Sadami solo exhibition from 20 Oct to 2 Nov, opening 21 Oct @ Chrissie Cotter Gallery

Next Wed evening, from 6pm to 8pm, come opening of "Over the Moon with Watercolour!" exhibition to celebrate Sadami's best watercolour paintings and the original illustrations for MOON, a new picture book. Join free watercolour painting workshops! Materials are provided. 

Where: Chrissie Cottee Gallery run by Marrickville Council (map)
              Pidcock St, Camperdown NSW 2050

When : 20th Oct to 2nd Nov, every day from 10 am to 5pm.             
             Opening 21st Oct from 6pm to 8pm. 

Watercolour Painting Workshops : Open to broader community and people with disability. Booking essential.             

Tue 27th Oct 2-3:30 pm    10 adults            

Fri 30th Oct 10 - 11:30 am    10 adults    Fri  30th Oct  3:30 – 4:30 pm   10 children

Cost : Free  

Wheel access, accessile tolilet, 1 disabled parking spot is available. 

Contact : skonchi1@gmail.com 

Very happy. Many organisations promote my exhibition at local, state and national levels as well as some peak bodies that advocate people with disability.  

Accessible Arts NSW facebook

National Association for Visual Arts : What's On 

Ku-Ring-Gai Art Society October newsletters 

Marrickville Council Art Post facebook 

Gleebooks facebook 

I've activated my all main networks. I think I'm doing my best. 

My birthday 29th Oct is right in the exhibition period. My team and I are planning to have my own birthday party as well as book signing. My mentor Ann James is coming from Melbourne. My project is awarded by Accessible Arts NSW to advocate people with disability. I've been working with Wesley mission to assist people with disability to enjoy watercolour painting, the project called, "Building Dreams." I hope my project will bring love and hope for others, particularly, people with disability. If you know anyone involved with disability, please pass on this email. I warmly welcome anyone!  Thank you for your strong and support for ages. With your support, I'm making my dream come true. Let's have fun. 

Happy painting together! See you there, Friends!! Best wishes, Sadami 

Sadami solo exhibition from 20 Oct to 2 Nov, opening 21 Oct @ Chrissie Cotter Gallery

Demo was full of fun!

My quick sketching amazed/amused audience. The secretary at Hornsby society said, "You're very friendly." My talk made attendance often smile and encouraged them. The audience said, "Very inspirational." Here's Hornsby Art Society Facebook. 

I said, "We don't need to be perfectionists. We do not need to make masterpieces all the times. Let's make messes. All experiments become precious experiences."  "Perseverance is the talent. If we keep drawing for 5 minutes everyday, you'll become an artist!"  "Uniqueness is the beauty of each of us. Let us bloom out what we are. We do not need to be someone else, but be what we are fully. No one tries to find a Michelangelo in our work, but our own style." Those are the key points I said.   

This is the demo. I captured two people having a chat.
Character study. What do you feel in the person? What do you want to depict in figures?
And how? -- come to my watercolour workshops in solo exhibition next week!
A next post will have the workshop information.   

A technical chat over picture book illustration interested the audience ; an illustrator is quite similar to a film director and needs to work in a team. I mentioned a limited pallet used in the demo and value can correct wrong drawings in watercolour painting techniques = don't worry too much about mistakes and so ons.

One lady who bought a copy of Moon asked me to write, "Perseve" on the end paper. I hope her message will reach at someone. I hope Moon will be loved. 

Speical thaks to the Hornsby Art Society staff for giving me the wonderful opportunity to share joy with members!

Thank you for the extra cheers by blogging!  I could remember blog friends and you were with me. With your support, I could carry it out well. 

Now, after this post, I have to post another. What a busy woman I am! 

Friends, Happy Painting!  

Demo was full of fun!

12 Oct Sadami Demo @ Hornsby Art Society!

Let's have fun together!
Hornsby Art Society Demonstration -Sadami Konchi 
Monday 12 October 7.30pm-9.30pm 
Children's Book Illustrator, Portrait Artist and Book author, Sadami Konchi, will give a demonstration of her illustrative and drawing skills. Doors open at 7.00 p.m. and light supper will be served. The book signing of Moon will be available. 
(*ah, I hope I will NOT behave like papa Homer...?!) 

Venue:  Beatrice Taylor  Hall 
Location: 25 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby 
Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm 
Cost: $5 members / $7.50 visitors 
Contact:  Leonie Fisher 
Phone:  9476 8869 
Email:  hornsbyartsociety@gmail.com  

It's a great honour and joy! If you have any questions about my watercolour painting and picture book illustration, let's chat with me.

I'm getting very busy with the preparing of Moon exhibition. Nearly there. My coordinator helps me so much. My team is great! Thanks for her great friendship. I'm learning a lot about how to do a solo exhibition. That's a lot to do. So far, distribution of flyers is the toughest thing for me, as I'm not good at walking. But cafes and restaurants are very supportive, when they find my exhibition supported by Accessible Arts NSW and Marrickville Council. Yes, we love locals!

At the same time, I'm working on new picture book projects and developing a story and images. I'll soon get on a storyboard.
Btw, we've got into hot summer. It's more than 30'C everyday. A day light saving time started from last Sunday. The posted image is an Australian native fig tree, called a Moreton Bay fig tree. I love this tree. People get together under the cool shades of these huge trees in parks. When I see them and gum trees, I feel, "Ah, Australia!"

Also, I sketched the busker at a market last Sat. 

Friends, thank you for warm cheers. You, too, make your dream come true.
See you next Monday at BeatriceTaylor Hall!
Cheers, wink, wink!

12 Oct Sadami Demo @ Hornsby Art Society!

Moon launch tremendous success

What a perfect and heartfelt day, a trade picture book Moon launch at Gleebooks! Our publishing team was touched by all my mentors' and friends' love and support. It was the great launch that turned out very intimate and nice. Parramatta Council, CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia), ASA (Australian Society of Authors), Wesley Mission, Sydney sketch club members, former local life drawing class members and dear friends joined this event. 

People left to right : Sadami, Launcher Margaret Hamilton AM, author Matt Zurbo, editor/publisher Helen Chamberlin, Ann James and gorgeous two little fans! Photos are courtesy of Janet and Imma. 

Margaret's speech was fantastic. She honoured my work. It was very touching, spot-on, informative and so sensitive. I perfectly agreed her view of picture book industry, publishing industry in general and Australian picture book industry. Then, she talked of Moon. Margaret deeply analysed Matt's text and acclaimed its originality, descriptiveness in poetic language with a well developed structure. She also stated that close family relationships was very valued in the story. Her profound understanding of illustrations moved me so much. Margaret confidently claimed, "This is Sadami’s first picture book and it demonstrates her considerable talent with watercolours and pencil. Her work is luminous, moody and evocative." Furthermore, she praised at my work, "It features sensitive close ups of Max and his father, with Max’s body language reflecting his mood, beautiful Australian landscapes and the soft colours of moonlight." I became speechless. 

Author Matt and I made short speeches. In addition, good news is that Moon has already become "Lamont standing order in Aug 2015"! The quality teacher note is available for Moon. It means that Moon is a good teaching material as well as a fine art work.   

It took nearly two years to finish Moon. Because the beautiful text was very poetic, settings such as time frame and character design were challenging. I imagined hard, tried to feel the text and felt it day and night, while going outside and looking up the moon. Helen and Ann gave me freedom, whilst guiding me. Especially, Helen's way amazed me at first. Later I understood how much she respected this emerging artist and fully trusted in the artist's talent. Technically, my used watercolour paintings required quite sophisticated skills that fascinated Helen. In the process of illustration, I've learned lot about a picture book. 

Book signing was fun and a communication time with our supporters and fans! Fun! I wrote each message with all my heart. I sincerely hope readers will enjoy Moon. 

Yey, Matt and me! 

I asked Margaret, Matt, Ann and Helen to sign my own copy. "I want to keep this for me," I said. Each of them gave me fabulous and hearty messages with "This is the first of many!" Oh, that was so sweet! I owe all my work to our terrific publishing team : Matt, Helen, a book designer, all involved people and mentor Ann. They patiently assisted me, a novice and supported me with endless love.      

The launching date has become one of the best days in my life and for our team. Thank you very much, Friends! With your support, we could have a marvelous success. Particularly, Helen and I appreciate Sydney sketch club's great and warm friendship. After sketching the market in Glebe, some of the members remained there and celebrated the Moon launch. (*Helen clearly remembered sketch club members in a cafe in Glebe and told it with special thanks to Ann and Matt over dinner). Also, we, the publishing team members really thank for Gleebooks! I miss the publishing team : Matt from Tasmania and Helen and Ann from Melbourne. Sweet Matt said, "If so, look up the moon!" Clever! That's the introduction and the theme of Moon. 

Now, through the Moon project, I'm walking strong with others and making new friends and workmates. This is the beginning of my wonderful journey as a picture book illustrator. With this precious experience, I hope I'll make quality picture books onward and upward! Already, I'm working on next projects and developing my own stories. Like these established workmates say, I'll make this Moon "the first of many". 
Friends, Happy Painting! Make your dream come true! 

Moon launch tremendous success

1) Face expression 2)Sadami Update

I enjoy both preparing of two solo exhibitions and sketching. I post the sketches of a lady in pink and a guitarist playing a harmonica. Let's chat over a face expression and my processes. Observe our face's muscles moving and get on drawing. Preferably, choose the most favorite or dramatic moment in order to achieve freshness. In my observation, eyes are the most important part in face expression.

In this work, a model's eyes tell lots of stories and stimulate viewers imagination, even though physically, her eyes occupy a small portion in a whole work. Technically, the drawing of eyes requires me the most sensitive work. I carefully put colours on eyes and around eyes. Putting a darker colour on eyes is the most high tension moment in brush strokes for portraits. I hold my breath and work on it. Usually, when I make it successful, I take a big breath and smile!

The lady has turned up very feminine in a classic mood (*she liked this work so much! Good!). I'm thinking of a simple background for her. 

This is the close up of the guitarist playing the harmonica. His eyes and cheeks fascinated me most, which conveyed his mood and concentration. You may wonder if eyes are matter, when a model closes eyes. In my opinion, eyes still matter. I always check a subject's eye balls and examine a value study.

This is the whole sketch. I start to draw from his eyes. If I can capture eyes, preliminary sketches and portraits are almost successful. I simplify a rest of other visual information in work. Yes, I did it in this work.

Another is a lady in pink. In this work, a model's eyes tell lots of stories and stimulate viewers imagination, even though physically, her eyes occupy a small portion in a whole work. Technically, the drawing of eyes requires me the most sensitive work. I carefully put colours on eyes and around eyes. Putting a darker colour on eyes is the most high tension moment in brush strokes for portraits. I hold my breath and work on it. Usually, when I make it successful, I take a big breath and smile!

You may say, "Drawing eyes and face expression are not easy!" If so, another wonderful model who never complains about you is YOU! Observe your face expressions on a mirror until you completely understand them, if you have any questions of face expressions and cannot ask a model to repeat postures too much. (*I barely use photos and love live models.)

2)Sadami Update
I've organised DL fliers for the solo exhibition, "Over the Moon with Watercolour!" from Oct 20 to Nov 2. I've asked an art supply Art Acene to mount the art work chosen for the exhibition. = A half way through the preparation! Ah, I could write a blog post! Thank you for your great patience, Friends. 
Art Scene is always supportive. Particularly, Kim, an experienced leader of a framing Dept and Adriana at a material Dept manager are so caring. Especially, Kim has patiently and kindly assited me to select the best work. She has brilliant and sharp eyes to evaluate art work (*Her feedback of my illustartions and sketches overlaped my mentor Ann's advice! I fully trust in her ). Adriana cordially suggests me materials. She is wonderful to give me quotes at a best rate and never forgets follow-ups. Without their help, I will not be able to carry out the exhibition. Friends, to have a good art supply is our assets, I believe.

Now, I am getting ready for Moon launch this Saturday. I can't wait to see Matt, Helen, Ann, Jess, friends and supporters. I'm also working on watercolour paintings of People of Parramatta. Speical thanks for your support. I'm happy and busy!
Friends, Happy Painting!

1) Face expression 2)Sadami Update

Margaret Hamilton AM will launch Moon!

Woo hoo, Margaret Hamilton AM will launch Moon Sat 26 Sep @ Gleebooks! Another "guardian angel" of our Australian picture book industry. All the mentors suggested me to contact Margaret. She's Australia legend and a superstar!! Margaret is such a special person in the children’s book world - Author, publisher, cherisher of creators, promoter and The Children's Book Coucil Australia National Board Chair Deputy. She runs "Pinerolo", the Children's Book Cottage. ( *AM = Order of Australia. Awarded for achievement and merit in service to Australia or humanity). Publisher/Editor Helen Chamberlin, my mentor Books Illustrated, guests and I are dancing around!  

Close Up

This interview tells who she is about Margaret Hamilton AM. She's started from a librarian at Parramatta City Library. Yes, what a coincidence, my residential area. 

http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2010/11/interview-margaret-hamilton-am.html 

I always wanted to meet Margaret in person, but I could not, especially, go to snowy Blue Mountains this season. Now, my dream will come true. 
"I'm just a starter. Please help me and guide me," I wrote to Margaret.
Margaret says, "Moon is really beautiful and I will be honoured to launch it." What a humble lady! 
In response, "We're so happy and honoured to have you for a launcher," I say.

This is called a "near miss." It was not selected for a final image, but close.

Double spread on A2. 

You can see these near misses and dummy books at "Over the Moon with Watercolour! exhibition" 

(Oct 20 to Nov 2 at Chrissie Cotter Gallery). 

I feel I'm so cherished by topnotches. It amazes me, a nameless illustrator. My mentors suggested me Margaret Hamilton AM or an executive level of CBC, which very surprised me... I felt that they -- all of them are prominent authors, illustrators and editors --- highly acknowledged my ability and craftsmanship in drawing. I've blushed up to my ears and almost shed tears. I really appreciate it, beyond language. At a micro level, these established people want to help emerging potential illustrators. At a macro level, they really want to nurture new talented Australian picture book illustrators in a long term. Of course, ultimately, they want to bring children/readers quality picture books. I hope myself will respond to their support by my art work! I'm very happy to be surrounded such noble people with right hearts.  

Unselected roughs. We, illustrators make TONs of these tries

until we find a direction and narrow images.

Wow, like publisher/editor Helen says, my debut will be a "Party of Australian publishing industry superstars." Furthermore, NAVA (National Association for Visual Artists Australia) and ASA (Australian Society of Authors) and other peak bodies, too, are coming. Please come and meet them all.  

Btw, I've got a cold. I feel better today. Hopefully, I can prepare the book launch and the solo exhibitions with a sound body. Thank you for encouragements and a great support! You, too, please take care and make your dream come true!  
Friends, Happy Painting! 

Windy Hollow Books updated their cover photo.

10 hrs · 

Margaret Hamilton AM will launch Moon!

Pros & Cons of Social Media and Strategy

Do you use social media? I pondered about advantages and disadvantages of social media and how we use it in a smart way. Facebook and Twitter require engagement that is beyond my capacity at the moment. As I'm working on new picture book projects, while being busy with the preparation of the book launch, the exhibition, watercolour workshops, competitions and so ons. It's enough and good work load, although some people ask me to join it. I'm still thinking of joining it or not, while observing social phonomena related to social media. In this very busy social media era, it's very important to hold the stance firmly and have a direction to go. Yet, we need to have flexibility that balances between catch-up with the trend of time and our own identity or life style. 

In the analysis of advantages and disadvantages of social media,

Benefits 

• Overcome time and distance, cost effective communication 
• Two-way communication is possible eg) one-many, many-one, many-many  
• Little capital is needed, inexpensive = Reduce cost of art sale on market
• Small business and emerging enterprenor can compete with big and established brand name companies
• Direct and wide access with a third party on a global market, networking 
• Great exposure on a national and international market
• Attract potential clients on a global market 
• Intense engagement with clients/site visitors/customers   

Deficits

• Intrusion of privacy and copyrights eg) Naked self-presentation on net. Image theft. Leak of information.  
• Risk of maliciously harmful feedbacks, stalking etc by boudless strangers.  
• Questionable reliability and validity of information eg) Fake identity. eg) How long will information remain on net?   
• Low awareness of responsibility of information sources 
• Laws are behind social media issues. eg) Dilemma/conflict between freedom of speech/individual interest and censorship/public interest.   
• Insecure, unsafe and vulnerable individuals on internet  
• Blurry line between "private" and "public" 
• Incessantly feed information on a daily base = Excessive engagement. Pressure on information senders. 
• Exclusion of a specific group eg) people without site membership or computer skills. 
• Its unpredictable impact on our future lives and society  

What else?
My research has found that current research essays are behind to well discuss the impact of social media and social changing. It seems that our society is rapidly moving away before analysing social media! Or data collection is difficult = Collected data gets out of date = too fast to change. What a busy time we are living! No one knows what's the impact of social media on our society and our lives. If so, we want to use internet and social media in a wise and healthy way.

Some suggestions to be a smart user of social media

• Need to know legal knowledge at least "Copyrights Law," and "DMCA takedown notice".  Study well and stay safe. **Each country has a different national law, but we need to know both national and international laws. 
• Check where to get help in case of hacker, image theft etc. Prepare the worst scenario or prepare rain while a sunny day. 
• Respect the privacy of individuals = Get a person's permission to post something related to personal information. Remember "confidentiality of information".  
• Don't open up or touch fishy information. Access first-hand information and use it. 
• Clarify information sources and show it ( eg. I use a "bibliography" like below). It is a social manner and "fair use" of information protects you from illegal copyrights intrusion.   

What do you think? Or if you have had any headache in your internet experiences and if you have more suggestions, let us share them (*if you can. I respect privacy). In art activities, I'd tell myself, "Have my own colour". The same is true of my internet activities. Being as an information sender, it's important to take the responsibility of sending information. I might be behind a busy time and rapidly changing society though, I'll enjoy my own pace so far. I'm really happy to know regular visitors and new visitors coming to this weekly blog. I appreciate YOUR visits! Thank you for sharing time and pondering about many things in my posts!
Oh, yes, I'm working on the selection of art works for the exhibitions and labelling along the plan and creating more images for the People of Parramatta like above.
Friends, Happy Painting! Let us be smart social media users! 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Edosomwan S, Kouame D, Prakasan K, Seymour, T and Watson J (2011) "The History of Social Media and its Impact on Business", The Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, 2011, Vol. 16, No.3 http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.458.6848&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Murthy D (2010)  "Towards a Sociological Understanding of Social Media: Theorizing Twitter" http://www.darkmatter101.org/wiki/lib/plugins/fckg/fckeditor/userfiles/file/lib/scripts/jquery/jquery-ui-theme/images/towards_a_sociological_understanding_of_social_media-_theorizing_twitter.pdf

Pros & Cons of Social Media and Strategy