LiLjapans World

It's time to Work on this again!!!

2011-12-27T23:02:00.000-08:00

Alright.... So it's time..again..I gotta start working my ass off and keep updating this blog if I'm going to be taking down my "never updated" site. Thats right. I'm going to be cancelling my site and use this as my main page for info and so on from now on. It's almost 2012 and I need to work on this more. I just wish I had more time in doing so. Maybe I need to keep my laptop with me at all times.

Anyways, to start the re-update for this site, I decided to post my WIP piece for the show I have been invited to for next year. It will be held at DRAGATOMI in Sacramento. The theme is "Year of the dragon" which I am so happy to be a part of. So here is the piece. I hope you all will enjoy this once it's done. Any comments are always welcome.

Once I finish the piece I will be posting it up here on this blog page. Thanks again for all the love and support. Lets make 2012 the best year...cause it may be the last according to the Myan calendar....woooooooooo.....

KFHC Raffle for Japan!!!

2011-05-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hey guys. So I was asked to see if I would like to donate a piece for a raffle. All the money that was made from this raffle will go to Japan Red Cross. Now how can I say no to that. I will post up the pieece for the raffle once I get it done. As of now hit up KFHC web site to see all the details. Hope everyone can help. Rock On!!!

"Creature Feature" at Lulubell, May 7th 2011

2011-05-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since I posted anything on my blog. i've been so busy with work and personal life things. I'm also getting to my career goal step by step. Gotta do what I gotta do for it. If your wondering what that is, I am currently apprenticing to become a tattooer. It's a long road but it's worth it.

So anyways, here is my piece for the upcoming show at Lulubell in Arizona. This piece was created probably on how I feel about myself. Being not "normal" to many people, esp my family, I feel that this creature is probably representing me in a way.

Well I hope you guys like this piece. Please feel free to comment on what you think. I'm alsways happy to hear what others think. thank you for the support and the follow. it gives me the stregth to keep going and learning and creating.

*Sorry for the bad pic*

Piece info:
Title: "Akubana"
Size: 19x25 with frame
Medium: Ink, Wash and scratch board
Price: $300

Monster Party Pt2

2011-01-10T15:01:00.000-08:00

So this past Saturday, Dragatomi in Sacramento held a art show titled "Monster Party". It was showing customs and paintings by four artists. These artists were Mark Nagata, Gatchabert, D-Lux and I. I was not able to attend, but I hope that those who were able to had a blast.

As I showed you some of the pieces I have had at the show, I don't think I have showed everyone the rest of the pieces. So here it is. I hope you will enjoy these pieces.

"Basan"
Ink &Wash
11x14
$200

"Me No Te''
Ink & Wash
11x14
$175

''Oni"
Ink & Wash
11x14
$200

The first post of 2011!!!!

2011-01-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

First off I will like to say Happy New Year to everyone out there. This year I am planning to post more than last year. I haven't really been posting much and I thought it'll be a good idea to post more on whats going on. So here goes. My first post for the new year.

This Saturday, I am happy to be part of a 4 man group show at the awesome shop/gallery DRAGATOMI.
The show is titled "Monster Party" and the artists that will be exhibiting is Mark Nagata, Gatchabert, D-Lux and I. This show is going to have alot of custom figures painted by some of the best custom painters out there. Unfortunately I will not be submitting any custom figures this time. I didn't have any cash for figures to paint. So instead I am planning on having a few 2D pieces up on the wall.
The pieces I have done represents alot of the traditional Japanese Yokai. Why did I choose some of these instead of the traditional Godzilla or Gamera??? Well I grew up listening to stories from my mom, who is a big Yokai Fan. The thing about the yokai's is that they are told to scare kids in doing bad things. For instance, the Choochin Obake is a lantern ghost. They are imagined and told to kids so they don't play with the lantern and cause a fire in the house.
So since growing up listening to these stories, they were considered monsters to me.

So if your free this coming Saturday, please go out and check out the works by all these awesome artists.

Monster Party - January 8, 2011
Dragatomi
2317 J Street (Btwn 23rd and 24th St.)
...Sacramento CA 95816
916-706-0535

"I'll Guide You"
Ink and Wash
11x14
$200

"Light Your Way"
Ink and Wash
11x14
$200

MONSTAR

2010-10-07T23:12:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone out there in this small world. It's been a while since I have posted anything on this blog, and I apologize for this. Been super busy and lost track of time and day lately.

So to start my blog again, I will like to let everyone know what is coming. I am happy to announce this months upcoming show.

I am happy to invite everyone to Lower Haters this month, Friday the 15th for a Heavy Hitter group show MONSTAR!!!! This is a show showing both 2d and 3d artworks by some of the best Vinyl figure customizers and artists the toy community have every seen. I was very happy that the artists in this show has aggreed to be part of the show when I have sent them a invite, for many of these artists are people I look up to and have admired both their style and their skills in customizing japanese vinyl figures.

So if you are free upcoming Friday, October 15th 2010, I will suggest coming down to Lower Haters and check out the works by the following Artist!!!!

Lamour Supreme
LASH
Gatchabert
Toy Bot Studio
and myself LiLJAPAN

The images they create are awesome and also their paint apps are going to blow your minds!!!!

LiLJAPAN x SDCC Item #1

2010-07-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since I posted anything. Well maybe not that long, but I've been just super busy with so much work. It's making me tired but at the same time I am enjoying every minute of it.

So it's finally July....That Means SDCC!!!!!.. And since SDCC is the most awesome place to spend during summer, I wanted to release a few things at the Con. Do I have a booth??? No.. So how am I going to release it?? It will be a suitcase sale. I will be carrying a suitcase with the item for that day. I have stuff planned, but not sure if it will all be available by then. But surely I will have atlease one item ready.

So this week I want to reveal the first item. It will be a limited 50 silk screened print. It will be printed on FRENCH Speakle Beach paper. 8.5x11 and will be packaged with sleeve and backing. This item is on sale for $20 at the con.

You can't make it to con??? No worries!!! I am offering the print to everyone that can't make it for the same price with shipping included!!!!

So keep your eyes out for next week, cause something new may be available that week. Also....GOLDEN TICKET????....huh????

Some Work

2010-06-17T03:10:00.000-07:00

So this month I have been invited to some group shows and the last one will be tonight at the Medicine Agency Gallery. So what more to do but to show you what I have done for the shows.
The first piece is for my friends Kim and Brads gallery opening, modern Eden. The show was great. Alot of awesome art and accessories.
Th second piece is one of the two pieces I have done for tonights show at the Medicine Agency Gallery. The show has a awesome line up of great artists and I am super honored to be part of this show. Hope everyone can make it.

See you tonight!!!

LiLJAPAN in San Francisco Galleries

2010-06-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Hope all is well. I noticed that I haven't been posting alot on my blog lately. I guess I've been super busy with alot of things this past few weeks and didn't have time. So to make it up, I want to share with everyone whats going on this month with me.
This month is definitely a busy month for me. I will be in three different group shows this month. Mostly all back to back. And whats more awesome is that they will all be in SF. So I hope many of you can make it out. So where are they going to be and when? Well now, I guess I better start sharing. As in how Slick Rick says it.."Heeerrrreee we gooooo..."

1. June 11th 2010

"Day and Night"

Lower Haters

597 Haight Street

San Francisco, CA 94117

415-864-6549

2. June 12th 2010

"Modern Eden Grand Opening"

403 Francisco Street

San Francisco, Ca

6pm-10pm

3.June 17th 2010

"Awesome Number One Big Fun Group Show"

Medicine Agency

1262 Mason Street

San Francisco, CA

8pm

Me Gaeru and his pet Koi

2010-04-30T02:56:00.000-07:00

His name is Me Gaeru. He is a one eyed mutated frog that is the last of his kind. He has been thru a lot of shit.loss of family and friends. Being hunted down because he is rare,hence the bullet shells, and just being alone. But then he met a koi fish that was super attached to Me Gaeru's eye that he never leaves his side. So now wherever he goes, he is on the bacl of his pet koi fish and is having the ride of his life. The koi gave him the stregth to live his life again in peace.

"Me Gaeru and his pet Koi"
8"x15"
$500
Will be available at Dragatomi "Not Vinyl" show on May 8th,2010

Me Gaeru

2010-04-29T02:45:00.000-07:00

So I will like to show the piece I am entering for the upcoming Dragatomi show "Not Vinyl". This sculpt is done with sculpey and a garden Koi fish statue. His name is Me Gaeru. Me meaning "eye" and "Gaeru (Kaeru)" meaning frog in japanese. He is a mutated frog that loves to ride his pet koi fish. This is before I paint him. I will be posting the final painted piece soon. So keep an eye out.

It's been a While

2010-04-28T01:34:00.000-07:00

So I was invited to be in a part of Super7 Floridas upcoming group show. This show will have tons of amazing artists whom they will all me customizing vinyl figures. And what more of a reason to start custom painting figures again. I had a great time doing these and I hope you guys will also enjoy them. I wish I can go to the show, but not gonna happen....:(

But thats ok. I'm sure someday I will be able to check out the place and also meet all the Florida folks in person. So for now enjoy the customs I have done for the show.

Super7 Florida presents "Monsters in the Mangroves"

Saturday, May 15^th, 2010

Super7 Florida

720 2^nd St. N.

St. Petersburg, FL 33704

The Homies

" Unearthed Jaded Beetlar"

Tone of emerald green,purple and black on clear vinyl.

"In the Dark Kameba"

Tone of silver,yellow, red and black on black vinyl.

"Sap Mummy Gator"

Tone of Red,Gold and Black on clear orange vinyl

Whats Going On???

2010-04-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since I posted anything on this blog. So today i want to let everyone know whats coming up next month.

I was invited to be in part of a group show being held at DRAGATOMI in Sacramento. It is titled "Not Vinyl" and just like the title says, it's a non vinyl custom show. Meaning I will be showing a one of a kind sculpture. This piece will be a one of a kind and will not be reproduced.

I am a illustrator but at times I like to sculpt something to get my creativity going. So to everyone that is in the bay area, I hope you guys can make it to the show. It should be a great one, being that many awesome artists will be in this show also.

So when I get the chance to take a picture of the piece, keep an eye out for the updte on the piece. It will be shown soon.

"Not Vinyl Show"
May 8th, 2010
Dragatomi
2317 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95816

BUSTERCALL x LiLJAPAN BEETLAR!!!

2010-03-29T01:36:00.000-07:00

So for the past few weeks, I've been super busy with work and my health. But on the side I have been working on the first collaboration release. And the time has now come!!!

Buster Call from Japan and I have been very great friend for the past years. And at time we have talked about maybe doing a collaboration together, but I was hesitant to go with it, because it was not the right time for me yet. As the months went by, we kept in touch talking about toys, art and daily life in the USA and Japan.

And then just a few months ago we were talking about his figure. His plans for this year and so on. And then it struck me. I love his figures and said it's time. Lets do this.

And so here it is. I am extremely happy to announce to the world Buster Call and LiLJAPAN's very first collaboration. With his awesome figure, Beetlar, and my art we have come up with this years very first limited release of his figure.

I am just totally excited about this figure, because I have been collecting all of Buster Calls figure, Beetlar, and I get to finally have a Beetlar I was involved in with the rest of my collection. But why just me have it and enjoy it??? I want as much people to enjoy this figure as well.

So to all my awesome supporting people out there in the world, I give to you the opportunity of getting one of the figures. Just click the banner and it shall give you all the details. Now remember....read everything carefully for there are some restrictions.

Thank you again to all my fans, friends and most importantly Buster Call!!!!

LiLJAPAN Mystery Mini Series One

2010-03-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

So I have just recently posted a new set on my Flickr called "Mystery Mini Art Series 1" I have been doing alittle bit of small pieces at times now and here are some for the Series I will be releasing sometimes soon. My goal is to do 30 of these guys. All pieces are 2"x3" and one of a kind. More info will come. So please check out what has been done so far. Thank again for all the support you guys.
Rock On!!!!

Somethings Coming on March29th!!!

2010-03-24T17:07:00.001-07:00

Keep an eye out on my Blog, Flicker, Twitter, Facebook and so on!!!

Mini's???!!!

2010-03-02T02:36:00.000-08:00

So today I want to share something I've done for a traveling exhibit show. Hell City Ltd. was kind enough to let me be part of their Pint Size Painting #2 event. This was my first time doing a piece at the size of 2"x3". Overall it was def a fun project to do and I am totally honored to be invited to be part of the 2nd exhibition. Take a look and check it out. Heard that the first book will be published this year filled with all pint size paintings. Gotta get me a copy when it comes out.

" Night Wave"

"Jess"

Say What???...HuH???

2010-02-18T01:12:00.000-08:00

More info coming soon!!! Wanna know before anyone? Then e mail me at liljapan@liljapanart.com to join my mailing list. Just ask to be added and you shall be.:)

Testing out the New Pen for Sketching

2010-02-15T22:14:00.000-08:00

So today I was at the cafe this morning before work. I busted out my new pen I got at work. I got the pen for clearance price. Since it was super cheap, I got it and thought it'll be nice to use for sketching. It's pretty cool cause even the refills for the pen where on clearance. SO yeah, I do have a problem getting things when their cheap. Esp art supplies. Don't know if I'll be using it, but if I get it maybe I'll be able to use it for something. So anyways, the pen was nice and definitely nice for sketching. Just wanted to share what I sketched today. OCTOPUS is awesome!!!!

Say What???

2010-02-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

LiLJAPAN Art Face Book Group

2010-02-06T21:59:00.001-08:00

So I just wanted everyone to know that I have recently made a group page on Face Book for my art updates and information. If you guys want to join, please do so. I will be trying to keep it updated as much as I can and hope that this will help everyone know whats going on with me and my art.
So, if you have Face Book, click the link below to be redirected to the page and join in on the fun. Thanks everyone for the awesome support.

LiLJAPAN GROUP ON FB.....(CLICK ME)!!!

New Ink

2010-01-29T20:23:00.001-08:00

So today, I visited my buddy Italo at Light House Tattoo in San Francisco. He has given me a great tattoo before. So today he wanted to give me another one. It's been a while since I was letting him ink me up, so what the heck. I told him what I wanted and he delivered. Today he did the outline and the shading for me. Next session will be color and cleaning up the lines. But this will not be the end. I thought of other ideas for my leg, and he said he will do it. I can't wait till my right leg is done. When it is I'll upload it. Till then, enjoy my pale, hairy inked leg.

Pieces For the Upcoming Show

2010-01-14T23:16:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow is the day for the first public showing of my pieces for 2010. I've been told that it is only going to be shown for the weekend, so if your free, come on by. Here are the two pieces I have submitted for the show.

"SHINIGAMI"
18x24 with Frame
Ink on Illustration Board
$300

"ONI"
18x24 in Frame
Ink on Illustration Board
$200

First Showing for the Year

2010-01-09T21:36:00.001-08:00

I am happy to announce that I was invited to participate in a group show this coming Friday, January 15th 2010. The show will be held at Space Gallery here in San Francisco. I am happy that I was invited and I hope that I will be able to see some familiar faces. Especially since it's the new year. I was told that the theme was "Characters". I was able to make up my own, do something existing and so on. The following is the information for the show. Again I hope to see many people there. The only downside is I can't stay for too long. I have a morning meeting at my other job.....sucks....

Space Gallery
1141 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415)377-3325

Artists List:
Nicholas Kiripolsky
LiLJAPAN
Nolan Yelonek
David Molesky
Michael Ross
Aaron Lawrence
David Young
Donald Mota
Johnnybotts
Paul Konzen
Juile Okahara
June Young

Random Quote

2010-01-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

"Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is..."
-John Milton
"Paradise Lost"

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

First off, HAPPY 2010!!! I can't believe its already the new year. Time sure does go by fast. I have alot of things in mind for this year and I hope to accomplish all of the things I have planned out.
So I was asked again by Buster Call of Japan to design his New Years card for this year. I was so happy and pleased that he has asked me again. Here is the art work I have done for him which will be seen by all his friends and families he sends the card out to.
So I'm sure everyone has plans for this year also. I hope everyone had a safe new years eve and have a great and happy New Year. Rock on !!!!

Dark Heart Gutted

2009-12-29T22:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

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!!!!

2009-12-01T23:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-23T10:51:00.001-08:00

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???

2009-11-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

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......

2009-11-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

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........

2009-11-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-11-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

(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.....

2009-11-02T22:39:00.000-08:00

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

ありがとう

2009-10-29T23:49:00.000-07:00

　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???

2009-10-28T21:56:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-10-18T23:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-10-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

....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......

2009-10-07T21:57:00.001-07:00

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

Thank You for Everything

2009-10-04T23:16:00.000-07:00

"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!!!

2009-09-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-09-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-21T18:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-18T15:54:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-05T00:14:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-30T23:50:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-07-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2009-07-22T01:09:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-17T23:43:00.000-07:00

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.

The Rising Tide Pictures

2009-07-17T00:41:00.000-07:00

So I just recently got the time to upload some pictures on my Flickr page, and I totally forgot to show some here. The show was held at DDR Project Gallery this past Saturday. We had a blast!!! Live Music by my friend Tracy, Awesome friend of gallery owner John's friend being a sexy Geisha and alot of people coming in since we opened the doors.
So the show went well, and I can't wait to do something like this again some day. So on with the photos.

New Art Work

2009-07-15T00:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone and I hope all is doing well. For me I've been trying to keep myself busy and deffinetly tired. But I can't let go of my pen so here is another finished art I did. It is the one where I drew directly onto glass and sealed it with clear resin. This image will also be a image for my skatedecks, which I collaborate with the best dudes at Laser Tag Cartel.

Title: HAKAI (Destruction)

Introducing NOBORYU!!!!

2009-07-14T09:28:00.001-07:00

Today I will like to introduce everyone my very first figure, Noboryu!!! He was first sighted this past saturday at DDR Project Gallery in Long Beach. I am very happy and excited at the same time when the sculpt arrived. I've also just had a meeting wih Pretty in Plastic while I was down in LA this weekend, and it looks like he will soon be available this year if all goes well. He will also be making a appearance at this year SDCC at Mr. Frank Kozik's booth. Thanks Frank!!!!

The first release will be limited. All the figures will be hand painted by me. The release will most likely be Pre-Order style, so if you will like to be the first to know about it, e mail me to be on my mailing list and you will get all the scoops first. The price of the figure will range from $70 ~ $80, but this has not been decided yet.

So on with the full detail. I will like to introduce to you NOBORYU!!!

Noboryu figure specs, Information and Back Story:
Name: Noboryu
Height: About 8" tall
Articulation: The arms (This is being planned and worked on)
First Release Date: Hopefully by October or November of this year

Story:
No one knows how old Noboryu is, but he is believed to have been around since the very first human species were around. He lives in the clouds and watches over the people every day. Back when the first humans arrived, it was peaceful. So he stayed on top of the skies and enjoyed the peace.
That was until the current date. Today the world is filled with war, hate, murders, pollution and all the bad things you can think of. Noboryu started to realize this and knew that he had to do something in order to bring back the peace. So he finally came down to earth to bring happiness and luck to everyone in the world, hoping that all the chaos will end and that he can bring some happiness to all.

( The photo here is the actual sculpt. It was sculpted by the great Rommel Chua aka Hobby Master)

The Winner is.......

2009-07-13T22:44:00.001-07:00

Thank you everyone for participating in the contest. I am very pleased with everyones entry, but one was deffinetly my favorite. So the winner of the contest is...........

NST from the KR forum with the title, " Mistress Distress"

Congratulation NST and please keep your eyes in the mail!!!!!

New inking surface!!!!

2009-07-08T00:24:00.000-07:00

So today was a busy day for me. Getting alot of things ready for this weekends show and running around town. One of the tasks was to go get glass for my frames. Luckily I have a friend that his dad owns a glass shop. So I went by and he cut my glass for me. Then I asked if I can keep the scraps and he said sure. So I went home and suddenly I thought "What can I do with this scrap??....Dude!!! Draw on it!!!" So I got out my precious pen and ink and started testing the ink on glass. And man was I happy. It works!!! It dries fine and now I am in the process of working on a piece. Here is the photo of it that is parcially done. Got more to do, but I'll be having fun with this. Maybe I will do a series of these. We'll see.

Fuckin Busy July!!!

2009-07-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

So this month is being super busy for me. First off next week Saturday, July 11th 2009, I will be going down to LA for the very first all Japanese artist group show. It will be held at DDR Project gallery located in Long Beach CA. Hope people can come down and check it out!!!

DDR Project Gallery
3403 East Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90803

Next I will have a piece for the continuing awesome show, Heavy Hitters. This show will be held in Maryland at Art Whino. If your in the area, deffinetly check it out man. A great line up and it's always fun to work with all my friends. Check it!!!!

Art Whino
173 Waterfront st
National Harbor, MD 20745

All ready for the winner

2009-07-02T23:22:00.000-07:00

Just want to thank everyone that is participating in the contest. Just wanted to show you the final piece which is framed and ready to be hung. So keep thinking up of titles and good luck!!! You can enter more than once too!!!

Title it!!!

2009-07-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

So I just finished this piece for fun and thought that I would like to let one lucky person get it for free. The rules are simple. Just give this piece a title and the one that titles it the best will get it for free. So comment on this and post your titles.

This photo is taken in the process of a resin coat.

Deadline: July 13th, 2009

July 4th is gonna be awesome!!!

2009-07-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

So I'm sure everyone is getting ready for the July 4th weekend. No work, tons of fun and lots and lots of beer!!!! I would say also fireworks, but over here in SF, well...it sucks.

But forget the fireworks. If your in the bay area that night, come to the Space Gallery here in SF for a awesome group show. the title of the show is "Bazooko Circus" and if you've seen the movie or read Fear and Loathing in LV, then you know what it's all about. Here is the flier to the show and the info.

Start Time:	Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 9:00pm
End Time:	Sunday, July 5, 2009 at 2:00am
Location:	Space Gallery
Street:	1141 polk street
City/Town:	San Francisco, CA

Next I will like to let all the guys in Colorado know that one of my engraved skatedecks will be displayed and sold at the shop, Plastic Chapel. The show will be for charity to the childrens hospital where part of the income from the pieces sold will be donated. So if you guys have the time, and are in Colorado on the 4th of July weekend, go check it out and have a blast!!!

Plastic Chapel is located at
3109 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80206

Here is the skate deck that will be hung at the event. selling for $250

My Back.....

2009-06-30T03:21:00.000-07:00

So this really sucks. Yesterday when I woke up, I felt a sting down my back. I knew already what it was. I pulled my back a couple weeks ago, and it hurt like hell!!!!

So I was working and every now and then this fuckin sting goes down my back to my tail bone. It just sucks cause I start limpin....... shoot.

Well this morning the worst just had to come. I couldn't get up for work. Not that I over slept. I literally couldn't bend my back to get up. So I turned to my tummy, reached my arm up to the edge of the sofa, and then craned myself up just to call my work.

I had to take the day off just because of my back!!!! Damn it!!! I hat staying home. This might be weird to some, but I really need to work. Not only cause of money, but it's because I can't keep still. I just have to keep myself moving or I start just blanking out. It sucks. Having the need to move around and not being able to. This also effects my art, cause when I blank out, I can't think of anything to draw.

I really hope this back thing will go away...................イタイイタイの飛んでいけ～～～！！！

Go!! Tetsujin-28

2009-06-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

So I'm sure all you Gundam fans have heard or seen about the 1/1 scale of the famous mobile suit standing tall in Tokyo. Well guess what? I just found a video showing the next big thing. Thats right!!! Tetsujin 28 will be made and will be standing tall also at Kobe Japan. This is going to be just too awesome!!! YES!!!!

Will he be there??

2009-06-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

Will he be there???? Will the crowds at SDCC this year find this little guy??? This is a question I don't even have the answer to. Only time will tell........

Also got a write up on Vinyl Pulse. Check it!!!
Noboryu on VP

Caught you foo!!!

2009-06-25T02:45:00.000-07:00

So today at work, it was kinda slow. Not many customers came in. Probably enjoying the warm nice weather. So I thought that the day will end with not much to talk about with my friends of what happened, until he came in that is.
Thats right. There's this guy, about his late 40's, that comes in to our store smelling like alcohol all the time. He always comes in browsing around, never buying stuff. Thats cool. You don't have to buy anything. But it was just too weird. So I went up to him while he was holding two pliers in his hands that we sell for jewlry making, and asked him "You finding everything ok?" He answers "yup..."
So I walked passed by him. I turn around and he puts back the plier. But only one. So I looked as his hands and it's not there. I saw him slip it in his crusty black hoodie. So I surprised him and said" Dude....you need to put that back man" Then he smiled and pulled out the plier he swiped and just gave this little kid shrug. " That cute shit aint going to work on me." I thought. I just told him to leave and never come back.
Well, that was my day today. Atleast I ended my work with a little excitement.

Thanks smelly dude!!!! You made my day.

Who?When?Where?..WTF???!!!

2009-06-23T22:19:00.001-07:00

Can't say much yet, but it's on it's way. Want to know more about it first??? Then hit me up at my e mail and you'll get all the juicy details.....Rock and Roll!!!

Join my mailing list:
liljapan@liljapanart.com

The Rising Tide

2009-06-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

So today I was surfing the web, and checked out one of my favorite site, Vinyl Pulse. And what I saw was a great honor. Jack from Vinyl Pulse has posted up about the upcoming show that I have curated. It will showcase 10 Japanese artists from Japan and the USA. Both Heavy Hitters and Upcomers, this show should be awesome. I have also got confirmation that my good friend, Tracey Wakai, will be there with his band, Fast Pass, and do a number of jams. Here's the flier and info of the show. I hope many ofyou can make it. It should be fucken awesome. Who knows. If all goes well, I'm thinking of trying to expand the show around the states and the world, adding more japanese artists in the list. So keep your eyes and ears open.

"The Rising Tide"

DDR Projects 3403 East Broadway Long Beach, CA 90803

Fast Pass:

Welcome and 4649

2009-06-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone in this tiny little world of ours. I just wanted to welcome you to my very first blogging. I never really blog about stuff but I know I got many things to talk about and even rant about. I'm not very great at expressing myself in person, so i feel that maybe writing about it may help alittle.

So alittle about myself. I go by the name "LiLJAPAN". I am a San Francisco local artist that is trying to show many people my work. Stepping into the art world is deffinetly a challenge, but it's a passion I have strongly and I am up for the challenge.

Here is my website addie. It's in under construstion right now, so there isn't much to see yet. But I also have a Flickr account, which I constantly update with new projects and such. So if you got the time, please check it out.

Website:
http://www.liljapanart.com

Flickr Site:
http://www.flickr.com/people/liljapanart/

So here is alittle about me, but there is deffinetly more I'm doing. I'll be trying to update this blog thing as much as I can. So till the next post I hope you will enjoy the things I will be posting and that it will keep you guys entertained. Till then, take care and have a fuckin awesome life!!!

-LiLJAPAN-