Mimi-nashi Hoichi

For the past two years, I've been a warty procrastinator about this otherwise dream book project of mine. Based on the legendary Japanese ghost tale as recorded and published by American freak Lafcadio Hearn, Mimi-nashi Hoichi, in its final majestic letterpress and linoleum block illustrated form promises to be something actually worth reading.

I've decided to post some of my sketches for the project, regardless of the fact that I broke down and recruited goth/metal bass goddess and illustrator extraordinaire, Lorraine Rath, to do my heavy lifting for me (whimper). Comments and virtual tomatoes actually welcomed. I'd like one of these days to actually learn how to draw in perspective rather than forever going superflat, as if the drawings would just peel off the page.

Hair of the Dog

lovely snaps taken on the night of the reception, courtesy of my lil' crumb cake, Minette Mangahas, who blessed be, actually remembers to bring important documentation devices like cameras to such gatherings. Many thanx to all of you who braved the darkness and the florid vibes of Fruitvale to make this thunderous groundbreaking event for me.

Verdant paradise found on 50th state

Tho I'm a Californian by pedigree (got the anvils to prove it), both my older sister and younger brother were both both born in Honolulu, and consequently I spent the first seven years of my childhood in Hawaii. Went back in November (Honululu) and February (Maui). Doug works the yum yum magic behind the scenes at Alan Wong's restaurant, when he's not found peering off the lava ridden coasts of O'ahu.

Animal menagerie

Catch the 35 lb. stone/metal book at BOOKWORKS!

I have not one but TWO books (including the above "Three Grey Women", created with Garret Izumi in 2004) in this upcoming exhibition at the San Francisco Main Public Library. For reals kids, this show is not juried, so its a bit of a free for all: from xeroxed tomes to narratives woven into wigs; from exquisite calligraphy and painstaking hand illustrations to eye-popping 3-D wax sculptures. ch-ch-check it out. Free!






BookWorks 2006
Book artists display innovative designs at exhibit

Traditionally, one thinks of a book as a bunch of pages bound between two covers. But to others, a book can take many forms and become works of art. Local book artists will display their innovative—and often whimsical—creations at BookWorks 2006: The 12th Triennial PCBA Members Exhibition, Jan. 14–March 19, 2006 in the Skylight Gallery at the Main Library, 100 Larkin St.

The exhibition presents a collection of 84 extraordinary books designed, printed, and assembled by members of the Pacific Center for the Book Arts, a Bay Area organization of book artists and educators. Artists offer a fresh perspective on books by using a wide range of techniques – including letterpress, calligraphy, hand illustration, traditional and unconventional bookbinding, and wild imagination.

“This exhibition provides the public with multiple examples of books as a form of fine art,” said Asa Peavy, program manager of the Book Arts and Special Collections Center. “Traditionally, books have a cover with pages inside, but they can also be made entirely out of metal, or shaped like a staircase; the BookWorks exhibition explores all realms.”

The Steven P. Corey Award for emerging artists and the Alastair Johnston Award for fine printing will be awarded to two outstanding pieces. Artist talks will also be held Feb. 11 and March 11, 1-3 p.m. in the Skylight Gallery.

BookWorks 2006 is presented by the Marjorie G. and Carl W. Stern Book Arts and Special Collections Center at the Main Library. The exhibition and programs are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the center at 415-557-4560 or visit us at www.sfpl.org/librarylocations/main/bookarts/bookarts.htm

The Pacific Center for the Book Arts was formed in 1980 to foster and support the new direction of book artists' various disciplines, and to provide a vehicle and focus for education, experimentation, and communication. For more information, please call 415-621-5744, or visit www.pcbaonline.net.

japanese new year at deep roots teahouse

Criminey!

Someone has let down their standards and actually offered me a tiny baby solo show in January.

So come the first blush of the new year, ye all swarm to Deep Roots Urban Teahouse, a real sweetheart of a space for urban dwellers and dreamers to celebrate "Oshogatsu- Japanese New Year" with wasabi press.

Year of the Dog and other Animals
an exhibition of linoblocks and letterpress by wasabi press
January 5 - February 1, 2006

new year's opening reception and blessings:
Thursday, January 5, 6-8 in the evening
elegant japanese new year snacks and warm sake will be served

Deep Roots Urban Teahouse/www.deeprootsurbanteahouse.com
1418 34th Avenue @ International Blvd in the Fruitvale
District, Oakland, California
Tuesday through Saturday from 11am-7pm, Sunday from
12pm-5pm. Closed on Mondays.

To get there by BART or bicyclette:
Take BART to Fruitvale Station. Walk through platform into the plaza, past the fountain, and directly to International/East 14th Street. Cross the street (towards Payless Shoes) and continue onto 34th Avenue, Deep Roots will be on your right.

To get there by chariot:
From north Oakland
Take 880 South
Exit Fruitvale Avenue
Make a left on Fruitvale
Right on International/East 14th
Left on 34th Ave

Or Take 880 North Exit 29th Ave
Make a right at offramp, take 2 blocks to Fruitvale Avenue
Make a left on Fruitvale
Right on International/East 14th
Left on 34th Ave

Hot Diggity Dog! The 2006 Year of the Dog calendars are here!

After two months of blister inducing hard work, I am pleased to unveil wasabi press' much anticipated Year of the Dog 2006 calendars!



Thirteen whimsical dog-themed illustrations from the genius brush of cartoon illustrator Garret Izumi, carved in linoleum and letterpress printed in silver and black on colored Canson papers by Patricia Wakida. 8.5" x 14". Covers on silver card stock with wire binding. This is a limited edition of 60 calendars, folks. Price: $40 plus $2 shipping.




























These doggie-luscious bites of year round goodness will also be available at an upcoming exhibition of calendars made exclusively by book artists. The PCBA 2006 Calendar Show will be held at the San Francisco Center for the Book, opening reception on Friday, December 9, 2005, from 6-9 p.m.

Tho it is much, much, much better to purchase directly from the artist (cuz I get to keep the entire amount of the sale without having to sell my soul to some evil, buck-toothed gallery owner), copies of my Year of the Dog 2006 Calendars are probably skulking around your neighborhood! Check 'em out.

SAN FRANCISCO

* Pacific Center for the Book Arts 2006 Calendar Show
San Francisco Center for the Book
300 DeHaro at 16th, San Francisco
www.pcba.info

* Needles & Pens
483 14th Street at Guerrero, San Francisco
www.needles-pens.com

* Super 7
1630 Post Street at Laguna, San Francisco
www.super7store.com

OAKLAND

* Rock! Paper! Scissors!
2278 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland
www.rpscollective.com


To order a calendar, please contact Wasabi Press via email at: wasabipress@yahoo.com. Thanks!