LiZakka: Shinzi Katoh

 

LiZakka. That's me (Liza + Zakka) and my  fascination with Zakka:  from the Japanese 'zak-ka' 雑貨 or "many things." Zakka is a fashion and design phenomenon that has spread from Japan throughout Asia. The term refers to everything and anything that improves your home, life and outlook. Generally Zakka is cute, even kitch, with style references to Scandinavian and  French design.

Some day I will show you my Hello Kitty collection from the eighties, but now let's look at Shinzi Katoh, the newest product line at Pine Street Art Works.

 

Shinzi Katoh is a Japanese Zakka artist of worldwide acclaim. He is based in Aichi in the central region of Japan where he has his own gallery, shop and museum. Pine Street Art Works is now selling his products. Yay.

 

 

 

Can you just see these in your home? So come on by and check them out.

 

Not many stores in the US carry Shinzi Katoh. I had to order them from Japan, which involved a lot of translating from Yen to dollars and complicated transactions re shipping. Luckily for me, the folks at Shinzi Katoh in Japan were able to negotiate in English. So, we'll see how my Vermont customers like them. If they are a hit, they will be a staple here.

 

 

TMNK: NOBODY DOES ART HOP

TMNK-The Me Nobody Knows, hanging his show at PSAW, Sept. 11, 2009

Art Hop came and went. About 2 million 1,000 people passed through these doors on Friday and Saturday. We had a blast and everyone adored the work of NYC artist TMNK, The Me Nobody Knows.  He blew them away. As predicted. 

Nobody's window. The mannequins are wearing his T Shirts and bandanas.

I always have four personae at these events:  Sergei Diaghilev, the impressario; Dolley Madison, the hostess; Hazel, the maid; and Ron Gallella, the paparazzi. I'm good with the first three, horrible with the last. Hence, I have almost no photographic evidence that the event actually happened. You'll just have to take my word. Or send me your pictures.

Diane, the Rootstein mannequin, wearing Nobody's T Shirt. Photo Liza Cowan

TMNK: NOBODY WILL BE AT PINE STREET ART WORKS

Art Hop, Friday September 11th 5-10 in the evening and Saturday Sept 12, 10-5 daytime.

PSAW featured artist:TMNK-THE ME NOBODY KNOWS

TMNK Art Hop postcard. Art: TMNK, design Liza Cowan 2009

Art Hop is almost upon us. Art Hop is  one of the biggest- possibly THE biggest - outdoor/indoor art fair in New England. We expect around 20,000 visitors one weekend every September in our otherwise modest little neighborhood in the South End of Burlington, Vermont. Hosted and produced annually by the South End Arts And Business Association (SEABA) Art Hop is well worth the trip. Lots of art, a fashion show, music, outdoor sculpture and demonstrations make it a family worthy destination.

 

TMNK-The Me Nobody Knows: My Boombox Plays The Sound Of Music. Sold. Used by permission of the artist.

This year the New York City artist TMNK- The Me Nobody Knows, will be the solo artist at Pine Street Art Works. I've written a lot about TMNK this past year, so I will refer you to previous posts for more information about him.

NOBODY will be here in person with his art on Friday and Saturday. If you live within driving distance, I urge you not to miss this rare Vermont opportunity to meet Nobody and see his work. 

And  check out Nobody's blog as well.

See you next week!