Akemi Solloway
This weekend Itch was at the Japanese Art Festival in Richmond, pulled together by the charming Akemi Solloway.
My usual events are more pointed at comics and manga, and it was refreshingly different to be here, as it was much more of a cultural event. There was some manga and anime, and of course cosplaying going on, but there were also ladies in proper kimonos, Japanese snacks, martial arts demonstrations and live music, including some awesome Taiko drumming! I had a good time and met many interesting people.
Others in attendance included Sonia Leong, displaying that combination of cuteness and sophistication over a core of pure righteous fury that I’ve come to associate her with. I went to her talk on how to do manga, which was mostly familiar territory for me but nonetheless very enjoyable. I missed Paul Gravett’s talk, much to my chagrin, but I met him later and I got his card. I really need to work on my formal business card exchange-fu, though. ^_^; I’m sure I messed it up!
Getting to and from the festival, and the deeply creepy hostel we stayed at were less pleasant, but those stories will have to wait for another time. For now I’d just like to say hi to anyone who is visiting my site for the first time after picking up a card, and thanks to everyone who got a book or some art or a portrait done. I really love drawing people at events! Hope to see you again sometime.
I was there too! I'm just not in the picture.