Newsletter #019 summer, fall and winter.
Hey there my dearest Madness Lovers. I've been very busy, and things are about to get even busier. A lot of things happened this summer and I am glad to share them with you. So much left to come before the year's end, so buckle up! Here, let me tell you all about it...
Summer
Since our last interaction, I had the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum exhibit from June 16th to the 23rd as part of the ZenTen collective. And what a wonderful experience that was! There I met a plethora of wonderful artists from all over the world and had the pleasure of showing four illustrations from two of my books. The reception and feedback were great, and people's curiosity towards the images shown was intensely awesome. Everyone asking about my process, the books, the inspiration sources and much more. Just the kind of curious response I seek for. And this was just the start of a series of great things.
After that in early July I secured a spot at the local community library in Yamashiro, here in Kaga, Ishikawa. The place is called "Onsen Library Mikan" and there I have the honor of sharing all my books with the people of Yamashiro. Eventually I plan on making a few small events over there to keep connecting with the community and increasing the curious fire of the people. You can find them on Instagram as @onsen.library.mikan. Follow them for more interesting cultural activities in the community.
Continuing with the shows and presentations, from July 28th to August 2nd I was part of another exhibition with the ZenTen collective, this time in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture, at the Yokohama Civic Art Gallery. There I presented four illustrations from my book "Gaia 0" and two pieces of jewelry as well, "Alpha and Omega", a pair of beautiful necklaces with reconstituted Coral cabochons. People's reaction to the exhibit was very positive and I felt very happy with the result after so much work to get things ready. In those few days I had the chance of reconnecting with fellow artists and meeting new ones, for which I am very grateful. I was also appointed as an Executive Commitee Member of the ZenTen collective for one year, meaning I'll be more involved in the future.
Then I had a brief trip back to the Dominican Republic to finish some paper work. A calm and relaxing few weeks, meeting friends and family. Gladly, most of what I went there to do was resolved without issue and I was able to kick back a bit after so much work.
But right after returning home to Kaga I had to wrap up my latest piece and get it ready for the next exhibition. This time in the prestigious Odawara Sannomaru Hall, part of the Odawara Castle complex, in Kanagawa prefecture, also with the ZenTen collective. The piece presented, as mentioned above, is my latest illustrative work and is called "The Emotions Behind the Mask", an intricate look into the truth we as humans hide from the world. This exhibit ran from September 18th to the 23rd and, even though we got hit by a strong typhoon in the area, it was a total success. So many interesting people showed up to express their reactions to the art presented. I felt very blessed with every interaction.
Lastly we closed the summer with the Yamashiro Art Market 2026. Two days (Sept. 26th and 27th) of great art with the community. I had the opportunity this year to hold my own table and show my jewelry and books to all the attendees. It was really special and people were truly curious, not just about the works displayed but also about who was behind them and what that meant for the community. Many were joyfully surprised of the plans I have in store and all the things to come. It was also a great moment to reconnect with the Fusion team and their artists. I was so happy to see old friends and to make new ones, and to see the incredibly broad offering of beautiful art in this great community.
Fall
Now that the season is changing, I also have begun some changes. Fixes around the house, new projects, plans for improving my life in Japan as well as preparations for the end of this year and the start of the next. Among those I want to share the last three exhibits planned for the year.
I will be participating in the Hechyeomoyeo collective exhibit at the famous Kote Gallery in Seoul, South Korea from November 4th to the 15th with a huge roster of local and international artists. There I will be showing one of my favorite Illustrations from my book "Bitácora de un Alpinista", and I'm so excited for it. This is one three illustrations that have been touring all over South Korea since the ArtPick 2024 contest in which I ended in the top 10. That one contest has opened so many doors for me that I can't even express how thankful I am. This would be the 7th exhibition I've had the honor to participate in that beautiful country, and I aim for so much more!
After that I have an exhibit at the Conceal Gallery in Shibuya, Tokyo, as part of the Tokyo Art Tank collective which will be celebrating their 18th edition. This will be from November 30th to December 6th and I'll be showing my latest work "The Emotions Behind the Mask" to a new audience and crew, as I seek to give this piece a bit more time in the light before I hang it in my home gallery.
And lastly, as if breathing was over rated just three days after, starting December 9th to the 13th I'll be back at Kanagawa prefecture, this time in Sagamihara and once again with the ZenTen collective for the last exhibit of the year. For that show I am hoping to bring something fresh and new out of the box. I'm still doing my homework, studying concepts and seeking a solid idea for that piece so at the moment I have nothing to show for it. I'm short of time, but I know I can do it and hopefully it'll be another sight to behold. We'll just have to wait.
With that exhibit I will be happily closing the year, but that doesn't mean that work will be over...
Winter
I am currently designing the next jewelry collections with which I shall begin the year 2027. Like every year, I like to start with new jewelry for your wonder and pleasure, as well as to have fresh products to present in various markets throughout the year. Though I have nothing to share yet (or at least nothing worth showing), soon I'll be publishing some sketches and pictures of the chosen stones that will be used for those new works.
At the same time, I am still working on "Therapeutic Rhymes from a Voluntary Exile", my next poetry book. The poems are ready, I'm just wrapping up the illustrations and the project is looking more and more interesting by the minute. I have been loving this process and have to admit that even though I do have other literary projects in queue, this has certainly been therapeutic... just what the universe ordered and what my soul needed. I won't promise any dates but I do hope it will be out by next spring. Fingers crossed!
Lastly , there's this idea I've been fooling around with all year and would like your opinion on it. What do you think about a subscription model for seasonal packages delivered straight to your door? This is the idea:
A monthly box with a random signed post-card size limited print from my repertoire, a random piece of original jewelry (could be a bracelet, could be a necklace, could be a ring), a signed hand written original poem or short story, and a couple original stickers.
Plus a yearly special box with a personalized item for your birthdays, a gift from me to all as thanks for the constant support.
This is something I'm still working on and developing so that it can be consistent and secure, after all theMadness is all still a one-man operation. But if you're down, then I'm up for it. I have been studying the costs and what not, all to make sure it will affordable for everyone as well as more than worth it in terms of what you'll be receiving. So please, answer the poll below so I can have an idea of what this may look like. Feel free to answer honestly as the results will be private and only I will see them.
About the MadBox
It would be amazing to receive monthly Madness products!
Instead, is it possible to order just the birthday gift box?
The monthly box is enough, I don't need a birthday present.
That's a terrible idea, a total waste of time and resources.
That’s All for Newsletter 019
On that note I bid you farewell today. Thank you for joining me on this occasion! I hope to see you around soon, and may you have a wonderful month! I don't know when the next Newsletter will come as I am considering going from a monthly to a trimestral publishing. Given how busy things have been lately and the lack of time I've had to sit and write this down, it seems to be the best option.
Remember to join theFamily if you haven’t yet. And to continue growing our community, we also have The Madness Broadcasted on Instagram, featuring exclusive interactions and first looks at what we have cooking.
Until next time and never forget to embrace #theMadness in you!
Irie Bless!
Comments