Travel Log, Field Notes Sara Kondo Travel Log, Field Notes Sara Kondo

Field Notes/Travel Log: Maui

I had the chance to visit Maui for a friend’s wedding. It was a truly special time and was held at the Four Seasons, a stunning setting (where White Lotus was filmed!!) The wedding was beautiful, and I feel so grateful to have been part of such a special celebration.

Maui Jinsha Shinto Shrine

We also stopped by this Shinto shrine in Wailuku, Maui. The shrine was originally established by Japanese immigrants and has stood as a pillar of the local Japanese community for over a century.

I’ve learned that the shrine is at risk due to the aging caretakers and the structural damage to the building. I really hope that we can save it for future generations to come.

Like so many others, I have a deep love for Hawai‘i—its beauty, its culture, and the warmth of its people.

While Maui’s beauty remains undeniable, many Native Hawaiians and local families are still rebuilding post fire and fighting to protect their land and culture. (This John Oliver segment on Hawaii from August 2024 is a worthwhile watch.)

I looked around for ways to help and support. I’d love to know about any other organizations or businesses to support if you, dear reader, have suggestions.

Hawaiian organizations:

Local Hawaiian Businesses:

All in all, I love Hawaii. It’s truly the most special place, and I’m hopeful we can all work together to ensure this sacred land is protected for Hawaiians and future generations

This poster below was at the OGG airport and I thought it was worth saving :)

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What I've Been Up To Sara Kondo What I've Been Up To Sara Kondo

What I've Been Up To- Happy 2025!

Happy New Year to you!

  • We started off the new year with Osechi, traditional new years food in Japan. Each dish has a special meaning. My favorite is Kuri Kinton, (which is unfortunately cut off in my photo)- but its the golden candied chestnut on the far left representing wealth!

  • Made my wish/goal for the year with Daruma.

  • And spent the first day of the new year at Golden Gate Park Botanical Garden

I don’t know who to credit with : “January is just a practice month, I'm starting my year in February” but I couldn’t relate more :D

I hope you dear reader are taking care!

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Travel Log Sara Kondo Travel Log Sara Kondo

Travel Log: Saigon, Vietnam

Leaving a big part of my heart in Vietnam.

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Travel Log Sara Kondo Travel Log Sara Kondo

Travel Log: Seoul, Korea

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Travel Log Sara Kondo Travel Log Sara Kondo

Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan

Got to spend some time in my fatherland- Japan! I hadn’t been back in so long so it was a whirlwind of excitement. I had forgotten what a strange, fabulous, weird, wonderful land Japan is.

Hanazono Shrine

Made a stop by the shrine to make my wish for the new year and get charms. New Years is a busy time at the shrines where people get good luck charms and draw their fortunes (omikuji) to ring in the new year.

Kyu Asakura House

A nice get away in Tokyo that helps you forget you are in the middle of a crazy city. This is a historic Japanese residence located in the Daikanyama neighborhood of Tokyo, built in 1919. It is generally not crowded and I consider this a hidden gem!

We also went to Sankeien Garden in Yokohama. A traditional Japanese garden with historic buildings.

Taishunken is a great spot for oden within the garden.

But nothing beats roaming around Yokohama with my dad.

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Field Notes Sara Kondo Field Notes Sara Kondo

Field Notes: Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan

Greetings from Asia!

Escaping the bustle of Tokyo is a must after a few days in the city and one must experience the healing waters of the Onsen (which I learned there are so many types!)

Our first stop was Hakone Yuryo-a day use onsen within walking distance from the train station. A private onsen is quite reasonable. I believe the total came to $72.16 USD, which can be split for up to four people. The water I learned is Alkaline type (Tanjun-sen) so great for skin.

I learned about the Japanese Hot Springs Act (温泉法, Onsen Hō), which regulates safety, quality and environmental protection. In short, Japan does not mess around with their Onsens and I think you pretty much cannot go wrong wherever you go. There are different types of water and benefits depending on where you go:

  1. Sulfur Springs (Iou-sen): Milky white, promotes circulation, eases joint pain, and has antibacterial properties.

  2. Sodium Chloride Springs (Shokabutsu-sen): Retains body heat, soothes fatigue, and heals skin conditions.

  3. Carbonate Springs (Tansan-sen): Bubbly, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and softens skin.

  4. Iron Springs (Tetsu-sen): Reddish-brown, warms deeply, and helps with anemia.

  5. Alkaline Simple Springs (Tanjun-sen): Clear, gentle, smooths and moisturizes skin; great for sensitive skin.

  6. Sulfuric Acid Springs (Ryūsan-en): Clear or yellowish, promotes skin regeneration and reduces high blood pressure.

I was obsessed with trying a black egg from the Owakudani Valley, which is said to add seven years to your life. The eggs are boiled in the hot springs so they are rich in sulfur and iron and they turn black due to the minerals in the water.

Tasty treat for the train ride back to Tokyo!

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Studio Notes Sara Kondo Studio Notes Sara Kondo

(Digital) Studio Notes

I was hoping to get some pottery studio time before the end of year but things have been busy! Meanwhile, I’m so grateful for digital illustration in all its portability and ease. Squeezing in a little session after work is such a nice way to decompress

Last month I did every day of the Making Art Everyday prompts, but this month I’m only doing select ones. Below: Walt Disney Day, National Llama Day, and Let’s Hug Day.

Thank you Lisa Bardot for all the inspiration!

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What I've Been Up To Sara Kondo What I've Been Up To Sara Kondo

What I've Been Up To- Home in NYC

Making Art Every Day

Lisa Bardot has a fun Making Art Every Day challenge, and I joined in for Novembers prompts which were ‘The Secret Life of Objects’. Some days were definitely better than others but I’m happy I stuck it out until the end. It was really nice to slow down, and pay closer attention to some every day items that I may sometimes take for granted.

(Her December prompts are up for anyone interested in joining next month!)

No. 12 was done with a tutorial by Tatyworks.

I reckon most procreate users are familiar with Lisa Bardot, but if not you MUST check her out. I’ve recently joined the community and love her brushes and approach to inspiring creativity.

Around NYC

It’s nice to be back in NYC, back into the whirlwind.

Also enjoying all the New York foods. (To me, nothing beats Barney Greengrass in the UWS.) For fun, I made a NYC print with some favorite NYC treats.

We also caught some fun shows this month. I absolutely loved Cabaret at the Kit Kat club. I started this doodle of Emcee though I think it still needs something…

Holidays!

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we can officially start off the holidays. I love stopping by Macy’s, the Rockefeller Tree and seeing Patience and Fortitude (the lions of the NYPL) ready for the holidays.

I also made this silly holiday pic with Santa at a hotdog cart. What does it mean, I don’t know but it was fun to make!

Hope you dear reader, take care and be well!

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Field Notes Sara Kondo Field Notes Sara Kondo

Field Notes: Storm King

Took a field trip to Storm King, a 500 acre sculpture park in Orange County, NY. I was surprised to learn that this space was originally to be a museum for Hudson River School paintings!

Now dedicated to large scale sculpture, we enjoyed exploring the grounds, soaking in the November sunshine. Knowing winter is around the corner made it all the more worthwhile.

Side note: that is Noguchi’s- Momo Taro that I am sitting in. (Visitors are welcome to touch and sit in it.)

I only connected with sculpture more recently, after i moved to NYC. Makes me wonder if my relationship between the form and the space it occupies has become all the more meaningful…now that I inhabit a dense city!

Happy Friday and thanks for reading, whoever and wherever you are!

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Studio Notes

I mentioned my hiatus from ceramics and realized I never shared these pieces I've made in the past! They've been quietly hanging out around my home and I still have so many more not pictured. My personal favorite is the mug with the potato dressed in various costumes. He’s the Tayto Potato which I cannot get enough of lol.

Glaze Parties

Glazing used to be the part of ceramics I dreaded, but it totally grew on me. It was messy and unpredictable, but that’s what made it fun in the end.

Some pieces with underglazes below. I’ve started to love drawing on my ceramics as you can see. Pictured below are works in progress, before the final firing.

Perhaps 2025 will bring in a regular pottery practice again!!

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