Saturday, September 28, 2013

Ema Frost - Goes to Japan



TO THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN   

Wow, it seems like it has been for ever me wanting to go to Japan, and now it is finally happening. I've been very fortunate to have been invited there for a Artist in Residence for the month of October.

I will be staying with Japanese artist and art school owner Kimiko Matsumoto. We were introduced to each other in 2010 by one of my clients who has been following my work for quite sometime now and knew of my interest in Japanese art. 

During my trip to The Land of the Rising Sun, I will be immersing myself in the local traditions and customs of Japanese culture, in search of inspiration for the series of Children’s books that I'm writing and illustrating featuring many of my characters; Little Warrior Girl and Boy, Kuini, Tikina, and the Magical Hummingbirds. The stories are loosely based on Maori myths and legends. Whilst my art has a distinct New Zealand theme, you can feel my Japanese interest interwoven with the folklore of Maori mythology giving my work a sense of enchantment that feels truly magical.  I will also be spending time at Kimiko Matsumoto’s art school, learning from fellow artists as well as teaching the local students.

I love Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, (this is one of his pieces to the right of the pics above) whose work I came across by chance when an art contributor for the Art News New Zealand Magazine mentioned that elements of my art reminded him of Yoshitomo’s work. Yoshitomo has received international acclaim for his Japanese pop art sculptures and paintings.  In addition Yoshitomo has also written and illustrated his own children book.

Little Warrior Girl
The pilgrimage to Japan is an artistic journey that has been evolving with the creation of my characters which pictured here is Little Warrior Girl, one of my favorite. I love how I can bring these two worlds together through my work, combining fairytale characters from Japanese and Maori folklore.

E Frost xx

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Ema Frost - on Jasons Media Travel!!


Thanks to Jasons Travel Media Frost+Dinkie makes the TOP 5 PLACES TO SHOP IN AUCKLAND, NZ!!
Here's what they had to say...

Karangahape Road
Colloquially known as K Road, the Link Bus (that's the bright green one) is a handy way to find your way to one of Auckland's most famous streets. A bohemian mix of second hand boutiques, food halls, nail bars,cafes and bars; K Rd offers a glimpse of the cross section that makes up Auckland's CBD. Take the time to explore the arcades – they're full of hidden treasures.
Editor's Tip: Another of my favourite parts of town, I LOVE buying gifts on K Rd, for other people as well as myself! Plus it's great for fast, cheap food when you're on the run and just don't know what you want. There's always a buzz around here - such a colourful cast of characters in this part of town. It never fails to put a smile on my face. Sarah McMullan 

Frost + Dinkie Showcasing the work of graphic artist, illustrator and ceramic designer Ema Frost, Frost + Dinkie combines her love for vintage advertising, toys, wood blocks, Japanese pop culture and more recently,traditional Maori hei tiki. Whimsical, beautiful and undeniably Kiwi. Start collecting now - her work is only going to keep going up in value. Cross Street Arcade – 214 K Rd.  ** Pictured: Little Warrior Girl - Ema Frost **

Revel Café An environmentally conscious café that pride themselves on making food from food, not numbers, this place is HEAVEN for anyone with dietary restrictions. Even tricky ones. They do a full range of vegan and vegie and organic BUT they won't make you feel bad if you do order meat. No judgement – just some of the most delicious food you'll find. You'll swear you can taste the love!  (Peanut butter chocolate pie to DIE for!)