In the interview, we talk about the origins of my artwork and of my life in Japan. Its always a challenge to find the exact right words to explain art, and the concepts or emotions behind it. Often, because instinct drives so much of the creative process. Ms. Kosaka managed to pick her way through the scattered rubble of my digressions to the core.

From my past, we move on to the future. Below, the foundation of my next piece waits. Actually, I finished the artwork last night (which should give you an idea of how long ago I started writing this post). This is the first time in ages that I’m using a material other than wood or paper. What is this, anyway? fiberglass?

Take a gander at the LandfillArt Project and the multitude of amazing recycled and reclaimed new pieces of art. Special thanks to my good friend, Mr. Nishi for helping me acquire a ホイールカップ with much textural character.

There was a time, eons upon eons ago, before the earth had fully cooled or I had graduated from junior high school, when I drew dragons. Daily. In math class. Typically surrounded by broken swords, shattered shields, and bristling with spent arrows. I’m fairly sure this is the first dragon I’ve drawn since those hallowed days of yore.

One of the things I enjoy most about doing the artwork is the research, long before pencil touches paper. Often, pieces such as this, where I know ahead of time what the subject will be, but not the concept or emotion, are the most difficult to get a firm grasp on. I have to ask myself, “What does a dragon mean to me, metaphorically, conceptually, emotionally?”. Aside from my inner (and still very much alive) middle-schooler who just thinks dragons are awesome.

Thus begins the research into the myth, mythology, and symbolism of the subject matter. Granted, it might appear that I’m wasting vast amounts of time surfing the web, but I assure you, that is not so. For example, The Japanese dragon is usually drawn with three claws. The Chinese dragon has five – at least the one which represents the emperor does. In both traditions (and Japan’s draws heavily from China’s, while also making it uniquely its own), the dragon is associated with water.

One of the thoughts inescapably running through my brain for the past couple months has been the earthquakes and tsunami of the past Spring. In my original sketches, I played up the ideas of a more violent clash between earth and water, along with a morally ambiguous wyrm. In the end, it is more appropriate that 2012 be represented by an auspicious water deity.

I’ve been playing alot recently with layering. It’s most obvious in the waterfall, which becomes more multi-hued and complicated where it merges with the dragon. The big lizard itself is an experiment in layers to push and pull certain parts of the creature back or pull them forward. Some areas of scales are above the line-work, while others are beneath.

To rip a page from the incredible Karl Kerschl, here are some of my favorite dragon-y things:

• The Hobbit
• The constellation Draco
• Dragonball
• My coolest belt
• this calendar:

(you didn’t really think I’d be able to resist the self-promotion, didja?)

After moving to Fukuoka, it took a little while for me to get my aging engine warmed up. Happily, that period seems to be sliding behind with the new year, and I am fully revved and roaring into 2012.

We begin with the 2012 Cut Paper Art Calendar. It began its life as a project on Kickstarter, where it was successfully funded. Printing is finally done, and the first few batches to the Kickstarter backers have all been shipped out. Happily, there are still a limited number of calendars left!

Calendars are available from the shop at US $30 apiece, including shipping. Jump on over and click the red “Buy International” button for everywhere outside Japan. If you want to buy more than one copy, please contact me; maybe I can help you save a little money on shipping! For those of you in Japan, the cost is ¥2500 (shipping included). Just select the “Buy Japan” button.

まだ切絵カレンダーの在庫に余裕があり、1点2,500円（送料込）で販売していますので、お買い求め頂けます！口座振込みでのお支払いをご希望の方は、Eメールでご連絡ください。Paypalでのお支払いをご希望の方は、下記にある赤字の「Buy 日本」ボタンをクリックしてください。

Next up is the 新春クラフトマルシェ / New Year’s Marche Crafts at Seibu Shibuya. This group show of some of my newest art was a last minute addition to the schedule, and I’m afraid that I didn’t have much time to let people know about it. I myself was unable to take the trip north to Tokyo, but one of my good friends snapped a photo of some of my work. You can see it here.

Coming Soon, there’s a bunch of new art that very few people have ever laid eyes on. There’s a very cool interview I had the pleasure to do recently that I can’t wait to share with everyone. Not to mention all of the little, secret projects that are coming together to make 2012 an amazing, art-filled 366 days.

Kechi (けち) is one of the most useful Japanese words you’re ever likely to find. It means cheap or stingy, but isn’t limited to just money. It expands to include emotion, time, and helpfulness among others.

Futakuchi-onna (two-mouthed woman) is all about the kechi. In one tale, faced with a food shortage, she stuffs her own child while letting her stepchild waste away. In another, she withholds food from herself, trying to please either her miserly husband or her own stinginess. Self-denial manifests as a separate ravenous mouth on the back of her head, grumbling and mumbling and, finally, satisfying itself.

It’s difficult not to associate the Futakuchi-onna with modern eating disorders and standards of beauty. Hunger-abstained bursts out from the flesh gibbering and gnawing – a metaphor for either the cause or the disease. All grabbing tentacles and unthinking appetite, the jellyfish seemed the perfect choice for the zoological avatar.

Details:

Thus, with no further ado: Pre-Orders for the 2012 Cut Paper Art Calendar are now being taken.

update — The 2012 Cut Paper Art Calendar is now available for purchase. Please check the Calendar Shop for a preview and to order. 2012年切絵カレンダーご購入頂けます！カレンダーのショップからご閲覧・ご購入頂けます。

Of course, for those who backed the campaign; your copy is already being held for you. If this is the first you’ve heard of the calendar tho, there are still a bunch unreserved. Want one? I don’t blame you. Here’s how you reserve a copy or two:

• Hop on over to my contact page.
• Send me an email with your name, email address, and the number of copies you want reserved.
• Wait a bit.
• I’ll email you with payment details when the calendar has been printed.

That’s it. Easy, huh? It looks like the calendar will go for around $30 USD, worldwide shipping included. I was hoping to offer it for less, but the exchange rate isn’t playing nice.

As for the calendar itself, the first draft was sent to the printer two days ago. The first (and, God willing, the last) color proof should arrive tomorrow. I’ll make any corrections necessary to the color, and fix any dumb mistakes I may have made (I haven’t found them yet, but they are surely in there). Then a week or so later, I should have the calendars in my hands. There may be a second color proof in there too. Time will tell.

Until then, enjoy the front and back covers (above), and the March spread below. Those are the right dates, yes?

2012年切絵カレンダーの販売を・・・・いつもと違うやり方で試み中！

本当に販売できるかどうかは皆さんのご協力にかかっています。11月22日までに「キックスターター・ドットコム」という、こちらのサイトから事前注文してください！カレンダーや切絵の魅惑のビデオ説明付き！
☞ 2012年切絵カレンダー販売キャンペーン

「いつもと違うやり方」はどういうことかというと、これまで米国のこちらのサイトからカレンダーを作成・販売していたのですが、今年は日本の地元印刷屋さん（ポストカードの印刷をお願いしている）でカレンダーを作ってもらいたい！と思っているのです。ただ、最小ロットが100部なのです。

キックスターター・ドットコムでは事前に注文してくれる（あるいは、資金を募金してあげようという素敵な）ファンを募り、事前注文の額が一定のレベルに到達できたら、カレンダーやその他作品の実際の印刷にこぎ着ける仕組みになっています。私の場合、世界各地のお客様100人分のカレンダーを印刷しお届けするには少なくとも2,200米ドル（約20万円）必要ですが、それを事前に募りたいのです！11月22日までに2,200米ドル 募れなければ、このプロジェクトは不発に終わります。2,200米ドル以上募ることができれば、事前注文頂いた皆さんから事前にお支払頂き、2012年カレンダーを印刷してお届けします！キックスターター・ドットコムでは、下記のようにカレンダーの事前注文（30米ドル − INOSHISHIカテゴリー）だけでなく、その他販売物の事前注文や、ただの支援金！も受付けています！

1ドル以上

「SARU」 – ウェブサイトで「スペシャルサンクス」でお名前を記載させて頂きます！

10ドル以上

「NIWATORI」 – 切絵ポストカードのセット（5枚入り）＋ウェブサイトで「スペシャルサンクス」
お届け予定日：2012年1月

20ドル以上

「INU」 – 切絵ポストカードのセット（15枚入り）＋ウェブサイトで「スペシャルサンクス」
お届け予定日：2012年1月

30ドル以上

「INOSHISHI 」 – 2012年切絵カレンダーです。12ヶ月分の切絵アートを楽しんでください！
お届け予定日：2011年12月

45ドル以上

「INOSHISHI+INU」 – 2012年切絵カレンダー ＋ 切絵ポストカード（15枚入り）＋ウェブサイトで「スペシャルサンクス」
お届け予定日：2011年12月

55ドル以上

「NEZUMI」 – 2012年切絵カレンダー2部
お届け予定日：2011年12月

70ドル以上

「NEZUMI+INU」 – 2012年切絵カレンダー2部 + 切絵ポストカードのセット（15枚入り）+ ウェブサイトで「スペシャルサンクス」
お届け予定日：2011年12月

75ドル以上

「USHI」 – 2012年切絵カレンダー（スペシャル・アーティスト・エディション − オリジナル・スケッチとサイン入り）この作品のスケッチが欲しい！というご要望があれば教えてください。
お届け予定日：2011年12月

300ドル以上

「TORA」 – 切絵のキャラクターアート原画作品（サイズ：3″ x 3″）＋ 2012年切絵カレンダー（スタンダード）＊カレンダーのお届けは2011年12月ですが、原画作品（フレームなし）は2012年3月を目処に完了次第お送りします。
お届け予定日：2012年3月

500ドル以上

「USAGI」 – 切絵のキャラクター・アート原画作品（サイズ：6″ x 6″）＋ 2012年切絵カレンダー（スタンダード）＊カレンダーのお届けは2011年12月ですが、原画作品（フレームなし）は2012年5月を目処に完了次第お送りします。
お届け予定日： May 2012

1,000ドル以上

「TATSU」 – ご要望のテーマで切絵作品を製作し、お届けします（サイズ：8″ x 10″）＋ 2012年切絵カレンダー（スタンダード）。＊カレンダーのお届けは2011年12月ですが、原画作品（フレームなし）は完了次第お送りします（この切絵作品のみ送料別）。

2012年切絵カレンダーについて − 2012年の干支「辰」をはじめとする、和紙をふんだんに利用した切絵作品12点をお楽しみください！

皆さん、ぜひ、キックスターター・ドットコムを覗いてみてください。2012年の切絵カレンダーを皆さんに送れるようご協力お願いします！

update — The 2012 Cut Paper Art Calendar is now available for purchase. Please check the Calendar Shop for a preview and to order. 2012年切絵カレンダーご購入頂けます！カレンダーのショップからご閲覧・ご購入頂けます。

There’s a long, long, sometimes tedious story behind this post, and I still haven’t decided how much to tell, and which details will only bore the pants off of you. So, lets begin with the pizzaz!

The 2012 Cut Paper Art Calendar is now available!…sort of. This year, I’m printing the calendar myself, using local printers here in Japan (the same folks who do such a great job on my postcards!). To do that, I’m going to need a bit of a hand from all you guys. And when I say “hand”, I mean the one reaching for your wallet. So, please hop on over to my Kickstarter project and pre-order a calendar. Or two. Or a baker’s dozen. While you’re there, bask in the glorious rewards I am offering (ps: they are named after the animals of the Japanese Zodiac).

update: I forgot one of the most important points! Like all kickstarter campaigns, the 2012 Cut paper Art Calendar is an all-or-nothing affair. Money only changes hands (and rewards only rewarded) if I reach my goal of $2200. Kickstarter collects the money after the campaign ends on November 22nd, 2011. Thanks!

After that, go forth and share this happy news with your friends and relatives, neighbors, arch-enemies, pets, beautiful strangers whose eyes catch yours on the street, and the other 7,000,000,000 people in the world.

About the calendar
For the next twelve months, you will find yourself in a strange, familiarly alien world. It is a world of shadowy forests and living stone. A world where the sea and the wind wear faces; where great and eternal animals converse with colorful spirits. Where, in 2012, a dragon is the waterfall it bursts from.

Mostly, it is a world of paper.

2012 is the Year of the Dragon, and that brand new image (my first ever cut-paper dragon, and the first drake I’ve drawn since middle school) graces January. The other 11 months each feature one of my favorite pieces from the last couple years. This year, I’m planning on rotating in two new pieces for February and March, so let me know if you have any favorites!

Hopes, Dreams, and monotonous tedium under the fold.

The Rewards
are super. And I’m being modest when I say that. I’m offering 9 rewards at the moment, ranging from a hearty “Cheers!” on up to full commissioned artwork. In the middle are postcards, calendars, artist-edition calendars with sketches and my fabulous signature, and more.

Got an idea for a great reward? Leave a comment or drop me an email. I live to make you happy.

The Money Bit (in agonizingly dull detail)
There are times when being international just. simply. sucks. This project was supposed to go live nearly a month ago, but, as usual, I failed to account for F*up time. Y’know, those wasted weeks when you realize that online banking doesn’t allow overseas access, and bureaucracy vomits forth massive roadblocks of virtual paperwork, and all work has to be done through grudgingly related intermediaries who would really rather be in bed right now because, gosh darn it, there is a 13 hour time difference.

You might have read something about the steroid-enhanced Japanese ¥en. We don’t much like it either. Especially those of us who sell art overseas and weep at the 25% shavings every time we bring money to these island shores. It also makes it darn hard to judge what something costs.

Basically, most of the $2200 I’m looking for will go towards the printing of the calendars, color proofs, that sort of thing. There’s also a bit for the packaging materials. And the rest should be enough to cover shipping of the calendars and lower-priced rewards to whichever corner of the globe you call home.

All my price estimates are based on printing 100 calendars. If I can pre-sell more than that number, the printing price-per-calendar drops a bit, and, hey, I might even be able to buy that new printer I so desperately need. Or lunch, depending on the value of the ¥en that day.

…and finally… Why?
Those of you who have been following my career for a while might be asking, “But Patrick, why not just print the calendar through Lulu the same way you’ve always done?”. First of all, it’s nice we’re on a first-name basis now. Secondly, while I was always ultimately happy with the calendars before, the road to get there was even more tedious than this essay. This way, I have more control over the final product, I can offer signed and sketched copies, and I can hopefully offer the calendar to people all over the world while at the same time charging less to do so (when shipping fees are factored in, if not foiled by those darned currency tidal shifts).

Which brings us full-circle to me humbly asking for your support. First, we need to make the Kickstarter Campaign a success by the ending date, Nov. 22, 2011. Then, if we can pre-sell more than 100 calendars, this can be better than a break-even project, with a promises of even brighter futures. If the 2012 Calendar is a success, I’d love to try something even more ambitious. A full-blown art project perhaps. I’d love to do an art book too.

So, please go forth and spread the word. Tell all art lovers and all people who need to remember dates. If you know any artsy gift shops or galleries, share the link with them. Let’s make this a success! Thanks!!

Look, if you dare, into the mesmerizing, frosty gaze of Yuki-Onna, the winter woman, the temptress of the snows. Feel the chill creep up your shivering spine. You hands shake from the frozen air and the arctic fear. Will you go to her when she beckons you out into those cold, cold wastes? Will you welcome her icy breath? Will you surrender your dimming warmth as she encompasses you in her pale arms, comfortless wintery lullabies gliding you off to frost-tinged sleep?

Lafcadio Hearn introduced me to Yuki-Onna in his fantastically spooky collection of ghost-stories and yokai-tales, Kwaidan. That frosty mix of mercilessness, loneliness, regret, and love stayed with me, defining Yuki-Onna. Like most folk tales, there are numerous versions of Japan’s Snow-Woman; icy temptress, lost soul, killer, lover, ghost, goddess.

Cut-paper is, by definition, a hard-edged medium. For reason’s I will probably never understand, I always find myself trying to push this very dry, very sharp technique to be wet, oily, and, in the case of Yuki-Onna, soft and translucent. Always a fun challenge. The pale skin tone, with the wood grain visible underneath, was achieved with at least four layers of two different kinds of washi paper.

Detail views follow:

In sleep, we live strange and separate lives. In the case of Rokurokubi, that life happens to consist of short-range travel isolated northward of the shoulders. There are any number of legends detailing the motives and origins of this yōkai. I’m partial to the ones where Rokurokubi is unaware of her supernatural nature, waking with the memory of odd locations and wanderings beyond her natural boundaries.

In Sleep I am Engulfed in Feathers is the third piece, and first official yōkai, in a series which I think of as depicting the complicated and raw inner lives of unique women. The heron follows the clever fox and the dusky crow.

When drawing, there are few things that give me more pleasure than working with long, flowing shapes and graceful curves. They’re just relaxing and fun for my hand. To that, I added the challenge of the Celtic knot, curving the neck in and around itself in a way not so different than how our dreams eschew logic and flow together.

Enjoy the sketch above and detail below.

Having said that, please enjoy this rarest of looks at the wily PaperCutter in its natural habitat; in this case, Fujikawa Kirie Art Museum in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. The first half of the video details the setting up of the Kirie of the World in Japan 2011 exhibition, while the second half focuses on the workshop. Best of all, they’ve edited my weird psuedo-Japanese so that it seems like I wasn’t talking gibberish.

Don’t forget, you have until September 25th to catch the exhibition.

In other news:

• There’s a new About page up! It’s terribly serious, complete with a new artist’s statement full of polysyllabic elucidation, a link to my art CV, and a Press section. There’s one or two links to interviews I gave, for those interested in hearing me talk about why paper is one of the great romances of my life.

• Speaking of my great romances, my nomadic wife and I have moved. We are no longer in the great and sprawling metroplois of Tokyo. Instead, we are now in the much more relaxed and somewhat less sprawling metropolis of Fukuoka. My new studio in our more spacious mansion is nearly set up, and I have started work on a very cool commission piece. As a bonus, my view is more epic than one meter of weeds and a stone wall. Maybe I can get some studio photos soon.