Christina Song Illustrations

I See the World / Yo Veo el Mundo

2012-01-25T06:10:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to share the first children's book I got to illustrate. The art making was really a blast mainly because of the freedom I had to design and interpret every single page according to the written script. Lectura Books publishes bilingual books in English and Spanish targeting the Latino population throughout the U.S. Here's a small snippet of what they share in their mission statement: "Part of that phenomenal growth is that parents often speak in one language- Spanish-while their children learn in another, English. Bilingual books make it possible for parents and children to learn together."

It's been so fascinating seeing a book come together. Watching the process made me wonder what I would've done if I were given the opportunity to pull the book together with my illustrations. This calls for another blog entry. Ambitiously, but honestly speaking, I'd love to create a children's book from the very beginning-- from the story to designing the whole book. Even the idea of it makes me happy. That aside, I truly hope this book brings smiles and wonders to every reader.

I See the World / Yo Veo el Mundo, along with many other, are for sale here.

My San Francisco (December 31 into 2012)

2012-01-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

L: Saw some amazing tree trunks and branches that boldly curved down to the ground. There's Albert reaching for it :) Here, I was thankful for the inspiration and countless drawing ideas.

R: We went on the most exhilarating slide twice while sitting on cardboard. The slide meets a few sharp turns at a surprisingly fast speed, and it is SO FUN if you let yourself loose.

I love this beautiful shot of 2012's first sunset from Indian Rock with a glimpse of the Golden Gate along the horizon. Al taught me how use a "sunset calculator" without the use of a watch or cellphone. You basically make note of the sun's position, mark the horizon, and use your hands kind of as a sundial to tell in how many more minutes/hours the sun sets. Later into the trip, he also taught me how to shoot a gun at a shooting range. So I've lost count of how many proud outdoorswoman moment I had :)

Berkeley Rose Garden

Point Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin HeadlandsPink rose and luscious moss from Berkeley Rose Garden

Hendry Vineyard and Winery, Napa Valley (highly recommend!)

Al took me to a wine tour and wine tasting getaway in Napa for my birthday. Not only was the whole experience romantic (as I just assumed), but informative, nerdy, funny, and unpretentious. We had an amazing experience and I can't wait to return for another visit.

The First 70 Trailer from Heath Hen Films on Vimeo.
(Sharing what Albert shared. It made me love the Bay Area even more. Thanks for the amazing trip!)

Merry Christmas! (& Happy 4 Years, blogger!)

2011-12-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

From Brooklyn, wishing and hoping you all a wonderful holiday! This is my first Christmas alone away from home and regardless of missing everyone so much, I still ought to have unwavering joy. Earlier today, it was sweet being able to reflect on the many Christmases in my life when I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by my dear family and friends. They're never just a given or a traditional routine, but a gift one must not take for granted. I thank God for my 23rd Christmas.

I'm reading and continuing to munch on green tea chocolate chip cookies with hot coco... not bad ay :)

(via Instagram @songchristina)

And now that the new year is around the corner, I want to share some of my 2011 reads.

It's a little strange seeing them compiled together like that.

All the different worlds and stories.

But somehow, so coherently, my books of 2011.

Book recommender : What Should I Read Next?

The Book Cover Archive that will make you judge a book by its cover.

Colorful Maine Buoys

2011-12-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

My colorful Maine buoys are also shared on Hunters Hunt's winter theme along with my trip photos, too. Enjoy.

Thanksgiving Photo Diary 2011 : Portland, Maine

2011-11-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

my drawing on a cupcake

2011-11-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

This was a project from awhile back that didn't fall through, but it doesn't hurt to share some sweets... virtually :)

My Apartment in Brooklyn

2011-10-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

Remember my Creative Cubicle back in California? As great as that space was, this new work area in my small studio apartment has grown a special place in my heart. As long as I have with me my supplies, printer/scanner, laptop, flowers, and a good amount of desk space, life is golden.

What I especially love is the direction my desk faces— the glorious window. I never made this simple arrangement in my previous rooms and homes. What the crazy?! Where have I gone wrong? Because it's totally awesome.

Take a look at the view (from my desk :) It started snowing today in what is still the month of October! It's been falling quite aggressively for about the 6th hour now.

I invited my friends Emily Malan and Anna Topuriya over for some warm banana chocolate chip pancakes and coffee (photo by Emily). They arrived cold from the freezing weather with wet socks :(, but the rest of our afternoon was toasty and lovely!

Here's an imaginary desk space I made up. It made me wonder about my future home and the ideal desk space I may someday invest in. Exciting!

Hunters Hunt - Spottie's Evergreen

2011-10-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Hunters Hunt is a new art and design website where the theme is to change quarterly depending on the season (what a brilliant idea! :) I'm so happy I got to create a piece for their first season, currently themed "hunting dogs." After I made Spottie and his Evergreen, I found a vintage book with all of its pages falling apart and thought its cover was a perfect match for those two! You can view my piece on Hunter's Hunt Fireside along with all the other incredible artwork the other hunters have made. The original art is also for sale here.

The website and its charming "Goods", "Fireside", "Souvenirs", and "Hunters" buttons are too irresistible so enjoy navigating, my friends. More on their twitter and tumblr.

Prints Now Available

2011-10-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to announce that I now have fourteen prints for sale through inPRNT.

Happy browsing!

Up and Away- Learning the ropes of aerial arts

2011-10-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

An illustration I created for Providence Monthly's October '11 issue.

Art Direction: Alli Coate

Ask the Doc- Vegetarian Times Magazine

2011-10-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

I had the awesome privilege of creating an illustration for Vegetarian Times Magazine's column "Ask the Doc" subject: "Do I need to worry about gluten?" The table setup was a lot of fun and I had to keep in mind to use some warm colors for the fall season. Thanks Scott Hyers for the art direction!

A snapshot I took with my phone when I saw it on the stands. I definitely had my little happy moment.

The High Line, NYC

2011-09-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

My bi-coastal move from LA to Brooklyn has been, so far, joyous! I came at the beginning of the month and it's hard to believe October is right around the corner. It's been so fun settling in, making new friends and working in the city.

I recently got a chance to visit The High Line and walk through the mile-and-a-half long elevated park. What's amazing is the whole space renovation of what used to be an old railroad to what's now a transformed park full of pretty greens.

Hope you enjoy this one. Stay tuned for more. (I also used some character cut-outs Albert Lozano have given me awhile back!)

It's a Small World

2011-09-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

On a last minute note, I'm going to have three of my artwork at Gallery Nucleus this coming Saturday for the show "It's a Small World." I am so excited to be included amongst many other amazing artists and talents. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it (super sad face), but if you are in the area, please do check it out. Info/time/date/etc here.

Train via East Side Monthly

2011-09-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

I'm glad to have made this illustration for East Side Monthly. The final outcome was much influenced after reading the article on page 62. Thanks for the art direction, Alli Coate!

snow collaboration

2011-08-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to share this piece with you guys. On an exciting note, this was a collaboration with my talented colleague and friend, Albert Lozano, from Pixar Animation Studios. His work is fantastic and I was especially stoked when he showed me some of his character cut-outs. Yes, the snow scene may be out of season, but since it's been quite the hot summertime, I worked on it daydreaming about this coming winter. Or maybe it was just my own preconceived notion of trying to feel cooler in the heat ;)

(Thanks for inspiring, Albert. Despite our own work and busy schedules, I'm glad to have collaborated on this project with you!)

My Los Angeles

2011-08-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

So it finally dawned on me, given the number of years I've resided in the great land of Los Angeles, that I should be giving out better recommendations when asked. So as my attempt to be a somewhat good host, I provide you with this map listing some of my favorite spots. (This is also my first "Yelp" talk, so please be gracious and accept it for what it is!) I tried avoiding the obvious and locations easily google-searchable, not to mention touristy. Hopefully there's enough variety and taste for everyone to enjoy. Please feel free to pass this on whether you're already an adventurous local or a curious visitor. Sharing is caring and we're all here to inspire each other after all.

White Point Tidepools on Palos Verdes Peninsula

(Listed on the map)

Photo Diary: Bay Area close-ups

2011-08-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

Photo Diary: Solvang

2011-08-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

Having the little travel bug, visiting Solvang (a breezy 2.5 hour drive from LA) just about hit the spot, making me add Denmark to my list of go-go's. For once, a new place that stirs more wanderlust doesn't feel (and why should it) guilt-ridden or thankless or rushed. It's rather an alleviating, thankful desire that is indeed to be wandered through.

This brings to mind what Elizabeth Gilbert quoted: "Traveling is the great true love of my life. Travel is worth any cost or sacrifice. I feel about travel the way a happy new mother feels about her impossible, colicky, restless newborn baby— I just don't care what it puts me through. Because I adore it. Because it's mine. Because it looks exactly like me. It can barf all over me if it wants to— I just don't care." Can I dare say that that wonderfully adds to verbalizing my giddy feelings? Yes, I feel so strongly that I'll allow this disgusting, yet lovable puke-green barf to splatter allover me. By all means, travel and travail...

On a rather weak endnote, I'm unsure as to how thorough this train of thought can be pursued. Just not too slowly, mind you. Walking our Earth with young legs sounds ideal and heck, old legs are just as refreshing, too. And it's all the more to love if you are gifted with someone to share such adventures with. As I prepare to embark on this journey, there's suddenly this newfound appreciation towards my usual surroundings almost as if I've been cured with a set of curious eyes. Being able to value the simple joys and pleasures of home is also something, ain't it?

Lunch Time

2011-07-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

A commissioned piece based on school nutrition and food.

This brings to mind Lunchables! Were you guys a fan?! Some tasted really funky, but I used to go totally bonkers over these, especially the deluxe kind since a fun size candy bar came with it. How easily pleased was I. Thank heavens (moms know best), they were just for special field trip days.

Force Fields

2011-07-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

This is the piece I submitted into the Force Fields show. And below are some detail shots.

And because I was unable to attend the show, I am stealing photos and text from Force Field's blog (photo courtesy of Amanda Mourenza) : Over 100 people showed up to see over 50 pieces by more than 30 artists. In three hours we raised a little over $1500 for Against Malaria, equalling 300 LLIN malaria nets for people in Africa. Thank you everyone for making Force Fields happen!

Oh and my piece sold. Thank you mystery buyer :)

news

2011-06-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Forgive my semi neglecting of the blog. But I'm here now and letting you know that my work will be in a group show called Force Fields this coming Saturday. The exhibit will raise money to get more mosquito nets to more people to prevent malaria in Africa. Come on by if you so wish and support.

3x3 Magazine of Contemporary Illustration

2011-06-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

I picked up a copy of the latest 3x3 and it's so exciting my work got to be a part of issue sixteen! They're now available on newsstands throughout the US, UK and Europe if you'd like a copy.

Palm Springs

2011-05-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

I went on a day and a half trip to Palm Springs with my friends Sana and Clara! (Check out Sana's wonderful illustrations and Clara's amazing entertainment design work. I'm a huge fan.) We met at Art Center four years ago and it's been such a journey to see all of our work grow and become our own. It truly makes me anticipate and excited for what our futures have in store for us!

Some deets from our trip: Palm Springs was scorching hot, go figure. I idealized napping on a hammock beneath the shades of palm trees, until that is I kept tipping over. Definitely fancied that idea a little too much and we kept joking that those things are all a show. Our stay was at the ACE. Their use of typography, furnitures, and modern architectural structure were enjoyable and it didn't feel very "pretentious" if I may add. Consumed yummy diner food. Cruisers were complimentary for guests so we gladly rode around residential neighborhoods full of mid-century modern homes. Hot tubbed at night. Stopped by Palm Springs Art Museum currently exhibiting John Baldessari's brilliant artwork. We also couldn't stop commenting on all the cactuses that surrounded us. Grateful for a little getaway! That is all.

Creative Cubicle

2011-05-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my studio! I just tidied it up and yes, the space you are viewing is indeed the garage. The back wall was free to use after moving into a new home and it really made me say "sweeeet" nonstop. I did my best in the beginning to make it cozy and comfortable as possible knowing that countless hours were anticipated to be spent here. It's also got good natural lighting almost all the time so there's really nothing more to ask at this point.

Here's a list of things on the other side of the garage (obvious, but crucial):

1. Fridge stocked up with water, drinks, and snacks.

2. Treadmill. Perfect when I want to take a break and go for a jog.

3. Radio that's always playing and a television that's never on.

Besides occasionally dealing with the creepy crawlers or cold temperatures at night, it's quite the perfect space to make a mess and get rollin on projects.

Olvera Street

2011-05-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

Here and about to share with ya'll some of my colorful experiences on Olvera Street on Cinco de Mayo. One of my best friends, Lydia, and I spontaneously dropped by this event and left with both our stomachs and eyes pleasantly content. What a street, what a celebration!

lookout tower

2011-04-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

I very much enjoyed creating this illustration to go with the review of the book 'Fire Season: Field Notes From a Wilderness Lookout' by Philip Connors via Los Angeles Times. (Art Direction: Paul Gonzales)

You can check out the full article here as well as in the Arts and Books section of this Sunday's edition of the paper.

Have a fantastic weekend! xo

sharing

2011-04-19T01:42:00.000-07:00

I've been very forgetful of my blog lately. Oh well! But I did walk by a freakin awesome door in downtown this past weekend. It certainly made me want to seek out an old foundry with letterpress machines and get cracking.

Now putting aside my little ramble, let's check out some links and tips from such creatives, shall we?

1. Should I Work for Free?

2. How to Steal Like an Artist.

3. Rethink.

PS. I've joined Twitterverse.

Monday Motivation Forever

2011-04-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

“The advice I like to give young artists, or really anybody who’ll listen to me, is not to wait around for inspiration. Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work. If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightning to strike you in the brain, you are not going to make an awful lot of work. All the best ideas come out of the process; they come out of the work itself. Things occur to you. If you’re sitting around trying to dream up a great art idea, you can sit there a long time before anything happens. But if you just get to work, something will occur to you and something else will occur to you and something else that you reject will push you in another direction. Inspiration is absolutely unnecessary and somehow deceptive. You feel like you need this great idea before you can get down to work, and I find that’s almost never the case.” -Chuck Close

Hey April

2011-04-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Wherever you are, whomever you're with, with all that surrounds you, I hope you have a lovely weekend.

chuh reeees

2011-03-29T02:14:00.000-07:00

Take a look at some trees I've been creating for a music video. I can't wait to share more of this project with you soon!

Show Photos at Nucleus

2011-03-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the Art Blocks for Ghana show at Nucleus. The first two are snapshots from my phone and the rest are by Nathan Warner. The gallery was full of beautiful art blocks by so many talented artists and I'm glad to have seen all of them firsthand. Here's an [article] about the night if you're interested to know more. I got to chat with the writer and it's exciting to see he included me in there. Have a fantastic weekend, my friends.

Look Up.

2011-03-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

Usually this isn't the case, but watching and hearing the rain this Sunday morning is saddening. It's shameful how quickly one could grow forgetful of the disasters and heartaches all over the world. But the constant footage and photos continues to wake me up and see things more in perspective. Sometimes it feels difficult to sit here so comfortably trying to grasp what the reality's like.

It really makes me wonder: We are miles apart, but how far apart could we possibly be? After all, we're all under the same skies and we look up at the same moon. It's still hard for me to fathom.

Please stay strong. More and more of my thoughts and prayers are going out.

[Donations via Artists Help Japan. More on their website.]

Here is a photo I took a few months back. There's just something about double rainbows :)

Trip Down Memory Lane

2011-03-10T17:57:00.000-08:00

How many years has it been? I spotted an old sketchbook back from grade school and it just made me gasp in astonishment. If it weren't for all the packing and unpacking lined up from my recent move, the later this cheery discovery. It's strange how some weren't obviously recognizable at first glance, almost as if they belonged to someone else. Simply put, how wonderful to reconnect to your roots, childhood, and just the plain old ways.

Do you have certain belongings or memories that serve as a reminder of your passions today? I only ask because I truly thought my sketchbooks had vanished over the years, and going into art was never on my list of "When I Grow Up." Perhaps it's always been a part of my life until it was a matter of time I responded. This thought is currently leading me to all the other aspects of my life...

Paper marbling craze, I can't forget. Probably because it's so psychedelic and "easy peasy" to make.

I totally remember copying characters from my stationery and finding joy in giving them away to my classroom peers. Hahaha :)

Paper Idylls Show Photos

2011-03-01T18:44:00.000-08:00

Iren gave me a CD full of photos from the opening night of my gallery show. It's crazy how quickly it went by and I can't emphasize enough how grateful I am to have these photographs now.

Some of the sweet responses and comments from that night:

1. "This is my favorite piece." (Always so good to know!)

2. "Do you use some kind of a magnifier for the tiny details?"

3. Little boy in the cutest voice: "How many different trees do you like?"

4. "I'm inspired to start painting again."

Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time and effort to come by!

(Photo credits to Ani Tsatourian)

Art Blocks for Ghana

2011-02-16T01:21:00.000-08:00

A charity art auction called Art Blocks for Ghana via The Picture Book Project Foundation is coming up. All proceeds of this auction will help fund the construction of building a home for orphaned children in Ghana as well as their education fees. You can check out the art submissions from all the participating artists on their site+blog. There's some phenomenal work from such talented people and I'm honored to be included amongst them. That said, the shows are soon approaching in both New York and Los Angeles and there's to be food, music, and a silent auction. You can bid to buy an art block you like here starting March 12 (if not for an art block, a donation of your choice).

(More information on the shows + ticket purchase)

Aside hyping about these art blocks or the contents of the shows, we often forget to remember its main purpose. I truly hope it fulfills its goal of ultimately changing lives of children in Ghana. I believe it will :) How great to see someone's selflessness as they act upon their compassion. And how great the passion that's been given to them. To be informed, feel compassion, and to selflessly act upon it for the sake of others is the kind of person I yearn to be. But...well done is always better than well said.

Humble and so Beautiful.

2011-02-14T06:47:00.000-08:00

"I always found the stories of sacrifice in the gospel very emotionally affecting. I came away from them resolving to live more courageously and unselfishly. I never did follow through on my resolutions, however. The stories moved my emotions and pricked my conscience, but my heart's basic patterns stayed intact. I was still driven by a need to prove myself to others, to win approval and acclaim, to control what people thought of me. As long as these fears and needs had such power over me, my intentions to change could not go very far. The gospel, however, is not just a moving fictional story about someone else. It's a true story about us. We are actually in it. I can only say that observing these stories from the outside stirred me, but when I realized I was actually inside Jesus's story (and he inside mine) it changed me. The fear and pride that captured my heart was finally dislodged. The fact that Jesus had to die for me humbled me out of my pride. The fact that Jesus was glad to die for me assured me out of my fear."
-Timothy Keller

♡

Mighty King, just how beautiful are you. There's no love greater. Thank you.

The Sketchbook Project

2011-02-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

Remember my sketchbook posts? It will now go on "tour" with all the other sketchbook friends across the U.S. Then permanently displayed in the Brooklyn Art Library when it's over. If you're willing to check mine out, I can be tracked down by the theme "Down your Street" as well as my name + ID #: 20807 (hopefully). Mark your calendars if you're in any of the areas above. Go grab a bunch of sketchbooks and flip through at your own pace!

Brooklyn, NY: Feb 19-27 @ Brooklyn Art Library
Austin, TX: Mar 12 @ Austin Museum of Art
Portland, ME: Mar 30-Apr 2 @ SPACE Gallery
Atlanta, GA: Apr 8-9 @ The Granite Room
Washington, DC: Apr 11-30 @ Transformer Gallery
Winter Park, FL: July 29-Jul 31 @ Full Sail University
Chicago, IL: Jul 14-17 @ Hyde Park Arts Center
Seattle, WA: Jun 10-12 @ Form/Space Atelier
San Francisco, CA: Jun 18 @ 111 Minna Gallery

Weekend Log

2011-02-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

Surprise in the local newspaper! The left one was released before my show and the right, after the opening. Reading the headlines made me chuckle and blush a little... O:

This button down shirt caught my eye at an outdoor flea market I swung by in Silverlake, central to Sunset Junction. Who knew olive green and polka dots made such a darling combination? I had myself a sweet deal.

Revisited the infatuation I have with my neighbor's LEMONS. He never picks them so they always grow slightly bigger than grapefruits in size!  

Quick Sunday breakfast for Dad: a cup of joe and bananas on bread with hazelnut spread. Only he's the best for enjoying it.

Hope you had a fine weekend.
Sometimes I don't know what to blog about :-)

PS.Thank you all for the zine orders! You guys surprise me.

Thank You!! + Zines for Sale

2011-02-01T05:56:00.000-08:00

Thank you to those who came out to my "Paper Idylls" show on Friday and also to those who wished me well. At the end of the day, I was left feeling inspired and surprised. Your support, time, and effort to make it out meant a tremendous amount to me so thank you!

"Paper Idylls" zines were being sold during the opening reception and are now for sale online at $5 each. They're printed and folded on 11x17" recycled matte paper and includes a total of 8 images. Limited in supply so purchase yours at the artsong shop.

SF WE GO

2011-01-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

My friend Anna and I were recently in San Francisco meeting with people of the illustration world. What an exhausting, yet huge learning experience that turned out to be. I'm so thankful I had my friend and teammate during such an escapade. Regardless the bit of chaos, we still managed to have our share of fun in between meetings and off times. We got to squeeze in a few good recommended eateries, get an extended tour of Pixar Studios thanks to Albert Lozano, and catch up with David, an old friend of mine from Berkeley.

When I'm traveling, nothing feels greater than gaining a good feel of the city and its people. [This definitely depends on the situation and how one chooses to travel, but] I'm always blown away that such valuable experiences don't necessarily require: strict timetables, touristic spots, famous restaurants, fancy hotels, nor a lot of cold hard cash. Sometimes even wasting time and being lost often leads to a lot of the city's best and hidden gems. Not to mention the very act of braving the unfamiliar streets and being open to what you see!

streets, neighborhoods, transportation

four mounted awesome boar heads at Four Barrels Coffee

vintage sweaters at Shotwell Boutique

Anna and me

coffee and pastries at a La Boulange

locating ourselves on the map

so much great typography all around

San Francisco was good to us. It was only my third time there, but I hope to return soon!

On an end note, my show is already this coming Friday!

Organized Categorization

2011-01-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Thankfully, a spontaneous walk-in to ReForm School led me to this amazing display. I pretended it was mine and started thinking about what to label each little drawer as: "pens and ink, brushes, adhesives, scissors, exactos and blades, paint, paper(s), magazines, photographs, found objects, lettering, etc." The possibilities were quite endless to say to the least.

How convenient would it be to pull out the drawers I need during my art making and slide it back in afterwards? The best part about it is that everything stays together in one space. I'm not the most organized person, but I try to take good care of my materials. Inconveniently, they're all over the house which makes it difficult to find certain mediums, clean up, and be on the go more quickly. Time to get crackin with this organizing issue of mine... !

"Paper Idylls" solo exhibition

2011-01-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Iren Tsaturyan from Modest Fly was kind to offer me the opportunity to display my work in her gallery. If you're able and happen to be in Los Angeles or better yet the vicinity of Glendale/San Fernando Valley/La Canada area, please mark your calendars and come by for the opening reception. It's open to the public so you're totally welcome to bring a friend or two :) Wine and snacks will also be provided. Otherwise, you still have up to February 19 to visit my Paper Idylls at your own time.

View Larger Map

PS. Updated website: www.christina-song.com

balance and freedom

2010-12-31T08:37:00.000-08:00

As I sit here trying to even ponder upon my new year's resolutions
.
.
.
Let it be a reminder.
I'm sweetly broken and wholly surrendered
to God's plan in my life.

However I do want to learn how to make one of my favorite breakfast:
the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce to perfection.

Nice to meet you 2011.

Aura in the Eyes

2010-12-23T09:25:00.000-08:00

I woke up excited to make one after another until I ran out of these pretty wooden canvases. It's truly wonderful being lost in the beauty of what you love to do. One thing I find most difficult is blocking out what the outside world expects to see, and just focusing on being myself for at least that time being. As a kid, art was the one thing I was able to come to without any outside concerns (like I had any other concerns besides the dilemma of reaching for the cookie jar). And how funny now to be reminding myself not to be too much of a grown up. Sometimes all it takes is to connect to the kid within myself and then think, "Dang it Christina, stop thinking too much and make some art. Just do it." After all, how liberating is it to drop all relentless uncertainties, overwhelming doubts and unconquerable fears?

Any special plans for the holiday? My friends and I will be having our usual Christmas Eve Party tomorrow. Excited! Have a joyful one.

snap shots at GR2

2010-12-15T23:19:00.000-08:00

Crowded. Lots of body heat. Effort to see post-its up close.

Beautiful and very talented illustrator friend of mine, Anna Topuriya.

Can I look any happier about finding two of my post it notes?

Just on time.

2010-12-12T22:42:00.000-08:00

"For the really bad days, for the days when you want to quit, when you feel like everything you do is shit, when you feel your self-esteem plummet, when you decide that you would rather wait tables for a living, when you start to think you will never make a living making art, when you are working on something and feel like you hate it more than you’ve ever hated anything in your life, when someone makes an offhand remark about your work and afterwards you feel dejected, when you wish you had gone to school for accounting, when you start to believe that maybe your family was right, when you want to lie in bed for a month and eat chips."

It pays to have a sense of humor.

The artist’s survival kit offers some help.
Free for a limited time.

Thanks Keri Smith.

NOTOMISS! (don't miss) : Post-It Show 6

2010-12-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

As a fan of all the Post-It Shows Giant Robot has put together in the past, I was so excited to receive an invitation by Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson to participate in the next Post-It Show at GR2. What I always admired about this show was the community of artists it brings together and I'm grateful to be a part of it. If you're able, please come by this Saturday to say hi, see the work, and purchase the work ;) Here are some of mine.

Venezia [last of Italy photos]

2010-12-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

"Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memories be your travel bag."

-Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Roma

2010-12-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

From Florence, Min Young returned to Milan for work as I proceeded further down to Rome by train. After checking into my Bed and Breakfast, I looked up The Roman Holiday to watch as inspiration to wander around Rome like Audrey Hepburn. Yes, silly me. I must have forgotten how the story went because much to my dismay, Gregory Peck showed up way too soon to accompany Princess Ann. What the heck, leave her alone! Anyways, fyi, I still finished the film and enjoyed it for what is was.
The next morning, I stood before the gorgeous city and all my petty thoughts from the previous night faded. There's no need for Audrey to love Rome! I made fun of myself (in my head, of course) and laughed. And that was probably the one thing to dislike about traveling alone. That one has to awkwardly laugh on one's lonesome. Otherwise, it really was three unforgettable days. Traveling alone to a different country has always been so high on my agenda. Thank you Roma for checking that off.

My friends, go wherever you desire to go. And dance on your way because you are protected.

Firenze

2010-11-30T01:51:00.000-08:00

90 is hot, 70 is nice, 50 is cold, 30 is ice.

30 is hot, 20 is nice, 10 is cold, zero is ice.

Verona

2010-11-24T22:06:00.000-08:00

Being the typical tourist I am, one of the main reasons I fancied visiting Verona was for the House of Juliet. Upon arrival, its balcony and courtyard full of tourists turned out to be a disappointment although I was already fully aware of both the place and the two star-crossed lovers to be only fictitious. It's funny to think of it now why my expectations were so high then. My flight into Italy, of course, showed Letters to Juliet which I had no interest watching, but glancing on and off at all the picturesque scenes (without earphones) has supposedly gotten me excited. Exploring the city became the main highlight and seeing the place packed with so much history made me wonder about the people who lived, worked, and breathed Verona.

PS. Happy Thanksgiving!

Milano

2010-11-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

Italy is a beautiful European country and I'm so glad to have experienced its culture and people. I really valued seeing my friend again as we reminisced over our past while creating new conversations and memories in such a fantastic city. I honestly would've never thought. Min being a resident of Italy for quite some years now in addition to her perfect Italian speaking was amazing and everything she shared about the country always felt like the cherry on top. Nothing I say or show will ever "summarize" the experience, but sharing a few photos seem like the best way to go about it.

Saying that the Duomo is monstrous is an understatement. I loved that this Gothic cathedral is in the city's centerpiece and how every inch of of the structure is carefully ornamented. A thrill of excitement ran through me as I walked out of the metro to see this masterpiece within a few steps ahead.

People watching is one of the the things I look forward to especially in another country and Milan's stylish crowd was certainly the winner. This is in front of Bar Brera, located on a great street called Via Brera.

How charming are the plants growing out of everyone's verandas and windows?

Gorgeous window displays. This was a cafe called Blanco Latte my friend took me to.

Milan's signature dish is the risotto alla milanese. This dish is flavored with saffron (why it's so yellow) and it's so delicious. Many locals seem to proceed to aperitivos for either lunch or dinner. You simply purchase a glass of vino or cocktail, which allows you full buffet access to all the food spread out in the restaurant. Now how 'bout that?

Totally lost count of how many gelato I had.

Beautiful flowers being sold on the streets.

The windows and colors of all the buildings always caught my attention.

On my last day, Min invited me to her work, which felt like the perfect way to end the trip. As Milan is known to be an international fashion capital, getting a glimpse of it felt ideal. How lucky am I to have a friend in the industry? :) I got to take a whole bunch of photos I'm not allowed to publicly share due to confidentiality, but the studio was just what I imagined it to be-- glamorous, yet bustling.

Stay tuned for more. On top of Milan, I traveled to Verona, Venice, Florence, and Rome :)

ciao bella

2010-10-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

I'm writing from LAX at the moment in anticipation of flying out to Milan! I'll be visiting my dear childhood friend, Min Young, whom I haven't seen in about six years now. Let's see, back then we were sixteen and still very much in the process of growing up and finding ourselves (cheesy but so true). Facebook kept us in touch, but I can't wait to see how she's been and catch up over all these years. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to travel Italy and visit Min with her favorite American snack, Flamin' Hot Cheetos ;) My schedule's expected to be on a whim, but as a total Italy novice I still wonder what cafes, museums, boutiques, streets, must go-tos and to-dos I shouldn't miss out on. Besides hitting up the major cities and tourist hot spots, I'm excited to people watch, window-shop, and be captivated by my surroundings.

It would be nice to stay away from the internet over there, but unfortunately I'll still have to stay tuned and check up on my emails frequently. With that in mind, it sounds good to go on hiatus for at least 3 weeks with the blog. I also purposely scheduled my return flight for a 22 hour layover in New York! Time is so precious is something I always say, but it's especially nice to feel it in my fingers and zee toes!

So I am eying the people around my gate and trying my best to blend with how composed and poised most of them seems to appear, but... typing this out, I couldn't even sit still and keep this big grin off my face.Kinda. I'm overjoyed and beyond excited, but you already knew that. Well I must calm down before I board my plane in a mere half an hour. Good bye for a short while, Los Angeles. xo

And of course I choose my trees to leave with you.

chemicals react

2010-10-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

My lovely friend, Yezinn, somehow had every single color Sharpie marker of the rainbow that made me tingle to try out. To add to that, nail polishes that are just too transparent on the nails, but surprisingly vibrant and true to its color on paper. The fume became too much so I had to stuff some tissue up my nose at one point and then take it outside, but it also made me speed through the drawing. And speed, I like. Then someone said to me, "It's interesting. All this artificial, harsh chemicals you're using for a subject matter so organic and of nature. It's kind of a cool contrast." I thought for a sec and then responded, oh hay, yes, that's an interesting juxtaposition indeed.

Photo Update two

2010-10-22T01:47:00.000-07:00

first 3: weekend getaway in Raccoon Island, NJ

bottom 2: Boston

I always wanted to create something with the old photographs I've collected from my time in Providence. They were from a vintage store down the block from where I used to live on Wickenden Street. If you really think about it, it's ironic how people even inherit all these photos that only ends up being sold. Do their great great great great great great great grandchildren donate them or what?! I can't imagine photos of me or my family in vintage shops and whatnot decades and centuries from now. Yea, I don't know how I feel about that haha. But it's always a thought that runs through my mind although it's something I've grown so familiar with. And little do they know I've cut up these photos to montage for the piece. I did feel a bit iffy when I cut through the first one, but I didn't expect the guilt to follow :X It's okay, experimentation is good.

daily song - 3

2010-10-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

Good morning! This will be the end of my sketchbook sharing for now :) More to come later. Have a happy Monday! Luckily, I woke up excited to start the day this morning because there's much to be done today. Be joyful, my friends :)

daily song - 2

2010-10-15T03:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the wonderful comments on the previous post everyone. Hope you enjoy these new set of sketchbook work. They were such a blast to make and I enjoyed trying something new for every page.

This was one busy and exhausting week, but the weekend came just on time to my rescue. I just have to work on taking things one day at a time :) Sufficient for the day is its own trouble indeed. Hope you guys have a great weekend.

I leave you with this quote:
"Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you." -Aldous Huxley
Tata!

your daily song - 1

2010-10-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

I've never been a sketchbook person (though always wished to be), but I finally became one the past two weeks and finished a whole book based loosely on the theme "Down your Street." Originally, I looked into 'Sketchbook Project' thinking that I was going to participate and make the deadline, which is why the sketchbook craze sorta began for me. With a deadline in mind, a bit of pressure, and a little push, I tend to work better and more efficiently. Well now... I just gotta decide whether or not to submit. Probably will. Please don't think I'm strange.

These were a lot of fun to make and a great de-stressor for me. Whenever I needed to break away from other work, I came to it. When there was an idea to test out, I had to do it in this book. When I felt guilty about wanting to seriously toss all the ugly scrap pieces of paper scattered all around, this sketchbook was there for me. Okay I think I've expressed enough love for sketchbooks at this point. Stay tuned because I want to share the rest. xoxo

Village

2010-10-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

Groundbreaking

2010-09-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

The team of Fashion Los Angeles invited me along with 3 other artists to participate with my artwork at their private event 'Groundbreaking.' (You can read what the event was about here)

The night was full of...

look books (Jason Wu's above), presentations based on LA's upcoming fashion week that launches February 2011,

a debonair crowd,

chocolate delicacies,

dry lavender sodas I loved sipping on,
panoramic view of Downtown LA and a gorgeous sunset by the day's end (sister bear Olivia to the right),

and four of my collages displayed along the sides.
It was a lovely little evening.

art song shop :-)

2010-09-21T02:16:00.000-07:00

Hi there, so here it is. My online store at last.

www.artsong.bigcartel.com

It's a bit empty, but hopefully you can count on that changing soon!

way to go mom

2010-09-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

Good evening people, I'm currently writing from USC Norris Cancer Center! Earlier this year, my family and I learned that my mom had both kidney and thyroid cancer. We're thankful to all our friends and family who have reached out and kept her in prayer.. thank you so much! I was encouraged by her strong spirits and only if it wasn't for her weaker body, I found it hard to tell. Well earlier this morning, she had possibly her final surgery and thankfully everything went very well. Mom will have to go to the hospital for regular check ups for the next 5 years so we hope to say she's completely cancer-free asap. But you know what, we're so grateful we found out early enough for her to receive all treatments. It's been wonderful seeing her character refine and strengthen through these tough times. And through this, my delight in each member of my family and loved ones have only grown. There are good things that come from suffering and I have gained more faith in that.

This cake was just too perfect with its colorful 'HAPPY' candles. Today's a day worth celebrating.

Urban Ocean Festival

2010-09-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

Aquarium of the Pacific hosted a weekend festival celebrating Southern California's urban ocean. There was an art contest and I won 1st under the Mixed Media category! But what was even more awesome were all the events and activities that went on during the festival. I really enjoyed watching families and friends come out to just have fun. Check it out :)

These were the pieces I entered.
Left: Sneak peak behind the scene. He was the coolest tank cleaner!
Middle: Little kids flocked over to the sea otter to give him big hugs and squeezes.
Right: There were two huge whales above all of us.

14 total hours in the aquarium this weekend. I was allowed in before hours and it was awesome having the place to myself ;)
My good friend Clara came by the 2nd day to support me. We probably woke everyone up with our excitement.
Our friends by the photo booth let us take several of these silly sea pictures.
So many kids wanted to support all 8 animals.
And everyone who came by got a slice of that delicious octo-ship-fish-ocean cake!

Photo Update: Providence, Rhode Island

2010-09-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

I am so relieved! Finally found all of my east coast photos I thought I lost-- scanned them right away as you can see.

I'm most definitely planning on visiting Providence again. Hopefully before too many things change. Don't underestimate the little town-- there is must to see and do. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Archetype Press

2010-09-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

I looked into lots of side shows/circuses and found this one man named Johnny Eck to be very amusing and inspirational. This little poster is based on him. Done in Art Center's Archetype Press.

I was a little girl alone in my little world who dreamed of a little home for me

2010-09-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

I played pretend between the trees, and fed my houseguests
bark and leaves, and laughed in my pretty bed of green.
.................................................................................................................................

[Medium: sculpee, paper, paint, wood, broken hairband, sticks, old hair accessories, beads]

Byou picnic set

2010-08-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Got a chance to help design an "all-in-one" picnic set in my branding class. It includes utensils, plates, cups, saucers, napkins, and a picnic blanket.

Byou (pronounced by-you)'s ad campaign/photography: Michelle Nam

Products/Illustrations/Logo: me

Box: Michelle Nam and Israel Gutierrez

logo laser cut

setting up for a photo shoot outside by the Sculpture Garden at schoolMichelle hard at work

The top of the box makes a nice little table, too :)

graduation show

2010-08-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all those who came out to the show. It was so meaningful and satisfying displaying the work I've been making the past 4 years at Art Center. It was so much fun talking to everyone, too!

watch out for us future illustrators :)

So long 8 terms of blood, sweat, and tears

2010-08-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

Come to my graduation show!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, you :)

WHEN: SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010, 6-9PM

WHERE: HILLSIDE CAMPUS, ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN

1700 LIDA STREET, PASADENA, CA 91103

FYI...
Admission is free and open to public.
Complimentary wine and snacks will be served.
See some great work from all the different departments: photography, transportation design, product design, graphic design, film, fine art, advertising, entertainment design, environmental design, and of course ILLUSTRATION! :D
HURRAH.

Armory

2010-07-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

I finally visited the Armory to check out my gangsta postcard, but once I got there looking at other people's submissions caught more of my interest. Who knew mail art shows could be so much fun!

www.christina-song.com

2010-07-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

I am excited to finally present to you my website up and running!

Mail Art

2010-06-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

A little piece of my "gangsta postcard" is now displayed at the Armory Center for the Arts until the 22nd of August! If you happen to be in Pasadena, do swing by. I would've never thought of submitting mail art, but thanks to my wonderful archetype peers we got to do this altogether :) By the way, 'Grotesque' is a name of a font ;)

on top of the world flying my balloons

2010-06-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

plates

2010-06-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

(Photo credits to Vahe Alaverdian)

I feel like throwing a dinner party using all of these!

precious & fragile

2010-06-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

Yay I got my designs onto mini porcelain cups and saucers. I treat them like a newborn baby because they basically are my baby mmhmm. But I think I'll take a leap of faith and use it for perhaps an afternoon tea tomorrow. More coming by the way!

intricacy

2010-06-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

I title this piece 'Migraine.'

I think I love drawing trees.

Happy Monday!

quickies

2010-05-31T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Seoul

2010-05-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

We should all do it... getting in touch with your roots :)

Animals

2010-05-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Introducing...

Twitter the bird,

Earl the squirrel,

and

Hootie the owl.

Epoch

2010-04-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

Here's finally a photo of my collection (wall decal, plates, cups, lampshade). It was fun planning it out and arranging everything on set. Photography is by Ron Slenzak.

On a very exciting note... I'll be paying a visit to my motherland. xoxo<3

architectural appeal

2010-04-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

World Health Day

2010-04-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

With the Pan American Health Organization and DesignMatters program, I got to make few illustrations for a public service announcement targeting transportation, city function, and mixed used living in Latin American megacities. It is to air on CNN International tomorrow, April 7, World Health Day 2010. Though very short and simple, let's hope it delivers a lot of strong messages and awareness! *Please watch the PSAs here.

Here are some ideas made before the actual animatics.

Garment

2010-04-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

sketches for Nancy Riegelman's class

Shel

2010-03-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

I was inspired after reading some of Shel Silverstein's poems. He had one imaginative brain... so inventive!

(Medium: paper cut outs and glue stick)

hairy

2010-03-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

Drew some hair over the weekend. Happy Monday!

markets

2010-03-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

Flea markets and farmer's markets are the best!

(especially ones with petting zoos <3)

Venturing around the Rose Bowl Flea Market was amazing (2nd Sundays of every month)! Flea markets make me realize: People are collectors. and. People have an amazing eye when it comes down to finding their hidden gems despite the enormity of the venue.

wheels and deals

2010-03-03T15:42:00.000-08:00

For homework, I had to make a series of the same thing, of anything, in any form. I decided to draw things with wheels and screen print them onto grocery tote bags. I actually thought they were cotton tote bags I've ordered online... but they were grocery totes... but that's alright. I've learned to work with what I've got. Woot! Buy here!

moleskin

2010-02-24T21:52:00.000-08:00

Oops bad scan.

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

2010-02-21T22:42:00.000-08:00

What an amazing creation :)

je t'aime aussi

2010-02-10T06:43:00.000-08:00

Dundundunwoody

2010-02-08T05:21:00.000-08:00

I had to illustrate my hometown in Esther Pearl Watson & Mark Todd's class. Tried to think of it as a children's book.

It was nice having the freedom to choose Texas, my birthplace,

Atlanta, Georgia or Nashville, Tennessee.

There's definitely something special about each place I've lived in, but my memories in Atlanta seem the most vivid. There was this amaaazing park behind our apartment (which for some bizarre reason I thought I owned) full of cherry blossom trees and a wooden bench swing that never failed to give me splinters. Though... that never kept me from swinging. Should've worn gloves. Darn.

she stepped into class

2010-02-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

twenty ten: books and resolutions

2010-01-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

Goodbye to a fantastic decade and hello to the new! I made couple visits to some of my favorite bookstores of all time this past couple weeks.
Book Soup on Sunset's my absolute favorite. No joke.

Book Alley in Pasadena's great if you're looking for a large selection of used/rare books.

I love Vroman's, too.

My resolutions are almost always the same every passing year so here I share 10 fun tips from some wise owls via blogs and magazines we might wanna take into consideration:

1. Go to as many picnics as you can, and don't let bad weather discourage you.

2. Call your friends instead of texting them.

3. If nobody buys you flowers-- buy them for yourself.

4. Listen to loud music and rock out.

5. Do things that scare you every once in awhile.

6. Do not fear being misunderstood & do not waste a minute thinking about your enemies.

7. Adopt a pet.

8. Tell friends they are amazing.

9. Volunteer to help others.

10. Think "year round," not just new year's.

series of silkscreen prints

2009-12-29T23:13:00.000-08:00

Spent some long hours in the printmaking lab making an edition of prints...aka Christmas gifts for friends :)

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T01:01:00.000-08:00

Stove

2009-12-13T21:18:00.000-08:00

I'm finally done with my stove... for now. (material: plywood)

The possibilities are endless for this thing:
-Lights when door opens
-More food
-Pots and pans
-Soup cooking on the top
-Destroy how pristine it looks by having eggs splatter all over the place
-Make burn marks
-Cabinets, refrigerator, the whole kitchen setting

Have you seen Pottery Barn Kids catalogs? I'd love to do a photo shoot with my kitchen series, just not so commercial looking. I apologize about the yucky photos :(

PB&J

2009-12-02T02:05:00.000-08:00

Application final... chose to design a CD cover for Peter Bjorn & John. Click for larger image.
(photo credits to Vahe Alaverdian.)

i draw what i want mannnn

2009-11-28T01:14:00.000-08:00

most of these were drawn on the plane to grand rapids/chicago. i've always wanted to do that. i'm glad i did. minus the lame-o neck pain. next time, i will bust out my laptop and try to work some magic.

When the act of counting one's blessings becomes the habit of counting upon one's blessings.

2009-11-26T22:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!! I ate all of this and gained some turkey weight.
Anyways, after having a broken camera for the longest time, I finally got a new one. It makes me happy... :)

because of my many brown things

2009-11-21T13:49:00.001-08:00