Ceramics Saturdays: Jōmon Ware (and other treasures from the Tokyo National Museum)

Anytime I visit a museum in Japan I’m struck by how much of what we call “modern” art and design in Europe and the U.S. looks like very old Japanese traditions. It’s not just a coincidence of forms, either: when Japan re-opened to Western trade during the Meiji, Japanese arts and crafts flooded the EuropeanContinue reading “Ceramics Saturdays: Jōmon Ware (and other treasures from the Tokyo National Museum)”

Letter of Recommendation: Osprey Ultralight Organizers

I like to carry what I call a “comfort kit” that goes in my tote/travel bags stuffed with things I need to access in meetings or on planes with minimum drama: lip balm, wet wipes, Advil, a pair of cheap readers, pen, phone charger, that kind of thing. Not a full toiletry kit but on-the-goContinue reading “Letter of Recommendation: Osprey Ultralight Organizers”

Friday Favorites: Tomoya Studio

On this YouTube channel by One OK Rock drummer Tomoya Kanki, he usually performs drum tracks from popular songs by the band and then breaks them down for drummers and interested fans. But even if you’re not in one of those categories, I think you’ll find something to like in his videos. He’s a wickedlyContinue reading “Friday Favorites: Tomoya Studio”

Ceramics Saturdays: Ippodo Gallery NYC

I was in New York last weekend for a concert, but it was also Asia Week while we were in town–an annual Asian art fair that always features a couple big auctions, great shows at galleries and museums, etc. I’ve always wanted to go, so even though we were busy with the concert and eatingContinue reading “Ceramics Saturdays: Ippodo Gallery NYC”

Ceramics Saturdays: Swedish Ceramics

While I was in Stockholm, we took a bus out to Gustavsberg to visit the old porcelain factory and museum. Gustavsberg has been around since the early 1800s, when it mostly produced knock-offs of popular Chinese ceramics. But then it shifted into Scandinavian designs, and in the 20th century it fostered a stable of giftedContinue reading “Ceramics Saturdays: Swedish Ceramics”

ATEEZ: “HALAZIA” dance practice

youtube.com/watch Just in case you were wondering what my boys were up to these days. Answer: stomping the floor in supreme synchronization. Also, I just want to point out that Yeosang is wearing some sort of jacket for this dance practice that I doubt I could get down my stairs in, much less dance in.Continue reading “ATEEZ: “HALAZIA” dance practice”