ONE NIGHT STAND EVENT, Hincks Dellcrest Foundation, May 24 Evening

I hope everyone has been enjoying their summer!  
Tomorrow evening Hincks-Dellcrest Foundation will be having an amazing event at the Steam Whistle Brewery called ONE NIGHT STAND: Take a stand for children's mental health.  Information as follows and tickets can be bought online or at the door, or you can email me to let me know you are interested.  

Link to their website, for tickets and information: 

http://hincksdellcrest.org/one-night-stand/home

I also need to add as I know many of my acquaintances and friends who are in the creative field and others can't afford art supplies, let alone tickets for an event, but...

a) this is a cause dear to my heart and I will keep on supporting mental illness awareness regardless,

b) this is 'the' event to be at for young successful professionals in Toronto, so if you want to connect and network, enjoy amazing music, drinks, finger foods as well as prizes, and stay current, it may be worth the price of the ticket.  You never know who you might meet or what may come of these opportunities so have a think, and maybe you will join us for a fabulous evening!!!

Thank you truly for your time and I will speak to you soon (*^_^*)

-M

Los Angeles 2012 Trip

Looking onto a highway, palm trees swaying with the wind, blue skies dotted with a few clouds, I am writing this post from my hotel room in West Los Angeles.  It is a huge change from when I left Toronto; there was light snow as I departed.  I have a box of lucky charms next to me.

What a trip it has been... that is such an understatement!  I'm only here until Saturday and I feel I've lived here for a month already.  Always challenging and learning as I go.  I wanted to shoot this off before I meet up for coffee/tea and then meet a client of mine for supper tonight.  This morning I walked, and browsed took in the smells of Jasmine and other living organisms.  I think people can tell right away that I am not from around here as I get many stares 'I know I'm weird, its okay, I'll just smile and keep on going and doing my own thing'.  

Although I am here mainly for business, next time I think I will stay in an area where I feel more like I could be on vacation, maybe nearer to the ocean or downtown even!  These curtains make the window appear much larger than they actually are...

And the view from my room is...

A beautiful highway:)  But there are palm trees in the frame!!!

I have met some wonderful individuals, and the Soap Plant/Wacko Building where La Luz De Jesus Gallery resides was an experience.  I could spend a whole month locked up in there and still keep on seeing and finding fun new things, and the books; yep, I bought one... *Baggage allowance!* (oh yeah...) this always happens.   http://www.laluzdejesus.com/

And check out Scott's work, I could just feel the texture of the acrylics in his work, a bit interesting as I wanted to eat the work too... but it would probably bite back with a vengeance!  So cool: http://www.mshove.com/ be ready to salivate but then feel the strange disconnect and get the fight or flight response:)  

I better get going but thank you for tuning in and I will try to post soon.  

*Big Smile*

-M 

Video footage of solo exhibit, and my experience with mental illness.

Solo art exhibit footage

For the exhibit I raised awareness for children's mental illness with Hincks-Dellcrest Center, and below are a few words about my personal experience.

Thank you, I hope you enjoy:)

-M

BEING: Inaugural Solo Art Exhibit, artist Marie Tomeoki was a huge success!

The evening of April 5th was the opening event for my inaugural solo art exhibit.  I was very pleased to see the end result after months of planning for the event; the hard work paid off, and I could not believe the number of people who attended and showed up.  

  

I will be posting details on the event and aspects of putting on a solo exhibit as I recuperate and start posting regularly again.  For now I wanted to share some pictures taken by Oink & Coo Photography.

So many people came to show support and see my work.

I love it when people go closer to do a second take, then see all the details and layers.

A speech and special mentions.

Everyone from babies, teenagers, to seniors came to enjoy the event.

Carl and Michelle, thank you for the amazing space.

Many pieces were sold throughout the evening.

Even the Consulate General of Japan and his wife came to see the show.

DJ Flohback provided amazing music, perfect for the exhibit opening event.

Didn't have any trouble with security.

Warm, inviting vibe, full of great people.

Fascinating individuals and those I would love to speak to further like Ted Goossen and his wife.

The outfit added an extra dimension and created lots of buzz.  Thank you ArditaFFashions.

A great milestone and start of new adventures to come.  Thank you so much for everyone who came and showed support.  I am so grateful and appreciative of those who were always there and helped me along the way (I can not express this enough).

My website will be updating all the latest information and news so please sign in and subscribe if you haven't already done so: http://www.marietomeoki.com   

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

Kindest Regards,

Marie

Pre Inaugural Solo Exhibit Buzz.

Hincks-Dellcrest Center Newsletter: 
http://www.hincksdellcrest.org/News-Information/BEING-contemporary-art-show-will-donate-a-portion-.aspx

Workman Arts Blog:
http://www.workmanarts.com/index.php/2012/03/27/being-by-marie-tomeoki/

TORJA: Toronto/Japan Glossy Magazine, April, Vol. 9, page 66

Article about me and my art work:

http://issuu.com/tomeko/docs/torja___009/67

http://torja.ca/

Thank you so much for visiting my blog, and I have just created a new Facebook 'Page', please go take a look and click the like button:

http://www.facebook.com/MarieTomeoki

I just filmed a video this weekend and I hope to have that live as soon as possible on my Youtube channel, please subscribe:

http://www.youtube.com/user/BeingMarieT

Still have many things to do before Thursday: finally, showcasing my work the way I've always envisioned and wanted.  This is only the beginning and after the show I have two commissions to complete, and new projects to brainstorm, organize, create, and make happen (one with Japanese hand made paper like tulle, the other is something to do with dance).  So exciting!  But maybe a bit of down time is necessary to refill the well of sleep, days off, and energy.  

One step at a time, this is a major milestone in my life; a good thing, for me, in Toronto!?  Wow.  My view of Toronto since I arrived in 2001 was ERs, hospitals, psychiatric units, pediatric wards (at the start), out patient programs, inpatient treatment, groups, therapy, therapy and more therapy, also can't forget the countless pharmacies and meds.  Then break ups, many losses, little brother concerns, crappy landlords, floods, and over 10 moves just within Toronto alone!

I've come a long way, I am happy to BE, here, right now:)

Big Hugs,

Marie     

Inaugural Solo Art Exhibit and Opening: BEING: April 5, Downtown Toronto.

The date is getting close to my solo exhibit and opening!  All details can be viewed here: http://marietomeoki.com/wordpressgallery/index.php/news/

Things are getting crazy busy as it gets closer to the date, that's just the way it works.  Reminds me of dress rehearsals before a ballet performance, everything is crazy, needs fixing, tweaking, and doing.  The show must go on.

  


With press releases and media kits sent off this week, post cards and many envelopes written and licked, lists of art pieces, finishing touches, doing the foot work to get the post cards and posters out around the city, going through all the aspects in my mind over and over again, knowing I still need to film a video, wire, get fine art prints... 
I look like hell, my tongue is parched with after tastes of envelope glue, my fingers are numb, lists overflowing out of my ears, feet never fast enough, cuts and scrapes, brain operating at maximum, butterflies in my stomach with anticipation/nerves/so much to think about.  
Who the heck decided to be a part of the art on the opening evening wearing a latex outfit?  Me.  Who needs shoes to go with the outfit?  Me.  Forget hair and make up, when will I have the time to shave or paint my toe nails?  I have no clue!  Maybe I will turn up bare  footed, who knows?  The situations I place myself... but I believe in what I do, represent, and am, love learning every step of the way, working with capable and genuine individuals, sharing my story with others, experiencing a life full of depth and meaning, with purpose and passion. So all the above business is all worthwhile and is never too much to handle/all taken in perspective.

I am doing what I love, it is honest and it is right.  As I sit here to take a breather writing this blog I am extremely grateful, satisfied and proud.  

I've got a goofy streak, and laughter essential, so we'll just go on this journey together.

Thank you for reading and I will keep you updated:)  

*SMILE*

-M

      

Puzzle Project with Magokoro Net for Japan Disaster Relief Effort

These are the puzzle pieces I created for the Puzzle Project that started in NYC and toured around Osaka Japan.  Most recently they have been working together with Tono Magokoro Net to help with the funds for the earthquake and tsunami relief effort.  
More about the Puzzle Project here:
http://puzzle-project.org/PUZZLEPROJECT/concept.html
More about the Tono Magokoro Net non-profit organization:
http://tonomagokoro.net/english/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Our-Vision_tonomagokoronet_eg110818.pdf

Nomadic Ojizo

Acrylic paint, transfers, paper, hemp

This piece was about connections, and an interwoven concept of relations without boundaries, or discrimination.  Freedom to weave cultures, perspectives, and people together with understanding and acceptance.

Ojizo In Unison

Acrylic paint, transfers, collage, paper, glass

For this piece I tried to cater towards the children with images of animals, Batman, and simple words that they may be able to relate to or feel encouragement in times of need.

Disco Ojizo

Acrylic paint, transfers, collage, mirror

I tried to portray the Ojizo through negative space, with mirrors to create an illusion through reflection. In completion I realized the mirrored surface created a reflection of self, and surrounding occurrences, as well as bringing different facets and angles of light to brighten and shimmer around the room.  I love the look of light reflecting off mirrored surfaces and creating prismatic effects, I used to decorate my interiors with this in mind and it lifted my spirits.  

Ojizo-sama are Japanese divinities or symbols of guardian and protection, in particular children and travelers; they can be found in the most remote places and all around Japan.  Although they are usually made of stone they seem to have a life and soul of their own.  Each one is totally unique and have different expressions, gestures, or postures.  People usually make hats, scarves, bibs, etc to keep them warm and show their respect, also leaving flowers, and food.  

Unlike the huge golden statues of Buddah or Kannon-sama in temples that signify the upper echelons and elite society, the Ojizo-sama are modest and represent the commoners in communities; providing them with protection and faith.  

Being born in Japan I have grown up seeing these Ojizo-sama everywhere and have always been drawn to them.  Last year I visited Japan right before the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear catastrophe happened, and throughout the trip I had recorded sketches of Ojizo-sama which I encountered in Ofunato, Sendai, Iwate, Shirokawa-go, Kyoto, and Tokyo.  Past blogs about the trip if you are interested: http://beingmariet.blogspot.com/2010/11/trip-to-japan.html

http://beingmariet.blogspot.com/2010/12/trip-to-japan-2.html

 This image has been on my desktop since last year!  That says quite a lot as a Gemini who likes to change it up often.

I don't like to dwell on the negative past, I like to acknowledge whatever has happened, learn from them, and progress forwards.  I have a distaste for long, dragged out victim roles some place themselves, it is unhealthy (although I understand how and why it can originate and prolong).  I empathize and care but stay clear of getting sucked into negative cycles.  I try to encourage and empower, support and help in what ways I can.    
  
The will to survive

The strength to endure

The courage to face the truth

Breathe for peace of mind, embrace the gift of life, and be.


Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog, it truly means a lot to me.  Please be well and to stay up dated you can subscribe and you will be notified through e-mail.  


*SMILE*
-Marie