Domo!

IT'S HARD FOR ME TO SPEAK OR THINK COHERENTLY WHEN I AM FACED WITH DOMO. Inexplicably, as some people stroke out when faced with puppies or babies, when I am faced with most toys from Japan, I become a drooling, blabbering idiot without rational capability to think or exist beyond an excited vegetable. I have lots of hobbies, but none can rival my toy collection. It's an absurd habit for an almost-25 year old to have, but I DON'T WANNA GROW UP. Domo is a rebel, a rapscallion, a lover, a fighter, a biter, a dogsitter, an astronaut, Domo may be the almighty Jah. Now you too can collect his multiple personalities via blind box collection from Think Geek!

"Domo, amongst his other talents, is an artist and master of disguise. Normally, he's the brown we all know and love. But sometimes he just has to turn green to blend in with some grass or plaid to blend in with a . . . uh . . . kilt! And sometimes he enters stealth mode and becomes as clear as clearish plastic. And even if Domo really doesn't do all that, these 2" Domo Qee Collectible Figures do.

2" Domo Qee Collectible Figures are adorable. Each Domo Qee (pronounced "key") is full of mystery. There are over 15 different versions in this series, ranging from regular to plaid to silver to camouflage - and you never know which Domo you're going to get. Ah, the exceitment! As a bonus, each package contains one extra Domo part (arm, leg, body, etc). Collect all 6 and you can assemble your own clear Domo. 2" Domo Qee Collectible Figures - a dash of mystery, a tablespoon of fun, and a whole heaping helping of adorable. Awww."





I don't consider my toy collection complete without at least half of these. To all you procrastinators out there, my birthday is in 2 days. Don't be afraid to extend the festivities by sending a few of these my way!

Three Apples

To the millions of Sanrio fans out there, LISTEN UP. This weekend kicks off what should prove to be a great show in LA titled "Three Apples"; in honor of the 35th anniversary of Hello Kitty, this phenomenal event is unlike anything that America has seen before, taking place at Royal-T (LA's first Japanese-style cosplay café). Unless you've had first hand experience of the Japanese mania surrounding this iconic figure, you have no idea the impact it has made in our country and around the world. The fact that this cutesy cat has lasted through over three decades of worldwide fame and is recognizable in virtually every country in the world is a testament to the designer who created her, and her entire band of Sanrio friends!

Come view the work of many of the big contemporary artists today, including Amada Visell, Buff Monster, Frank Kozik, Friends With You (FWY), Gary Baseman, Huck Gee, Luke Chueh, Natalia Fabia, Ron English, Simone Legno, Tara McPherson, and more! Don't miss the Happy Hour specials on Saturday after the opening; the show runs from October 23 through November 15. Plenty of time to stop by and getting cheered up/ creeped out by the perpetually perky feline!

8910 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
T 310 559 6300
F 310 559 6633

Japanese Young Artists' Book Fair

Last year I was lucky enough to be at Printed Matter in NYC for the 2nd annual Japanese Young Artists' Book Fair, and let me just tell you there are some SHARP book artists coming out of there right now. I picked up a few gems, and I'm sure this year is going to be just as spectacular. I actually caught it at 2 locations, the second being Spoonbill and Sugartown in Brooklyn, and this year it'll be in a variety of locations across the city as well (Kinokuniya Bookstore and St. Marks Book Shop along with the two aforementioned). Over 100 artists are participating, and it's going on from February 15 – March 8, 2009.

If you plan on being in the NYC area during the show, be sure to stop by one of the four locations. Book art is underappreciated and overwhelmingly beautiful to anyone who hasn't really experienced anything like it. I took a class about Book Arts at VCU last year, and it really opened my eyes to the entire world of tangible art that can be held and appreciated physically. There's definitely something to be said about the ability to hold something created in your hands. It's a great feeling.