I came across Adam Sorensen's work today; really enjoying his use of colour in these paintings.
They recall traditional Japanese woodblock prints in such a contemporary way. They're quite dark and epic but almost cartoonish too.

images from here via lost at e minor

Happy New Year!

Last week saw the beginning of the Chinese New Year. It is year of the Dragon which is considered the luckiest in the Chinese Zodiac. The legendary creature is so auspicious; it is a potent symbol of power, and strength.

In Japanese folklore too, Dragons feature extensively.
Luminous Pearl Princess is my favourite Dragon Goddess from ancient Japanese mythology. She was the daughter of Ryūjin, the Dragon ruler of the seas. He lived in an underwater sea palace and had magical jewels which controlled the ebb and flow of the tides. These stories are incredibly rich and intricate...below is Princess Tamatori stealing Ryūjin's tide jewels, (by Utagawa Kuniyoshi) image from here.

Introducing our new range of fabulous leather bags, they have just arrived and are sure to be popular. Stock is limited, so you'll need to be quick! Available in store and online now, all you have to do is decide which are your favourites.....prices start at $169.

Japanese Paper Dolls by Futami Isogawa; now in store 

Exclusive to Yoshi Jones!
Come in to the Newtown store to see Futami Isogawa's beautiful Japanese Dolls.
These exquisite sculptures are available to purchase from $50-150 

Japanese paper, or washi, is perhaps most famous for its use in origami, a traditional Japanese art of paperfolding. The Japanese paper dolls on display in this exhibition are hand crafted using authentic 'chirimen' paper. Chirimen paper is preshrunk and hand made with a luxurious feel.

The dolls are imbued with a sense of movement and natural feminine grace, and each pattern carries a unique meaning. They would make a striking addition to a sophisticated interior space, and are ideal gifts for friends and family.

Yoshi Jones Studio Sale This Saturday Only!
2 Gladstone Street Enmore corner of Wilford Street

Saturday 22 October 9am to 3pm
One day sale clearing out previous season summer, end of lines and samples, prices start at $25!
Dresses, skirts, tops, men's shirts plus fabrics....Come along for excellent bargains 

We have exciting news to share; we've finally taken our first delivery of the cult Warrior Shoes!

Established in 1927, Warrior Shoes are a Chinese heritage athletic sneaker.
The brand's origins, quality and functionality have garnered it a following among the most innovative fashion circles,
being carried by landmark stores internationally, including Collette (Paris), Patta and Restored (Amsterdam)
and WoodWood (Berlin).
The shoe itself is hand finished, extremely well made and durable. Winning numerous industry awards for
production and quality and priced at $79 and $89; these fabulous shoes for men and women will be popular.
Come into our Newtown store to take a look for yourself.

I immediately responded to the work of Amy Jones (no relation!) when I went along to her exhibition at Chrissie Cotter Gallery in Camperdown.

Amy used fabric from my Vintage Kimono collection to construct beautiful artwork; when I saw it I knew that her work would look so fantastic in the Newtown store.

It is excellent timing to display her work as Spring is traditonally an important time in Japan to celebrate new beginnings, it's when the cherry blossom trees come into bloom for a fleeting week; the hanami season. The store is buzzing with new season energy and we are very excited about the new stock which is arriving every week!

I am so pleased to feature Amy's work as she is a Newtown based artist whose paintings and craft based works are influenced by the Japanese landscape. Jones has particularly responded to the deliberate manner of planting, and the sculptural nature of Japanese garden design, seeing an echo of the artistic process – selection and discernment of colour, composition and form.

Jones’ Installation “there are no birdies in my garden”, is a response to inner city life – attempting to recreate part of the whimsical beauty of a garden, whilst surrounded by a concrete jungle.

The sculptures are available to purchase for $19-45 in our Newtown store.

Jones currently teaches painting and drawing classes privately, and at the Hazelhurst Gallery in Gymea.

Powerful work!
A collection of heart beats, from all over the world.
Like fingerprints; heart beats are unique. Captured, the human memory seems to live on... 

I have been reading about "Les Archives du Cœur"- The Heart Archive; work by French artist Christian Boltanski currently showing at the Teshima Art Museum. I wish I'd had the time to go and check it out myself when I was recently in Japan.

Boltanski collects recordings of human heartbeats, the installation is then kept at this site permanently, on the uninhabited island of Teshima. Visitors are invited to donate a recording of their own heartbeat in a little booth join the archive with the 15,000 others.

“I am interested in what I call ‘little memory’, an emotional memory, an everyday knowledge, the contrary of the Memory with a capital M that is preserved in history books”, Boltanski says. “This little memory, which for me is what makes us unique, is extremely fragile" says Boltanski (via Serpentine Gallery)

Teshima Art Museum is shaped like a drop of water, a floating droplet on an island.

"...two oval openings allow the air, sounds, and light of the world outside into this organic space where nature and architecture seem intimately interconnected. Inside one finds an ever-flowing fountains and an ambiance that changes from hour to hour and season to season, revealing countless appearances as time passes."

More information about the exhibition available on the Naoshima Fukutake Art Museum website; Benesse Art Site