That's A Wrap! A Closing Statement ❤️

 

Hi everyone,

I hope you're doing grrreat!

After almost 4 weeks, my solo exhibition 'Holst's Planets' came down this weekend.

Here's one last look at my cosmic messengers in their entirety...

While it was bittersweet to take each and every one of them off the wall...

I was filled with a tremendous sense of joy, gratitude and pride.

有始有終

All goes up must come down

It feels like such a privilege to have a solo show in our competitive industry and uncertain market.

It takes the gallery/curator much more than faith to provide the space and resources for one single artist to tell their story.

I have always loved having solo shows... but why?

The reason became very clear to me this time around - because I love telling stories.

In fact, I think I love telling stories more than painting.

Stories about cosmic messengers of awe and wonder.

Stories that retrace steps on my personal path.

Stories that celebrate great maternal spirits in our lives.

I've been told to have a handful of different 'styles' or approaches to my work.

I remember feeling extremely insecure about it at the beginning of my career.

Nowadays, I feel GRRREAT about it.

There may come a day, perhaps in my 80's, when I only paint one thing in one style.

But for now, I LOVE the experience of learning about things/beings I care about and people I love.

I love knowing what my interests are.

And I love the immediacy of being attracted to something that sparks my interest.

It could happen anywhere. I just need to pay attention and be open to receive its wonder.

I am proud to have brought these galactic dreamers to our world and happy to have had the opportunity to share them with you.

Available pieces are on view in my online store now.

May they continue to inspire peace, love and harmony.

Lastly, let's give it up to the folks who are in charge of the best Artist In Residence!

四海ㄧ家

Four Seas, One Family

No matter which of the fours seas you come from, we are one big family. The human family.

As always, thanks for reading and staying connected.

Many thanks and much love from Taiwan.

Talk soon! ️

Martin

Redfin Blog: Martin Hsu's must-do activities in San Francisco

 

I got to talk to Redfin Blog about a couple of my favorite places in the Mission Strict in SF!

"San Francisco is a city that is packed with things to see and do, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re new to the area and looking to buy a home in San Francisco or rent an apartment in the area, Redfin compiled a bucket list of must-see attractions and experiences with tips from experts like us to get to know this vibrant and dynamic city. From exploring the city’s murals to riding a cable car up and down its steep hills, there is so much adventure, culture, and excitement to be had while living in San Francisco. So grab your pen and paper, and get ready to check off some stops on this ultimate San Francisco bucket list."

Happy Lunar New Year 2023!

 

Hi everyone,

Hello from Taiwan! How are you?

Meet the Taiwan blue magpie - a very clever and lucky bird!

I'm writing you today on the eve of the Lunar New Year. I just wrapped up some painting and about to head over to my grandparents' place for a New Year feast with family!

Ah... it feels so good to be back with family in Taiwan.

Aside from spending time with my parents and having lots of meals, I've been painting most mornings and afternoons in my mom's mahjong room turned Martin Hsu art studio!

My apologies for looking so shaggy... someone is in desperate need of a shave and haircut...

New solo show next month!

That's right. I'm thrilled announce my upcoming solo exhibition titled Holst's Planets!

All new paintings inspired by English composer Gustav Holst's legendary orchestral suite, The Planets.

Check out these gorgeous round wood panels I brought to Taiwan with me from SF!

I am grateful for having had a solo show in Taiwan two years ago.

I feel much more prepared this time around for having done all the research, conceptualizing, sketching, color comping before getting on the plane.

Here is a sneak peek at my personification of Holst's Planet's!

And look what I found at my parents' place -

The show postcard from my 2021 solo show. Can you believe it's been two whole years since then?

I feel tremendously taken care of in this cozy little room -

Starbucks coffee would magically appear on my desk every morning.

Lunch and dinner made from scratch by mom and dad.

All I need to focus on is... make good art.

Interestingly, painting feels more enjoyable when my other needs are being met without requiring energy from me.

It creates space in my mind and allows my heart to dream and wonder...

Here's a first look at Uranus, The Magician!

Recognize these earrings?

(hint: wizard with adorable fire demon in moving castle)

I'm loving these new paintings. Let me know if you'd like to join my collector's preview!

Now before I get changed (bunny suit?) to join my family to celebrate the Lunar New Year...

Happy Year of the Rabbit from us to you and your loved ones!

Wishing you lots of love, awe and wonder.

I am grateful for you.

Talk soon! ❤️

Love,

Martin

Happy 2023 - Year of the Rabbit!

 

Happy 2023! 🐰✌🏻  I wanted to thank everyone for your support this past year! 🥰

Thank you 🙏🏻 to all my patrons and collectors, to those of you who left praises and words of encouragement, to those who featured me in your gallery shows and special projects, and to those who shared your personal connections to my my work.

Your love and support is a big part of the mystical forces that drives me to create… so thank you! ❤️

Wishing you good health, good food, and good company in 2023. Much love, Martin.

Hello from Quarantine in Taiwan. Happy Lunar New Year!

 Happy Lunar New Year from Taiwan, my friends!

Yes, it's true. I am writing you this message in my parents' house in Taiwan from the future. How are things with you?

Today is my 10th day in quarantine at home with just 4 more days until I'm let out to eat all the things. I'm happy to report that my flight to Taiwan and the first 7 days of quarantine at a hotel (photos below) have not been terrible at all.

Especially, when hot coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and Mama Hsu's gourmet bento boxes are delivered to my doorstep everyday!

Not to mention the endless supply of Taiwanese snacks that kept arriving from my family.

Including my personal favorites - 太陽餅 'Sun Pastry', 松子酥 (dome shaped flaky pastry w/ pine nuts and sweet red bean paste), and pineapple cakes.

And yes, I ate everything!

With a luxurious amount of free time in quarantine, I've been binge watching lots of fantasy shows (my favorite genre) with knights, swords, sorcery, and mages!

Which led to this new series of daily watercolor explorations of feathered muses among other fantastical creatures to ring in the new year~

You'll find these 1/1 small paintings in my online store now. My goal is to continue this daily exploration so your support is greatly appreciated!

Please meet my new assistant, Kayla! :D

Kayla is an incredible artist attending art college in San Francisco. She is helping me with shipping and looking after my studio while I'm away. I can't wait to see what she creates in this space. Please say hi to her if you happen to place an online order!

Free Lunar New Year E-Cards!

I made 5 Lucky Tiger E-Cards for you to download and share with friends and family: Good Health, Happiness, Safety, Vitality, and Wellness.

Simply go here to grab your favorites. Originals up for grabs in online store!

Feel free to keep in touch! I'll do the same during my stay here for the next two months.

Be well and happy Lunar New Year, my friends!

With love and gratitude,

Martin

MartinHsu.com | MartinHsuDesign.com

Happy Lunar New Year, 2022! Free 'Lucky Tiger' ECards!

 Happy Lunar New Year, my friends!

I made five Lucky Tiger greeting cards for you to keep and send to loved ones.

Feel free to download them freely. Wishing you a healthy and happy year!

- Martin

PS: Lucky Tiger 1/1 paintings are for sale in my online store. Pls take a look if you're interested!

1. Good Health 健康

2. Happiness 幸福

3. Safety 平安

4. Vitality 活力

5. Wellness 安好

Happy 81st Birthday, Hayao Miyazaki-sensei!

This photo is SO BOSS!

A very happy and healthy 81st birthday to Hayao Miyazaki-sensei. May he make all the movies for another 100 years. I can't wait to watch his upcoming animated feature, How Do You Live? (きみたちはどういきるか) named after the 1937 novel written by Yoshino Genzaburo. 

Also, can we talk about Toshio Suzuki? The genius producer and marketing mastermind behind all of the Studio Ghibli movies. I often think about what he said in the documentary Kingdom of Dreams and Madness -

"We make our best work when working with people we enjoy working with." 

It's something I try to live by.

That, and slippers with socks.

Long Live Ghibli!

Martin