Tokyo on Foot

This book caught my eye when I was in Japan Town, San Francisco: 'Tokyo on Foot' is part travel guide, part graphic memoir. Every page is illustrated with sketches that artist/author Florent Chavouet created while living in the world's greatest megalopolis for six months. His focus is the nuances and quirks of the city that both enchant and confuse; from neighbourhood-specific fashion to life in extremely cramped quarters, this book paints a colourful portrait of a very interesting, unique place. 

To buy Tokyo on Foot, click here. 

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Recommended: L'instant Parisien

I've made no secret of my desire to one day move to the City of Light. But in terms of fitting in to Parisien society, this middle-class chick from Winnipeg could use some refinement. I'm happy to have discovered the l'instant Parisien blog to teach me lessons in cultural mystique and provide brief remembrance of the place I've surrendered my heart to. 

Plus, the site has amazing GIFs. 

Check it out at linstantparisien.com/en. 

Mou Hitotsu no Kenkyujo

My second current obsession from Japan is the work of artist Mou Hitotsu no Kenkyujo. I've been developing a lot of digital animations lately and his beautifully detailed flip books, complete with enhanced print features such as die cuts that reveal secret chambers, are providing a mega dose of inspiration. The books are becoming coveted collector items. I recently purchased "God of Bug Eater (Vol.8)" and the pages are already curling from overuse. 

For more information on Mou Hitotsu no Kenkyujo's amazing work, click here. 

Terada Mokei

Last week I visited Japan Town while in San Francisco and discovered several things that I will probably be obsessing over for the next few months. The first is the 1/100th scale architectural model series by artist Terada Mokei. These very tiny, intricately detailed paper models are sold in sheets that recreate various vignettes of life, from the hustle and bustle of the New York subway system to a competitive swimming event. I really want to assemble one; I feel it would be a great test of patience while learning to hone one's craft. 

For more information on Terada Mokei, click here. 

Terada Mokei New York subway scene

Terada Mokei New York subway scene

Terada Moeki competitive swimming event scene

Terada Moeki competitive swimming event scene

Terada Mokei wedding scene

Terada Mokei wedding scene

Terada Mokei rice planting scene

Terada Mokei rice planting scene

Terada Mokei fishing scene

Terada Mokei fishing scene

Terada Mokei symphony scene (my favourite)

Terada Mokei symphony scene (my favourite)

To truly appreciate the effort involved in constructing these (and get an accurate sense of scale), watch the video below: 


Carpe Diem

Finished a University of Wisconsin-Madison course on the French Revolution a few months ago but am still fascinated with that particular era of world history. It continues to inspire my personal work including this portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte I designed titled "Carpe Diem": 

To order a copy of this 16"x20" print (titled "Carpe Diem"), please contact me here.