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Japan Expo Halftime – And New Stuff Upcoming

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Thomas | My Exhibitions | Tags: Amsterdam, Events, Own Exhibitions |

Time for a little update about the expo of the Japan artworks.
The reactions so far are really nice. The opening was sold out – and even with added seats there were still people willing to stand to watch the presentation. It’s great to get lot’s of people that care about the topic and art… some lesson I tried to apply from my experience from my first bigger expo, where it was quite full but mostly with friends. Of course now I had fellow artists helping. There is still lots to improve for next time – I’ll write a detailed post-mortem after the expo is closed.

Anyone who wants a tour is welcome to contact me – I live closeby, and happy to hear what people think.

Some other notes:: The Gallery-PR2 is now also selling my artworks. With some group-showings possibly coming up. Some really skilled artists showing there, like Svetlana Tourina and Natalia Dik. A must see if you like representative art (close to CS).
This month is packed with other events:: On Sunday (17th) I’ll be at the Rembrandt Art Market with a little stand, trying to sell paintings. If anyone wants to join in, let me know – it’s said to get busy (and press is coming), so it might be tough to keep an eye on the stand alone.

Aaand the following week, 24th of March: Portraits in the Noorderpark (aka Flevopark) for the Noorderparkkamer.

Sunday the 30th I’ll be at the Rembrandt market yet again. As because per usual I’ll do everything wrong the first time

And then Monday I’ll portrait again: …on Het Feestje van Steve on the Steve Bikoplein in Amsterdam Oost. Time for a new challenge: This time I’ll try black and white with oil colors.

Some pics from the expo:

Japanese AIR Exposition - Amsterdam 2013

Empty…

Japanese AIR Exposition - Amsterdam 2013 - visitors

…packed!

The sweets – green tea mousse by Uno.

Japanese AIR Exposition - Lies Verdenius Presentation

Lies’s presentation.

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Choosing Science! Interview and Illu

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Thomas | Digital Artworks,Science | Tags: Digital Artworks, Illustrations, Interviews, Neuroscience, Science |

science illustration - Mind the brain - the choice paradox

There is a little interview with me on the neuroscience-blog Mind the Brain. My Japan paintings each play a bit with perception-effects – and I want to get more into that.

I’ve also made a little illustration for their article about the choice paradox. It’s about the finding that we always want more choice, but then might not even be able to cope with it. It’s an great read – with some interesting implications for every day life.
When researching for the illustration I cam across some additional research, that I haven’t heard of before. Benjamin Scheibenhenne et al. points out in a paper called “Can There Ever be Too Many Options?“, that it’s not the mere amount of option that matters, but how they are presented, how relevant they are (hence the nearly same-colored jams in the illustration) and how you go about choosing.

So here some tips about how to get more positive outcomes from choices:: Don’t first concentrate on which item you like most, before deciding whether to buy it. Rather decide first if you need the product category, and then which one fits your needs. That makes you much more satisfied with your choice in the end.; Define what features the item needs – and then go grab first item that fits the list. It’s enough for most purchases.; Similarly: Define early what would eliminate an option from the pool – so you can reduce the amount quickly.; Think “whats the best option here” instead “I need the perfect product”. Perfectionism makes you look elsewhere, and makes you always doubt if there wasn’t a better option in another shop. Lord knows I have to fight this urge… it’ll be just fine for a pot of jam.; Decide for yourself. Making choices that you have to justify to others (if you choose for them, or you’re judged by the choice), makes you more self critical – and less content with your choice.

footnotes n’stuff:
- Scheibehenne, B., Greifeneder, R. & Todd, P. M. (2010). Can There Ever be Too Many Options? A Meta-Analytic Review of Choice Overload. Journal of Consumer Research, 37, 409-425. [download pdf] [source] [safety copy]

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Details of the “Kyoto Artists In Residence” Exhibition Amsterdam

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Thomas | My Exhibitions | Tags: Amsterdam, Art In Residence, Events, Machiya, News, Own Exhibitions |

Two weeks to go: Time to push out all the details here (Engl., Nederl., 日本語). First of all – the poster! If you know any venue where I can put it, or want a bucket of flyers, please let me know. Gotta get the word out.
There is an opening on the 2nd of March with talks by each of us three artists (limited seats). You can also see the exhibition all through March.

Kyoto Machiya Exposition, Amsterdam. Thomas Schmall, Annelinde de Jong, Lies Verdenius

“Kyoto – Amsterdam exchange exposition” poster.

Following are description and details in English, Dutch and Japanese.

English

What:
“Artists in Residence in a Kyoto Machiya” Exposition
The works from Kyoto by Annelinde de Jong, Lies Verdenius and Thomas Schmall

When:
Exposition: 2nd of march until 30th March 2013 – Tue – Sat 10am – 6pm
Opening en presentation talk: 2nd March (Sat) 1pm

On March 2 the artists are giving a presentation at the Japans Cultureel Centrum about their stay and work in Kyoto. Everyone is welcome to join. Admission for the presentation: € 5. There are limited seats, so reserving via www.japans.nl is advised.

Where:
The Netherlands, Amsterdam, near Dam-Square
Stichting Japans Cultureel Centrum
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 177, 1012 RK Amsterdam
Tel.: 0031(0)20-6279523 E-mail: info@japans.nl

Why:
Machiya are the traditional wooden houses in Kyoto. A unique mix of merchant/artisan and living space. The idea to let artists from the Netherlands stay in such a house, is to let them experience the everyday live of the city more direct than when staying in a hotel. Seeing the traditions and way of life of the neighbors directly, allows a direct exchange between the Dutch and Japanese cultures.
At the end of 2012 Thomas Schmall, Annelinde de Jong and Lies Verdenius took part in this residence program. They stayed from mid-October until the end of November – working on artworks, installations and learning about the local culture and craftsmanship. The specific inspirations during this stay came from the small streets with many of the Machiya, the production and use of Washi (like the Washi-making, a handmade paper that is made since more than a thousand years) and the impressive temple gardens.

Dutch / Nederlands

Wat:
“Artists in Residence in een Kyoto Machiya” Expositie
De werken uit Kyoto van Annelinde de Jong, Lies Verdenius en Thomas Schmall

Wanneer:
Expositie: 2 maart t/m 30 maart 2013 – Di t/m Za 10-18 uur
Opening en presentatie: 2 maart za 13 uur

Op 2 maart geven zij in ‘t Japans Cultureel Centrum (boven ‘t Japans Winkeltje) een presentatie over hun verblijf en werk in Kyoto. Iedereen is van harte welkom. Entree voor presentatie: € 5, Reserveren via www.japans.nl wordt aanbevolen

Waar:
Stichting Japans Cultureel Centrum
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 177, 1012 RK Amsterdam
Tel.: 0031(0)20-6279523 E-mail: info@japans.nl

Waarom:

Een ‘Machiya’ is een traditionele stadswoning in Kyoto. Het idee achter een verblijf in een Machiya is dat je als bewoner het alledaagse leven in de stad beter kunt ervaren dan als toerist vanuit een hotel. De tradities en levensstijlen van buurtbewoners zijn zo direct toegankelijk. En kan er een wederzijdse uitwisseling van de Nederlandse en Japanse cultuur werkelijkheid worden. Door een verblijf in de Machiya woning kunnen de verschillende begrippen van schoonheid, levensstijl en filosofie samenkomen.

In 2012 waren Thomas Schmall, Annelinde de Jong en Lies Verdenius de deelnemende beeldend kunstenaars. Zij verbleven van 16 okt. t/m 26 nov. in een Machiya, werkten aan hun creaties en leerden over lokale cultuur en traditionele kunsten. Hun inspiratiebronnen lagen in de kleine straatjes met vele Machiya in Kyoto, in de productie en het gebruik van Washi (handgemaakt traditioneel papier) en in de prachtige tempeltuinen.

Organisatie:
“Artist in residence in een Kyoto-Machiya” wordt gesponsord door ‘t Japans Cultureel Centrum (JCC), een niet-commerciële organisatie in Amsterdam. In samenwerking met het Kyoto Center for Community Collaboration (KCCC) en het Kyoto Art Center (KAC).

Japanese /　日本語

何：
京町家　・　アーティストインレジデンス

アンネリンデ・デヨング　と　リス・フェルデニウス　と　トーマス・朱丸

何時：
展覧会の日時: 2013年 3月 2日(土) > 3月 30日（土）
火曜日~土曜日 10：00~18：00

プレゼンテーション:　3 月 2 日(土) 13:00
チャージ（プレゼンテーション）：　€ 5 予約してください： www.japans.nl

どこ：
アムステルダム、オランダ
Stichting Japans Cultureel Centrum　（日本のカルチャーセンター）
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 177, 1012 RK Amsterdam

何故:
「京町家アーティスト・イン・レジデンス 2012」は、オランダ、アムステルダムを拠点とする非営利の日本文化センター JCC (Stichting ’Japans Cultureel Centrum)と公益財団法人京都市景観・まちづくりセンターが共催する、オランダと日本(京都)の交流を基盤にしたアーティスト・イン・レジデンスプログラムです。
このプログラムは 2011 年から始まりました。京町家に滞在し、日常の町家暮らしや京都の伝統文化・生活文化の体験を通じての二国間の文化交流から、「地域社会に何を提供できるのか」をテーマにしています。
オランダに暮らす人々が京都で生活者となり、自分自身の目線でこの街を眺める機会を提供できる「京町家アーティスト・イン・レジデンス」。オランダ特有の美意識と生活様式、哲学が、日本の伝統と出会い、斬新なアイデアの提案によって、新しい物語を創りだすことを期待しています。

Annelinde de Jong, Lies Verdenius, Thomas Schmall - artworks

Artworks from each of us.

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Machiya Painting aaand Amsterdam Exposition

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Thomas | Oil Paintings | Tags: Art In Residence, Cityscapes, Japan, Kyoto, Machiya, Oil Paintings, Paintings |

Time to post a new painting from Japan… but first up breaking news: This and my other works from the Kyoto Art Residence will be at an exhibition in Amsterdam soon. Starting on the 2nd of March in ‘t Japans Cultureel Centrum with talks by us three artists that went there. It will stay open until the 30th of March.

I’ll update with the flyer and all details in a week or so. Lot’s to prepare still.
For now, here is another artwork of one of the Machiya – it’s a little Bonsai shop in one small street.

Machiya Bonsaishop - oil painting by Thomas Schmall

“Machiya Bonsaishop”, oil on 35 x 24 cm wood panel
35.02236 135.73397

I was quite scared to start painting, I don’t want to disturb customers. Even though communication with the owner was tough for me (he was quite young, but English-speakers are still rare in Japan), it turned our really nice: I got supplied with lots of coffee. That was well necessary, at the last session I was since two nights without sleep.

My setup outside the shop. Well prepped for the rain!

… and I even got a look inside. And back out again….

If you’re ever in Kyoto, it’s worth checking the “Fukuwaka Dou” bonsai shop out. It’s in a very nice area – with a big shrine right opposite.
I had thought a lot about how Japanese seem to handle beauty differently… and here it really struck me. Something I’ll talk about in my speech at the exposition. Not only were the house, the location and the (somewhat unusual) Bonsai beautiful – but even the tools. As a typical German you would only find the newest and most effective tools, I felt that these were quite different – chosen for their character.
I’m not sure… but interestingly the owner took pictures of my setup for his blog. And he also seemed fascinated by the tools of my trade. Something I didn’t pay much attention to, beyond utility.
That’s why I really enjoyed this trip to the other side of the world – it gives me a different perspective, even on the tools I carry around daily.

The tools of the shop, and the picture of mine.

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Costumes of the André Hazes Musical – Part I

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Thomas | Costumes | Tags: André Hazes, Costume Designs, Digital Artworks, Musicals |

“Hij Gelooft in Mij” is a musical about the Dutch hit music singer André Hazes. Was quite an unusual experience to work on this, compared to the opera costumes… also because of learning a part of (very very) Dutch culture that I somehow never even heard of before.

Not sure how I managed, his life story with it’s sad ending is quite huge over here. And the musical hit like a bomb too: 90.000 tickets sold before even the premiere, rave reviews and now it’s basically sold out until May of next year, even though they have crazy six shows a week. Boom! Someone is making a good buck.

The costumes are also positively mentioned in most reviews… which is the spot for my usual disclaimer: the designs are by Yan Tax, my part of it is to paint them.

I picked an unusual style here, since my usual pencil drawings wouldn’t fit: The musical plays much in 2000s and partly in the 80s and 90s. I think it added up to nearly 150 costumes, and I have trouble boiling them down for showing – so there will probably be three more parts to this. Hopefully next with some photos to show, I’ll work on that.

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij: Chantal Janzen in white skirt kostuum

The wife of the singer "Rachel Hazes" played by Chantal Janzen.

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij: White short trenchcoat kostuum

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij: Blue Leather Jacket design, with mini skirt.

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij: André Hazes - black trenchcoat, hat and black shirt

André Hazes in his most iconic dress. Played by Martijn Fischer, who looks stunningly like the original.

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij: André Hazes - 90s dress version, white jacket, microphone

His older version... let's just say people generally had a different fashion style in the 80s.

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij: Jan van Galen in white tracksuit

The father of Rachel - Jan van Galen, played by Hajo Bruins.

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij: Friedel van Galen in adidas sports dress - jumper or white tracksuit

And in the partnerlook Rachels mother - my fav: Friedel (played by Doris Baaten).

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij: Friedel in dress for the wedding - blue skirt, and flower

...how could she not be?

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij: Red jacket with black trousers

Jan Ebertse as... I forgot, some friend or so.

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij: Conny in 80s style, jeans, red cut off gloves, bow in hair

Conny (by Tina de Bruin), in the fashionable 80s version.

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij:Dutch style dress, brown jacket with fur plus bag

And this dress is as Dutch as it will ever get. Believe me.

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij:Plain and sober black dress - short dark jacket.

The actually most fun to draw. Babs - played by Jip Smit.

Costume Musical- Hij Gelooft in Mij:Red 90s dress, trousers

Winneke Remmers as Ria Bremer (some kind of TV personality)... and I should stop typing down all the names, nobody cares anyways.

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Long overdue: Redhead Day Portraits 2012

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Thomas | Street Portraits | Tags: Breda, Portraits, Redhead Day, Street Portraits, Watercolors |

These pictures are from September – when it was still sunny here. Time flies, but now that I’m back from Japan (canvases and all), it’s time to put them on the airwaves. It was another of the Redheads get-together in Breda, that I painted at before.

It seems to grow bigger every year. This time I worked together with artist Jos Artens. Was a nice experience to watch how another painter approaches this tough work, I should do it more – but once the clients come there is no choice but to go into tunnel mode and paint paint paint.

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Roof Tiles of Kyoto

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Thomas | Oil Paintings | Tags: Alla Prima, Art In Residence, Cityscapes, Japan, Kyoto, Machiya, Oil Paintings, Paintings |

So here’s the plan: Over the next days I’ll post the images and stories from Kyoto. The first one (of 9 finished images, of which I posted just one yet.)

I’ll start with the result.

Kyoto "Machiya Kawara" - oil on 45 x 27 cm wood board

“Machiya Kawara” – oil on 45 x 27 cm wood board (preliminary photo).
35.030976,135.750854

A first sketch (done with brush pen).

Second Sketch

The painting spot I chose.

A draft on the wooden board I used as canvas…. notice something in the background?

I was watched closely!
There were 6 cats that day on the roof – at least some just had to end up on the painting.

The perfect Japanese roof camoflage.

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Kyoto Shinbun Article

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Thomas | My Exhibitions,News | Tags: Japan, Joint Exhibitions, Kyoto, Machiya, Own Exhibitions |

The Kyoto Newspaper had an article yesterday about our upcoming exhibition. There is also an online version.

Tomorrow is the first day! Still gotta paint some flower pots, argh.

Look how serious we are about this!

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Murin-An Sketches

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Thomas | Drawings | Tags: Animals, Drawings, Japan, Kyoto, Sketchbooks |

Below are some sketches from a visit to a traditional Japanese garden. Has been very interesting – the leaves are turning red, which is a major event for the Japanese. And a heron came really close.
Anyways, I’m way too much in love with the Machiya to pay attention to any trees.

I’ll show the sketches in the exhibit too. And all the drawings for the paintings. They often show the signs of painting action (color splats) and weather (rain damage). Which adds to it.
I’m curious what people will say about those.

I have been updating on facebook, but left the blog a bit behind to save time for painting. Once the exhibition starts, the pressure will be a bit lower, and I’ll start to upload all the pictures – and the final paintings. Got 6 done, 2 to work in progress

A heron…

…posing…

…and catching fish.

Small water falls.

View from a window of the park-museum.

Not at the park, but since I was at making pics of the sketchbook… A little scene in the neighborhood.

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Kyoto Exhibition Details

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Thomas | My Exhibitions | Tags: Japan, Joint Exhibitions, Kyoto, Machiya, Own Exhibitions, Personal News |

The Machiya-Art in Residence is going full power! We’re working on the exhibition now. Everyone is welcome to join our exhibition next week (22nd and 23rd November).

We’ll also give a talk on the 23rd beginning at 14:00 o’clock. Japanese detailed info following. If anyone needs more info in English – please contact me. Until then I assume everyone in Kyoto speaks perfect Japanese.

The room still has to be prepared – here’s how it looks at the moment. Annelinde plans to use Japanese paper to transform the room into an installation. Lies will show her drawings and a book she made. And I will show 7 or 8 paintings, depending on how the next days of painting will go.

The Kyoto Art Center Exhibition room – as a quick panorama I put togethers. We still have to figure out how to use it. It looks neat already though.

On to the info of the flyer – which you can also download as PDF, or as image (cover and back).

Update: 木曜日　私は　１６時から、　と　金曜日　１２時から　展覧会　に　いきます。

京町家アーティスト・イン・レジデンス２０１２展示会・報告会

オランダに暮らす人々が京都で生活者となり、自分自身の目線でこの街を眺める機会を提供できる「京町家アーティスト・イン・レジデンス」。オランダ特有の美意識と生活様式、哲学が、日本の伝統と出会い、オランダ人らしい斬新なアイデアの提案によって、新しい物語を創りだすことを期待しています。

11月22日、23日の京町家アーティスト・イン・レジデンス成果報告会を開催します。万障お繰り合わせのうえ、奮ってご参加くださいますようご案内申し上げます。

■成果報告展
約１か月半の滞在期間中に、3人のアーティストが制作した作品を展示します。
会期：2012年11月22日（木）・23日（金・祝）10:00－20:00　
会場：京都芸術センター和室明倫
出展作家：リス・フェルデニウス、トーマス・シュマル、アンネリンデ・デヨング
※入場無料

■関連企画

２：アーティスト・プレゼンテーション
京都での生活を通じて、どのようなことを体験し何を感じたのか。3人のアーティストが直接語ります。
日時：2012年11月23日（金・祝）14:00－16:00
会場：京都芸術センターミーティングルーム２
プレゼンテーション：リス・フェルデニウス、トーマス・シュマル、アンネリンデ・デヨング
※無料、申込不要
※逐次通訳（英語/日本語）

主催：日本文化センター・アムステルダム、（公財）京都市景観・まちづくりセンター
協力：京都芸術センター、ＮＰＯ法人うつくしい京都
後援：オランダ王国大使館

お問合せ
京都芸術センター
TEL 075-213-1000 FAX075-213-1004　e-mail info@kac.or.jp
京都市中京区室町通蛸薬師下る山伏山町546-2
Facebook: Uitwisseling Kyoto Machiya

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