Blog | Aoi Yamaguchi | Japanese Calligrapher, Aoi Yamaguchi's World of Art

北の大地から: Letter from the North

Posted on December 26th, 2011 by Aoi

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北海道に帰って来ています。
この冬は制作場所を札幌に、久しぶりに地元で新年を迎えようと思います。
千歳へ向かう車内。雪に覆われた道路、山々、木々を眺めながら、夕焼けの空に心を奪われ
自分の生まれた地に白い息を吐いて、こころが還って来たなと感じられる、ここ数日です。

来月は東京、京都でのパフォーマンスショーを控えています。
久しぶりに日本で、世界で活躍する尊敬する仲間と一緒にパフォーマンスできるのは幸福なこと。
今からわくわくしています。

I’m back in Hokkaido.
I’ll be here in my hometown Sapporo for this Winter, working on new pieces and performances. It’s been a while to spend the new years’ day in Japan with my family, very relaxing, refreshing, heartwarming times here in the land of snow.
On our way to Chitose – gazing at the road, mountains, trees covered in snow through the window. Beautiful colors of sunset is stealing my heart.
Seeing my white breath in this cold air, I’m feeling that my heart and my body has returned to my roots.

I have performance shows in Tokyo and Kyoto in January.
I’m excited to perform with my such a talented friends here in Japan – friends gathering from Toyama, San Francisco, New York, and Sweden.
Looking forward to see you all very soon!

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[Retrospect] Live Painting w/ Noa- @ Jose James Live at The New Parish, Dec 9

Posted on December 25th, 2011 by Aoi

Art Shows, Calligraphy, Events

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すっかり報告が遅くなってしまいましたが、Jose JamesのOaklandショー@The New Parishで、相棒ライブペインターNoa-と久しぶりにライブペイントしました。Jose Jamesはファーストアルバムから聴いていて、個人的にもファンだったのでこのショーはかなり楽しみにしていました。サウンドチェック中のときから準備を始め、Jose James本人とも話が出来て感無量です。やはり彼のライブは凄く良かった。本当にいい声の持ち主です。

今回はショーの時間設定に関する予測がつかず、ペイントは未完成のままイベントが終わってしまいましたが、サンフランシスコに戻った後、完成させてアップしたいと思います。

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Interview on Monocomplex.net インタビュー掲載

Posted on November 28th, 2011 by Aoi

Calligraphy, Media, Travel

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今年２月にKenzoの仕事でNew Yorkを訪れた際、New YorkをベースとするマガジンMonocomplexのみなさんと時間を過ごすことができました。新たにリニューアルされたサイトにインタービューを掲載してくださいました。ここから見ることが出来ます：http://monocomplex.net/

ギャラリー巡りをしたり、Armory Showを見に行ったり、おいしいご飯を食べに行ったり、いろんな話が出来て、San Franciscoとはまた違ったバイブのクリエイティビティに刺激を受けました。New Yorkには何度か足を運んでいるけれど、今回は違った過ごし方が出来てNew Yorkの印象が少し変わりました。ありがとう！

またNYCに近々行けることを願って！

When I visited New York back in February for the work for Kenzo Parfumes, I was interviewed by New York based culture magazine, Monocomplex.

Here’s the URL to the site: http://monocomplex.net/

It was a pleasure sharing a good time with folks who create this magazine – visiting galleries in Chelsea, checking out the Armory Show, having a nice dinner at the Chelsea Market, talking about random things etc etc… Thank you Monocomplex :)

Hope to be back in NYC soon!

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[VIDEO] RISE JAPAN VOL.4!

Posted on November 1st, 2011 by Aoi

Art Shows, Clothing, Design, Events, Video

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We had a great turnout at RISE JAPAN VOL.4 @Studio 931 on Sunday October 16th. Thank you all so much for your support! We raised $1,260 from printing, T-shirts, posters, food & drink sales, which will be donated to Nippon Foundation’s ROAD project. If you missed the event – we’re in the process of setting up an online store. Please check back our site: www.risejapan.us. We appreciate your continued support.

Had great support & responses from media:

+ RISE JAPAN. on Mission Local

+ RISE JAPAN. on Hypebeast.com

+ RISE JAPAN. on KRON4 Morning News

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Video shot & edited by Merlin Jackson for RISE JAPAN.

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RISE JAPAN VOL.4: Pop-up Live Silkscreen Printing for Japan Benefit

Posted on October 14th, 2011 by Aoi

Art Shows, Design, Events

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I’m organizing the 4th RISE JAPAN event, which is coming up this Sunday. This will be a super fun live silkscreen printing event! I’ll have my design as well. Bring your blank T-shirts, table cloth, tote bag, scarf, poster paper…whatever you want, and get them printed! We have a great line-up of 28 participating artists, 28 different designs. Food & drinks & Dj all day.

I’ll be on KRON4 morning news with Henry Tenenbaum, live interview from 8:45am, Saturday October 15th, speaking about RISE JAPAN. Please turn on your TV and check it out! I don’t watch TV, so if anyone can record the show and send me a copy of the footage, that will be amazing…

Here’s my design for RISE JAPAN VOL.4:

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Surreality in Reality + Studio 931 presents:
RISE JAPAN VOL.4: Fundraising Event for Earthquake & Tsunami Victims in Japan

＠ Studio 931
931 Treat Ave. San Francisco, CA
Sunday October 16, 2011 | 1pm – 7pm | Afterparty 7-10pm

In support of the tragic Northern Japan earthquake & tsunami relief, RISE JAPAN vol.4 features live silkscreen printing with various designs from nation-wide artists.
Bring your own T-shirts or poster paper, or even purchase T-shirts at the event. Choose your favorite designs and get them printed on the spot—100% of the proceeds will be donated to Nippon Foundation’s ROAD Project for the reconstruction of areas damaged by the earthquake and tsunami.

[About Studio 931]
On Treat Avenue between 22nd and 23rd, the Mission district’s newest print studio aims to attract a group of dynamic print and multi media artists. The studio will house etching, photogravure, letterpress and silkscreen equipment, as well as space for exhibitions and events.

Artists:
Akko Terasawa
Aoi Yamaguchi
Aaron Lawrence
Aaron De La Cruz
Eddie Colla
Erik Otto
Esmeralda Padilla
Favianna Rodriguez
Hannah Stouffer
Javier Martinez
Kaz
Kenta Shimbo
Loren Purcell
Jay Nelson
Junko Maegawa
Mr. Ben Venom
Nichol Markowitz
Noa-
Paul Mullowney
Ryan Bubnis
Samuel Rodriguez
Sakie Miura
Summer Makovkin
Superdeux
Steve Ha
Tania Arens
Taiko Fujimura
Valerie Shagday

Food by:
Burgogi (burgogi.com)
Onigilly (onigilly.com)

Tea by:
Ito En. Ltd

Music by:
DIALS
DJ ANT-1
B Maj (Grown Kids Radio)
Hakobo (Fresco)
…and more!

Supported by:
Studio 931
VESL Studios
Harvest Land

RISE JAPAN Official Website
http://www.risejapan.us/

ROAD Project by Nippon Foundation
http://road.nippon-foundation.or.jp/2011/05/road301-94a4.html

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[VIDEO] Live personalized calligraphy on Uchiwa at Minamoto Kitchoan SF

Posted on September 28th, 2011 by Aoi

Art Shows, Calligraphy, Events

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Thank you everyone for coming to my event at Minamoto Kitchoan San Francisco last Friday! It was very short amount of time, but I had fun meeting and talking with you all. I also enjoyed the warm tea and new delicious sweets from the store – made me feel like I was in Japan.
Minamoto Kitchoan made this awesome video of the event – I’d love to share this with you! Hope we can do another event like this again in the future.

先週金曜日の源吉兆庵でのイベントに来てくださった皆様、どうも有り難うございます。夕方の限られた時間ではありましたが、うちわに書き入れる言葉のリクエストをしてくださったお客様一人一人との会話もはずみ、楽しいひとときを過ごさせて頂きました。そして、源吉兆庵さんから差し入れしていただいた温かいお茶と新しいお菓子も美味しく、ここは日本かと錯覚に陥るような「和」の染みる瞬間でした。
源吉兆庵さんから、イベントの様子をハイライトしたビデオが届きました！またいつかこのようなイベントが出来るといいなと思います。

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[Upcoming] 源吉兆庵秋のうちわ＋書道イベント: Personalized Live Calligraphy at Minamoto Kitchoan SF　

Posted on September 19th, 2011 by Aoi

Art Shows, Calligraphy, Events

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“Fans painted with Aoi Yamaguchi’s stunning Japanese ink-based calligraphy are available in limited supply. Come meet the celebrated artist who will personally create Japanese characters directly onto your unique fan. These elegantly crafted fans will make a beautiful addition to anyone’s art collection, home decoration or give it to someone special as a one-of-a-kind gift. While you are there try our new delicious sweets, which like the fans, are limited in quantity.”

和菓子の老舗、源吉兆庵サンフランシスコ店にて、淡墨書道アートをアレンジしたうちわにカスタム書道で言葉を一筆書き入れるイベントを行います。言葉を選んで頂き、私がその場で筆でうちわに毫筆いたします。その日のうちにうちわはお持ち帰りになれます。源吉兆庵の秋の新しいお菓子のシリーズもこの日リリースされます。お仕事帰りに、美味しいお茶と共に一息、ぜひお立ち寄りくださいね！夕方４時半から７時まで、うちわは限定３０枚です。

Friday September 23, 2011 4:30-7:00pm
@ Minamoto Kitchoan, SF
648 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone:415-989-1645

Photography for poster by Akko Terasawa

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Hawke & Carry x Aoi Yamaguchi: Leather Handbags + Japanese Calligraphy

Posted on September 19th, 2011 by Aoi

Accessories, Bags, Calligraphy, Fashion Shows

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My new project – collaboration with leather bag line “Hawke & Carry“. I have been wanting to make bags with my calligraphy artwork as part of the textile design. I met the bag designer Paula Collins through a friend of mine, saw her really soft and flexible leather bag on her shoulder, and immediately fell in love with her leather bags. Finally one of my dreams came into a shape! First group of bags are limited in stock.
http://www.hawkeandcarry.com

More photos & production report to come!

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Aoi Yamaguchi Atelier Open Studios

Posted on September 15th, 2011 by Aoi

Art Shows, Calligraphy, Events

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Common Magazine Issue No.20 features Rise Japan!

Posted on September 7th, 2011 by Aoi

Events, Media

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Common Magazine 2011 Summer Issue No.20
RISE JAPAN Report p.42-47

Common Magazine, based in Sendai, Japan, featured the report of our Rise Japan events in SF! Hope our effort helped earthquake & tsunami victims in Japan. Thanx Common!
Pick up your copies at local stores in your city / country!
Distribution locations HERE

Our team Rise Japan is working on planning Rise Japan vol.4! We see and hear less and less about Northern Japan earthquake & tsunami on news media. As you know, Japan needs long-term support to rebuild infrastructure – destroyed buildings and houses from scratch. It’s not someone else’s story… what if it strikes your city?

COMMON MAGAZINE http://www.common-magazine.com/
RISE JAPAN http://www.risejapan.us/

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