Project Mentor: TOUMA

Touma wearing his Knuckle Bear mask

Another mentor introduction and another big player, I would like to introduce you to Touma. Touma is an illustrator that has been involved in character design for over 20 years.

I first came aware of Touma in 2008 through his Ultraman collaboration. As a fan of Ultra Daikaiju,  his stylised versions made me interested to discover who the artist was, once again, it turned out I had already known his iconic work for a few years.

Ultra Seven Gashapon for a 2009 Gashapon project.

Knuckle Bear by Touma

Bold and full of energy, Touma has a strong style that is easily recognisable. Something that I would like to develop in my own work. I highly respect the work of Touma and to spend any time with him is an incredible opportunity, I will take all his lessons seriously and apply it to my work instantly.

Biography

http://touma.biz

TOUMA worked as a character designer for a major video game company for 10, leaving in 2001 to become a freelance illustrator and character designer. In 2003 he released his most famous character 'Knuckle Bear' at Design Festa #14. In 2005, he established his company TOUMART Inc. Since then he has designed various original designer toys and collaborated on licensed property designs from Ultraman, Godzilla, Star Wars, Alien vs Predator, Transformers, Powerpuff Girls, and countless others. 

3 daily sessions have been scheduled with Touma. In our short time, I hope to focus on my artistic methodology and further develop myself as an artist.

Project Mentor: Sunguts

Baby Sunguts, already a lover of sofubi.

The next mentor I would like to introduce you to is Tadayoshi Ichimiya, also known as Sunguts. To many, Sunguts doesn't require an introduction. He is one of the big players and has been deeply involved in many aspects of the Sofubi world for over a decade.

Just like discovering a few great songs on the radio were by the same band, I had come across Sunguts work sporadically in Japanese toy magazine Hyper Hobby. As I can't read Japanese, I tend to only look at the images but I eventually discovered many pieces I enjoyed were all made by Sunguts.

SUIKO original character by Sunguts

Dogu-Chan, licensed character by Sunguts

I closely identify my direction of 'what I want to do and where I want to be' to be 'Sunguts style'. He has lent his skills to many toy projects and has a vast library of original character and licensed work. To have the opportunity to meet him was fantastic and to be mentored by him is truly a dream.

Through initial arrangements, I was excited to learn Sunguts was developing new works for Wonder Fest early next year. I was invited to see the whole process; from character design, sculpt, wax, vinyl production and painting.

Later, I was to discover that the schedule was not only for me to observe the development of a new Sunguts work but to mentor me directly in the process of developing my own sofubi from sketch to production. I can't even fathom the words required to describe my excitement, deep gratitude and respect.  

Biography 

 http://www.sunguts.com/

Born in Hyogo-Ken in 1969, Tadayoshi Ichimiya, entered college in 1987. In collage he made a name for himself by producing various self-directed films. In 1991, he was hired as a director by a well known advertisement firm in Tokyo. While he worked as a director, he also designed many characters for the TV commercials. In 2000, he started producing his own soft vinyl figures and in 2003, he became a freelance director and character designer under the studio Sunguts. Ever since he has been producing various original and licensed character works.

I have scheduled 10 days over the next two months, with 'homework' requirements in between. The journey has just begun!

Project Mentor: Teresa Chiba

傾乙女 "Yaegaki" by Teresa Chiba

The first mentor I would like to introduce you to is Teresa Chiba. A more appropriate title would be 'mentor and manager', she has organised so much and helped me beyond expectations. I am truly grateful and honoured by her assistance and friendship. I was so excited when Teresa agreed to be part of my project! 

I first came across Teresa's work in the Max Toy exhibition titled 'Beauty & the Kaiju' in 2010. At the time, I wasn't an artwork collector but I loved her piece and purchased it. From there, I continued to followed her work and slowly got to know her personally. We had some common ground to relate, Teresa lived in Australia during her final years of study and she also teaches design students.

Kaiju Tripus by Teresa Chiba

At the beginning of 2012, I traveled to Japan for a family holiday to visit my brother with my parents. I also took a small side trip to Tokyo to meet and greet various people in early stages of my project preparation. The side trip was very last minute but I was excited to organise time to meet Teresa in person. It was a great night and even though it was a casual meet up, I learnt so much about design and illustration in Japan in the short time we were together. Teresa is very knowledgeable and explains things so well!

At the end of May, I was excited to learn Teresa was part of a TV production called 'Collaboration Culture' for BBC World News. Teresa was partnered with British artist David Shrigley. I thought this would be the best way to introduce her work to you all. Please watch!

Teresa Chiba and David Shrigley for Collaboration Culture

Artist Introduction video:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19197619
Episode video:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19116442

Biography 

http://www.p-genmu.com/ 

Born in Kanagawa, Japan and undertaking High School and College in Sydney, Australia, Teresa Chiba is a tireless artist who has been working under the studio name of Production_Genmu based in Tokyo, Japan.

She has released her artworks in numerous mediums such as YUKATA (kimono for summer), fashion accessories, graphic designs, packaging designs, art direction and live performance.

Many of Teresa's artworks have been inspired in the motif of KABUKI (Classical Japanese dance-drama). She calls herself a KABUKI-OTOME-ESHI (Kabuki girls illustrator) who express the romance of a girl's inner strength, weakness and determination.

Currently Teresa is also working as a freelance artist and illustrator and teaches digital illustration at the Tokyo Design Academy (Harajuku, Tokyo).

Teresa and I just wrapped up the final schedule for the next two months, it is action packed! If you have any questions, please post in the comments section!

Project: Arrived in Japan

Hello from Japan!

As I mentioned in my last post, I have spent the first week in Okayama visiting my brother, it was fantastic! I am currently in Tokyo for my second night and I am almost settled in. Time to recap my first week!

Adventure to Japan

I had a great flight, even with the annoying transfers. I started in Adelaide with a brief stop in Melbourne. then a 3 hour stopover in Hong Kong, followed by a 3 hour flight to Tokyo. The plane had very cool HD touch screens but sadly I had seen 90% of the films on the system. I did however enjoy watching  'Painted Skin 2 : the Resurrection'. The hardest thing about the flight was the HK transfer at midnight, flying back out at 4am. This is prime sleeping time! I planed ahead and had a good sleep between 7-11pm.

I made it to Tokyo

I arrived at Narita airport at 6am in the morning. Got all my belongings and made it through customs. First thing was to have a shower! I love public showers in Japan, so clean and nice. I have to say though, the shower facilities at Osaka airport are much nicer. Showed, clean and in fresh clothes, I made my way to meet up with César Zanardi.

I was only in Tokyo for a few hours before catching the Shinkansen to Okayama, so I was really happy we managed to meet up! Not having much time, César suggested we go to Asakusa. I haven't been there so thought it would be fun. 

First time seeing Sensōj, it was packed with tourists!

Waniphant with the Sky Tree and the Asahi 'golden poo' by Philippe Starck

I have always held back calling Waniphant a 'kaiju' directly but when an old drunk Japanese man walks by and yells out 'AHHHH KAIIIIIJUUUU' I think it is safe to say Waniphant is a kaiju.

 

We did take some photos of Cerrito and Waniphant together but it was of a special Cerrito that César will reveal later. Lucky for us, TOVI did a really cool sketch to celebrate Waniphant and Cerrito meeting.

Yeeehaaaa ~~ Love this sketch by TOVI

After taking some photos, it was lunch time! This was an important occasion as it will be my first meal in Japan! With so many choices, it is always hard to decide. It doesn't help that I am shocking when it comes to deciding where to eat. Interestingly, for my first meal in Japan, I had Indian curry!!!

 

Look at that spread! It was really yummy!

 

Toy shopping

After lunch we went to Ueno to check out Yamashiroya, a single toy store with the lot! With not much time before I had to leave, it was a perfect choice. It was my first time there and seeing so many toys was overwhelming but I loved it. 

 

 

 "6 levels of happiness" - César Zanardi

 

 The store is amazing! Full of big licensed series, character merchandise and independent sofubi makers. Trying to keep my budget in check, I only got myself one toy. Originally I wasn't going to get any but I have to thank César for the little 'push'. 

 

"Shocker is the organization that spred of world allu with the clique and very fierce and horrible. Their evil purpose what to change the humanbeing and subordinate mankind to them and conquer the world." - word for word Engrish text on the box.

Time to head to Okayama

3 handsome gentlemen; César, Wanihpant and Shane. 

 

With my time up, I had to say goodbye. César is a great guy and we had a great time, especially talking about Australian rock music! Tired and exhausted, I still wanted a photo to remember the occasion. 

Considering I have only covered the first few hours of my time in Japan, I will leave it there for tonight and continue the story next time. Thanks for reading!

Project: Leaving Wednesday!

Hello all!!

Well, I'm almost fully packed and ready to start my 3 month adventure in Japan. I am very excited and nervous at the same time!

I will arrive in Tokyo on the 22nd, to which I will have a quick meet with toy friend César Zanardi from Argentina. He is the creator of CERRITO and was in Japan for Design Festa and a joint exhibition with Monster Factory. Sadly I missed the show but look forward to meeting César on Thursday. I really wanted to check out the event but I wasn't able to arrive in Japan sooner. Lucky for me, I was able to check out some cool coverage of the event by Andy from Kaiju Korner: http://tinyurl.com/9wjgka3

After handing out with César in Akihabara, I will be taking the shinkansen down to Okayama to stay with my brother for a few days. He has lived in Japan since 2009, so it is always great to catch up with him. We will check out some Bizen-yaki and hang out in some izakaya, generally take it easy before I start working hard. I really like the whole area Chūgoku region, I would say it's my favourite area in Japan.

Then on the 28th I will be moving into my new home in Tokyo! Without jumping too far ahead, I will leave it at that but keep an eye out for posts starting in December as the ball will be rolling!

Thanks for reading :)

Project: Everyday living

All systems check!

Not long now! I am in the last stages of arranging my travels and I thought I would do a post about everyday living. 

Finding accommodation to spend 3 months was interesting, tossing up between a share house and an individual apartment was hard. I did have some offers from friends but I didn't want to be a burden. After weighing up my options in regards to location, size and cost, I decided on a shared house for my stay in Tokyo.

A few friends that have lived in Tokyo recommended Sakura House for long term accommodation, I have stayed in their hotels before and had absolutely no complaints. After looking on their website for some time, I found a nice place that would suit me just fine.

My new home will be in the Arakawa ward of Tokyo. It seems like a really nice area with some greenery and open spaces, far from being a concrete jungle I was worried about living in. They also have a really cool symbol!

Symbol of Arakawa

When I get there, I will do a follow up post on the area and how I am enjoying my new home.

Project: Outcomes

I have been asked various questions in regards to my project outcomes, so I thought I would compile the frequently asked questions:

What are the specified project outcomes?

To keep an updated blog with my progress, produce new work and have an exhibition upon my return to Adelaide.

What do you hope to achieve from your time in Japan?

I just hope to meet new people, improve my skills and focus on producing new works.

How many ‘new works’ will you create?

At minimum, I will produce 1 new sculpt completed and ready for production. Ideally, I would like to have a series ready for production.

Would the new work include Waniphant?

I would like to work on a new Waniphant sculpt but my main goal is to create new concepts while in Japan. I wouldn’t be too surprised if he does pop up though.

Will you participate in any Japanese events?

While in Japan, there will be two main toy events, ‘Super Festival’ and ‘Wonder Festival’. I currently don’t have any organised plans but I would like to have a display at these events.

When you come back to Australia, what will you do?

Beyond the exhibition, I currently don’t have any set plans; you'll have to wait and see.

What is the best part about being awarded the grant?

It solidifies what I do as ‘real’.

Project: Artistic Statement

Every Saturday I will be posting a blog post related to the ‘Sofubi mentorship’ project. I don’t know what to call them! Something catchy will come to mind but if you have an idea, please post it in the comments section.

Part of the grant application, I had to submit an artistic statement. As I studied design, I have never thought of myself as an artist. Yet, through development of my proposal, I have realised that I am an ‘artist through design’; my vision is art, my process is design.

 
Snippet of my artistic statement:
As an artist and designer, the past, present and future play a role in my work. My work pays homage to my inspirations whilst blending my vision of the future.

My background is Industrial Design and I use my knowledge of materials and processes to extend my artistic possibilities. To me, design is objective art. Although aesthetics is vital, the work must follow a need or purpose. Art toys can blur these restrictions. Design thinking and processes are involved but there is no purpose or need, resulting in completely subjective work. Art toys appeal to me because they continuously push these boundaries.

I am drawn to Japanese toy design as it’s not about the finalised character; it has a much wider background that encompasses Japanese techniques, craftsmanship and styles. Where quality of the sculpting, surface finish and colour variations are a significant part of the art form.

/end

People often ask me what I am influenced by, I have trouble answering this question. I rather be influenced by anything and everything and not lock myself in. If I had to say when it all started, my main inspiration would be Tokusatsu; Japanese science fiction, fantasy or horror.

I was first introduced to Japanese culture through Kaiju films when I was 12, I used to think “why would anyone create something so outlandish?” The fact that it existed, and someone had thought it up intrigued me and pulled me in deep.    

A year later, I came across Japanese animation and was taken in by the quality of the animation and vivid stories. It opened a gateway to another viewpoint and my interest for Japan increased. Being inspired by these works, I wanted to dig deeper and find out what they were inspired by: Japanese horror stories, samurai, Shintoism, Buddhism, yokai, kaiju, politics, love, passion. As a young teenager, the mix of Japanese pop culture and tradition had a very strong impact on my outlook on life.

Many years later, I would discover kaiju again through toys. Once again, I was thinking “why would someone make this”, everything came full circle in many ways.

Before I get into a long yarn, I will leave my story there for tonight. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

Japanese Art Toys (Sofubi) Mentorship Project

Over the last 9 months, I have been busy organising a very ambitious project. In many ways, it has been in development for years. At the start of the year, I got an email mentioning upcoming grant opportunities that were available through Arts SA. One instantly caught my eye:

‘Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Japan Travel Fund’

“ The grant is open to independent artists based in South Australia who want to acquire or study traditional or contemporary Japanese artistic skills to develop their contemporary arts practice or to develop their projects through a Japanese connection. “

Through further investigation, it seemed I was already trying to achieve the specified outcomes on my own accord. I applied with my grant proposal: Japanese Art Toys (Sofubi) Mentorship Project - To travel to Japan and develop new sofubi works while being influenced and mentored by talented Japanese artists and craftsmen.

I enjoy continuously learning about the processes involved in art toy design but feel that without face to face interactions it is no longer possible to develop my work further. The grant allows me a unique opportunity by financially supporting my development through face to face communications.

I first started developing this project with the hope of being mentored by a few people I have previously worked with but through the excitement and support of my initial contacts, I have reached many more fantastic designers and it has turned into a project beyond my expectations. I am extremely grateful and humbled by the response.

After applying and waiting two months, I got a big letter with ‘Arts SA’ written on the envelope. I thought to myself - "This is the moment you have been waiting for, stay calm and open it with care. Read it slowly and carefully, don’t skim".........

"I am pleased to advise that, on the recommendation of Arts SA's peer assessment panel, I have approved your project"

I GOT THE GRANT!!!!

The hardest part about applying for the grant was to completely organise the whole project as if I had already got the grant. It put extreme pressure on me and made me feel really anxious, so when I found out, I was totally blown away!! I was shaking from the excitement and the adrenaline kick stayed in my body for the whole day. I still get very excited talking about it!!

Through development of the project and compiling the grant application, I felt very honoured at the amount of support received from everyone involved. I would like to personally thank: Dan McLean, Tovi Vo, Mark Nagata, Kirby Kerr, Kiel Hummel, Gino Joukar and Nathan Jurevicius for your kind support letters and encouragement.

I would like to give a very big thank you to Teresa Chiba, to whom I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this project without, I am very humbled by all of your support. Teresa will be one of my mentors too, more information will be announced soon.

For now, I will not mention any other mentor names as I will announce people bit by bit over the coming month but a HUGE thanks to everyone that has agreed to be part of my project. I am thrilled to work with every single one of you.

Finally, I would like to thank my parents, my brother Darren, my mate Jason and another shout out to Tovi for helping me in the last few days leading up to submitting the grant. Don’t know how you all put up with me but I love you all for it!

Besides developing and nurturing my skills, the project is aimed at promoting awareness in Australia of Sofubi, their creators and their relevance as an art form. The art toy scene is relatively unknown in Australia and I am not intending to change the art world over night but hope to give it a good push – successfully being awarded the grant is the first step.

Please follow me over the coming months for an interesting journey in the ups and downs of this project. My blog will be updated regularly every Saturday as part of the project.

Kind Regards,
Shane Haddy