Merry Xmas & Happy New Year!

Thank you for your wonderful support all through this 2014. With your cheers, I could achieve many projects this year, particularly, in publishing industry. It's ongoing in 2015. The publication of a frist trade picture book, "Moon" excites me most!!

2015 will be very busy though, I will do my best for work and find time in creating fine art, especially, for "portraits." 

"Santa on an Off Day"

Today, I could catch up Sydney sketch club members in the last meeting of 2014. Very nice to see old friends and new faces. Close friends celebrated my good news in publications. So sweet! I'd make time as much as possible to join sketch meetings next year. 

Also, if I could find time, I want to do something in a welfare area like I did for Wesley Mission's inclusive art work project. It will be my pay back to society. 

"Donation for Children Cancer" 

I heartily wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. I attended a carol service tonight and prayed for you, too. Please take care. Have a safe and joyful holiday season. I hope 2015 will be a wonderful year for you and me. 

Friends, Happy Painting! 

Best wishes, love and smile, Sadami.

 

Merry Xmas & Happy New Year!

"Books Illustrated" @ a beach in Melbourne

**Books Illustrated moved to 74 Mills St, Albert Park VIC                 

Have you ever visitied Books Illustrated in Melbourne? Ann Haddon and Ann James are joint Directors of Books Illustrated. They warmly welcomed me. The Book Illustrated promotes Australian picture books. Friends, come over to the Book Illustrated, the pretty little white house is facing a beach. NOTE : Please take an appointment. 
Contact +61 3 9534 7751  info@booksillustrated.com.au

The Book Illustrated has a gallery and a showroom for exhibitions, sale of original illustrations, limited edition prints and signed picture books by the Australian Children's Laureates! Enjoy ideas for unique literary gifts there. 

This photo is the entrance. At the left hand, cards are on a desk, too. Let's go to a next show room. Yes, get through a door. 

This section has many Bob Graham's picture books, 2014 PM Literary Award winner. The eye catchy limited prints are on walls. They are qualified prints that are exactly the same to originals. Or some of them might be orignals? I might as well ask Ann which is original. 

The room is full of Australian picture books! Ah, a heaven, for me! I enjoyed reading as many as I like. Isn't it nice? Even though I know many of them, I love to reread them. 

For indulgence and early Christmas presents, I bought Shaun Tan's "The Bird King and Other Sketches" and "The Butterfly" illustrated by Ann James. The Butterfly has so many beatiful watercolour illustrations. It was short listed for NSW Premier's Award in 1997 and today, is included in Walker Classics. 

Yey, Ann James signed it for me! 

Ah, I wish I could buy all of them! I thought, seriously. A display was good and I felt it feminine and sweet. 

Ann Hadson and Ann James are lovely and so busy persons. They are the real key persons and the engine for Australian picture book publishing industry. It was wonderful for me to share time with the people who have same interests -- picture books and illustrations! I've learned a lot from the talk with them. Thank you for your precious time, a kind permission to take photos and ... nice tea! 

Friends, if you want to know Australian picture books, come over to the Book Illustrated in Melbourne.  

Ah, I've posted all posts related to my Melbourne visit.

Friends, Happy Painting!  

"Books Illustrated" @ a beach in Melbourne

Mem Fox Best Loved Author @ Sydney Writers Festival

Hi, Friends, I'll write about another Australia legend author, "Mem Fox." Mem is tremendously popular and famous in USA as well as in Australia and other countries. Probably, many American blog visitors may know Mem's work and her name. I enjoyed her talk, "You can write a story" at Parramatta Riverside Theatre. The event was a part of Sydney Writers Festival 2014.

Mem, this so charming lady, is an amazing ENTERTAINER! What a comedian she is! I always wanted to see her reading out in my eyes. Fantastic. That is a magic! A book flyes across an air, jumps, flipps, whatever. Her reading pace and tone "colours" a text well and beautifully. A story comes up alive in the air, when she reads. I want to read out picture books like her. Her body language and face expressions are so rich and funny. Sense of humour shines through her talk. How many times did she make us laugh and giggle? Mem sings, dances, and we sing together! Yes, Mem gives books lives. Her so rich body language and face expressions amused audience.

Mem knows well about the importance of "talk" or an oral language. Her writings heavily weigh on a "rhythm," as she emphasise. So, her work is easy to read out and very well considered words are wonderful. To write a short story is much, much harder than a long story. Only well selected and necessary words should be in a story. A plot must be interesting. It's a very difficult and demanding task (*so, a good editor has an important role!). Another element I love in her stories is the beauty of "parental love" especially, relation between a mother and a child. It repeatedly comes up in her texts. Sure, this lady really loves children! Her life story is full of colourful episodes. Very inspiring.  

Just after Mem's fabulous one-woman-show, I asked her to sign my sketch.
Kind Mem happily signed the sketch. She already had noticed my sketching during a talk, for I was sitting at the centre in a second raw = nearly in front of Mem!
"Ann James is my mentor. Helen Chamberlin is my editor," said Sadami and told my debut next year. "Super!" Mem said twice to celebrate my blessed publishing team and the first trade picture book publication. Friends, remember, this international super star Mem experienced 9 times rejections of the first manuscript of "Possum Magic" and ... it turns out "million seller" in Australia and all over the world. Statistically, one in two Australian has Possam Magic at home. It has become classic in modern Australian picture books. Once or twice rejections are not a matter. Perseverance! 
After the talk, people made a long queue for Mem's book signing. I observed her carefully and learned how to handle many people and signing. 

Any event gives artists chances to connect others.

Teacher librarians sat next to me. My quick sketches impressed them and they happily picked up my business cards. I hope I will make audience or children happy next year in my own "talks" of our picture book "Moon."  Two ladies, Jeanmarie Morosin and Allison Lee working for Sydney Writers Festival, showed a strong interest in Moon. Particularly, Allison, when she heard Libby would be my book launcher at Gleebooks. She also said, "Ah, you have a good mentor, Ann!" (*thanks, Libby, Ann, Helen! You always help me directly or indirectly!) She happily got my business card. I hope 2015 will be a good year for Moon.

These days, I've accumulated posts. Thank you for your patience. To make up my laziness, I'd upload them as many as possible before 2014 will be gone.
Also, Melbourne visit has given me confidence to sketch architecture. I will try more and share sketches with you.
Friends, Happy Painting!

Mem Fox Best Loved Author @ Sydney Writers Festival

3days Stay in Melbourne, John Barrow Collection, PM Literary Awards

Hi, Friends, I spent time with Australian prominent illustrators, authors, publishers and agencies at John Barrow Collection organised by the mentor Ann James in Melbourne. It displayed the priceless original illustrations and illustrators' work processes. It was amazing to see the originals in my own eyes and compared them to picture books set at originals. I've learned lot. Great fun to meet super stars in person such as Leigh Hobbs, Gabrielle Wang, Jane Tanner, Craig Smith etc, etc, oh, too many to write them up. Some people who could not join ask Ann to have it again in next Feb. Sweet editor Helen Chamberlin took me to a cafe and we enjoyed a chat. The very supportive editor introduced me to others. I really appreciate many people's support.

"Flinders St Station" (A4)

A next day, Monday, Ann and Helen were invited to Prime Minister Literary Awards 2014
in the evening. Helen accompanied Shaun Tan. In a Children's fiction section, Bob Graham's picture book, "Silver Buttons" won!  I love Bob's work and admire him! Bob donated his winnings to refugees! What a marvelous coincidence! Ann James organised Bob's exhibition in Canberra in the past June this year. We celebrated Bob's win. I'm very happy to work with such a fantastic mentor and to be surrounded by humanistic illustrators who have a big heart and passion for social justice.  

 "Melbourne Town Hall and Trams" (A4)

In Melbourne, trams are cute and singing "ting, ting" always.  

Btw, it's much cooler in Melbourne than in Sydney. In Sydney, I do not need any long sleeves in summer, right now. But in Melbourne, a light overcoat or a jacket are essential. How come? Beside a cool temperature, a weather is changing dramatically there. It is called, "Four seasons are in a day," brrrrr! I luckily sketched architectures in sunshine. I had thought I had been quite poor at architecture until Ann said, "You draw architecture well. Very accurate. Yes, you do!" A happy surprise for me. I've got confidence! I'd like to enjoy architectures. 

One more, I'd write about the wonderful volunteer spirit in Melbourne! (Sydney does not have them on main streets.) When you get lost on streets, what/whenever, find people in red uniforms. They happily help you! Volunteers love Melbourne! 

Thank you for people in Melbourne. You gave me a wonderful memory and heart warming time there. 
Now, I'll work on ongoing projects and portraits. 
Friends, Happy Painting! 

3days Stay in Melbourne, John Barrow Collection, PM Literary Awards

1) Life Drawing 2) John Barrow Collection @ Dromkeen Homestead

Yahoo, Friends, we enjoy life drawings every Monday evening and nearly at the end of a term. In this term, I weighed on black and white as well as watercolour. What do you want to draw in life drawing? My most interest is the uniqueness of each model and the beauty of our body. I love life drawing. "Let's have fun!" is my motto, although not many people seem to have fun in it. All my life drawings are on A2. It's wonderful to move around arms and hands biiiig and free. Yes, try it! 

Dry and theoretical teaching is questionable, in my view. It discourages many passionate people. Consequently, some people will even hate life drawing. Friends, don't worry measuring a proportion. I've never scaled proportion of a body with a charcoal or something. Although I might be wrong, tens of millions drawings will give our eyes a good measuring system in a natural way.   

*played with oil pastels in a few colours. 

Movements and face expressions are fascinating, aren't they? I keep drawing a model all the time from any angle, even a model is just taking a rest and not making a posture. I feel such a little snap-shot-like moment often turns up a nice drawing in a lovely mood that tells a model's inner world well.

Technically, if a rhythm comes up in lines, it looks lively. It means, if a work has strong lines and modest lines in it, a drawing looks nice. Regarding watercolour on A2, if you can control the amount of water, you will be a winner, especially, in case of a thin paper.   

(*this model was still putting on a top.) 

A model and other life drawing club members love looking at a model's individuality in my work (thanks!). I often do not have "words" to depict my work. Probably, I might not be a type to talk too much about my own work. I'd let my work "speak" instead of words. A drawing is me. I just love to enjoy each life drawing's outcome.

This model says, "Your work depicts me," and looks at this work with a big smile. Thank you for encouragements. I hope a personality or emotions will come up in my drawings.
Yes, my love for people motivates me to draw it.

This weekend, I'll visit Melbourne again to see mentor Ann James and editor Helen Chamberlin. Ann has invited me. On 7th, Sunday, we'll enjoy John Barrow Collection (Australian famous picture books from 1998 to 2004) at Dromkeen Homestead. The exhibition will display the crucial part of Australian contemporary picture book. I will see people deeply involved with in Australian publishing industry such as top illustrators, authors, librarians, teachers and so ons in a broad spectrum. I certainly feel sweet Ann wants me to study about our publishing industry history, while having a fun. Yes, I will!    
So, please pardon me if I will be lazy for blogging. But I'll certainly post what we enjoyed there. Look forward to my report of our fun event!
Friends, Happy Painting!

1) Life Drawing 2) John Barrow Collection @ Dromkeen Homestead

Close Up Portrait 1

Hi, Friends, have you ever tried a "close up" portrait, particularly, a bit head-off one? This is my first try in life, for I've always included some part of a body. I'd share my findings in a close up portrait in this post. Close-ups in portraits are quite an intertesting genre, I've felt! A close up eloquently tells a life story and a personality. This lady's eyes and mood caught my eyes. I hope viewers will feel this lady's life history and imagine what she's thinking.  Yes, I have my own thoughts of this lady and her personality. I hope they will come up in this try. So, I leave it to you.  

Technically, a close up was not easy for me. I've realised that I always scale each body part in a whole to balance it. I need to draw close ups more to explore it. I did a bit different approach. After watercolour, graphite emphasised some areas. It worked well. Unlike a sketch-like portrait, I feel, exaggerated strong lines or values work well in a close up. But ...mmm... I feel... already overworked? This work reminds me of my "old work" before "loose up." Anyway, I need experience! 

In the process of developing the image, I focused on the model's eyes. You can compare the eyes below with the above. This was the beginning and I was just playing with watercolour. I felt her personality coming up and worked on it more. I always simplify or delete unnecessary visual information as much as possible, which helps "don't overwork" as well. Also, I feel good loose watercolour has a nice balance between softened edges and hard edges. The edges of hair were softened. I felt I should have blurred hair at an early stage of watercolour, for hair was not important in this message. 

But the problem was that the image of a background did not come together with a subject. (so, I got on hair without a background.)
Friends, how do you handle a background? I admire other artists who organise backgrounds well.  Apart from a technical approach, it seems that I'm very much like an instinct person. (*Often technical tips haven't helped me. Always it turned down my liveliness and lost something from an original work. Not easy.) For me, sometimes, a clear image of colour, etc come up with a subject from the beginning. But sometimes it does not. This case is not. If I dared to add something in a background from the beginning, it always turned out dull or mismatched to a subject. A worst case was "mess up." So, I do not push myself too much and take a short break now. I'm waiting for inspiration will come up. If it does not come up, I'll leave it blank or try it again from the beginning. 

In the process, the model has begun to talk to me. I enjoy listening to her, although I'm making this image and all is my imagination. I'm very much interested in her eyes. I look into her eyes...  It's the beauty and fun of creating a portrait. Subjectivity and objectivity comes together in a work.

I saw many interesting close-ups in Archibald and Moran National Portrait exhibitions that intrigued me. In this attempt, I've found that I've always scaled eyes, a nose and mouth etc each "face part" position and value in a whole body, naturally and automatically. It means without a whole body, it's a bit inconvinient for me to allocate each face part. I certainly got a small image such as a "thumb nail" is easy to perceive and to handle. Some tips -- Choose a face part that impressed you most and emphasise it/them, is a good idea. Simplify visual information and check value all the time. A background remains my assignment. ...gulp... a bit scary though, I want to challenge a background. Be brave, Sadami! This work did not go well though, it becomes my precious stepping stone to move on. I'll do lots of close ups!

Btw, I've submitted a finalised image to Oxford University Press. A linguistics professor is happy. I hope it will go well! 

Friends, Happy Painting! 

Close Up Portrait 1

Sadami Update & ASA Stylefile

Hi, Friends, how is your life? I'm working on the book cover project for Oxford University Press. OUP is the largest university press in the world, and the second-oldest, after that of Cambridge University Press. I've been really enjoying this project. Nearly there. Later, I'd chat over the author and the book to be published next year! I'm renewing my images for ASA stylefile. A bit busy. 

In this post, I upload the work based on photos taken at my friend's all hand-made house in bush. Contrast and value are enhanced in the work. Colours and light fascinate me in any subjects. I really liked this attic bedroom there and took many photos of it. Btw, it seems, Friends, you like this one more than the other in feedback.  

Although I wanted to depict light coming into a shed, in my eyes, an outcome is a bit questionable... (* there aren't the clear visible lines of light in a real photo -- all from my imagination.) Anyway, I'll keep on experiments.

Now, you may ask, what is "ASA Stylefile"? It is the showcase of Australia’s most talented book illustrators. Australian Society of Authors calls for new applicants. Here's the application. http://beta.thestylefile.com/apply Go for it and take a chance! 

If any illustrators are searching for a reliable and trustworthy illustrators "show and tell" place, it's ASA Stylefile! The Stylefile is famous for its high quality, indeed, the best of best Australian illustrators showcase. The Stylefile is the hot meeting spot for publishers and illustrators. It is well-known that publishers "buy" illustrators from the Stylefile. Many illustrators have got projects through the Stylefile.   

Right now, ASA is reconstructing the old style file to the modern one. I'm reorganising my old images and adding four more images. A panel will examine the quality of new images and give me an answer. 

Another wonderful fact is that the Stylefile gives "credit" on emerging artists and promotes successful applicants. Because the Stylefile does not discriminate artists who have not published picture books, it's a great advantage for any artists. Why not add credit on your portfolio and a CV? In my experience, agencies asked me, "Do you have Stylefile?" It meant, "Are you a qualified professional?" or "Do you have an equal and enough drawing ability to a professional?" Got it? People in publishing industry highly recognise the Stylefile. Yes, the Stylefile is the big warranty of illustrators on market. 

I still remember the moment when I got through the selection in 2011. Kind ASA staff celebrated, "Have champagne!" over the phone. Yes, I did! Oh, sweet, how happy I was! 

Also, I'm enjoying portraits by watercolour between the projects. Ah, I most love figures and portraits, although I enjoyed these light and a room for a break. What do you think about these tries? I'd greately appreciate your feedback. 

Now, I'm preparing for a good start for 2015. The two publications, the academic book and the picture book are a great joy. OUP is fantastic and exciting!
You, too, enjoy drawings and get opportunities. Thank you for warm supports for the news of the shortlisted "Poetic Justice". 
Friends,  Happy Painting! 

Sadami Update & ASA Stylefile

"Poetic Justice" shortlisted for Human Rights NonFiction Award

Hi, Friends, wonderful news! Our book, "Poetic Justice" published by Right Now is shortlisted for the AHRC's Human Rights Non-Fiction Literature Award (* AHRC = Australian Human Rights Commission). Yes, my section is dedicated for a homeless issue. My writings and drawings are in the book. 

The media release announcing the Literature Award shortlist can be read here: 

https://www.humanrights.gov.au/news/media-releases/commission-announces-business-literature-shortlist

The 2014 Australian Human Rights Awards will be presented on 10 December at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. More information about the awards can be found here.

I hope more people will read the book and think of human rights. 
RightNow, thank you for giving me the wonderful opportunity to have joined the project and thank you for our team's hard work. And special thank you for you, Friends, your great support!  

"Poetic Justice" shortlisted for Human Rights NonFiction Award

Hail Artists Pursuing Dreams!

Hi, Friends, how is it going with you? I sketched a busker and classic guitarist who had changed his life from an elite life. I had met him before. We chatted over our happy poor life, but with pride and dignity. Although he had been working at the promising course overseas, the busker said , "I'm back to music." Sounds like he's come "home" at his heart. He chose being honest to himself, freedom and poverty. I admire his brave decision and risk taking. 

We enjoyed a long chat such as copyrights of art work on internet, the status of artists in society, his work and my ongoing projects. BTW, I've been doing research on copyrights issues. The accessability of information on internet has allowed image thefts and intrusion of copyrights. The legal knowledge of copyrights and a legal action against an image theft is necessary. I'll post the collected information and the case study of my experiences on internet, when an appropriate time comes.

*This busker, as a side player, cared for a lead guitar, which impressed me so much.
I told his girl friend, "You are a lucky lady who can get such a caring man!"
We all agreed and had a good laugh. Yes, guitar sounds tell a personality. 

Back to the topic, the busker and me. I love to chat with any buskers and brave day-dream believers. 
"I'm happy to die in poverty!" I said after talking of my picture book illustration projects. 
The busker corrected my say, "(we will) die in LIFE." A lovely and interesting English expression! 

*This is the old sketch of that busker. 

Friends, please get surprised! The busker plays a 7 stringed classic guitar (**a usual guitar has 6 strings). I saw it for the first time! He said, "People don't notice it" and "Very confusing at the beginning." Oh, I can imagine it. "What is the extra string for?" I asked. "A bass." I see. "How many strings are desiable for a guitar in your opinion?" "Nine." Oooooh! I can't play it, btw. The busker makes very clear and sweet sounds that tell who he is. He remembers once I had played a guitar in a band in our last chat. Yes. But I came back to drawing that I always thought of. It always called for me from the bottom of heart. I felt any other directions would not fulfill me except drawing/painting in visual art. I'm sure he responded to his call or an inner voice.

*Seven strings guitar   

Being honest to oneself is the best part of life, we all know. Yet, few achieve it or carry on. I'm certain that buskers will never regret their lives and the choice. 

I hope society will appreciate art and improve the status of artists, in, especially, a socio-economic phase. Financially, many artists have difficulty. Without art, how could we express our joy in life? The busker -- I noticed he changed his hair style -- seems to have got enough money to buy a new and interesting guitar. After a long chat, he gave me his own CD and a good shake hand! I was about to pay for it. He smiled and said "That's ok." He's rich at heart. I hope we will become good friends. 

Now, I'm very excited to prepare for a book launch, exhibitions and author talks in 2015. Many unsolved problems are on my dish. Busy and not easy challengings surely give me joy and fun. Everyday is adventure! 
Also, any illustrators and students, try the great opportunity, book illustration competition 2015 in the last post. 
Friends, Happy Painting!  

Hail Artists Pursuing Dreams!

Opportunity, the Book Illustration Competition 2015 Open!

Hi, Friends, an opportunity for emerging illustrators and illustration students! 
The Book Illustration Competition 2015 is now open. 
The Book Illustration Competition is a unique partnership between House of Illustration and The and The Folio Society which seeks to identify and promote new talent in illustration, and is open to illustrators over the age of 18 from all around the world. The first prize is a prestigious Folio Society commission, worth £5,000, to illustrate a new edition. Five runners up will each receive £500.Three of the six shortlisted entries will be from illustration students. Check "terms and conditions" an applicant needs to acknowledge. 
Friends, let's try every and any chance. 
Happy Painting! 

Opportunity, the Book Illustration Competition 2015 Open!

1)Selfies & Self Acceptance 2) Project For Academic Publication

Hi, Friends, are you enjoying your life? It is fun to make self-portraits like my own history. I made a selfie to commemorate my birthday. This selfie is based on a sketch reflected on a train window on my way home from Bill Baily's show. My dear friends took me to it to celebrate my birthday. Tada~~, it's me. Do you make a self portrait?  

A friend, with a sigh, says self-acceptance is needed to create a selfie. I've just looked at myself in a rude?! way = objectively. I do a self portrait for a fun and from a joy. Simply, I want brushes dance and colours sing on a paper. For me, a selfie is making a short fun trip around in myself like backpacking, telling "Yahoo, Sadami!", although it is said, "A self portrait shows an inner journey" -- could not be my case? I hear some people cannot make selfies, I wonder if they are too harsh on themselves, which means they expect themselves too much. Or they do not want to see what they do not like in their self images or deny the reality that does not meet their high expectations. It causes anxiety, concerns and depression. If they cannot create self portraits from fear or denial of themselves, it is very sad.  

Here are my self portraits. Interesting to see the changing in a chronological order. 
This is the oldest one I tried from a low angle.  I looked at myself in a mirror. Keeping a smile was a hard task. Not easy. So, I "just" looked at myself. Friends say, "It's like looking at a mirror in the morning." Ahahaha, a nice depiction! 

Another is based on a photo. Professors said, "Frame it!" It took hours to finish up. I was not fast to capture a subject as I hoped. It motivated me to try daily sketching even in a train on the way to uni.

Another selfie I made is from the image in a mirror. Since that time, I've started to explore watercolour painting and had a strong interest in "loose up." I drew quicker and started to enjoy sketching at everywhere! I began to play with colours and brought a watercolour kit to anywhere. It's nice to swim around in an ocean of colours! Splash, splash, yey! 

Then, I made a selfie in a loose style...like below. 
"How young are we?" is the questionary based on my thinking. If a person has dream, s/he is young and looks young. A physical year does not tell a person is young or not. A person without dream is ... already not alive, in my eyes. Aging is an interesting experience. I'm enjoying it and do not have a negative attitude. Of course, sometimes, I feel hey, not easy, ah, wrinkles, but in my figure portraits, do you find any wrinkles? No. In my eyes, muscles positions/conditions show a physical age more than wrinkles. Yet, a physical age does not always tell being old or young. If you have a dream/goal/direction to go, you look young. A person with a dream has a lively mood and a good atmospher in her/himself and shining! 

...and my drawing has moved into a current style, very loose. 
The left is the first drawing in a train. It made me smile. I felt I got old! (Of course, I added a year on my age.) But I love what I am, called self-acceptance? I do not think about it any more. *A psychology lecturer once told me with a smile, "If it's a matter, you think about it" = no, it does not bother me. The right is the ongoing selfie. Friends, do you always want to make a background or not? Sometimes, I do and sometimes, not. When I started colour, I felt like creating a background. Then, I made a background and the firstly posted work came up! In my eyes, life is full of sunshine, light and colours. Any people are beautiful. Please be kind to yourself and appreciate self-acceptance.    

Also, I do not think, when I draw. 
"If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothingn," by Marc Chargall and "Have your own colour," ; they are my favorite says. 

The other day, we, life drawing class memberes sketched an outside, plain air.
One member -- who had already published a picture book -- called me, a "famous artist" for this nameless artist! (Thank u so much for your cheers.) Friends, attention! That artist has declared to draw me in a life drawing class or else where! Oooohhh!!! What an honour! I'll have to try a diet and search for a push up-bra. My other friends say, "Oh, sure, you'll die in poverty and then, you'll be famous. That's the artist's way." Gulp. I hope to die, at least, after launching the picture book "Moon" at Gleebooks in next August. (*A date is still moving, sorry.) 

Another, "tada~~"! I'm now working with a professor for an academic publication project. Once, the lecturer taught us. Working together is a great fun. (** Ewwwww!!! Thank goodness, I do not get assignments any more!) We'll publicly announce the project in detail, later. Look forward to the good news.  

In addition, yesterday, I, a poor artist, was brawsing around a Salvo shop. All the staff knew me and welcomed me. I found a pill case and kept on holding it for a while. I was thinking to make it into a watercolour kit... A staff, who enjoys her retired life to work there, came and said, "Oh, too early to use it! Too early!" I eventually put it back and bought a children literature chapter book on Beethoven (*an illustrator was my admiring artist). 

... after leaving the shop, ...I wondered.... Hey, did she said it seriously or a joke? A nice birthday present for me ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ. Or do I still have self-denial?! Ahahahahaha!!? 

Thanks for strong support and nice feedback! With your warm cheers, I can come to this level and step into a bright future in a career. 

Friends, Happy Painting and Enjoy Selfies!!

1)Selfies & Self Acceptance 2) Project For Academic Publication