Winter Break

The usual boat to Kuchierabu is being repaired so I had to take a fishing boat to the island. It turned out to be better than the big ship. It hit the waves pretty hard but at least I was outside. Plus, it only takes half the time.
The teacher asked me if I would draw a happy new year poster for the school. She mounted it in pink and had me write a little something. It turned out nice but, I have to say this is way to cutesy for even me. I let it get a little out of hand.
Leaving the island on my way back. The ocean was so smooth I could have skied.
Kitten speed painting. Cute or Scary, you be the judge.

To Pieces

This is a sketch I did last time I was in Kagoshima. I decided to throw some color on it and make it final. Its pretty simple but It turned out nice I think.

Christmas in Japan

Recently I've been teaching my kids about Christmas using games and Christmas vocabulary. All my students are taken aback when I explain how the elves work for Santa, making him toys year round. I try to explain that the working conditions are pretty good but when I get to the part about the factory location its a lost cause.

These kids are very bright, but when I ask them about the origin of Christmas they're all a little lost. I explained to the teacher in English that we celebrate Xmas because it was the day Jesus was born. She wasn't getting it and kept telling the kids that Jesus was born on Christmas therefore it was a big deal. I asked the kids.

Me: "Who is Jesus?"

Student: "Jesus means 'shimatta' (Japanese for darn it)

Me: "uh, ok sometimes. But who's son is he?"

Various answers " Christ's son", "son of an elf", and the most popular answer " Santa's!"

In Japan Santa enters through the window and most parents give their kid one present and put it on their pillow so they see it first thing in morning. That's a really nice image.

Bust, the Sequel!

I'm doing a serious of busts because its good practice and the only face I have to draw, beside my own. The wonky perspective of the base is due to my lack of interest and therefore skill in architecture. I ordered a book on perspective, I think I'd better just copy it page for page.

I promise not to put up any more busts unless I deem them especially special.

The Kitchen

These are a few pictures of my kitchen, the first is from the living room so you can get an idea of the scale. If anyone is wandering about all the trash cans, on Yakushima we have to divide the trash into five separate bags, plus we are supposed to bundle cardboard and Styrofoam separately. We have a bag for cans, dangerous items (mirrors, razors etc.), green waste, plastic bottles, and general plastic packaging and paper.

I haven't taken any pictures for awhile. By the time I get off work its almost dark and pretty cold so I haven't been going out much. I think winter is tough on Yakushima because once its too cold to do outdoor activities there isn't much to do.