Attached image is just outside my door on the way to the studio.
I’m here in Yokohama, Japan for the next week. I had this trip planned for the last six months. Of course I’m glad I came but considering the recent events here, the mood is much more quiet. It's strange to walk by the buildings with cracks and fallen bricks and tiles. some places aren’t open, there are fewer people out and about. I know that even though there are many people that have survived the disasters here, everyone is affected and know people that have lost loved ones or they are still missing. It’s hard to understand or empathize. After talking with Shige, I am very glad I came since so many out of town and out of country clients of his have canceled due to fear and concern. I know business, and you miss a few days of income, it’s easy to get behind. My clients here are on more limited budgets as well. I figure it will all come out in the long run. I’m taking the extra time here to talk more and try and understand more, learning. I’m not making videos this time mostly because my camera isn’t working. If I can figure it out, I will try, but the my mood is more quiet and I’m just taking it in. I had a tattoo session the first full day I arrived here, there was even an aftershock small earthquake during it. The studio is six stories up and it just felt like someone was moving the table I was laying on. As i looked up to see the water dispenser sloshing around a bit. I was told there have been hundreds of these. Anyway, I and am working on some existing pieces yesterday and today. Tomorrow I hope to visit the Tokyo museum with Shige.
Shige’s “HOPE” for japan shirts are due to arrive the day I leave. If they get here in time, I’ll try and bring some home for people, but It’s looking like most will have to order them from Yellowblaze.
On a lighter note, I got to review my new oil painting DVD being put out by Southern Oregon Art Academy. It should be available in a couple weeks. I watched the final cut on my trip here and am super stoked about it. It was edited and produced by Ryan Moon, SOAA instructor. It has tons on great information and is super inspiring to step things up and take the plunge into art as a means of life. I’m glad they didn’t tell me they were making a dvd of the workshop since it left me very honest and uninhibited. there are a couple stories in it that are worth twice the asking price. I’m hoping to sell tons of these since they will be very reasonable and half of all the proceeds are going directly to SOAA which will further the education of many aspiring artists. I love being able to give something back! I will post them as soon as they are available. No pre sales on this one. Each time I do that, pay pal has a fit and holds all the money for months. so as soon as they are in my hands I will let you all know and you can get your copy within a day or two of them being posted. The trailer says it will be available in Feb. of 2011... but better late than never;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjM9XJubfg8
To all of you who care enough to read these things from me, ( I know there are literally millions more entertaining ways to spend your time, like you-tubing crazy cat videos) I want to tell you "thank you" It's way hard to keep up with the three trillion other people out there screaming for your attention; but from the bottom of my heart... Thanks.
jeff
