Dark Heart Gutted

So it's been a while since i was able to upload what I've been doing to Dark Heart. So today I will like to show you. I have finally gutted the machine. I got the engine out and man, it's so nasty looking right now. All the wires hanging from the frame covered in oil and grease. Oil from the engine pouring out when I loosened the oil plug. It was a terrible site. But you know what? Its for the best. Get all the old nasty stuff out. Give it some new parts and make it run like a monster. Can't wait to get this baby on the road!!! Rock On!!!

Dark Heart Project

So it's been a while since my last post. So I will like to update you guys in what I've been doing. Lately I've been trying to sketch out some work for a series of artwork I want to draw to keep myself busy. Also to get some new work done and think of projects for 2010.
The biggest thing that happened lately is that I have purchased a vintage 1974 Honda CB750. I'm in the process of stripping this baby and rebuilding it making it my own custom chopper. Strip,paint and rebuild. What more can I say. The bike is given the name "DARK HEART". Here are some pics to show you guys what's been going on. Enjoy.

December 4th, 2009 FRIDAY!!!!

So for everyone that was not able to go to the show in Fremont, I will be participating in a group show here in San Francisco. It will be held at Lower Hater in the Lower Haight. This group show is going to be huge with well known artists like Mike giant, Doze Green, Skinner, Andrew Perry, Lawrence Yang and many more. I am so happy that I was invited to be a part of this show. Especially because my art work will be on the same wall as alot of the great artists out there.
At the same time it seems that there will be a whole neighborhood art walk where almost every store around that area will have some kind of event going on. I know it's getting cold out there, but lets all warm up with some awesome art and events!!! Hope to see many of you there and also meet new people!!!

December 4th, 2009 / 7:00pm-11:00pm

As per our yearly holiday tradition Lower Haters and FTC have brought together some of the best artists to showcase their art for the city we all love. Join us for an unforgettable evening!

Featuring 40+ artists such as: Doze Green, David Choong Lee, Ian Johnson, Mike Giant and many many more

Musical delights by:
DJ Enki
Similak Child
DJ Roost Uno
Live Jazz feat. "Miles Ahead"

Lower Haters Gallery
597 Haight St @Steiner
twitter.com/lowerhaters


Full Artist List:


Aaron Hodges
Alex Uncampher
Alan Gonzales
Alice Koswara
Andrew Perry
Ando
Ben Collison
Brett Amory
Brian Barneclo
Christopher Mueller
Chrissy Lynn Star
Cir
Collin Kelly
David Choong Lee
Doze Green
Dre Sibayan
Duser
Gonzo
Graham
Greg Rojas
Holly Ellis
Ian Johnson
Jerry Ilkenhons
Jarvis Billingsworth
Just Steve!
Kelly Nicolaisen
LilJapan
Lawrence Yang
Martin Olive
Matt Reamer
Mike Giant
NART
NinjaGirl
Paul Hayes
P-nut
Pete Doolittle
PhoneticControl
Ruben Rude
Ryan Mally
Romanowski
Skinner
Shonan
Ursula X. Young
Z-Man
Zach Lewis

Thank You Everyone

So this past weekend, an art show titled "Urban Story Tellers" was going down at Inkies Tattoo Studio in Fremont Ca. Curated by Angelo Sison. All I can say was for his first ever curated show, I was blown away. He got alot of talented artists to participate and I was lucky enough to also be part of the show.
The show was on November 21st, Saturday. It started at 7pm. But it was more like it started at 6:55pm, because by 7pm the studio was pretty packed with alot of people. Alot of camera flashing. Alot of friends and families laughing. Also alot of eyes at all the art at the show.
This made me realize something. During this past few weeks, I've been really down. I was feeling like nothing really mattered anymore. And to be honest, I was going to end my art after this show.
But all the guys at Inkies, Angelo and all the people that came that night made me open my eyes. Made me realize that "I have to draw!!!" It was a great time meeting new people and being asked about my work and being told that they really enjoy looking at it. Pointing out their favorites and so on.
To everyone out there that came to the show. To all the guys at Inkies. To Angelo. All I can say is thank you so much. Thank you for the love, support and making me open my eyes once again. I admit, I was pretty waisted at the end. But man....did I have fun. Sushi anyone??? ....lol

Inkies Tattoo Glowing Bright!!!

Angelo...working hard.

SUSHI!!!! The best by Lester. If you need sushi catering, hit him up!!! (408)318-8702

This Piece was one of my favorite

So Now What???

So this whole time since the last day of my happiness, I've been just going to work or sitting at home. Nothing makes me want to do anything anymore. I try to draw. I try to eat. I try to keep myself busy. But no matter what I try, it's never finished. How am I suppose to prevent this from happening again? The only solution I have found was not to feel happiness again. The problem became the problem because I gave happiness a try again. I'm back to feeling the pain and I'm just tired. Most of the time I'm trying to stay strong, but it's all because of the meds.
I'm still going to try and get help. But thats all I can do right now. To admit that things happened and I can't handle it alone. At least I put my foot forward.......for now....

Life......

In times I ask myself why Life is always messing with me. Is it challenging me? Is it trying to make fun of me? Is it trying to see how long I can take his shit? ....................Well, All I can say is that "Life......you win"..........

I'm working on a piece right now that symbolizes all the hate, sadness, anger, and lastly the beauty in my "world". After this piece,I'm not sure what I will do.

Like I said...Life wins....

How........

It's been a while now since she left from my life. And as time goes by I have to say that it is still hard to get over it. My mind clouds up images in my head that I don't want to think of, and I don't know how to erase it. I try to keep myself busy like everyone tells me to be, but it's not helping at all. Been drinking mos tof the time to forget but thats just temporary. I can't be drinking 24/7. The only way I know to erase it will not happen because I promised her I won't do it again. So what am I suppose to do.
WHY IS MY MIND FUCKING WITH ME!!!!!!!!!!


.................someone please help me..............

Available now!!!

(I have no idea why my stamp is in blue in this image, but it's suppose to be red....wierd)

I am currently taking pre orders for my very first print sale. This first print will be limited to 10 and will never be made again after the order date is over. If there are left overs they will only be available at shows, cons and so on.
And what will be better to start my first digital print with but "Tatsu". This drawing is my very first dragon art I am very happy with and it gives me strength. If you are interested in it you can get it here at the following link. It will be $30 with shipping included. So dodn't wait till the end date. Click on the link and you will get all the details and info.

Thank you everyone for the support and love. Take care and hope everyone is enjoying their life.

For Print:
http://www.liljapanart.com/tatsuprint.html

What Really Hurts.....

That she's already moved on with happiness while i sit here in the dark.....Isn't that awesome......

ありがとう

　僕に明るさをくれる君にありがとう。この暗い気持ちを持つ俺に光を少しでもくれてる君にありがとう。たとえ１ヶ月に何回しかお話してないかもしれません。でもいつも君の笑顔と明るさのおかげで、僕は少しずつ悲しみから離れ、頑張ることができるとまた信じてきました。そのことで本当に感謝しています。またいつか会う日を待っていますね。そのときもまたあなたの笑顔を宜しくね。

What am I suppose to do???

So today I started the day the same as always. Woke up, washed up and took my meds. Then I went to work. The beginning was fine, but during the middle of my shift, I couldn't take it no more. For some reason tears started falling from my eyes and it wouldn't stop. I tried calling the doctor if I can take another pill, but she wasn't picking up. I didn't know what to do. I tried breathing slowly. I tried sitting down. I've even gone outside for some fresh air. And yet the tears won't stop falling and I "accidentally" banged my head against a wall outside.....
Am I going crazy??? Can nothing help me??? WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO???!!!!..........

I am still drawing and trying to stay busy, but I don't know what to do if this kind of incident happens again.......

What I learned this past few weeks

This past few weeks was very painful. I've been hurt badly and I've hurt others around me. I realized that my life can never keep happiness, for life is just giving me sour apples to eat while others are receiving fresh ones from the tree.
I just finally realized this and am now accepting the facts. I don't deserve to be happy in this life for a reason, and that reason may come sometimes in my lifetime. I'll just continue my journey alone in this world until life gives me the answer to this question I ask inside my black heart.
Until then, I will continue doing my art and express all I can that is bottled inside me. I'll never stop picking up the pen until I am gone from this world.

I tried...and I felt it....

I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that's real

The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything

What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know
Goes away in the end

And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liar's chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair

Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I am still right here

What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know
Goes away in the end

And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

If I could start again
A million miles away
I will keep myself
I would find a way

So this past couple of weeks, I've been in so much pain that I didn't know what to do in life anymore. But I didn't want to give up. So to help me realize that life is worth something and to help me move on, I've gotten the Hannya Shingyo (Heart Sutra) tattooed on my upper back. I've been saving the space for something and I finally found it. I hope that this will help and guide me thru this tough times.

Oh Shariputra form is no other than emptiness, emptiness no other than form, form is exactly emptiness, emptiness exactly form; feeling, thought, impulse, and consciousness are likewise like this. Oh Shariputra, remember, Dharma is fundamentally emptiness, no birth, no death. Nothing is pure, nothing is defiled. Nothing can increase, nothing can decrease. Hence: in emptiness, no form, no feeling, no thought, no impulse, no consciousness; no eye, no ear, no nose, no tongue, no body, no mind; no seeing, no hearing, no smelling, no tasting, no touching, no thinking, no realm of sight, no realm of thought, no ignorance and no end of ignorance, no old age and death and no end to old age and death. No suffering, no craving, no extinction, no path, no wisdom, no attainment. Indeed, there is nothing to be attained; the Bodhisattvas live this deepest wisdom with no hindrance in the mind, no hindrance therefore no fear. Far beyond delusive thinking they finally awaken to complete Nirvana. All Buddhas, Bodhisattvas of past, present, and future live this deepest wisdom and therefore reach the most supreme enlightenment. Therefore know that this wisdom beyond wisdom is the greatest Dharani, the brightest Dharani, the highest Dharani, the peerless Dharani. It completely ends all suffering. Know this as truth and do not doubt. So set forth this profound wisdom Dharani. Set forth this Dharani and declare: Gone, gone, gone to the other shore, attained the other shore, to beyond the other shore, having never left. Wisdom Heart Sutra.

Ja ja ja JADED....

So today at work, I was in the breakroom and taking a breather, when my co worker said i need to come out. So i did and walked around and who did I see??? STEVEN TYLER OF AEROSMITH!!!!!!!!!!!

All I can say is that it was so awesome to meet the one rock band I love and especially meeting the man. He shopped alot and was the coolest guy I've ever met. So nice and honest and also living the life. Wasn't even acting like a "rock star" He came in brought smiles to everyones faces.

I was kind of nervous to ask to take a picture, but I did and he was awesome enough to take it with me.

Just want to say thanks to Steven Tyler for making my day and reminding me to live life to the fullist.

The day we go our separate ways...

....is coming near......I will always be here for you....till the end of time....Please be happy for me as I can never be......



Unfinished
By: X Japan

Oh! I'm looking at you
can't control myself
nothing, but pain for me

wipe your tears from your eyes
just leave and forget me
no need to be hurt anymore

go away from me now
I don't know what is love?
no need to be hurt anymore

you said, "I miss you so much
everynight thinking of you
and facing loneliness"

But when you feel sadness
never can I stay with you

I'm not the one you need
close your eyes and forget me
there's nothing I can do anymore

I lost my way

I've been walking in the night of tears
there I found someone was holding you
as the night was falling down
with my love also vanished my vision of you

my heart is cold now

wipe your tears from your eyes
just leave and forget me
no need to be hurt anymore

you said, "I need you always
everyday thinking of you
and living loneliness"

But when you feel sadness
never can I stay with you

go away from me now
I don't know what is love?
no need to be hurt anymore

can't find my way

I just have to let go......

But I can't......I love her too much.....I'm so sorry....

Thank You for Everything

"Without You"
X Japan
Translation:
I stand still on this night I'm too tired to walk through
Crossing these flowing tears with memory

There are as many farewells as encounters
But time goes on forever, so I believed

Even the words we hurt eachother with, I embrace now
Just turning back I feel alone

How should I love you
How could I feel you
Without you
Countless memories fill in my time

We were born and we met at the same time
in order to reassure eachother's love

I still remember To the coming day with no answers
To the days I desired to dream

Once again I ask
the reason of life
the reason of living
To the endlessly vast sky

At times living is full of pain
I can't be honest I was fooling an act

I loved you I hurt you
I realized the depth of the word of love

Do you remember The day we first met
The time we dreamed the same dream

Once again I ask
the reason of life
the reason of living
To the endlessly vast sky

How should I love you
How could I feel you
Without you
An endless poem of love To you

Even though I can't see you anymore
Your memory will live in my heart
Forever
As well as love does
So I won't say.... Good bye

LiLJAPAN Boards At ASR Coverage!!!

So this past weekend, there was a convention at San Diego called ASR Biz. Action Sport Retail convention and I was honored to have my have my laser skate decks on display at the Sk8ology booth. Sk8ology was awesome enough to have my decks there and whats more awesome is I found a video on Youtube with a interview with them. And to my surprise my decks were introduced to the camera man and well....take a look. "Famous artist"..not sure about that but I am happy that he loves my work!!! Thanks Mark!!!!

Thank You TK2!!!

So this past weekend was the opening for the show for Toy Karma 2 at Rotofugi, Chicago. I was not able to go but from the photos I've seen, it looked like it was a awesome show.

Also, because I signed up for the preview list, I was able to have the chance to see what others have done for the show. And all I can say is that all the pieces were amazing. Some blew my mind because I know who the artists were and what they have done, but at the same time the new figures, artists and all the artwork just got me blown away the same way.

Lastly, I saw my piece in the list and it was sold. To whoever purchased my piece, thank you so much and I hope you will enjoy the set I have done for the show. I am happy that it has found a new home and I'm sure it's someone who is passionate about vinyls like I am. Thank you again and I hope I can be in the next one. Toy Karma 3!!!

Here is the screen shot of my piece marked "SOLD". Thank you again!!!

Custom Eyezon

So lately I've been really busy and tired, but I just finished painting up my custom entry for the Toy Karma show coming up in Chicago at Rotofugi. Eyezon was created by the talented artist, Mark Nagata, who is also the curator for this show. If your in Chicago hit up the gllery on September 5th and go check out the awesome customs and artwork by many talented artists from around the globe!!!

Thank you Mark for inviting me to your show!!!

WIP on a Mega Munny

So I started working on the Mega Munny, about 20" big, and I wanted to share what I have sketched out on the head so far. I still got more to do and this may take me a while. But man, working on this huge vinyl is pretty fun and awesome. I can't wait to see the final outcome and hope you guys will enjoy it too. I will post more WIP pics while working on this piece. Enjoy.

New Surface to Draw on

I haven't really posted anything in a while, so I thought I'd share what my next project is.

After I posted my custom Munny figure on the KR forum, I was asked to do a commission piece for a fellow board member. He asked me for the quotes to custom a regular Munny or a Mega Munny. After letting him know my quote, he sent over a Mega Munny to draw on.

Now to me this was great!!! I've never seen a Mega Munny in person, so I was wondering how big it will be. So today I got to open the box up and my reaction was "Holy Shit......wow..."

Now it's time for me to ink this Mega dude up and hopefully the board member will like it. I already sketched out the head. And from my eyes, well, it's looking good. Can't wait to send it and show him.

The Biggest Project

So today I wanted to share with al of you my biggest project I will do with my art. Below are pictures. What does it look like??? Did you guess???

DUDE!!!! It's going to be a LiLJAPAN Custom Chopper. The frame was handed to me by the man, Frank Kozik. It is a 57 HD Panhead Hard Tail. AWESOME!!!! And that pod looking thing??? Well, it's a gas tank that I just finished priming today.

This project will take a long ime, but it's deffinetly worth it to me. I will post new updates on this project once I get more done. I hope you guys will enjoy the process, because I will.

ROCK N ROLL!!!!!

The Munny Grubber Custom Show

Hi guys. So today I wanted to post a custom Munny I did for a upcoming show in Arizona. I was invited to be a part of a custom show, which is a great honor. I usually sculpted stuff on these figures, but this time I just wanted to go with what I feel more comfortable with and actually inked on it. I'm very happy with the outcome and also the kind comments I have gotten from the Kid Robot forum. I hope you guys in Arizona can make it to check it out.

Location:
Just Blazed
1740 E. McDowell Rd
Phoenix, Arizona
+1(602)323-6210

SDCC Rules!!!

So it's been a couple of days since I came back from SDCC and all I can say is....IT WAS FUN!!!!

This year was totally awesome because of many reasons. I got to meet all my old friends that I don't get to see much. I got to see all my friends from Japan this year like Chika, Mori san, Kiyoka san, Chanmen, Don, Hiddy and many more.

I also got to meet new people like artist Ayako, guys at Monkey King, Kurt from Laser Tag Cartel and many more.

I just want to thank everyone for the great time and I hope that next year will blow up even more. I'm planning on having my own booth next year so i hope many of you can make it next year.

RULES!!!!

So for todays post I thought I'd post something else than my art. I wanted to introduce all you guys to the most awesome band!!! Well to me their the best yet. The guitarist with the pink hair, named hide (hede) was one of the reasons why I started listening to them about 15 years ago. The band's name is X-Japan and I'm sure most of you have heard their song I.V. at the ending of one of the SAW movies and also on Rock Band. they have been around for a very long time and have made a come back.

Unfortunately, hide passed away a while back. Rumors are still around that it was suicide, but I feel like it was a accident, like many says. He is awesome to me and one of my total true hero's of my time.

Here is one of the songs I love titled "Kurenai". Also, I'm introducing you to the band cause their music is what I listen to most of the time when I draw.

ROCK N ROLL!!!!

Members:
Yoshiki -Drummer
Hide- Guitar
Pata- Guitar
Toshi- Vocal
Heath- Bass

SDCC!!!!!!!!!

So last night I was thinking how I was going to miss SDCC this year and startted to kind of getting pissed about it. I mean, all my friends from Japan will be there. All the collectors I know will be there and most importantly, Noboryu will be there.

So while I was going back and forth in my mind I just said to myself "Dude....fuck it. Just go!!!!" So my mind was made up and guess what. I'll be going there now!!!! I'll be there from Thursday till Friday afternoon. If any of you guys wanna meet, I'll be the one with the red hair, short and deffintly with a hat on. Now how hard is that to find......lol

SDCC DUDES!!!!! ROCK AND ROLL!!!!!!

LiLJAPAN x Laser Tag Cartel

So I am not sure if many of you have seen the works by Kurt Barbee, creator of laser Tag Cartel and a few of my skate deck. LTC was formaly known as 5280lasers.
Well I wanted to share with all of you the current and upcoming laser engraved skate deck designs Kurt and i have put together. These decks are available upon request. The prices for each deck will be priced at $250. If you are interested in purchasing one, please contact me and I will send you the instructions on how to obtain one. Thank you again for taking a look, and remember, this is not all of it yet. Still got more ideas to come soon.

NOTE: The two last decks are designs just sent to Kurt. He will have to test out the designs first to see how it comes out, but I'm positive it will come out awesome!!!

E mail me at : liljapan@liljapanart.com



"Deadly Beauty"


"Life Drifting"

"Tatsu"

"Hakai" (Not started on the proof yet)

"Jealousy Revealing" (Not started on the proof yet)

Noboryu will be chilling at SDCC

I just wanted to remind everyone that will be at SDCC this year, (lucky...), that Noboryu will be attending SDCC. And what other way to make his appearance. He changed his skin into gold to wish everyone who is attending and also showing a big good luck. Hope everyone will have a blast. He will be chilling with the awesome man, KOZIK!!!! Booth #4736.