WonderGround Gallery, Downtown Disney® District, Disneyland® Resort

“KIMONO MINNIE” by Sean D’Anconia, (based on a Mixed-Media original, previously released during Artist in Residence)

Minnie Mouse inspired “Pop Fusion” Art RELEASE EVENT and signing – Wonderground Gallery, Downtown Disney®District.

On February 9 , 2013 – from 3 to 5pm -I’ll be at Wonderground Gallery for a new limited release of art that some of you may have seen during my “Artist in Residence” at Downtown Disney®, back in October.

For this piece, I envisioned a retro Minnie Mouse re-imagined as a Japanese actress on vacation. Minnie is staying at a beautiful and serene Kyoto Ryokan (hot spring resort). In the distance, photographer Mickey-san catches a glimpse of Minnie and decides to hop inside the shoji screens to say Ohaiyo! You can see how the outside garden integrates and flows through the interior suite where Minnie is practicing for an upcoming performance – with koi and goldfish swimming around. And a few special guests pop in to say hello like Cleo, Dale (and a copy of Dale in Kokeshi form), Daruma Mickey, plus Elliott, Pluto, Daisy and a familiar magical broomstick.  ヾ（＠＾▽＾＠）ノ

The (new and slightly improved) “Kimono Minnie” is inspired by fusion of Disney and Japanese historical and Pop-Art iconography dating back to the 1800′s until the late 60′s. Some of the inspirations for this piece include: Hanafuda cards, Ukiyo-e prints, vintage Japanese postcards, Kimono patterns and iconography from the 20′s and 30′s, cosplay and ama-loli style (甘ロリ), samurai mon (family crests), old matchbox design, photos of goldfish and koi, 60′s manga and anime along with various photos of actual Ryokan in Japan. (and check out Minnie’s major platform shoes based on the tallest ones I could find from Japan)

Looking forward to the event and meeting many of you there!

Sean  (☆^ー^☆)

“Waves at Hoshinoya Onsen”, Sean D’Anconia 2011 – Reproduction

One of my favorite local restaurants in Little Osaka (West LA/Sawtelle Japanese village) is Robata-ya located at 2004 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025. They specialize in all-things grilled, along with various izakaya dishes. While the clientele is mixed – the style and vibe is very pub/izakaya Japanese – similar to what I experienced (and loved) in Tokyo.

I recommend focusing on their grilled fare as that’s what they’re named and known for. Robata chefs Toshi-san, and Tesu-san do a great job. Favorites are the Lamp Chops, and Sasami (breast) with Fresh Wasabi – also best of all Sori (special part of thigh – “chicken oyster”).  Special omakase dishes from “Taisho” Yoshi-san at the Sushi bar (where I normally sit) are killer.

Recently, owner Mako-san asked me to install some of my work at the restaurant and so I took the opportunity to take some shots with my new FujiFinepix (which I have yet to figure out how to use properly).

One of Yoshi san’s fine creations – salmon sashimi with caramelized…something…balsamic vinegar, yuzu kosho, soy, and some other things I can’t recall…but it was fantastic…

Toshi san doing his thing to Tsukune!

Tebasaki with lemon, and Karashi (hot mustard). Always a solid bet – prepared by Chef Toshi-san.

“John Lennon: Magical Mystery Life” – Sean D’Anconia, for Blunt Graffix’s “Dead Rockstar” Show

Side view – used a 70′s color scheme inspired by Yellow Submarine of course! John’s body is split in two between nudity with 60′s/70′s psychedelic irezumi tattoo work, and more formal MOD-couture – nods to Yokoo Tadanori and a few others of Japan’s Pop/Mod/Outsider artist movement

In great company – check out some of the other work on display

It should shock no one to discover that I am a HUGE Shaw Brothers fan. Unlike Tarantino, I had to watch these films poorly translated in French, instead of English, growing up in Canada.

Anyway, it was an honor to be approached by Celestial Films, who now own the complete Shaw library, to produce a series of art prints celebrating some of our favorite Shaw movies.

Above you can see the first print created – The Lady Professional starring the stunning Lily Ho!

Sean D’Anconia and Disney Guest: Mayumi! (with Mayumi art in the background)

Exciting news! The Japan Foundation will be presenting a limited run poster exhibition of some awesome Nikkatsu films. I’ll be presenting some Nikkatsu inspired art as well – stay tuned for more and see details on the event poster!

Aburiya Toranoko, Michael Cardenas’ cutting edge izakaya and sushi bar in Little Toyko, is announcing what it calls a “re-grand opening” and art show tonight on Twitter, debuting a new menu under its two new chefs as well as an art installation of paintings by Sean D’Anconia and a few friends. In the kitchen are recent enlistee Seiji Nakano as sushi chef and former Hamasaku and Kumo chef Hiro Fujita, previously found at Fat Spoon. Tonight, the restaurant will offer free sake, wine, and hors d’oeuvres to guests from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.