Jean Snow [.net]

Category: Art & Design

  • Salaryman Art

    —

    Over the years we’ve certainly seen quite a few art projects that find inspiration in the Japanese salaryman, yet this latest series of works finds its own voice. Produced by Hiroaki Ito — a salaryman himself — the realistic paintings tend to portray the various demeaning aspects of this cultural touchstone. See more examples over at…

  • Bake’s Kyoto Shop

    —

    , ,

    Bake sounds like a very interesting pastry shop/chain — read more about the company in this Spoon & Tamago post — and pictured here is its latest shop, located in Kyoto. Yup, those are Lego blocks that you see as part of the decor.

  • PauseDraw for November 2016

    —

    ,

    PauseDrawers keep on drawing, with the next event set for November 27 at Shibaura House, the space which seems to have turned into the event’s regular venue (pictured, a previous PauseDraw held there). You’ll find more details on the Facebook event page.

  • Day Into Night

    —

    Lovely early morning shot taken from the base of Rainbow Bridge by Tokyo-based photographer Sean Brecht. Found via Canvas.

  • Soy Shape

    —

    I really love this video that shows how my buddy Duncan Shotton is putting together his latest product, the limited edition Soy Shape dipping dishes. As you’ll see, one of the difficult aspects of the process is the packaging, which is done by hand by Duncan and his lovely wife (pictured). Found via Canvas.

  • Muji Campsite Guide Book

    —

    ,

    I really love the cover to this Muji Campsite guide book (2015) that you see pictured, designed by Norito Shinmura. What a fantastic idea to use wood grain as a motif for water (and so the kayakers). Found via Gurafiku.

  • Kazuo Oga

    —

    , ,

    You may not be familiar with the name Kazuo Oga, but if you’re a fan of Ghibli films, then you’ve certainly seen his work in the form of the luscious painted backgrounds. Here are a couple of videos that show him at work, as well as a more general documentary, both with English subtitles.

  • Picks from TDW

    —

    The latest edition of my old Japan Times “On: Design” column — now written by my ex-editor, Mio Yamada — covers a few of Mio’s picks from last week’s Tokyo Design Week. Pictured, Makoto Suzuki’s Capa Chair. Here she also offers her highlights from TDW itself.