She Was Born Into Vengeance

I'm sure everybody has seen the movie: 'Kill Bill vol.1' by Quentin Tarantino. Lucy Liu's character borrows quite a lot from a character in a 1973 Japanese film called 'Lady Snowblood', starring Kaji Meiko. She also sings the theme song, which is also used for the final battle scene between Lucy Liu and Uma Thurman in 'Kill Bill'. If you don't know it, take a look here. Similarities are all over the place! Such a fun film.

Anyhow, this main character became the theme for my submission for the DOS group show. If you haven't seen what I did last year, take a look here. This time around, I attempted another mash up of cultures with the 'Dia de los Muertos' theme with Japanese Samurai Cinema. I wanted to keep it dark, but unlike last year, I wanted it to be badass.

I've got some 18x24" (out of 100) available for sale (DOS Show) as well as one giant 24x36" framed print! Of course if you're interested, let me know.

1 of 1. 24" x 36" print framed

Limited Giclee prints of 100. 18" x 27" photo by Society Vernacular

Limited Giclee prints of 100. 18" x 27" photo by Morris Lum

All the works will be up at #Hashtag Gallery, until August 6! 

***CLOSING RECEPTION AUGUST 2nd 7pm-12am***

Come by for drinks, art, and shoulder-rubbing with the best of Toronto's art scene. Hope to see you there!

DOS: Tonight!

Here's the final product! Gotta say I do enjoy these darker themes. What do you think?

So I've got some 18x24" (out of 100) to sell tonight (DOS Show) as well as one giant 24x36" framed print! Come through, say hello, and let's taste some tacos with tequila together!

DOS: In the Works

Just getting ready for an upcoming group art show DOS this Friday July 19 @ Evergreen Brick Works. Tacos will be provided by La Carnita and Big Star (Chicago), with music by Dj Platurn and Grandtheft. Pretty excited as my friends: Jacqui Oakley, Jamie Lawson and Carson Ting will be in it as well! Don't forget to buy tickets in advance and arrive early! Hope to see you all there.

Live drawing on EcoCabs!

Join me at Yonge & Dundas Square (in Toronto) on May 10th as of 10am to witness my Claritin EcoCab design (two cabs), in support of the launch of the Pedal for a Greener City campaign.

If you're in the area, come by and say hello. (I'll be here: 10 am - 3:30 pm) Don't bring me beers please. Maybe after ;)

(below) Figuring out what to draw tomorrow...with my 2 given themes.

Update on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 12:49PM by Shingo

It was so awesome to see some of you on your lunch break to come down to Yonge-Dundas Square yesterday.

'Pedal for a Greener City' was a joint event by Claritan and Evergreen to raise public awareness about the new green programs being offered at Evergreen Brickworks, as well as giving out free Claritan meds. That reminds me...totally forgot to pick some up! 

6 local artists were involved, including myself to draw on 2 EcoCabs armed with only green, blue and black markers. I was a little nervous, as I'm pretty shy, especially drawing in front of people. But I think I did much better than I would, thanks to 'Dirty Projectors' in my headphones and most importantly seeing my friends that made it out. Thanks you. Those that couldn't, hopefully see you at the next show. As for doing this type of live drawing show...bring it on! I had so much fun, and will most likely do it again. :)

See below for photos. By the way, if you see these cabs around the city, jump in for a FREE ride! Don't forget to take a photo and post them here!

UNO SHOW > a whole lotta people!

Thank you to the organizers (La Carnita and HXfour) for putting on the event last night. I would like to send a BIG THANK YOU to all those who made it to the UNO show last night! It was SOOO great to to see old friends, friends I hadn't seen that I knew only online, and meet new people. Sadly I didn't get a chance to talk to everyone. It was a bit crazy last night. And apologies for those who couldnt get in last night. Next time you do come by and I am talking to someone, just punch me in the shoulder please. 

Oh and I sold my 30"x40" (1/1) framed piece, as well as a few of my 18"x24" prints as well! Again, thank you so much for the support. It totally made all the hard work so worthwhile. You really made it the best night ever! Have a great weekend!  ps: I will thank you individually later. :D

I have a few pics from last night here. I will post some more throughout the next few days.

If you have pics please post them here!

photo by Ivan Kostynyk

photo by Jen Chan

More photos to come in the next few days...

@La_carnita #UNO #Artshow Submission Complete

So I just finished signing my 18" x 24" giclee prints (will be sold at the UNO show on friday) and dropped them off at @La_Carnita!!!

YES, you heard right. New prints will finally be available, printed with the highest quality using Epson Stylus Pro 9900 (scroll down below for more info on Epson Technology) on Epson Matte paper.

Relaxing now eating a grilled chicken bahn mi sandwich from Bahn Mi Boys, and an americano from Sense Appeal. It is a good day today. 

ps: thanks to Richardson DX for the photos!

Could that be the new issue of Scion Magazine Issue 3???

Epson Technology

To produce our archival prints with amazing colour integrity, gloss-level, and scratch resistance we use Epson Stylus Pro 9900.

Representing Epson's next generation, the Epson Stylus Pro 9900

(44 inch) incorporate the latest achievements in photographic ink jet technology. By combining the precision of the MicroPiezo TFP™ print head with the extraordinary performance of Epson Ultrachrome® HDR Ink, the newest generation of Epson Stylus Pro printers continue to represent a level of technology unprecedented in Epson's history. 

Epson Ultrachrome High Dynamic Range (HDR) represents the latest generation of pigment ink technology. Now utilizing 10 COLOURS (including an all new ORANGE and GREEN) Epson Ultrachrome HDR Ink produces the widest colour gamut ever from an Epson Stylus Pro printer. Even more remarkable, when combine with the new Epson AccuPhoto™ HDR screening technology, Epson has once raise the level of print quality, while setting a new benchmark standard for photographic reproduction.

Epson Accuphoto™ HDR Screening

*- Advanced ten-colour screening algorithm resulting in prints with superior colour and clarity.

*- Maximum resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi for incredibly sharp text and line art.

*- Produces extremely fine blends and photographic transitions.

*- Extremely accurate highlight-to-shadow details.

*- No visible photographic graininess due to the printing process.

*- Ensures consistent color balance regardless of the viewing light source.

*- When combined with the precise dot placement accuracy of the Epson MicroPiezo TFP print head, overall photographic print quality is dramatically improved.

EPSON ENHANCED MATTE:
Archival quality 76 years approximately
Flat matte surface provides the optimum photographic platform.
Heavyweight stock delivers true photographic feel.
High colour gamut yields remarkable colour reproduction.
Epson Archival Ink compatibility ensures exceptional lightfastness ratings.

Uno Show > Getting Ready!

It's less than 1 week to the giant group art show UNO (put on by the nice folks at La Carnita and HXFOUR) @ Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON) this Friday April 13 (7pm - 1am).

Limited prints will be available for sale. Hope to see you there. :)

Below, is just a taste of what I've been working on. 

New Group Show Announcement!

I am happy to announce that I will be part of a new group art show (by La Carnita and HXfour) on Friday April 13th in Toronto, at the Evergreen Brickworks.

I am so excited to be included with such an awesome group of artists: Mike Giant, Sam Flores, Greg Lamarche, Hydro 74, Johnny Crap, Dubelyoo, Abe Lincoln Jr, Misk,Doublenaut, Dave Glantz, Matt Barnes, Shingo Shimizu, Rcade, Vlad Hato, Bryan Espiritu, Tavis Coburn, Amber J, Angie Fey, Brian Mendoza, Matt Darling and of course the super duper Ms. Jacqui Oakley! Music by: Mastermind & DJ X (remember their mixtapes from back in the day?), Fathom and Don Valley.

There will be prints for sale, as well as lots of delicious tacos to be eaten! So please do arrive early with empty stomachs.

Sold Out Show @ La_Carnita

photo by Stephen Ho

Sold out show this afternoon @la_carnita today! Can't believe I had beef cheeks, blue berries and bone marrow in a taco. Insane! May slip in a food coma soon.

 

Thank you to all those who made it today making it an amazing afternoon! Especially those who waited in line, and were stuck outside under the blistering sun. Thank you for your support and patience! Good thing that they were giving out free water bottles at outside of Totem Fitness next door. What a great turn out! I remember seeing the line up go out on the street, right up to Brassaii restaurant (on King West).

I also want to thank Amin Todai and Andrew Richmond for letting me do this. It was great to meet the amazing team at One Method Inc. and the volunteers as well. Hope to see you soon. I'd like to also thank Clay @ Spoke, for inviting me out to the first taco session!

For those of you who weren't able to make it today, not to worry. It will happen again soon with another artist and another super chef. Sign up for the newsletter (right column) for updates!

Until the next one event, stay cool Toronto. Oh, and more photos to come, so stay tuned!

ps: did anybody catch the CBC coverage on the event broadcasted at 5pm today?

Update on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 11:44PM by Shingo

Video of CBC coverage of the event is here!

WATCH VIDEO >

Scroll to the 25:00 mark!

Update on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 1:47PM by Shingo

Uploaded to the GALLERY >

Progress: Art for La Carnita pt. 2

For lunch tomorrow. Art and tacos @la_carnita!

445 King Street West, Suite 201 (King & Spadina)

More info here>

Read the article in Toronto Life magazine >