

Christmas is upon us and it's time to think about what I'll wear for Christmas Dinner.... Maybe I'll don something oriental ....

AH.... the glamour of the orient.... Japanese love fine fabrics, ornamentation and dressing up. I found it especially thrilling to observe the various costumes and clothing designs.

Their fashion flare has been culturally preserved for centuries through the iconic Geishas and Warlords.... While visiting Kumomoto Castle, I couldn't help but notice the guard ,traditionally dressed while guarding the entrance to the Castle.

I just had to snap this picture of a young modern Japanese girl walking in the palace grounds. It's a new millenium of fashion in Japanese as East meets West and mingles.

Often I sit at the shopping mall sipping a a latte at Star Bucks marvelling at the artistic layering of design that defines that there is a multicultural adjustment happening in the Asian fashion industy. I love people watching here ( Ha Ha)

And I love window shopping at the Osaka Hotel where they display the most beautiful gowns for Weddings, Christmas parties and celebrations. They're all gorgeous and very frilly. Wouldn't you love to wear this dress... AH ... if only we were all a tiny size 5...

Still it's nice dream about.. especially during the festive season ... While I have been away for sometime...I am now back blogging with a renewed spirit .... Thank You to all my wonderful faithful Followers... I will look forward to sharing with you again soon.

Wishing you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

"DAY LILIES"

2011-08-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

The daylily is native to Japan . It was cultivated as early as the twelfth century in China, and appeared in paintings, on fabrics and porcelain as decorative embellishments for the Asian culture.

It is often called the " plant of forgetfulness ", because it was believed to cure sorrow by inducing memory loss. In Oriental Medicine , it was also used for relieving pain and cleaning the kidneys....and the dried blossoms of the daylily are often used in cooking. Try the unopened buds in your next salads....Delicious !!!

" The soul is supposed to take the form of a flower, such as the lily " .. at least that's what folklore says. If I were to wish to be any flower, it would be the lily, whose beauty is thought to be sacred. There are so many positive and beautiful omens that have guided this lovely flower through the centuries... No wonder it has become a protective and cherished icon.

These old fashioned orange or tawny common daylilies, grow 5 feet high, with trumpet shaped flowers, 3 to 4 inches, rising above clumped foliage. The strap like leaves grow 2 feet long and tend to gracefully arch. They normally bloom in June and July, however this year they are a common midsummer delight .

I'm enjoying the Autumn show of lilies and cultivate various varieties in both Japan and Canada. The pictures above are from my country home in Canada.

I once read that the genus name ( Hemerocallis) comes from two greek words , hemera, meaning "day" and kallos meaning " beautiful ". The name amptly describes these lovely blooms that last for only a single day.

However when one is blessed with fields of daylilies , it's a delightful month long journey of tripping the light fantastic, amongst the daylilies with the fairies.

" BAUBLES, BANGLES AND BEADS"

2011-08-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love, " BAUBLES, BANGLES and BEADS" ... It's simply the creative " THING " to do in the Asian world. I started dabbling in jewelry arts in Kitakyushu, Japan in 2009, now I'm hooked on this elegant and innovative art.

The key to tying this type of creation together is to slow down and answer a few basic questions ... "Which bead will I choose to go with the next bead "? .... " How many twists and how high should they be to look symmetrical "? .... " Where, oh where, should they be artistically place"? .... (decisions, decisions). What the heck...I decided to " LET GO " and cast my beads and ingenuity to the wind.

Soon my brain was starting to ache .... Luckily, the healing powers of the amethyst seemed to be a tonic for my pounding headache. Encouraged by my sensei(teacher) to draw a blueprint , I started to become focussed on the gems, shapes, colors, sizes and logic of design principles. What a gift .... One thing at a time grasshopper !!!

Certainly, creating jewelry is no fly by night craft. It takes patience and a lot of beaded sweat to create these ornamental works of art. After creating a few necklaces, brooches, rings and bracelets, my new found respect for wearable art had become paramount.

(back of necklace)

This was my third lesson and quite frankly, I was nervous about the task that my Japanese Sensei had laid before me in the form of beads, wire and a homemade coiling board. Yes, the Japanese still make their own unique craft tools. There's no Michaels in Japan ( Ha Ha) Their ingenuity is AMAZING, isn't it !!!!

( Thing-A-Me-Bob)

I was up for the challenge ... but goodness how clumsy can one person be, while coiling wire around a "thing-a-me-bob" .... practise, practise , practise. It took me about a week to warm up to the tool and acquire the precision needed to create and keep all the circles perfectly round for this project. The only other option was to use a pencil to coil the wire around...that was fun( Ha Ha )

( Sensei /right)

(Television Host left )

WELL..The lessons turned out to be successfully, enjoyable, THANKS to my Japanese Sensei
( right) . I was over the moon,when the local television station host ( above left) came to showcase my creations ... however it did help that I was the only foreigner taking the classes... Tah Dah ... My moment of Japanese Stardom.

No matter how daunting a task may be ... creating with baubles, bangles and beads will definately challenge the creative juices and mind blast you through the trials and tribulations of being a shy crafter.

May I suggest, that you take on the ULTIMATE challenge and wear your artistry with pride. There is great satisfaction in knowing that you DID IT !!!!

"BLUEBERRIES"

2011-07-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

Feast your eyes on my Japanese Blueberries !!!! Last year I planted four blueberry bushes crossing my fingers that they might grow in this unpredictable climate.

On June first, a year later, I left for a 6 week visit to Canada . I noticed that there were three surviving plants, but NO buds... Saddly, I had given up hope on the tasty little morsels.( Sigh)

It is now July 2011 and the yard is a jungle with so much undergrowth to explore. I have lilies, petunias, hydrangea and BLUEBERRIES ( hurrah) peeking out into the rainy season... So I better collect those little fat berries before they get wet and completely saturated. I wonder if I will have enough for a pie !!!! ( Yummy)

"MY ANNIVERSARY SUPPER "

2011-06-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

Restaurant dining in Japan is gracious or fast .... on the floor or in booths ....

healthy or deep fried ...

Japanese or Japanese .

What a choice!!!!! We graciously picked Japanese( Ha ha) What would you choose ?

" HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY"

2011-05-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

WISTERIA FESTIVAL

2011-05-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

May is a time to celebrate the beauty of nature and friendship in the Buddhist Temple and the Wisteria Gardens. My beautiful Russian friend Larissa and baby Diana are caught by surprise under the flowing cascades of the blooming wisteria. It's a time of rebirth and joy in Japan, as new buds blossom and new life flourishes to greet the floral extravaganza to come... " All things are bright and beautiful."

"HAPPY EASTER"

2011-04-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER to you all from Japan . I thought you might like to see what's blooming in my garden and all around the countryside... Beautiful Cherry and Plum Blossoms .ENJOY !!!!

Blessings to you and your family for a most joyous Easter !!!

" HOPE"

2011-03-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

My prayers and thoughts are with the families and individuals who are suffering under the terrible devastation of the recent earthquake and Tsunami in Japan. Already it's terrifying effects have saturated our lives ...

It is a time to reflect on the fragile state of life and our existence in this world... It is a time to love and support one another in the face of an awesome yet sometimes cruel mother nature and listen to the messages.

We are but a small planet that is in need of tender loving care to survive. Please light a candle of love, healing and HOPE for our childrens' future..... and pray for those less fortunate people, in Japan and around the world. May God Bless us all !!!!

"CHERRY BLOSSOM"

2011-03-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

The BLOSSOMS are a' coming and I'm soooooo excited.... The Festival of Cherry Blossoms will soon line the streets of Japan in a glorious cascade of pink and white blossoms cascading like fairies onto the streets... March and April mark the beginning and end of the festivities. Couldn't help creating afew Cherry Blossom ATC's in celebration ... Naturally it's called 'Cherry Blossom' ( ha ha)

I will arrive in Kitakyushu, Japan just in time to snap a few hundred picture with my camera and join into the celebration in and around the bustling communities ... To people in North America it's just a bunch of trees blooming .

In Japan, it's beauty and harmony and a time to bask in the glory of nature... This is a picture of my friend, Mikio under a double flowering Cherry Blossom tree. .. It takes your breath away , doesn't it !!!!

Experiencing the thousands of Cherry trees, dotting the countryside in full bloom is literally a vision of pink heaven. I will send pictures !!!!

'"PAPER ART"

2011-02-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

Japan is famous for their use and creation of paper .... Want to see something amazing... check out this site.... WOW !!!!http://tokyobling.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/a-paper-craft-castle-on-the-ocean/

Tell me what you think ...about paper art from Japan. after you view the above site.... AMAZING !!!!

" NO JOKE "

2011-02-13T19:54:00.000-08:00

In Japan, February the 14th is a special day for men not for women . So it's Hiroko's supper treat for her husband Mikio . Needless to say , he loves the attention... We went to the " Red Door Restaurant " in downtown Kokura, Japan... for you'll never guess ...Chinese Food ( Ha Ha)

"GREEN TEA"

2011-02-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

Living in Japan, one grows naturally accustomed to drinking " Green" tea along with the local society... Afterall, green tea is Japanese ...Right !!!

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a very learned Japanese Lady, who practises the art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. She enlightened me as to the historical facts of the drinking of green tea, which dates back to China and the 4th century.

Tea was officially a gift from the Chinese tang court presented to Emperor Shomu of Japan and in the year 794 a tea plant was planted in the imperial Gardens in Kyoto.

Later, the Japanese buddist Monks went to China to study about tea and in 1192, Eisai, returned with tea seeds and started to officially plant tea in Japan. This monk ,Eisai also wrote the first Japanese tea book which later influenced the development of the Tea Ceremony.

There are many, many rules of etiquette for what is called ' chanoyu, or hot water tea" and in Japan you may experience this rather lengthy ritualistic ceremony in the harmonic beauty of a Japanese Tea House.

There are four principle to the ceremony: harmony, respect, purity and tranquility ( wa, kae, sae, jubuo)

The procedures are simple: clean the serving bowls, boil a pot of water, serve sweet treats to quests before the tea, mix powdered bitter green tea( Matcha) and water to make a frothy tea, serve the tea to quests. ( The flavors of the sweets and bitter compliment each other.

The sign of harmony is :
1. Bow when you receive the cup of tea which is called " chawan'
2. Take the " chawan" with your right hand and place it in the palm of your left hand.
3. Turn the " chawan ' clockwise three times before you take a drink.
4. When the tea is gone, make a loud slurp to tell the host that the tea was truely enjoyed.
5. Wipe the part of the " chawan' your lips touched with your right hand.
6. Turn the "chawan" counterclockwise and return it to the host.

Many people ask how long it takes to learn this art of the tea ceremony. I might say how long does it take you to learn the piano ? While simple tunes can be learned in a few weeks .... A true artist will study the piano for at least 10 years . In Japan one must study the art of the Tea Ceremony for 10 years in order to practise this ancient custom.

If you want to bring alittle of the ceremonial charm home with you, a " chawan' may be purchased in specialty tea stores along with tea ceremony utensils. The above tea cup or " chawans ' range from 100-200.00 dollars per bowl... depending on the ceramic artisan who created it.

" THE CAT'S MEOW"

2011-01-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

DO you have a passion for Cats? Oriental Cats are known for their intense interest in everyday human activities . I see ten to twenty of them lined up every morning along the garden walls outside of the park.

It's no wonder that the Maiko Cat is seen and admired in every store and house in Japan.
This feline has become an important part of their mysterious and exotic culture. ... So it's very hard not to fall inlove with such a sweet, animated image.

I must admit, that I'm under the Maiko Cat spell ... admiring, collecting and even drawing this feline character . Folktales say that this little paw waving cat is gook luck . That's a fabulous reason to have a few of them sitting around your house ...Right !!!!

For those of you who read my last post .... Just incase you're interested .... I bought the handmade Wallclock Cat ( below) with the moving tail . My husband bought me the handmade ceramic Black Cat ( below) for my Birthday and of course , my friend, shower me with Maiko " good luck " gifts.... Collecting has become quite the Cat's Meow .( Ha Ha)

"CAT SHOPPING "

2011-01-21T21:14:00.000-08:00

Shopping in Japan is quite an adventure .... I thought you might like to see some of the sugary animated items. " Meow, Meow"... all the kittens were calling me, to come look and see ... "Buy Me", they mewed.

Then, I looked at the prices... Yes, only, 10500 yen( $150.00) for the handmade clock , who's little tail moves with the tick and the tock. He's so adorable !!!!

Well, I do love it but " don't you think that little black and white number looks friendly ... Oh yes... He's a darling, at only 10000 yen( $100.00) . So, my friends, let's move onto the next grouping of happy Japanese kittens.

Bing, Bang , Boom .... Lookie lookie some "Tin Pan Alley" musical cats. They're kind of socially cute and the price is just right, only 2500 yen( $25.00)...Where would I put them ?

Goodness... I'm so confused , because I like them all. I will listen to my own little inner cat voice ...Purr purr and select the purr-fect cat for me .... It's a hard decision.

Which cat or cats would you choose? Which cat or cats did I choose? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!

"It's Cold Outside "

2011-01-16T20:34:00.000-08:00

January marks the beginning of great expectations ..

... but also brings flurries of snow and cold temperatures. This year has been an exceptionally strange time around the world .... Brrrr ... I'm alittle cold and my teeth are chattering, but I'm in awe of the wintry blasts of beauty... I though I would share a wintry walk through the park with you , so bundle up and keep yourself warm in this Canadian Winter Wonderland.

"DRAMA"

2011-01-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

AMORE... Ah ....sweet love is on the horizon.... As we quickly move past January into the month of hearts and valentines..I am reminded, how quickly time passes. I'm in awe of all the precious gifts that might be overlooked if, I do not take the time to give thanks for the love of family and friends.

I am also reminiscing about life, as the seasons come and go ... and realizing that it's time to move onto new and exciting journeyswith light heartedness and joy !!!

YES..It's time to lose weight when you no longer fit into that little black, size 5 dress ( Ha Ha)... Even my fingers and feet seem to have gotten alittle fatter and I wear wider shoes and flat boots, that are less than fashionable... AH... Yes... It has finally happened ... middle age has set in, for a long winters nap.

"Oh woe is me".... Should I become dramatic and submerge myself into the flowery, swollen waters of a reedy river like Shakespeares', "Ophelia"? ... She is ever adored and heralded in classic paintings....Drama, drama, drama!!!

No... I'd like to think of myself as a modern sort of woman, who can battle the raging perils of age, in a dignified manner ... so, I jogged out and bought myself some vitamin E capsules for swollen eyes and wrinkles, a new water bottle, to puff out the sagging dehydrated bits and a recumbent bike, to ease my aching joints, when I do take the time to exercise.( Huff'n'Puff)

Yes, my friends, I'm encouraging you, myself and I, to do alittle extra peddling, in the love of " self " arena ... Wishing you all, a safe and healthy journey this year... I'll race you around the calender block .... Ladies.

"THE JOURNEY"

2011-01-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a joyous , healthy and Happy New Year.... In Japan , New Year is a reverent time for personal journeys... usually climbing up the mountain side to a shrine, to give thanks for the year that is passing on. It's a time to look for good omens on the trail of tranquility and peace. It's a time of homage

and prayer

If an eagle happens to fly cross your path, " Good Luck " will surely follow you through the New Year...

"MYSTICAL NEW YEAR"

2011-01-06T01:42:00.000-08:00

2011 ....... A Strange year can become a gifted and even stranger year if you just have patience.. Santa sometimes cannot fit and drop all the gifts on Christmas night ... and I happen to have it on the best authority... that "SANTA CLAUS " is tired ... Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z_Z__Z_Z_Z_Z_Z__Z_ZZZ

Such a " Jolly Old man " ... but has anyone taken the time to " kiss" him ...

Please let me know ... 'cause " Santa is sleeping and he won't say a word... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

" MISS DOLLY "

2010-12-26T19:47:00.000-08:00

How much is that Doggie in the window ? You know the one with the waggly tail... Isn't that how the song goes... Well I just thought you might want to see what was under my Christmas tree.... O Santa ..You shouldn't have.... but ..Thank You

" SNOW ANGEL"

2010-12-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

"The weather outside is frightful" and I wish that Old Man Winter would make up his celestial mind on whether to rain , pour or drop delightful flakes of snow... Yesterday, I wore my Spring coat, Winter boots and Summer leggings.( Ha Ha)..I was quite a sight !!!!

No matter, because nothing can daunt the joy of the festive season with it's bright lights and warm ambiance of love..not even the cold moody temperatures BRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

I've decided to leave the works of mother nature to the Snow Angels. They're sure to bring the beauty of season round full circle in time for Christmas... because, " I need alittle Christmas..right this very minute".

I've just dropped my hubby off at the airport heading for Japan and have been left behind... Air Canada has an animal embargo on animals between November 15 to January 15... So what was to be a family gathering with grandsons will now be a ' me and puppy' .. because she is only 6 weeks old , I cannot leave her with anyone.... So Dolly and I will celebrate her first Christmas together... eating puppy cakes and singing doggie carols .."WOOF WOOF"

"MERRY CHRISTMAS"

2010-12-15T08:30:00.001-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU ......"It's beginning to look alot like Christmas " as the magic of winter castes it's spell and we all await the singing of carols and prayers of "Noel" ...

It's a time of musical merriment that I love... especially the carol singing. I attended my first Christmas Concert of the season...It was Handels' sing-along Messiah which is my favorite. ... Alas, I am being bad now because the " Halleluia Chorus is now blazing throughout the house as I keep turning up the volume. I'm sure it can be heard all the way to the North Pole.

A present came early this year in the form of something small and round and fluffy " Woof Woof" ... Yes ... A puppy. We called her " DOLLY"... I know three little boys who are going to be very excited, when we arrive in Calgary for Christmas Holidays. They're all sure to keep me very busy during the festive season.

If you're looking for an extra special gift for an artistic friend or family member ... My wonderful friend Monica Zuniga has a new Doll workshop.http://monicazuniga.blogspot.com.... It's a whimsical, fabric painting doll class that sure to delight your creative imagination for the New Year. So join into the magic of the season by creating a doll of your own. I'll look forward to seeing you there, my friends.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

FAVORITE THINGS"

2010-10-12T00:41:00.000-07:00

Brown paper packages tied up with string... These are a few of my favorites things. No matter what you buy in Japan... They always come wrapped and tied in the most inviting paper, ribbons, tags and boxes...It's such a bonus for the shopper.

When I left this summer, I bought twelve , $3.00 glass angels as a small momento for the ladies in my doll making classes.

" For you", the salesclerk asked ...No I replied " presento".
I continued to look around, while she finished my order. Within 10 minutes , the little clerk shuffled up to me with a shopping bag... Oh MY GOODNESS... I was so pleased , yet embarrassed.

Each angel had been placed into a tiny box, wrapped in pink floral paper, tied with a bow and sealed with a golden sticker. Now that's service with a smile !!!

Yesterday I was rustling through my papers in efforts to find just the right background for a couple of geisha images....Well...I found it in decorative paper bags that I had bought in Miyajima.

The sepia bags depicted images of Japanese life, so they fit perfectly into the ATC Geisha theme. I quess the lesson here is to .... Never underestimate, ZaaArt of keeping and collecting papers. My two ATC's " Little Sparrow" and "Blossom Geisha" settled nicely into the paperbag scene and proudly wear the tags of being recycled works of art.

"AUTUMN LEAVES"

2010-10-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today in New Brunswick,the winds of autumn, flurry the leaves past my windows... I have never seen the foliage fall so quicky. While the colors of a Canadian fall can expand the heart with joy, so does the autumn in Japan fill the heart with inner calm and repose. I am missing Japan this season.... Wishing I could walk once more in the Imperial Palace grounds, picking up the tiny maple leaves to press between the pages of my books. I love creating pictures with pressed flowers and leaves... It's a hobby from my childhood.

I had not realized the difference in the size and shades of the maple leaves ... Our Canadian maples are so vibrantly robust and large ... some bigger than the palm of my hand. The Japanese maple leaves are tiny and frail, mostly crimson in color... They are like tiny fairies fluttering and dancing through the air, into my heart.

Next month I will return to Japan. I look forward to nestling down with the leaves pressed so snuggly amongst the pages ... recalling the fond memories of walking through the palace courtyards in Kyoto.

"NO CELEBRATIONS"

2010-10-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

WHAT !!!! No Japanese Holidays and Celebrations... I'm in shock... I wondered if I had done something wrong by being away so long.. Oh...Oh !!!!

Actually the only events happening in Japan in the month of October are "Sports days", and the next real big festivity is New Years... I pondered the lull in the active calendar of festivals and figured maybe it was time out for the busy, ambitious Japanese... Certainly, I'm missing the special days and cultural antics. Aren't You ? I mean how can there be no festivals, holidays or picnics in their Fall schedule. OK.. I understand and I'll be back shortly to report to you , my friends... Thanks for hanging in there !!!!

" GODDESS"

2010-06-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

Let yourself go and see what can be created in the " spirit of the rice" ( see last blog, below).... It might surprise you !!!

" RICE SPIRIT "

2010-06-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

"You are what you eat" is a Japanese concept as old as civilization itself. June is the month for planting rice in Japan. It is the start of a season which is celebrated by hundreds of rice planting festivals that utilized ancient tools, clothes, songs and dances to evoke the " spirit of the rice".

Until modern times, the rice crop was the standard used for managing land and levying taxes. The word for cooked rice itself is synonymous with a meal; other foods served with it, even expensive shavings of beefstake, are considered (o-kazy) or side dishes. There's rice, rice and more delectable rice than you could ever imagine.

In Japan , not all rice is white or brown ... There are 1,500 varieties that come in your choice of rainbow colors., which makes for an exciting cereal diversity. My biggest decision is what shape to buy ... fat, pearl, thin or flat, as they all have a different texture.... Decisions .. Decisions !!!

Imagine your child going on a seasonal field trip to plant rice.. What fun!!!! I want to don a pair of shorts and a hat and slosh my bare feet around the wet rice paddys too. ( Ha Ha)

Each rice seedling is carefully, hand planted into the mud, to ensure that it stands up securely, thus protecting the tiny stems from drowning in the water flooded fields. Certainly this is a first hand education in understanding the work required to put a daily bowl of rice on the table.

My favorite part of the whole season is the ZaaArt of celebrationing this tiny sheath of green( rice) and nurturing it, with the traditional folklore songs, dances and drumbeats of the heart. It's truly a tribute to nature !!!

TIME FOR A CHAT

2010-05-13T01:10:00.000-07:00

It's Cherry Blossom season...and time to get back to the blogging... I have missed you all and decided that our chat sessions were way overdue. SO close your eyes and think of the most magical place you could visit. Where did you go ?

Japan, imagine that!!!! I'm here too, enjoying the beauty of the Sakura trees in full splendour. Every year the Japanese track the ' sakura zensen" cherry blossom front as it moves northward. The blossoming begins in Okinawa, in January and typically reaches Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of March or beginning of April. A few week later Hokkaido experiences the transience of blossoms,"mono no aware", the extreme beauty and quick death of the Japanese cherry blossoms which has often been associated with mortality .

The Japanese eagerly await the forecasts and gather in large numbers at parks, shrines and temples with family and friends to hold flower viewing parties. It is a sight to behold.. definately the stuff that dreams are made of.

" Hanami" festivals celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossom and for many it's a chance to have a relaxing picnic under the shade and beauty of the cherry tree... I love this reverent celebration of nature, where households, poets, artists, singers and all people gather 'en masse ' to breath in , an enduring metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life.

The Sakura is an omen of good fortune , an emblem of love and represents the regalia of Spring. I'm keeping my eyes closed so that all the cherry blossoms can flutter and flurry, on and around me for one more day. It's a glorious experience....That's the "ZaaArt" of enjoying nature here in Japan.

MATARO DOLLS

2010-03-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Traditional crafts of Japan are mainly made by hand . It takes many years to acquire the techniques and skills associated to what is known as a traditional craft product. Recently , I have been attending Mataro Doll classes studying the traditional making of Mataro dolls and the Palace ball craft.

The " Goten Mari" was a ball originally made with silken threads. During the edo Era (1600-1867), ladies in noble household throughout the country enjoyed making and playing with these balls. As a result, this ball came to be know as " Goten Mari" or the " Ball of the Palace".

It is a 10 cm round round ball molded with clay and deeply etched with a specific design that you cover with fabric and paste into position. All the seams are folded and overlapped into carved spaces, thus, creating a perfect geometric ball of beauty. It is the first requirement before attempting the Mataro Doll, which is one Japan's most celebrated traditional crafts.

Kanabayashi Mataro, Master DollMaker shares "Zaa Art" of this 100 plus year old tradition by training and certifying craft people in the superb, ancient techniques of creating Japanese Dolls.

"EAT DRINK AND BE MERRY"

2010-01-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

Eat , Drink, be Merry and celebrate" Bonenkai", in Japan. It literally translates to " forget-the-year" which means, "partytime", for the weary Business workers and friends. The gathering is usually held in a restaurant and rallies the usual consumption of finger food and alcohol. Some people cheer, while other cringe at the thought of the 'Japanese drinking party".. It's a time when the media , sends out warnings, about drunk obnoxious women( Ha Ha) ..

Bonenkai is an end of the year bash and whether you drink or not, it would be impolite not to attend, In Japan, you do not pour you own first glass, so, it's hit and miss as to whether or not your going to get gingerale. It's also polite, to lift your glass in an, " receiving ritual" to say thank you to your host, who is usually the boss.

There are many customs in Japan , and as, it is impolite to pour your own glass of water, spirits or any liquid, you are at the mercy of the very kind Japanese, who never allow you to have an empty glass. If you want to stay sober and make it to the New Year, the trick is to not drink your drink, keep your glass full or "what the heck", join the rest of the people under the table.

Luckily there is a " NO drinking and driving", imprisionment law, in Japan. For the most part the people adhere to the rules and obligingly take the subway or pile into one of the hundreds of Black Cat Taxis' that line the streets of the downtown area.

During "Bonenkai", it's not only the giggling women, but the the men, who become a great source of entertainment, as they stumble through the doors swerving down the alleyways, in the general direction of home. In one instance, I couldn't help but chuckle as an elderly gentleman and his friends were herded home like little lambs, at the end of a wives stick..( Ha ha) and she didn't spare the rod. ( Hee Hee)

Thank goodness :Bonenkai" the " woes and trouble" of last year are behind us . It's time to start 2010 with renewed vim and vigor.. Oh Oh..Oh No... not another party!!! "Shinenkai"( Welcome New Year) begins on January 10th through to the end of the month. SO "akemashite omedetou gozaimasu"
Have a "Happy New Year", my friends... Remember ' ZaaArt of keeping the glass full on the table. Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous party.. I mean , New Year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-17T07:20:00.000-08:00

AUSTRALIA bound for the holidays... I wanted to wish you all , a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

See you in January 2010.

PLAYING WITH ANGELS

2009-12-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

"There's no place like home for the holidays." I'm so glad to be back. It seemed my one month excusion turned into a three month adventure with no computer access. However, I ended up with anew passport, and a new baby Grandson, Bodhi , so we're calling him our Christmas Angel.

I am of course very fond of all angels big and small, fat or thin, real or otherwise. SO when the opportunity came to create around that theme, I donned my imaginary wings and flew into my rather messy tatami room. Beginning a project is always a chore and also a revelation of creative energy. I had been baking earlier in the day utilizing paper doilies for cake display purposes for afternoon tea, when "bing" a light came on in my head.

Since childhood, I had seen doilies folded and tied with pipecleaners to create a 3-d angels, so I commenced staring into the lovely raised eyelets of the perforated paper. In minutes I was tearing, turning and gluing the doily which ultimately ended up in fragmented and formless pieces all over the table. " Now what", I thought to my self... " Now what do I do?"

I decided to just let the spirit take over with the paperdoll form. So what you see is what you get when you play with the Angels... I really don't even remember " zaa art' of painting her rosy little cheeks and lips... Actually I do believe the little cherubs had a hand in that. They're always into my make-up brushes .... when they get caught, of course, they BLUSH !!!

KIMONO

2009-09-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

" Airing out

kimonos

as well as her

heart

is never

enough"

Chiyo-ni

(1703-1775)

Haiku always inspires me, with it's inner wisdom. After reading Chiyo-ni's beautiful haiku, I entitled this commissioned ATC " Kimono". The words and collage seem to share the same Asian essence.

In the early 17th century , ' airing out' was done in the summer to prevent kimonos , books and scrolls from being eaten by insects and mold . This woman would have most certainly been frustrated living within the feminine restraints of the Edo society. Still she is graceful and humble in her approach to everyday life.

Creating from collage and haiku posed a few problems for me. I kept wanting to add more embellishments to this card... but ZaaArt of listening to one's" inner self ' dicatated that less was more in this creation.

TIMELESS HAIKU

2009-09-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

I am always encouraged by the gentle prose of Haiku. This is my ATC entited ' Butterfly" which is beautifully illustrated through the ancient haiku of ' Kaga no Chiyo".( 1703-1775)

Chiyo-ni is considered one of the foremost women haiku poets of Japan . She studied under two masters, who themselves, apprenticed with the great male poet, Basho, who ironically had set down rules that forebade male haiku poets from befriending female haiku poets. History does have a sense of humour... Today, most Haiku masters are respectfully women !!!

1.
" A Butterfly--
What dream
is making your wings flutter?"

" Butterfly --

you also get mad

some days."

3.

" What the butterfly

wants to say --

only this movement

of its wings."

This is one of four new ATC's commissioned and set to Haiku prose... ENJOY !!!

ARTIST TRADING CARDS

2009-08-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

ATC addiction is real.. It's sweeping the world with images and expressions of comraderie and connection... Two years ago , I didn't even know what an ATC was... Since joining, " Flickr" and "Fantasticflatpaperdolls", a whole new world has opened up in the realm of artistry and finding like minded friends.. Isn't the internet a marvellous tool? ' "Enlighten" ( above) and " " Caught "( below) are an example of two of my ( traded) ATC's.

This week, I joined, two more groups... "Roses On My Table" and "The Sum of All Things" ..... As if I didn't already have enough to do ( Ha Ha). The fact is
these little pieces of work are theraputic to my creative soul. It just feels good !!!

I mean who would have thought that a 6cm X 9cm card would become a such craze. The cards are produced in various media( pencils, pens, markers, etc) wet media ( watercolor, acrylic paints etc.) paper media( in the form of collage, papercut, found objects etc.) They are usually traded rather than being sold. What an exhilerating exchange of artistic freedom.. KAAZAM !!!!

Clubs, trading sessions and online mailart communities have largely replaced the original concept of trading cards.( eg,Baseball cards) Besides being a great hobby.. ATC's have become an iconic expression for existing artisans and wouldbe artists, who can hone in on their creative abilities, while sharing and learning from the experts. It's a great way keep intouch with the artistic community and enjoy classes online or locally or abroad...

To date, I have friends as far away as Budapest, Finland, Sweden, Britain and of course Canada/ Japan... and we all have one thing in common ... ZaaArt of creating. It's amazing how a small pleasure such as making a trading card can create such a big space in the heart of the world.

THE POET

2009-08-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

Pottery Hunting...Yes I'm fanatical about artists and their artistry... Last week-end we travelled just outside Yufuin, where I knew there was a great gathering of open market antiques. Come rain or some shine , the pots withstand the weather, in the humidy of a Japanese summer. Needless to say, I was lanquishing amid the rainy mist that was falling. Much to my dismay, I was really, too hot, to appreciate the kalidescope of beautiful pottery that lay before me.

Into the dust ridden shop I went, sneezing and wheezing into every corner and platform of the antique shanty . Goodness, there was a millenium of rare collectibles, too many to even see past, into the sunlight. Really I wanted to sit amongst them and revel in all the treasures, but heat exhaustion dictated...." "Get ye into an air conditioned car". Yes ma'am I replied and stepped out the door.

"Wait a minute ", called a little voice..."Just wait one minute"! I hestitated, turned, looked in both directions and THEN gazed down to the earthen floor... BEHOLD ... a beautiful poet, handpainted on glass, lay peeking out from amongst a pile of old papers and debris. It was love at first sight !!! She, was an early 1900 piece of art, just waiting to write a haiku for the new world ... Lucky Me !!!

Personally, I'm just loving the ZaaArt of her presence. It's sort of an East meets West connection ...Deja vu. ... I'll buy the pottery next time!!!!

LIGHT SPRITE

2009-08-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

While tiding up the tatami room I happened across alittle paper fairy, that I had created for Kittie Kelly's " Artful Paper Doll " group. She was woefully stashed in amongst my paperdoll collection in the deep dark closet... Oh Dear !!!!

With busy schedules, we artists sometimes forget our little muses and heap tons of burdening chores etc. etc over our creativity... It's so sad. I pulled her from the basket, closed my eye and fondly REMEMBERED, my fairy muse's name. It was " Light Sprite".

I had never really thought about taking on the fairy role but gee, " Why not ? I giggled as I set to work creating myself as a flying entity . "Where do I begin ?"and " What materials do I use ?"and GOSH ... What is her personality like?" I mean, I was re-creating myself, into the fairy persona... so there were many question to be answered . Yes, I was talking to myself.. AGAIN ( Ha ha ) Do you ever do that?

It took weeks to creatively connect with my little fairy muse . In a transformational gesture , I decided that fairies have to be comfortable within themselves ....Sooooooo, I applied a petal pink fibre over the original template of the body, hoping that she would take on that warm fuzzy feeling.

In every daydream, I could feel this child-like innocence staring in an array of soft colors. Hues of pinks and purples and green floated like bubbles all around and then popped me back into reality. My little fairy muse was taking form as I secured the last of four heart shaped brads to her delicate body.

This project truly moved me..I wanted " Light Sprite to have heart and soul . I wanted her to greet each morning with a twinkle in her eye and a smile in her heart. I wanted her to be happy, light and free to take flight into this awesome world of ours. Last, but not least, I wished for her to be curious and to possess alittle glimmer of mischief, lest she get lost in a dark closet again and lose faith in her creative existence. ..SO ...Miss " Light Sprite", there you go ...

I hung her in the fairy window at the front of the house, so that she could see the bustling of everyday life happening ... The dogs barking the children playing and my neighbour meticulously tending his bonsai tree.

There is such patience in my fairy muse and such an amazing grace that pulls us through the darkness of our everyday lives into the windows of reality. Although " Light Brite" is only a figment of my imagination, she is ZaaArt of imagination that keeps me creating as an artist. Thanks, "Light Sprite" .... May the force be with you all ,as you find your own . sweet, fairy within.

WHAT'S IN A DOODLE

2009-08-03T01:31:00.000-07:00

HELLO all you beautiful people. It's so nice to be back into the sweltering humidity of Japan . I missed chatting with you. So , Hi , Hello and WELCOME to those of you who are currently reading this page. Thank You for sticking around my friends.
Lately , I've been doing alot of doodling on phone books, magazines, spare pieces of paper or anything that happens to lay itself in front of me... It seems that I'm making a very undignified mess .
I've been doodling since childhood, but lately, I'm starting to wonder why !!! Lots of people scribble away absent- mindedly and often these doodles carry a great deal of meaning especially for an artist. Sometimes it's a great source of inspiration for serious artwork. So why do people doodle and what do doodles mean?

We are a species that is constantly engaged in productive activity. I believe that
laziness is a sure recipe for extinction of the species, so doodling must be an act of preservation... Right !!!

We, humans are naturally akin to using our hands, scanning the horizons with our eyes and walking great distances. So we fidget, twitch, fiddle and doodle, whenever we are forced to sit still for any length of time. Don't you think that doodling is a natural outlet for frustrated artistic expression... It's just plain old healthy to doodle and create something meaningless and not especially beautiful.

Look at the ATC that I've posted. This was an artistic ATC assignment, complete just a few days before I left for Canada. I was so frustrated and actually fragmented, with so little time to wrap up so many projects.

I couldn't turn my head off so I engaged in a moderate activity with my pencils ,colors and paper. I also, had limited visual vocabulary and basically worked with the instincts of my inner child. YES ..I reverted back to childhood, recollecting shapes, form, texture, infact anything that was at my most primary level. With a major in psycology, I knew that theses shapes and colors had significant meaning. So I did a self- art therapy analysis on myself to see just what kind of mental shape I was in when creating these ATC's.

The happy face ( circle) represents infinity. Circles have no ending or beginning but evolve symbolically as the (whole) universe.( That's good) The rectangular body symbolizes earth or ground, ( stability) hopefully that means my feet were still grounded while awaiting lift off of the Air Canada 747.

Women often doodle flowers, which simply indicates, a love of nature and sometimes a childlike innocence or wishfulness. It's definately a feminine, passive aspect of the universe. So far , I'm normal ( Ha Ha) except for the very unorganized sqiggles etc. etc... In the context of doodling, color is generally that of which ever pen you have your hand. However I did color in the shapes so let's see what color associations they have.

RED represents power, physical energy and passion or it can indicate anger or anxiety. Is this what you call seeing red? ) PINK denotes love friendship, compassion and relaxation. Pink is symbolic of a gentle emotions and emotional unions. It's much less intense than red. I think the red and pink balanced one another.

DARK BLUE indicates stability, strength and security. Super Woman ( Hee Hee) It also denotes, depression, moodiness, impulsiveness and changability. Quess, I was alittle moody !!!! YUP !!!

Sea-green and blue represents the water and ocean that I was anticipating crossing and green is regarded as a restful color suggesting well-being. Maybe I wasn't as distressed as I thought( Wishful thinking).

I did place the ATC's on a black background and of course the hair was black which analytically transpires into saddness and confusion. However there were those lovely doodled hearts that saved my eternal being by expressing my sincere romantic disposition( Tah Dah). Hearts are usually drawn by people who are in love. That's me.

ZaaArt of self- analysis is a pretty touchy subject but sometimes a critical look at what page your standing on, helps an artist turn over a new leaf... forward HO !!!!!

BLOSSOM FAIRY

2009-05-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

The "Lusty Month of May " is over but the season of the blossoming 'Camelot" has just begun. Today, while wandering through my garden, I realize the many gifts of nature that I've taken for granted and am inspired to give thanks by creating.

In a way, this little Blossom Fairy is just one of the many ways inwhich a creative soul can give back to Mother Earth's generosity.

I am humbled at this time, as I leave Japan and return home to Canada for awhile. I will miss my modest little garden and the many unassuming, fragrant blooms that have greeted me with a smile.

Ever time I see flowers, I feel happy and often relate to that good old seventies term, "Flower Power". Nature just seems to work in harmony with our creative being . It's quite possible that our creative consciouness does not create itself , but rather is influenced unconciously, by spontaneous ideas and sudden flashes of nature. Artistically, we record our feelings on paper and call it art. I like the idea that nature and creativity become one energy of expression.

"Fairy Blossom" (above) is my creative outpouring of the Cherry Blossom season here in Japan. The season is just too beautiful for words , so as an artist, I do try to recreate the ethereal flora of the environment.

Japan's indigenous religion," Shinto" has taught me 'ZaaArt" of 'great love and reverence for nature". The 'Kami" or balance and harmony are enrichening gifts that I carry in my heart across the ocean for the summer months.

SPRINGTIME SAKURA

2009-04-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

Who's ready for Spring? ... MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !
I'm so happy, that I'm jumping up and down, clicking pictures of everthing insight...Of course, in Japan, one must ask for permission, to take a picture of another person, so, I'm gingerly sitting on my hands, to stop them from going ' snap , snap .

This is a picture of my "Springtime Sakura" Doll. She's one of four , washi creations, that will be on display, at the Kitakyushu, Doll Exhibition, during the month of April.

"Springtime Sakura", is a small doll that I have secured onto a hanging board, for decorative purposes. She's a highly respected Oiran Lady who would have a garden filled with spring flowers to honor the season.

I'm a March baby, so Springtime has always been a special time of the year ... Spring is like opening birthday presents .. It's a sense of joy that can only be harmonized with nature . It's like walking in the melting ice, with a hole in your boot. It's like breathing in the euphoric air, that's filled with the scent of the Easter Lilies.. It's like seeing a kalidescope of colors dancing through the ground as the tulips and daffodils blossom and break forth . Spring is like being reborn..I love it !!!

So, it's no wonder, that everyone is noticing, my over exhuberant attitude. Even my doll Sensei and the Japanese ladies are laughing at my spring fever, antics... OK .. so I made cream puffs for last weeks, class... They were " Yummy Calories ", that I'll probably wear off , running around the Doll Exhibition.

I'm so very honored, to be part of this Japanese Artisan Showing ... Needless to say, Zaa Art of taking pictures needs alot of practise so I'll take two camera's instead of one.( Hee Hee) Just incase I run out of film.

HAPPY EASTERTIDE

2009-04-09T04:28:00.001-07:00

I think of the garden after the rain;

And hope to my heart comes singing,

" At morn the cherry blossoms will be white,

And the Easter bells will be ringing!".

Written by: (Edna Dean Proctor : Easter Bells)

Wishing the blessing of Eastertide to all my special friends... Please enjoy the 'Zaa Art " of the Springtime .

SAKURA, SAKURA

2009-04-08T18:55:00.001-07:00

April is " Cherry Blossom" season in Japan . It's a mezmerizing time , when an ethereal pink hue takes over the hills and countryside. I have been so in awe of the beauty that I've snapped over 500 pictures. Today, I remembered a song. "Sakura, Sakura", is a traditional Japanese folksong from the Edo period,depicting Spring and the season of cherry blossom in Japan. It was first composed for children playing the "koto".

" Sakura, Sakura"
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
On Meadow-hills and mountains
As far as you can see.
Is it a mist, or clouds?
Fragrant in the morning sun.
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Flowers in full bloom
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Across the Spring sky,
As far a you can see.
Is it a mist, or clouds?
Fragrant in the air.
Come now, come,
Let's look, at last!
If you would like to hear this song , please go to: http://www.mamalisa.com/midi/sakura.mid sakura.mid.
http://www.mamalisa.com/mp3/sakura.mp3akura.mp3 akura.mp3
Hope you have the time to enjoy 'Zaa Art" of the season by taking a moment to stop and smell the blossoms. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

LION BOY

2009-03-23T02:03:00.000-07:00

It Birthday time in Japan. Four, out of five members of my immediate family celebrate their birthdays in March, so the Spring season often becomes one big PARTY.

This is a picture of my husbands' birthday gift. ' Lion Boy ", a character from the Kabuki Theatre. I thought it might remind of his youth and maybe, he would jump up and down and we could go dancing ( Yes, that's a good idea! )

Kabuki is a blend of music, dance, mime and spectacular costuming. It has been the main theatrical artform in Japan for four centuries. "Lion Boy" is one of it's favorite characters. I had never made a male doll and thought it might be a fun project. WELL.........

The truth is that, we didn't go tripping the light fantastic, but the gift did make my husband smile . He really appreciated, that I made a male washi doll for him. ..SO he took me for a week-end trip on his birthday and bought me a pearl necklace. .. HEY ..That's " Zaa Art " of Birthday Magic.

WHITE DAY TREATS

2009-03-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

"Romancing the chocolate" is unique in Japan. Recently, I received, some " White Day " gifts ... OH, how lucky am I ... but I wondered, "What is White Day?"

If you remember, only Japanese men receive gifts on Valentine's Day... How sad for the ladies, but never fear for there is gallant hope here.

In 1978 , the Japanese National Confection Industry declared that Japanese women should also receive gifts of chocolate love. So, they originated the celebration of " Marshmallow Day" on March 14th, one month after our Valentine's Day. WELL ... marshmallows gave way to delicious, white chocolate and the day was soon transformed into, " White Day".

If a man received a " honmei-choco" , chocolate love, or " Giri-choco", chocolate, given by a female co-worker on February 14th ,then he would be expected to return the favor to the lady, who incidently, may have bought 20 to 30 chocolate boxes for distribution around the office. ..That's alot of male admirers !!!!

Needless to say, this approach to Valentine's Day is something that department stores and confectionary shops promote and look forward to because of the potential sales that it generates. Really, it's a win/ win situation for everyone. .. I mean, if you don't love chocolate , put up your hands!!!

Now, let's take this one step further .... The gifts, for " White Day , are sometimes termed as "sanbai gaeshi" ( literally ,"thrice the return") so whatever a man buys for the lady , should be two to three times the cost of the original gift that he received.... Sounds good to me.( Ha Ha) ... Chocolates, china, lingerie and jewlery seem the most popular ..(CHA-Ching)

If your an English teacher,( like me) you might be lucky enough to receive a " tomo-choco", sweets for a friend.... I enjoy sweets and I adore receiving gifts, so I will gladly accept 'ZaaArt" of giving from the Heart on White Day. .. M-M-M-M- M- This chocolate is yummy!!!!

HAKATA DOLL

2009-02-26T21:36:00.000-08:00

This is Kasuga, my wonderful new/old Hakata Doll. She's an antique ceramic that weighs alittle over 5 pounds. Her unusual hair color and intricately designed kimono are breath-taking.

She drinks tea in the elegant ceremonial fashion. It is a happy day for her. See, how gracefully, Kasuga poses her hands...Beautiful !!!.

The process of creating Hakata Dolls varies amongst masters and families, who are recipients of the art technique traditions, that span many centuries.

Hakata doll makers procure their own clay ( tsuchi) locally. The dolls are named, after the area inwhich the clay has been found. In this case Hakata-ku, Fukuoka prefecture.

The pre-owner cared meticulously for this Hakata Doll. I was fortunate enough to receive the artists' signed signature plaque, plus a wonderful, old, rusty carrying case, inlaid with silk padding. Thank You !!!

I am not sure of the exact date of this doll, nor the artists' name, although it seems to say, Tatumi/Tatsumi. Japanese is a symbolic language, often it seems, that the written name or story is interpretive or not exactly understood.

No matter ... for in true fashion, Kasuga, is ZaaArt of a Master Hakata Artisan...whoever he may be.

NO LOVE STORY

2009-02-20T01:05:00.000-08:00

No Valentine's Story for Japanese Women... It's true !!!
Being a romantic , I decided to use my ESL, English Class for a sweet romantic interlude of learning .. .. games, puzzles, valentines, stories and poems , all stamped with a big red heart, spelling FUN.

My husband and wife duo, needed to practise their conversational english and writing skills, so I asked them to write a love note to one another, paste it on a Valentine card, then exchange and discuss their thoughts together.

ALERT ... It was suddenly a very delicate situation and very apparent that showing affection was taboo. Anyways ,ONLY men receive chocolates on Valentines day in Japan .. It's part of the business plan, to encourage goodwill toward, future business endeavours. Goodness.. so much for reciving a heart shaped box full of yummy chocolates. Strike One in the history of romance.

Ok, how about Valentines, my friend? ... "No, we do not exchange Valentines," he calmly replies. THUMP ...There was dead silence... Suddenly, a screaming cry resounds ... " I buy you a Valentine and chocolates every year." ... "You buy me nothing," she complained. Oh, Oh ... Is this Strike two in English 101?

OUCH !!!! I was starting to feel alittle stressed and very saddly out of my culture. Needless to say there was alot of conversational english going on. There was also, lots of emotional expression (SOB) and complete sentences with alot of periods and exclamation marks at the end. Was I in the middle of a relationship crisis? No.. It was just stellular English Comprehension and Grammar.

I absolutely marvelled at their ability to ask one another questions. ..And even ( blush) clapped when each one used the appropriate english in a statement... Their vocabulary was excellent. AHHHHHH, I thought, listen to the wonderful continuity of their tones...Up and down.. and soft and loud... HMMM They are learning how to express themselves.. Good work!!!

OK .. Talking is over... They stayed overtime to write a note to one another, cut, paste and exchange Valentines for the first time in their lives. YES ... There is a lesson to this story. All the ESL and Love was not lost ... They actually walked out the door smiling and holding hands... BRAVO

My male student, even decided that for Valentines Day, he would drive his wife to the bus, to spend the night with her girlfriends .. to drink Beeroo.

It seems , that ZaaArt of Love's Labour is alittle lost, romantically, in the Asian translation, but moving forward...slowly, in the English Department

HINA MATSURI DOLLS

2009-02-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

Springtime is a coming and with it the Hina Matsuri celebrations. The most important dolls of the season are the tachibani " standing hina, emperor and empress or the Dairi-bina, the seated royal pair, who are featured in most of the festive displays around Japan.

These two little doll( left) are approximately 5 inches tall, including the stand. Their heads are made from a cotton Q-Tip and the bodies from hard cardboard tubing, the size of a quarter in diameter. It was fiddly work , because of the tiny size. Tweezers where needed to secure the embellishments such as the ribbon, fan and hat onto the dolls. I was really amazed at how delightful I felt when I had finished... Tah Dah !!!! Now I only have twelve more figures to make to complete the set... WHEW!!!

The Girls' Day Festival ( March 3 ) was established in 1687 and is perhaps one of the most celebrated in Japan. A few days before the festival, mothers and daughters take out their Hina and arrange them on a red cloth . Sometimes this includes a tiered seven step display with the Emperor and Empress at the top, followed by three ladies serving sake, five or ten musicians, two guardians with weapons and three servants. Toy trees and semi-precious stones, representing a dowry such as carts, chests etc) may also be included. In the Western world, we build Victorian Doll houses and enjoy a casual tea party . In Japan, Hina Matsuri represents, the cultural requirements of manhood and womanhood. It comes with a wish for marriage and a warning not to leave the display up too long, lest the marriage be delayed. So ZaaArt of making dolls and drinking tea is much more culturally exotic here in Japan.

WASHI BABY

2009-01-09T05:24:00.000-08:00

It's the first class of the year and of course I had to create the New Years' Baby. I've called her 'Rini" meaning " little bunny " in the Japanese language." Oh rabbit on the moon, What are you leaping for? I shall leap, I shall leap soon, at the large full moon". ( http://www.mamamlisa.com/)
Yes, I sing when I create. Tra-La-La... but, I just couldn't help noticing, that this little dolly seemed to be crawling all over the place, getting stuck in the glue, rolled up in the cottons strips and tangled in the wire, which was a hefty 20 guage. So, I stopped singing and concentrated on the work at hand. ( Focus)Creating Baby was a challenge with all the teeny, tiny poses to chose from. I bent the wire this way and that way, crushing the washi garment to feel and see some authentic form. However, this little cherub was really testing me, but don't all children. They're all basically, a divine work of art in one form or another. Rini was no different.There seemed to be alot of giggling, ooing and cooing going on as this tiny spirit evolved and was transformed into an ( almost live) Washi baby.Suddenly, I started to laugh... because, the best thing about this wee one, is ZaaArt of not having to change diapers. She's already potty trained.. So , I call her my " Miracle Baby".

TOOTHPIC GEISHA

2009-01-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

So , I'm in a restaurant watching people picking their teeth, but they are covering their mouths. It's a custom here in Japan. My food arrives and I pull my chopsticks out of a beautifully folded rice paper envelope and there I spy a toothppic Geisha. HMMM ..I love it. Well I search the net lookingfor instructions. I asked my friends for help, but none of them know anything about these little lovelies. So I started experimenting with the washi paper and toothpics.. I never knew that there were so many different kinds of toothpics. Well there are fat ones, round ones, skinny ones, short and tall ones. I'm stumped, but not defeated. A year passes and I stumble across a little shop in the Kokura market and quess what I find? The perfect toothpic.( Doesn't take much to excite me.) It's five cm long and has a circular nick around the top part of the pic. Now, I'm happy..... It took alot of practise but ,Tah Dah ... I'm creating my own little Toothpic Geisha's. Infact , they have become my New Years' inspiration for a "Paperdoll Craft Book" that I'm working on ...No , I don't pick my teeth with them . Toothpic Geishas are fiddly, but in ZaaArt world, time and patience is what it's all about. There's no paper stuck between my teeth..( Ha Ha)

Crane Lore

2009-01-01T02:28:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what to do after a Christmas dinner ? This year we made Origami Cranes for the New Year celebrations. Of course some people were better at the folding than others, especially in Japan where they learn paper crafts at an early age, in kindergarten. Surprise, surprise, we had alot of fun doing it.

In Asia, the crane is know as the " bird of happiness" and is often referred to as, thee , 'Honorable Lord Crane"... Myths tell of a legendary warrior who conquered his foes, to heroically, extend the borders of ancient Japan, and upon his death, his soul took the form of a crane and flew away. ( I'd love to illustrate this)

A 12th century legend, tells the story of Yorimoto, who attached labels to the legs of the cranes and requested that the people who captured the birds, record their location, put it on the label and then re-release the birds. This was a very early program, of bird banding.( Amazing isn't it) Infact some of Yorimoto's birds were claimed to have still been alive several centuries after his death.

( Ha Ha)

Yet , another, 12th century, myth retells the tales of Kakamura, a Feudal Lord who celebrated a Buddhist festival . After a successful battle, he freed many cranes, as a thanksgiving gift . Each had a prayer strip on it's leg, to convey a special prayer for those, killed in battle. This appears to be the first recorded association of the crane with celebration of peace and prayer.

Inevitably, the cranes reputation for a long life and prosperity, has became a symbol of good health. Origami cranes have become a popular pastime and a special gift of offering.. So far I've made one hundred small cranes for an origami mobile. I would like to hang it in my new/old Canadian house as a fond remembrance of Japan. It will symbolize the ZaaArt of being Happy and at Peace during 2009.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-24T22:17:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas day here in Japan... One day ahead of those of you in western Canada and the United States. The turkey is cooking, the lights are twinkling and the champagne is chilling. Our guests arrive at 6:30 for their first Christmas Supper. There are no rice balls, deep fried pork pieces, noodles or mackeral on the menu. We're eating with forks and knives instead of chopsticks and the wine glasses are twice the size of the normal asian glasses. Instead of the many, small, individual dishes, there is only a dinner plate and a salad plate and the napkin goes on your lap, thank you very much.

We say a prayer before dinner, instead of ringing a bell and sing Christmas carols after supper, instead of climbing a mountain. Yes, traditionals are very different. Christian beliefs are not followed in this part of the world. The Japanese celebrate New Years . So ZaaArt of eating turkey off the bone with mashed potatoes, turnip and cranberry sauce will be a completely new experience for all .

CRAZY FOR LIGHTS

2008-12-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

Looking for Christmas in Japan... I seem to be wandering around the streets at night trying to catch a glimspe or glimmer of the festive spirit. I think it's a Western thing !!! In Canada, I made my own decorations, poured rum on the traditional fruitcake and toughed it out in the blistering, zero below temperatures, to select just the right Christmas tree. Suddenly, I've discovered fibre-optics and developed an Eastern mentality for the excitement of the season.

I have a five foot glistener in my Tatami room, a three foot, fibre-optic fairy tree in the hallway and a fibre-optic, giggling, jiggling Santa, in the livingroom window. Oh and did I mention, the 200 or more outdoor twinklers that blink on and off, for the curious neighbours. Yes, I've gone crazy for lights.

Needless to say, Japan is an electronic world. They do not celebrate Christmas but do partake in cookies and New Years' festivities . The effect of the electrical displays are the same around the world... It's magical. In Maigaoka, if I'm not listening to Christmas Carols, I'm hanging around local alleyways, snapping picture of neons lights and experiencing ZaaArt of plugging into the season. Merry Christmas to you all.

ATC GEISHAS

2008-12-21T21:40:00.000-08:00

ATC's are always a challenge for me... Flower Blossom #1 and #2 were a swap project for a friend in Germany. I was alittle worried that they might get damp in the mail, due to the humid weather.

The question was..Do I or don't I seal them with Hodge Podge? Washi paper is so much more porous and absorbant than most papers. It was a big decision, especially since I had worked for many days on the dollies.

What the heck, I took the challenge and this was the result... Two glossy Washi dolls. They look alittle too stiff and unnatural for me .. So I chalked it up to ... A lesson well learned... Apple Blossom #1 and Apple Blossom #2 are very unique ATC's, but in ZaaArt of Washi Paper, " Natural is Best".

IKEBANA

2008-12-17T02:16:00.001-08:00

Yesterday my friend Yoko invited me to her Ikebana show. As a sensei, of Ikebana many of her students had created beautiful floral designs that were on display in the Riverwalk area of Kitakyushu. I love flowers, so naturally, I was excited to attend. I have included afew pictures that I hope you will enjoy.

Ikebana was first introduced to Japan in the 7th century by Chinese Buddhist missionaries, who had formalized a ritual, offering of flowers to Buddah. It is an artform based on the harmony of simple linear construction, the appreciation of the subtle beauty of flowers and natural material( branches and stems) .

In it's highest form, ikebana is spiritual and philosophical in nature. In modern Japan , it is practised, as a sign of refinement. I quess , I have a lot to learn, because in ZaaArt of floral arranging, I use way too many flowers .

Age Features

2008-12-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

Remember Yoko from the November 23 post... I just thought you might want to see the differences(below) in the hairstyles and kimonos. Please do ENJOY ZaaArt.

Cho Cho Belt

2008-12-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

A new creation admires herself . This is Sachiko, who is willfully vain about her age, her looks and her new position in life. She is afterall a teenage Washi Doll, who is much more sophisicated than her sibling sister doll, below, ( see November 23rd post). You might say Sachiko has attitude. Everyone will know how old she is, by observing her long hair and flowing Kimono sleeves. If you listen carefully , you'll hear her whispering to herself, " Mirror mirror on the wall. Who's the fairest of them all ". Hey Sachiko, that isn't a Japanese Haiku !!! How will I ever get her away from the mirror?

My greatest enjoyment while working on the teenage doll was the hair styling and the obi belt. Washi paper is so flexible and user-friendly. This particular tied bow shape is called 'cho cho' because the bow resembles a butterfly, thus giving it the name, butterfly obi. I just love making them. Doesn't take much to get ZaaArt all aflutter.

Collage Sheets.

2008-12-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

My new collage sheets are here... I'm so excited. Look at all the wonderful beauties awaiting their destiny as cards and art projects. I found these ones at http://www.tuscanrose.com/. She has a wonderful selection of collage sheets, tranparencies, rubber stamps and scrapebooking materials at a very reasonable price. They arrived so quickly that I added her to my bloglist if you are interested: http://www.ramblingrose.typepad.com/ . It's quite interesting reading. Right now, it's time to get started on some new cards. How will I ever decide on ZaaArt picture.? I'll post it soon.

Paper Dolls

2008-12-04T01:31:00.001-08:00

Fantastic Flat Paperdolls is a creative group that I participate in. The themes vary according to the season of the year.

This particular month was "costumes". While most participants dreamed of Marie Antoinette and her lusty gatherings..I was quite content to get right down creative with the traditional Geisha.

I had some geometric origami paper that I loved and a small piece of stretchy gold cord in my 'Fluffy Bag" . Good start , I thought.

The basic form of the doll is easy .. It's like tracing the shape of a wine bottle for the shoulders and following it all the way down. Then I trace a circle, the size of a bottle cap for the head, glue it onto a paper post for the neck and reshape the face.

Creating the face is always a challenge for me, so I got out my historical Japanese art books... There were so many interesting faces and eye shapes... I chose a less than perfect face, because , when I look at the people in Japan, I do not see perfection. There is a real individual characterization in the various facial features and positioning of the eyes here in Japan. So, this paperdoll looks very similiar to an authenic Geisha beauty from the past.

I tried to incorperate some of the traditional body embellishments in the hair styling which I made from rolled black paper. While she is not perfect... She is an experiment in the beginning styles of a Japanese PaperDolls ..ZaaArt way. Her name is Ming Lee.

ZaaArt Bow

2008-11-28T01:14:00.000-08:00

This is Sakura, my latest Paperdoll with a twist, in her obi. Instead of making the conventional Kimono, I decided to venture in to the realm of east meets west. Sakura's obi looks more like a couture design from the ZaaArts' fashion world... A bow instead of an obi ... How does that work?

There are many rules that govern the wear of a Japanese kimono and obi. I humbly apologize to those purist in the name of ' Creativity" . I just can't seem to follow conventional rules all the time. But as you can see Sakura is very gracious and the ZaaArt couture Bow does wonders for her ever evolving image. I personally like it.

Some two hundred rules were at one time established for the kimono, dictating such things as combinations of colors. Even today, only certain colors are considered acceptable for certain times of the year depending upon the season. While all these purist rules have turned many people off, there is a new movement to re-introduce the Kimono as regular wear. That means making the kimono and obi more wearer friendly . So, I quess ZaaArt Bow may be acceptable after all.

ATC WASHI CARDS

2008-11-26T22:54:00.000-08:00

Cherry Blossom#3 : This is an example of my ATC Washi, Geisha Card. Each is an individually made doll using Washi paper. You can choose from such a wonderful variety of colors and designs. This one has butterflies and blossoms with gold embosted fans and backgrounds . It so delicate and beautiful to work with .. Cherry Blossom, as I call her has long flowing Crepe paper hair and holds a cherry blossom sprig in her hand. She is one of a series of 3 Cherry Blossom ATC's . She was personally made for my friend Suzee Q.

Living Doll

2008-11-25T05:52:00.000-08:00

Living Doll

2008-11-25T05:28:00.000-08:00

Kannon giggles with excitement. At seven years old, she is ready to celebrate in the tradional 'Girls' Day " Festivities. It is a special time , when Japanese Families honor and support the beauty and glory of young daughters growing into life.

Girl's Day is a celebrated tradition, inwhich little Japanese girls, don time-honored kimono's, much like their adult mother's, adorned with the precious accessories. Colorful Kimonos, matching zori shoes, obi belts , complete with a fan tucked in and beautiful hair embellishments, all add to the excitement of this much anticipated day. I was so honored that my friend Hiroko, brought her beautiful grandaughter to my house on her special day. It was an honor to witness, ZaaArt of youthful beautiful !!!

Playing With Washi

2008-11-23T22:57:00.001-08:00

This is Keiko, my latest creation. I'm so pleased with her and funnily enough, her ball... I had so much fun, tearing, rolling and compressing the cotton into a circle. It took me, nearly thirty minutes of playing around with that little old ball of cotton. The colored washi strips were pre-cut earlier and then were carefully positioned around it . I then, sealed the colored edges with a tiny dot of gold, washi paper. It's all the little embellishments that take the time and are the most fun to create. Keiko is dressed in a traditional Kimono basically the same as an adult's Kimono, except that it is perhaps more colorful. She wears her hair in a traditional bob and is ready for her first Girl's Day Celebration in March. ZaaArt of growing up!

WASHI DOLL

2008-09-23T03:02:00.000-07:00

This is a fine example of a Washi Doll created by an ancient paper folding and gluing technique. This particular beauty was a gift from my Dollmaking Sensei in Japan.

I always thought that paper is paper is paper, but I'm wrong. All paper has varying characteristics of texture , weight, and color. Washi paper is very unique. After handling and working with it's flexible nature ,one naturally begins to feel that there is some kind of communication or ' Contact" happening between the natural fibres of the washi and the artisan, who is creating the doll.

Washi Paper is handmade from the bark fibres of three Japanese shrubs. ' Gami", "Kozo"(Mulberry) and "Mitsumata", which all grow naturally across Japan.

Master craftsmen utilize ,stencils, woodblocks and silkscreens to create exquisite patterns that resemble oriental textiles. The paper has a soft, pliable nature that accomodates the expressive, three dimensional shapes of the Washi Doll. It's a pure delight to work with.

Every part of this Washi Doll is cut, shaped and folded by hand. My biggest challenge is getting to know the nature of the paper.

Zaa Art Is Here

2008-09-22T01:22:00.000-07:00

OK, so I'm a self -indulged, creative fanatic... semi-retired and living in Japan. I've had a thing for paper since childhood. My mother was always met at the door with a song, dance and a story, complete with a full cast of paperdolls.

Nowadays, my husband is the one who walks over the scraps, pencils, paints and paper. He smiles and says, Where's the paper, DOLL? I say, ' Honey, ZaaArt is here on my blog for everyone to see and ENJOY!!!! He sighs with relief knowing that all my creativity is online instead of on the livingroom floor.

Japan has had a long love affair with paper and paper fibre arts Currently I'm studying with a Washi Doll Master learning the art of Washi paper and 3- dimensional Washi Dolls. It's a journey into a very special culture that shares many exotic and ancient gifts. ZaaArt postings will include Paperdolls, Washi Dolls, ATC Trading Cards, and various art mediums and creative adventures.

You're invited to journey with me through Lotusland and ZaaArts of my world.