The 24th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair!

I've been working on a massive, exciting project for the Toronto Vegetarian Association. For the upcoming Vegetarian Food Fair, I am illustrating and designing a passport, children's passports and posters.

Shown on top is the cover of the passport. There are two folds. When you open first fold, there are four trivia questions related to Vegetarianism and Environment (this year's theme) along with questioning animals. The second image is an example of posters. I did four of these with different animals. These posters are on different locations, so that children can explore the Fair and answer passport trivia questions by reading them.

When you open the passport fully (the last image above), there is a small board game called "Save the Penguins!" Something fun to play with while learning about global warming, over fishing, which all effect penguin habitat/food.

There were very little time for me to work on, and I don't see myself sleeping this weekend. However, I am very excited. I've been going to the Vegetarian Food Fair for the past five years with my brother. My brother calls it a Disney Land for vegans/vegetarians. I know, many don't know about it, but Toronto has the BIGGEST vegetarian festival in North America. It's nuts. It's down at Harbour Front Centre on September 5th through 7th. Free admission and insane amount of food. Ever wondered how vegan chai tea icecream and red bean ice cream tasted like? Come on down.
Oh, and don't forget cooking demos and lectures! They are awesome!

If you'll excuse me, now I have to go work on adult passport design. See you at the Vegetarian Food Fair.

Square Foot Show

Square Foot Show pieces are done!
Top one is "Suicidal Penguin", although I think during my delirium, I wrote "Sad Penguin" to submit. Actually... I thought if I say 'suicidal', the painting won't sell. There is a funny yet not so funny story behind this penguin painting. I stood up all night once last week. It was first time in like, ten years. Even at school, I at least got one or two hours of sleep. And I couldn't even sleep the following day to meet deadlines. So I was so tired to the point of hallucinating. I was seeing evil clowns, purple clouds... It was creepy. Then I had a brilliant idea for a painting. Hey, why don't I do a bunny suicide painting!? Then my superb brain went further. Why don't I make a whole book of bunny suicides!?! Brilliant!!! I was so proud of myself and did some sketches. That night I slept deeply and well. The next day... what the??!? What was I thinking in my sleepless delirium? Of course there is a book of bunny suicide and I happen to love that book. And of course, the real book is million times better than crazy scribbles I did the night before. Wow, that's a long story... so anyhow, I changed the bunny to penguin and made use of one of my sketches.

The second one is, well, "Everybody Dance". Er... the roundish thingy on right of big bear on the foreground (God all mighty! That is a bear) is a baby seal. You know, they roll in snow with their round bodies? Yup, that's them cute baby seals.

What a crazy summer I am having. It's work after work. Today was one of few days that I got to get outside. Well, I had to, in order to submit Square Foot pieces. It was a strange sensation, finally being out of my apartment and walking. I met my friend Britt on the way home, we walked along Queen street, talking. An hour walk felt like a second. That was nice, even though I was in awkward anti-social mood. I really should get out more and socialize with my friends...

BUT... one more huge project to do. This new project is so huge, I won't be able to rest until August 16th. Vishnu bless my soul.

Anyways, Britt and I are both in Square Foot show. So do other 700 artists. Oh and my brother also. Come and check them out.

Location: 100A Ossington Ave. 2nd floor
Exhibition dates: August 16th 12pm -September 7th, 2008

Hello Again!

Finally.... After disappearing for four months, here I am.
I've been so busy. I've been more busy than when I was in school. I draw draw and paint paint morning till night, everyday. And slowly going mad. I am a bag lady, yes I am!
Before things got so busy with art, I was in Vancouver for a job training (which went to hell), and moved to Toronto. To my defense, during this time I didn't have internet to update my blog. Well, I didn't have internet till last week.

I've finished two major projects. There are still two more to go, but I am taking today off. And what's better way to spend the day off than updating my sad blog?
I swore to myself to update it every Thursday from now on. I swear.

The first set of photos shown on the top is from our GradShow. To my surprised, I won Best in Show. I never ever in my wildest dreams thought of winning Best in Show, ever. I still get dead scared thinking about that moment, getting sweaty palms. I so didn't deserve it among my super talented classmates.


These are images from Toronto Outdoor Arts Exhibition. My good friend Pat took the second photo. The empty spots are the paintings/drawings that are sold. I sold quite a bit, more than I expected. Finally, I could afford a phone line and internet. I will feature more of new stuff from TOAE in later blog post. I will be in Herbivore magazine's art issue, and I'll post new art when the magazine comes out.

And... I just completed a new short graphic novel! It's part of Chaos 2 comic anthology. It will be coming out soon. Wait for my sample pages when the book gets published. I pretty much almost killed myself for this project. Mine's black and white. I am afraid mine will be the only black/white piece there. I tried to focus more on the story rather than being decorative. I hope it's well received. Here is the site to Chaos 1. I will post etsy site for Chaos 1 sales soon. Chaos 2 is still in the editing phase.

Well, that's it. I have some exciting projects coming up. I have to work on them... eh... right now. Okay, I am going into another zombie illustrator phase, starting tomorrow. Today, I rest and watch Carnival of Souls.

Lone Forest Walker's Daily Planner

I missed last week's post. I'd like to blame piling amount of homework, but the truth was... I was busy watching non-stop Korean soap operas. The grad show pressure is so high, and I should be doing homework. But then I thought, 'hey, why not some soap operas!?!' Choice was 'Redbean Bun'. One of my favourite actress was in it. I mainly like her because of her clothing line. Also the rumor that she's quirky. Me like quirky people, yesh, who doesn't?
I seriously have never seen Korean soap operas until 2006. I wasn't allowed to when I was little. There are many cultural differences that I do not understand when it comes to relationships in Korea. (after reading this blog, I somewhat understand.) Anyways, too much tv fried my brain and I cannot carry on a normal conversation with people. I live on my own pathetic island of eating and sitting around.

...ok, nonsense ranting aside, I've been working on a daily planner. BIG FOOT! I love those guys, they make me so happy. I think of all these dubious publications about big foots, devils' foot prints, ESP, spontaneous combustion, etc. I used to read as a kid. I cannot wait to finish this and use it as my planner. Keep that childish dreams intact! The daily planner will be available for purchase once I finish all the in between illustrations.

Farewell to Arthur C. Clarke

One of my favourite author in the world, Arthur C. Clarke has passed away at age 90. His masterpiece like 'The Nine Billion Names of God' used to make my heart swell as a young girl. And his novel 'Childhood's End' is still one of my favourites. It had such a hope for humanity, where it's evolving, despite of all the hell. He wanted to see an actual evidence of extra terrestrial life and people's wider use of green energy for his 90's birthday. Neither happened. Hopefully, I get to see those soon.

This sketch was done while listening to Nightwish's 'End of All Hope'. I thought it was still in progress, but after few days, I kind of like it as it is.

This is my grocery list. Nothing but junk food, stuff I don't need, but I bought them nonetheless.My friend Ian and I hung out on Friday. He told me about crazy adventures he's been up to. He told me about Montreal's Three Monkeys store. I am hoping to visit one day. He's also going to learn French through jexplore program. Then travel France. I thought it was a wonderful idea. I looked it up, and it's too late to apply. *sigh* I miss traveling. I won't be going anywhere until I pay off my million dollar OSAP.

Conspiracy Theory

This is an illustration for the recent Ryerson Review of Journalism article. The article was about some truth-seeking journalists moving away from the main stream media, and submerging into Conspiracy Theory culture.

I must say, when I first went this rough, (one of three roughs. The other two were 'serious' ones), I was sure it wasn't going to be chosen. I almost said, 'I know this one won't fly, but just having fun'. What do you know, the good people of RRJ chose this one! I was so happy. Isn't it every illustrator's dream? Drawing aliens, space craft and chemtrail?!? I was extremely depressed about missing Bepo+Mimi show my teachers were involved in (due to the crazy amount of snow), but working on this piece surely brighten up my evening.

Just for a fun loving Conspiracy Theory people, there is a store - called Conspiracy Culture - on Queen Street, Toronto devoted to such subject. I never knew it existed before. I'm looking forward to visit that place as soon as I move to Toronto this summer.

This is just in! Ryerson Review of Journalism website uploaded the article with my illustration on it just now. If you click the image below, you can view the complete article.

Late Night with Noam Chomsky

Today, I worked listening to an interview with Noam Chomsky. I was always aware of his work, and heard things about him, but I've never read anything by him. Very embarrassing fact, I know. I knew he is smart and everything, but boy, he's SO smart and righteous. Something shook inside me listening to him. What a great, inspiring person! I'm glad that we are living in a world where great thinkers like him exist.
"Professor Chomsky, so how should we live our lives?"
"We should live free"

With a completely different note, my illustration has nothing to do with the interview with Noam Chomsky, other than the fact that I was listening to him while working on it.
This is an illustration of my 'process'. I procrastinate a lot. I make cute things, draw things that have nothing to do with homework, etc. (I don't have a heart to confess my secret dark guilty pleasure.... er.. watching Korean expose shows. There. I said it.)
Here I am, playing chess with a giant - but cute - owl monster. It's also my subconscious. I usually play alone, as I am a total loser without much friends. And to add to the madness, I play alone very well. While procrastinating, my subconscious tells me I should be working. Me, being myself, leave it to the very last minute. 'It's okay, I still have three hours to deadline!'

YES! I bought a Moleskine. Holy moly, it was expensive. Holy moly. However, I was sold even before stepping into the art supply store. I've never paid much attention to these sketchbooks before. Then I noticed some of my favourite illustrators using them. By then, I was 30% sold. The tipping point came last week. There were rumors, yes, there were. 'Joe Morse has one', 'yes, I saw him carrying one' 'psst psst'.
Joe Morse is my awesome teacher, also a great artist. I was talking to him about my art toys, then *drum roll* he pulled out a moleskine! The rumors were true! He took notes, considering to use my toys as trial for a 3D prototyping machine. (I'd love to see my toys being prototyped with that machine) But more importantly... THE RUMORS WERE TRUE!

So I went all the way to Toronto to get myself a moleskine. What a big loser I am. 'My teacher has one, so I'm getting one', 'I suck, but I'll get better with better materials'
I like the feel of the paper, but it takes watercolour very strangely. It makes interesting dotted things as the water doesn't seep into the paper very well. Good enough for me nonetheless.

I did this sketch to get over the fear of blank white page.

Yo, Banana Boy

Yo...
This is an illustration of a palindrome, 'Yo, Banana Boy'.
My teacher hated it, and didn't received well by friends. However, I love it. I mean, look at that bunena. How can you hate the bunena like that! I am very bias - not only this is my work, but I am a crazy bunena affectionado. I think I eat 2~3 a day.
Yes, I know I spelled the bunena wrong. But I like saying bunena. Long time ago, my friend, who is a Korean South American, taught me that 'bunena' is Spanish for 'banana'. So I've been showing off my Spanish skills whenever fits, ever since. Few years ago, I dated this guy who spoke fluent Spanish. Needless to say, I showed off my awesome bunena Spanish. Only then I found out that my friend pulled a prank on me. Spanish for 'banana' isn't 'bunena' at all. What the f**k. I sincerely apologize for everyone who's mind has been polluted by my bunena shouting, all these years. I still like saying bunena, however. I cannot apologize for that!

This sketchbook drawing is named 'Jackie Chan Family'. Four of my school chumps went to Cuba few weeks ago. They were all Asian girls. Apparently, the hotel employees called them 'Jackie Chan Family'. I drew this as one of them was telling me stories of Cuban resort.

Jackie Chan? Interesting.
At my parents' store, every once in a while, little kids (sometimes grown ups) excitedly come to my dad. They are all shy and bring out a small piece of paper for my dad to give them autographs. What on earth!?! My dad doesn't look anything like Jackie Chan. What do I get? I often get Lucy Liu. Oh, I got Yoko Ono few times. No, I don't look anything like either of them. It's one of those 'All the Asians look the same' thing. But I do wish I look like Lucy Liu. Thank you.

This drawing and angry writing was done few days ago when we had guests. Some local Korean couple I've never met before. My parents met them at YMCA. *sigh* Most old Korean men are strangely uniformly rude and creepy. This man wasn't an exception. I've been getting these sort of thing since I was seven, due to my premature growth, but I still get angry. Whenever old (er... married and age 40-60) Korean men are invited to a certain house, they quickly notice the grown up daughter of their host. Korean word for unmarried girl is a 'virgin'. They are very excited to see a 'virgin' and can't seem to hide it. Here is how to act like them in stages:

1. Come into the house, when the host's daughter comes downstairs to greet, look at her creepily top to bottom. Don't forget the greasy-looking eyes.
2. Say, "You've grown a lot", even if you've never met her before.
3. As soon as sit down, ask when the virgin (host's daughter) is going to get married.
4. Comment on her losing virginity by saying, 'shy cats cross the line first' - a Korean saying, meaning that even if the girl acts all coy, she is a whore.
5. Ask the girl to sit RIGHT BESIDE you. And caress the chair beside you as if you are touching her bum.
6. Tell her to eat things on the table. If she says no thank you, comment on her dietary choices.

Yes, most old Korean men act exactly like the script. This guy, when my dad told him I'm not interested in 'weddings' and 'marriages', he said, "that's what they all say. But they are the first to get married". Um, by Korean standard, I am way past expiration date. Obviously I am not the 'first to get married'. Also... um, dude, do I know you? We just met. Can we discuss my 'virginity' later?

He had fits when my parents told him I'm a vegan. "What's there to eat!? Nothing to eat!"
Again, none of his business...
I have remind my parents not to invite any random people they met at YMCA just because they are Koreans. I know they miss speaking Korean and stuff, but for Christ sake.

Oh, that's a long entry about something that doesn't deserve that much attention.
However, since I'm on the roll here, another image!

This is a dress that I made two days ago. My friend Vicki had this really cute dress on one day. I asked her if she minds me getting the same one. I bought the dress and made the same one with this cherry fabric. But it doesn't look as good as I hoped. It looks rather like a sleeping gown. I know what I did wrong, so for the next time, I'll do better. Look it's finished with cherry buttons to go with the cherry print!