Japan.

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On the 27th of October 2016, I went to Tokyo, Japan for two weeks with my boyfriend, Danny. 
The trip was, for failure of a better word, incredible. Tokyo was so surprisingly diverse and the ‘kawaii’ influence was inescapable.
Japan have truly embraced all things cute, quirky and colourful, and I was definitely okay with that.

First, food.
Cute, novelty food was everywhere. And I mean everywhere.
Tokyo was a place where Halloween meant scary donuts and glow in the dark ice cream.

But also a place where even the everyday donuts came in more interesting shapes and sizes than here in Preston. From round and bobbly to adorably bite size. 

Tokyo was a place with pancakes so big and so fluffy that they wobbled. Yes. They actually wobbled – like jelly!

It was a place where you could buy an 8 flavour, 1.2kg ice cream cone for less than £3
(Yes, we each bought one. And yes, we each finished the whole thing — no regrets!) 

A place where ice cream sundae rabbits are lovingly prepared by maids. They then perform a dance for you in full maid costume whilst you sit there and awkwardly cheer them on with a tambourine, wearing rabbit ears. Yes, that happened.

And even the subway station sells teddy bear cakes.
So cute!

A place with adorable themed cafes. This was the PomPomPurin Cafe in Harajuku, themed entirely around a cartoon Labrador retriever and his animal friends.

 Delicious, too! (I ate way too many pancakes over the span of two weeks, but it was all in the name of research…)

Even McDonald’s were getting in on the action with a special themed McFlurry

Tokyo was also a place were fake food was as prominent as the real deal.
Here is a cabinet from a popular craft, stationary and lifestyle store called ‘Tokyu Hands’.
Fake mousse-cake and a pastry tiara with sugar crystal diamonds – both fantastic inspirations for my project!

Tokyo has fabulous wall art like this around every corner.

And even the clocks are as bonkers as you’d expect them to be.

A place where sweets are part of your 5 a day. (well, maybe not)

Just look at that Candy Floss!

Tokyo is also a place with an unusual love for animal cafe’s. Yes, that is an owl.

And of course, even I had to get in to the Halloween spirit in Tokyo – I would have stood out if I DIDN’T dress up!
3 days straight of a city full of costumes. It was amazing!

Tokyo is also home to the Kawaii Monster Cafe – an eccentric place of Candy colours and food dripping off the walls.
This place was honestly one of my favourite places in Tokyo – it was a work of art in itself.
I’m just disappointed I couldn’t get more photographs, but overall the lighting wasn’t great for taking photographs… I guess you just had to be there!

Yeah, even my food was themed like an artist palette, with rainbow pasta and coloured sauces!

Regular bread? Not even close. These are all lamps! 

And these little guys? 
Carrot and radish… people. Just lying around in various poses. Why not!

Even more scarily real looking fake food…

We always had time to stop, and eat more research.

And believe me, nobody could pull of novelty cute like Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea! 
Food, merchandise, even the trains were themed and Disneyfied but with that needed Japanese twist. 

A lot of my other photographs (and believe me, there’s a lot!) are more park, theme park, garden and building oriented, so I don’t feel like they’re too relevant to my Art Project, but I can honestly say this — Tokyo was such an amazing source of research for a sweet themed project, and I would encourage EVERYBODY to visit Japan. There is something for everyone and it was such an amazing trip! Go Go Go!

Rachel Maclean. Wot U :-) About?

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I made a day visit to the HOME gallery in Manchester to see the ‘Wot U 🙂 About?’ exhibit by Rachel Maclean, which explores vanity and image as we know it thanks to social media and celebrity culture, but in a post-apocalyptic backdrop.

  

The exhibit had everything from sculptures and props to video performance and music. It was really more like a production, which pushed the grotesque and shocking aesthetic. This, combined with the vivid, poppy colours, oversized eyes and big hair bows immediately gave me Harajuku vibes, and it appears that Maclean may get some of her influence from Japanese popular culture.

Whilst her work was maybe a little too provoking at times for my taste, there were elements that I really did enjoy. The attention to detail in prop, make-up and costume making were fantastic, and very well thought out. I really enjoyed the sweet, overly-girly accessories mixed with the excessive grotesque. The exhibit was very visual, and I could really appreciate the hard work that went into delivering such a professional display of multi-mediums.

The video showed Maclean dressed as several different characters, acting and singing. 
You can see a small snippet of the video here which I recorded at the gallery. 
It was very creative but also quite unnerving.

I really enjoyed the segment were the “viruses” (rat characters) sang towards the end of the video, sadly I didn’t manage to record it! But the rats sang and the audio was up-pitched to sound like squeeky chipmunks. It just added a nice comedic, overly-cute element to an otherwise very grotesque video.

Overall, I really enjoyed the exhibit.
It inspired me to experiment with my own project by including samples of me singing in Japanese (pitch-up) to emphasise the overly “sugary-sweet” ambience of a sweets focused project.

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All images were taken by me at the HOME Gallery exhibit in Manchester. 

Sarah Bowker-Jones. Colour Pop Sculptures.

Sarah Bowker-Jones creates beautifully simple yet eye-catching sculptures with vibrant pops of colour. 

Bowker-Jones uses a variety of interesting materials to make her sculptures.
Polythene, Jesmonite, foam, fabrics, PVA, spray paints, elastic… I really love to see artists who incorporate so many different materials to get their desired aesthetic. 

I also really love her choice of colour palette, which tends to be very pink, purple and blue based.
The colours alone really resonate with my own Candy based project. 

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All images sourced from: 

http://www.bowker-jones.com/

Crossover Tutorial. Maeve Rendle.

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In November, I discussed my project with tutor Maeve Rendle, and we talked about possible different directions  for future work. 
 I talked about my interest in exploring video and audio for future projects, as she too works with performance art and video. 

Maeve suggested artist Leah Capaldi to me, a contemporary artist who combines sculpture and performance. Whilst I would be interested to make some form of short film that somehow combines both sculpture and performance, I would be looking to do so in a way very different to Capaldi, who often portrays the person as the acting sculpture. 

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Maeve also suggested I look at an artist called Lily Van Der Stokker, whose exhibitions showcase furniture props and colourful wall and floor environments. 

I like how her work emphasises pops of colour and shape more so than anything else. 
 The furniture props are always simple but add a nice 3D element to the otherwise flat, 2D wall murals. 

The art comes across as very feminine and sweet, and reminds me a little of my own work. 

I really like the pastel palette she uses. Makes it vibrant but also very sugary looking.

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Finally, 
Maeve suggested I look at an artist called Helen Marten, who makes videos of her digital objects and 2D backdrops. 

An example of her work can be seen here 

Her digital animations are very interesting to watch, and at parts are quite humorous, too! Very random. 
Below are some stills from the video that I liked:

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It was really interesting to speak to Maeve and get a different perspective on my project and ideas for future art, especially as I’m completely new to making art videos!

The Japanese Desserts that aren’t just sweet to taste.

In a week’s time, I’ll be jetting off to the land of the rising sun and the home of all things cute. Yeah, you guessed it – Japan. Specifically, Tokyo. 

To prepare myself for this, I’ve started to hunt down Tokyo’s famous sweets and treats, living in hope that I’ll be able to track them down too when I get there. (For research purposes, naturally…)  This should help to inspire my sweets themed studio project!

First of all…

Above: The 8-flavour mega ice cream, Nakano Broadway, Tokyo.

Above: A selection of cute desserts from the Shirokuma Cafe in Namja Town (Sunshine City, Ikebukuro), Tokyo. 

Above: A selection of Sailor Moon desserts at the Pop-up Chibiusa Sailor Moon Cafe in Roppongi, Tokyo

Above: The fluffiest pancakes in the World! Served at Cafe Gram in Harajuku, Tokyo

Above: Giant candy floss from Totti Candy Factory in Harajuku, Tokyo

Above: Famous Harajuku crepes! Complete with bubblegum pink vendor cart

Above: Animal donuts, from Floresta in Tokyo

Above: Pikachu themed choux puff, courtesy of Tokyo’s Pokemon Cafe (one of many specialised theme cafes)

Above: Pancakes, cream parfait and cappuccino at the PomPom Purin Cafe in Tokyo. (PomPom Purin is a golden retriever character from Sanrio, the same company that makes Hello Kitty)

If I have learnt anything from this initial research, it’s that I will be gaining weight while in Japan.

Claes Oldenburg. Giant edibles.

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Claes Oldenberg’s series of stuffed edibles are all my favourite things rolled in to one — sculptures, giant toys and of course, food. I really love that Oldenberg went against the Art “system” that said sculptures needed to be formal, serious and erect. These soft pieces are fun and not to be taken too seriously, I also really love the novelty factor of huge food. (My dream come true)

Above: Floor Burger (Canvas filled with foam rubber and cardboard boxes, painted with acrylic paint) 

Above: Floor Cake (Synthetic polymer paint and latex on canvas filled with foam rubber and cardboard boxes)

Above: Floor Cone (Synthetic polymer paint on canvas filled with foam rubber and cardboard boxes)

Above: Giant BLT (Vinyl, kapok fibers, painted wood, and wood)

Above: French Fries and Ketchup (Vinyl and kapok fibers on wood base)

Sources used for Images and Information:
http://www.moma.org
http://www.guggenheim.org
http://www.christies.com
http://www.oldenburgvanbruggen.com

 

“I like to work with very simple ideas,” Oldenburg has said.
Despite their simplicity, Floor Burger, Floor Cake, and Floor Cone were groundbreaking artworks. Their soft, pliant, and colorful bodies challenged the convention that sculpture is rigid and austere, and their subject matter and colossal scale infused humor and whimsy into the often sober space of fine art” 

BOOK SCAN: Tokyo street style fashion in Harajuku

All of the above were pages I liked for no particular reason. (Either the design, colours or/a combination of branding appealed to me).

Sometimes, especially with visual things, I think it’s nice to just state which things you like without having to justify why you like them!

Tokyo street style fashion in Harajuku,
Published by Thames & Hudson,
Written by Tiffany Godoy,
ISBN (978-0-500-51403-0)

BOOK SCAN: The cutting edge Fashion from Japan

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I felt compelled to make a quick blog post about this book I stumbled on in the library whilst looking for a different book, as it was an accidental find but very appropriate to my research.

The book, titled ‘The cutting edge Fashion from Japan’ showcases some of Japan’s most influential artists and designers from the world of fashion – many of which have left their mark on Japan’s infamous Street Style subcultures.

Above: Tokio Kumagai; Taberu Kutsu series. (pages 60, 61)
Material: Resin

Above: Issey Miyake; Bustier (pages 66, 67)
Material: Fibreglass

Above: Aya Tsukioka; From skirt to vending machine (pages 90, 91)
Material: wearable synthetic and cotton

Above: Kosuke Tsumura; Multi-pocket coat (pages 92, 93)
Material: Nylon, stuffed with packaging, newspaper and locally sourced magazines.

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The 4 pieces that caught my eye are all quite different, using a range of materials and varied thought processes and intent.
The imitation food sandals are my personal favourite – I love that they are almost functional, and most certainly influence Japan’s obsession with fake food.

Book cover below:

The cutting edge Fashion from Japan,
Powerhouse Publishing,
edited by Louise Mitchell,
ISBN (1 86317 114 2)

Tanya Schultz. Sugary Sweet Installations.

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Australian artist Tanya Schultz designs stunning art installations inspired by all things sugary sweet. She exhibits her designs under the brand “Pip & Pop”, and collects the pieces she incorporates in her work from her travels all around the world. Schultz has displayed her pieces in her home Country of Australia, as well as Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.

She uses an assortment of found objects that fit her theme, from plastic trinkets and artificial flowers, to beads and hair clips.
I love the fact that her work is comprised of found objects from her travels around the world, making the art very personal in my opinion, as each piece has been made thanks to her experiences.


Each piece is like a small, sherbet wonderland!

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As a fan of pastel colours, Tanya Schultz’s art is definitely a winner for me!
It also screams ‘influenced by Harajuku’ so links quite well with my own research for FA3001.

Love it!

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Images sourced from ~
http://www.bustle.com
http://www.pipandpop.com.au

Pearl Clay. Experimentation.

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In my previous post, I showed my first attempts at re-creating Jeff Koons’ famous Balloon Dog. The material I used was entirely new to me, a soft, self-hardening material called  Pearl Clay. My initial thoughts were… Pearl Clay is squishy, so could be an interesting alternative to regular clay for sculpting.
As you can see below, it appears to be very sticky and potentially quite messy (it actually reminds me visually of Nattou, a Japanese delicacy, thanks to its’ stringy consistency). However, it’s quite the opposite when in the hands, as you can see in my short video here.

With this in mind, I had a go at making another “retro” inspired mini sculpt. 

Behold, the 1970’s most cherished icon…
The Space Hopper. 

Nothing says kitsch like the classic smiley face space hopper!

I first started by molding the clay into a ball shape with my hands, and then adding the two ‘handles’ at the top.
I then started to make indentations with my craft needle by stabbing the clay, as if Needle Felting with wool.

Can you see the face starting to take shape?

 

I’m happy with the finished look for now, but of course there is always room for improvement.
Due to the soft nature of this material, it has started to sag slightly under its’ own weight, I don’t think this can really be prevented when crafting something dense from Pearl Clay due to the length of time it takes to stiffen. It would work better on a flattened piece which would easier keep its’ shape.

I’d like to try sculpting with the material again but with larger quantities, I feel I’m slightly limited at the moment with the small amount I have, but I’m glad it has has proven to be a valid material to sculpt!

Also, it really reminds me of the pink and blue Liquorice Sweets you can buy, so of course I approve!

And the bonus piece:

I made a broccoli floret!
The stalk is needle felted with Merino wool, and the top is again made with Pearl Clay. I hope to make more of these in varying shapes, and eventually create an assortment of miniature ‘cute’ food, possibly as accessories or home style pieces. 

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