Asian Gallery

“My husband and I lived in South Korea in the mid-eighties for 3 years in Seoul, South Korea, while he worked for an international corporation. While there, we traveled extensively in Asia and became fascinated with the Asian culture. I got my degree in Asian Studies at the University of Maryland on the nearby US military base.

I am greatly influenced by the design of Asia, the patterns, shapes and embroidery of the kimonos of China and Japan, the color schemes of Thailand, the energy of Hong Kong...I miss it, but have kept it in my heart by continuing to create with an Asian influence.” 

- Jane LaFazio -

(See examples, below.)

A small kimono with a big theme. PEACE.

One of series of three, using origami paper and rice paper, with a coffee-stained background.

price: sold

image: 10x14"
framed to: 22x17"

One of a series of three, layered and embellished.

price: $325

image: 10x14"
framed to: 22x17"

One of a series of three, inspired by the large "Blue & White Kimono: 9 Koi" I'd done two years ago.

price: Sold

image size: 22x30"

framed: 31x38"

I’m intrigued by the shape of the kimono, it’s a centuries old profile, infused with elaborate ritual and color. I often use the kimono in my work. In this image, I limited my palate to blue and white. There are 9 koi in the painting, which when written in certain Chinese characters, sounds like the word for “Plenty” in Chinese, and is thought to bring wealth to the owner of the image.

A commission piece, in rich blues and golds, for friend Deborah.

"Feng Shui Five"

price: sold

framed to: 13” by 36”

The images portray the five principles of balance, according to Feng Shui belief.
water nurtures wood;
wood feeds fire;
fire makes earth;
earth creates metal;
metal holds water....

"Kabuki"

price: sold

image size: 22x30”

framed: 31x38”

I visited the Kabuki theatre in Japan many years ago, and have been fascinated with the elaborate costumes and makeup ever since. Kabuki theatre is steeped in tradition and ritual, so rich and colorful. I’ll never forget it.

"Gold Greenleaf Kimono"

price: $360

image size:12x17”

framed: 19x23”

This work was begun after an autumn trip to Seattle, Washington. I just love trees and leaves, the variety in the pacific northwest always inspires me and fills my soul.

"Red Pomegranate Kimono "

price: sold

image size:14x10”

framed: 16x21”

Many of my first still-life watercolors were of pomegranates, and I just love the variety of the shades of red. I love red!

The Chinese symbol in the painting means “happiness.” I’m fascinated with Chinese calligraphy, and often use it in my paintings. I’m careful to choose just the right character as I want to imbue the painting with its message.

The Chinese symbol means love, and the outline is hand-stitched. I love those passionate purples and reds!

Have you ever sat at the edge of a koi pond and watched the large fish swim rhythmically through the lily pad strewn water?

framed: 26x20”

Have you seen those calendars with a page for each date? I found one in a Asian grocery store, it called out to me to be the first layer of this collage.

price: sold

framed: 16x20”  

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art of placement. This painting represents Abundance and Prosperity according to Feng Shui principals. The Chinese symbol for “Prosperity” in gold leaf, the plants, green and lush, the blue (for water, that feeds the plants) and the purple of the African violet, and round green (coin-shaped) leaves should help bring abundance and prosperity into your life. (I know just enough Feng Shui to be dangerous.)

Signed, limited edition giclee print are available three sizes, with prices from $100-$250.

Through an elaborately decorated rice paper window to a calming Chinese landscape. Created for the permanent collection of Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, California.

PlainJaneStudio.com