KittenChops Illustration-Heart Opening Energy™

Happy holidays 2011!

2011-12-11T13:26:00.001-08:00

Make a gift day!

2011-07-29T13:22:00.001-07:00

These are gifts for 2 kids in the family! Connecting with heartfelt energies!

Summer ^..^ Tea party!

2011-07-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Sunny star summer wishes! Here are some more pottery pieces I have been working on. Making pottery is teaching me patience and bringing me so much joy.

Tea set with a strawberry rainbow theme + Japanese concept of "ichi-go ichi-e" reminding us to treasure every (tea) meeting since each is unique.

Chai and green tea tumblers.

Various bowls and a HI-C lemon saver (the perfect place to keep half a lemon).

New from Pottery

2011-03-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

Some hand built pieces fresh from the kiln. Happy Spring everyone! :)

Bellevue Children's Clinic interior illustration project

2010-12-27T20:17:00.000-08:00

It has been an amazing experience to work on this project with the NBBJ architects team and the Children's design team this spring and summer. I loved the challenge of coming up with a concept that effectively communicates the essence of Children's brand message, and makes sense of the way the clinic is organized: there are 6 color coded hallways for patients, 4 staff areas with huge glass walls, "sibling playroom" and the "surgery portal" upstairs. All the work has been inspired by Northwest flora and fauna to make it more meaningful and welcoming for staff and families that use these facilities.

Here are some more photo samples (the really nice, professional shots are by Benjamin Benschneider):

KittenChops Bellevue Children's Hospital Interior Illustration Photos

Happy Holidays 2010!

2010-12-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

May all the creative powers of our world continue to delight you in the upcoming year and happily ever after! This message had been brought to you by these Washington snow kittens (made in Ronald, WA).

Hand built pottery bowl and sake set

2010-11-09T23:41:00.001-08:00

I have been taking a hand building pottery class this fall. Here are some of the most recent fruits of my joyful labor. At this stage they are still green (not bisqued or fired in the kiln yet). Looking forward to finding out what it will look like after the process will have been completed. The title of this bowl is: Shortcake ^..^

This is a hand built, fig shaped sake set. The biggest one is the sake flask (tokkuri) representing the sake brew master (Toji), the small ones are the cups (chocko) representing the 4 ingredients of the sake making process: rice, water, yeast and koji mold culture. "Let's brew!"

Fantasy Fun Fairyland concept

2010-03-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

This is what I have worked on this weekend. It is a concept for a kids' (ages 0-6 years old) gym and restaurant in LA. Let's get chosen! :) I would love to develop these illustration into their full magical powers.

Trying my hand at acrylic paints....

2010-03-29T17:54:00.001-07:00

This paint doodle started out as a paint color test page and evolved into Love You Baby Trees.

This is the state of Happy Sadness.

Clover is my favorite flavor in the springtime. Happy Spring everyone!

2010-03-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine Day 2010!

2010-02-13T13:55:00.000-08:00

May your heart be filled with love always! XO!

Which GYUGYU PET is hiding in the cute pocket packet? :)

2010-02-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

Casually walking through the Seattle Uwajimaya and scanning the candy isles at the checkout stands as usual, I spotted some bright boxes brimming with cuteness. I could not resist buying two of the shiny packets ($3.99 each!)...

I waited to open them till I got home. Here they are on my desk. I was so excited to find out what treasure the packets are hiding inside...

I had twelve options:

I would have loved, loved to get the hedgehog (#12)...

but as it turned out I have received #1 (parakeet in a miso soup bowl) and #4 (bunny in a pot).

Which one is your favorite?

Here is the link to the Japanese manufacturer's (called: Reform Entertainment) website if you would like to fill up with some cute chi + inspiration for the day! ^,,^

http://www.re-ment.co.jp/products/index.html

Logo for Becoming Art

2010-01-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

All the yarns in Becoming Art 's Etsy shop are hand spun and dyed by the very talented proprietress Lisa. She is passionate about color and the creative process of making unique custom yarn.

"I really love to do what I do passionately and with the freedom to be random (yet focused), and to be myself. I want others to feel the same way about the fiber, yarn or other product they buy from me."

With her new logo she was looking to "generate a feel that is creative, beautiful, unique, strong and changing/growing (hence Becoming Art)." Just the kind of challenge that delights me the most! You can see what manifested in the end. Designing her logo was a magical/spiritual feeling process as if I had myself participated in the timeless, feminine, ancient craft of spinning and dyeing yarn.

See, buy Lisa's work here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BecomingArt

KittenChops Theo Chocolate logo and packaging work featured in Logo Lounge 5!

2010-01-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

My Theo Chocolate logo/packaging work and its story was featured in a brand new graphic design book: LogoLounge 5: 2,000 International Identities by Leading Designers. Cathy Fishel from Gardner Design interviewed me last summer. I quite forgot about it and it was such a pleasant surprise to get a copy of the book the other day. Amazon link below (the book has a 4.5 star rating).

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_8_4?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=logo+lounge+5&sprefix=Logo

Mother's Day wishes and hugs!

2009-05-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring Engergies!

2009-04-23T16:29:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung and so have the Easter eggs!

Apartment for rent! Cosy and bright with lot of sunshine.

The Bun family. Mama just had a new baby...

On this picture you can see how the Eggs arrive (in some parts of the world:) during the spring time from the mountains...the Bunnies have been waiting for them....Maybe Mr. Bunny's outfit can be a clue to the particular country... :)

The prettiest Mama Bunny has the cutest eggs!

Hello dear spring flowers, I am fresh out of the Egg!

KattenMelk!

2009-03-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

It was the most adorable surprise to receive this tiny pack of KittenMilk imported from Holland! My dear friend LeiLei's gift. But the most fun part was to see the actual story of the product in its native setting! :)

This is KittenChops too-2!

2009-03-23T16:25:00.001-07:00

I just had the honor of illustrating one of my favorite author's website and blog. Her name is Mary L. Tabor. We had a wonderful creative process working together. All the illustrations are based on Mary's writing/books. If you would like to check out her blog, you can do so here: http://www.maryltabor.blogspot.com/

This is KittenChops too-1!

2009-03-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

This coconut+neroli organic tanning oil label illustration was done for Beautyceauticals. It feels like a new style...maybe getting away from the inked outlines is a good idea?

Amazing feline spirit + grace

2009-02-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to visit Sigfried & Roy's Secret Garden this weekend in Las Vegas. It showcases several varieties of big cats and dolphins. The animals' presence kept me mesmerized as I looked into their eyes through my camera lens....I felt awed by their stunningly gorgeous appearance and humbled by their spirit that seemed to have such power....my heart was in my throat, happily fluttering for a whole afternoon.

SUPER SQUISHY kitten paw key cap from Japan!

2008-11-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

This key cap was a gift from my friend Satoko (who is also responsible for my Japanese name: Nekoyama!) While she was visiting Tokyo late summer she spotted a capsule toy machine (gashapon) and immediately knew how much I would love a squishy cat paw key cap souvenir!!!
This is Satoko's umbrella shop site with the most amazing umbrellas you have ever seen:http://www.pareumbrella.com/store/default.aspx

Alpaca Sunday In Washington state

2008-11-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

How cute are alpacas!? The CUTEST! :)
If you like them too, you can see more photos I took here:
http://www.kittenchops.com/AlpacaSunday/index.htm
Did you know that "alpaca fiber is classified as a rare specialty fiber and that it is five times warmer than sheep’s wool and more luxurious than cashmere! " This is the farm's website:
http://www.moonshadowalpacas.com/

KittenChops interview in Precious Magazine (in Japan! :) "Life is so Precious"

2008-08-18T19:34:00.001-07:00

This is the article above and the magazine cover below:

The interview questions I still remember were:

-What do you have in your purse that you do not leave home without? Toothbrush.
- Do you have a lucky charm? No.
-What is the best thing you did in your twenties? Discover/get on track with my graphic design career.
-What is the best compliment someone can give you about your work?
It makes them happy!

As far as the rest goes, I hope you have reading knowledge of Japanese and can read it yourself :)

Photography by the super amazing Rodrogo de Maideros. http://www.ratedr.rodrigod.com/

New illustration, see the inspiration :)

2008-07-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is a promo illustration I have recently made for a company making baby slings. And below is my blond bebe and mama photo from a long time ago.... :)

Icon 5 Illustration conference Wall

2008-07-06T21:20:00.001-07:00

At the Icon conference in NYC there was a huge wall/board space where you could just stop by and draw/paint anything. This was my ("whipped cream kitteh") and Suzie Roo's ("Lucy") contribution. Single arm stand girl is by Fernanda Cohen. Elephant by Christine Ohara Hale .

Jeff Koons sculptures in NYC

2008-07-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

This is "Sacred Heart", "Balloon Dog" and "Coloring Book" by Jeff Koons, on exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum's rooftop garden in NYC. (Gorgeous views of Manhattan and Central Park in the background). I just saw these sculptures during my MET visit in NYC while attending the Icon 5 illustration conference. Supercool and very inspiring!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to UUU :)

2008-05-31T14:53:00.000-07:00

My wish for you/the sentiment inside the card (to be read in a cute singsong voice): "May you be as happy as a fresh strawberry on the kitten cake of life." xoxoxo! ^..^

Spring color energy!

2008-04-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend I have visited the tulip fields by Mount Vernon in WA. The colors and the beauty of the flowers was delightful! See more pictures here: http://www.kittenchops.com/tulipweb/index.htm

Theo Chocolate (in KC packaging) on the Today show :)

2008-02-11T14:52:00.000-08:00

Go green this Valentine’s Day
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23110662#23110662

New Tasty flavors from 3400 Phinney Chocolates!

2008-02-07T15:46:00.001-08:00

Check out these yummy treats! Hazelnut crunch is so tasty... and Fig fennel is elegantly flirty!

Illustrations for the Art with Heart "Art Buddy" Book

2008-01-27T17:17:00.000-08:00

I have just finished creating illustrations for the "Art Buddy" manual , which will teach creatives how to use their talent to give back to their community. This manual will encourage even more adults to take an active part in helping under-served children." Find out more, see if you would like to participate as well:
http://www.artwithheart.org/

Korean Kim Chee story

2007-11-25T18:26:00.000-08:00

This illustration is for a short story by Jenny Kim about a Korean immigrant girl trying to find her identity in the USA.

"Nobody “told” me that the woman in the family serves herself last. I watched my mother bustle around the kitchen after rushing in from a full day of work, not even taking time to change her clothes. When the When the dinner was ready, she would scoop a heaping mound of fresh, hot rice for my father first, then my younger brother, then me. Then she’d scrape together a small handful from the bottom of the rice cooker and take the smallest piece of fish for herself, insisting she wasn’t hungry. When I was younger and couldn’t finish my food, I’d give my plate to my mother, not realizing what I was doing. I was giving my mother the leftovers, something she grew up with as a postwar Korean female—the generation that knew firsthand that things, dignity, family, and friends, peace, and national unity, could be taken away at any instant, and that woman were taught to put themselves last. Hearing about her impoverished childhood made my eyes sting, my privileged conscience uneasy, and my own childhood stories pale by comparison. For her, scraping the rice pot sometimes yielded nothing, an humble survival came down to accepting leftovers from your own—it was one of few constants provided in the former precarious world of hers. (old habits are hard to break.) Yet, my mother told me not to stand there with both hands open, meekly waiting for things do happen. An ambitious and generous woman, she even chose the name Debbie(meaning “industrious”) when she immigrated to the U.S. Nothing gets accomplished sitting down, she says. I was left with this contradiction and a half-eaten bowl of rice. Watching, waiting, and never understanding."

KittenChops at Licensing Asia TOKYO ^,,^

2007-11-15T00:18:00.000-08:00

I just got back form my favorite city in the world, Tokyo. I have exhibited my work at the the Licensing Asia show. It was fantastic to be in such a fun, creative environment with many talented artists and all the big players. I am now working on following up with some potential Japanese clients. Superspecial thanks to my dear friends: Cindy and LeiLei and my onee-chan/translator: Motoko.
You can check out the few photos I have from this trip! :)

Pawses II

2007-10-23T01:15:00.000-07:00

New and cuter! Thank you to Hana-chan, Ruby and red neighbor kitteh who have contributed the fur photos that turned into the new Pawses characters. I have also updated my TREATS page on my website so you can download some super fresh KittenChops desktops! www.kittenchops.com/treats.htm

KittenChops for IPOP magnets

2007-10-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

I have just received my sample box of magnets from iPOP! So much fun!!! ^,,^ Of course the package had to pass inspection by the home safety supervisors: Mitsu and Cicka! :)

Illustrations for Wild Dill

2007-10-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

These illustrations for Wild Dill an online Children's Organic Clothing store are made with a new style and technique. I usually work/collage in Photoshop but this time I wanted to create a softer and more gentle look and tried out Illustrator. So here are some cute bugs living in the meadow in the shade of some fragrant dill flowers :)

You are sweeter than jub-jubs (gulab jamun)...

2007-10-11T02:14:00.000-07:00

Gulab jamun (gul-aab jaa-mun) is a popular South Asian dessert, made of a dough consisting mainly of milk solids, (often including double cream and a little flour) in a sugar syrup flavored with cardamom seeds and rosewater or saffron.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulab_jamun

Love you more than I love cake!

2007-10-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Check out the new pastel palate...very elegant for a kitteh wedding! :) Mouse is peeking out from behind the cake and snaps a photo of the happy couple. Fur texture is kindly provided by Cicka and Hana (Satoko's kitten).

I like you painting

2007-09-26T16:03:00.001-07:00

I liked the I LIKE YOU illustration I have done for Madison Park Greetings so much that I made it into a painting on canvas! It is 36x48. It was so much fun to paint with acrylic! I would love to do more paintings and have a show.

KittenChops Pawses Dolls

2007-09-26T16:00:00.001-07:00

These dolls were made of silk and they are based on photos of my cats' paws. Cicka and Mitsu keep delighting and ispiring me every day! Shiny, happy.

Tira MITSU - Kitteh inspired sweetness! :)

2007-09-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite dessert to make! I cut out a stencil for the kitteh, then I shake some cocoa powder over it! YUM!

"Your Sweetness is My Weakness"....❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

2007-08-22T16:28:00.001-07:00

Please meet SquirrelBear and Kitten. They love to be together and they love to share candy! Another greeting card illustration for Madison Park Greetings. Scroll further to see more Pets with Candy! ❤ ❤ ❤

Happy day! ☀ ☀ ☀

2007-08-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

This is a Valentine's Day card for Madison Park Greetings.

•••KittenChops magnets for IPOP! •••

2007-08-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

I like you...

2007-07-20T01:49:00.001-07:00

Thinking of you :)

2007-07-20T01:48:00.001-07:00

I fall in love with you, you are my favorite food...

2007-07-20T01:46:00.000-07:00

Willfully daring ***

2007-07-20T01:44:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to happiness...

2007-07-20T01:40:00.000-07:00

Show quality!

2007-07-20T01:38:00.000-07:00

Hello, are you dreaming?

2007-07-20T01:36:00.001-07:00

Shoom boy ♥ Shoom Girl.

2007-07-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

Shoom shoom baby love ☁ ☁ ☁

2007-07-10T23:55:00.000-07:00

✺Purple Love Flowers✺

2007-07-10T23:54:00.000-07:00

Mom & baby girl shoom shooms.

2007-07-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

Flower twins: growing together every day ☀

2007-07-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

Flower bright-U!

2007-07-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

Squid family, quite happily :)

2007-07-10T23:41:00.000-07:00

Summer Love - Mon Cherie, I love you!

2007-07-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

KittenChops Surtex booth

2007-06-11T14:32:00.001-07:00

Jelly friends and family

2007-05-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

How to Guard Yourself Against Fairy Tales

2007-05-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

This illustration was commissioned by Weekly Reader Magazine to illustrate a poem written about the dangers lurking in fairy tales (eg: wolves and old ladies with big noses :)

Foxy ❤ forever ❤

2007-05-03T00:07:00.000-07:00

I love foxes. They are many times the main characters in Hungarian and Japanese folk tales. In Japan foxes guide Inari's temples. The illustration below is inspired by those. More on that here:
http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/oinari.shtml

❦Happy Mothers' Day!

2007-05-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

✽Dream Girls Sunshine Freshy✽

2007-05-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

KittehPawsies Go Flower Walking

2007-05-02T23:57:00.000-07:00

KittenChops dolls

2007-05-02T23:53:00.000-07:00

★★★Chakra Babies™

2007-05-02T23:48:00.000-07:00

I ❤ vegies!

2007-05-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

Japanese shinto inspired shrine of cute power :)

2007-05-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

This is a Japanese shinto inspired shrine I have created for the display of my upcoming illustration Licensing Tradeshow (Surtex).

If you are interested finding out more about shinto shrines, please check out this website:http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/shrine-guide-2.shtml

Here you will find instructions on how to make your own shrine:

http://www.youkaimura.org/kamidatsuku.htm

And here are some images I have recently taken in Mijayima, Japan.
Xoxoxo,
Zaara ^,,^