REKUSIKARU RABAA (aka Lexical Lover)
Screenprinted book, toys // 2005
The appropriation of verbal language was my jumping-off point for this screenprinted book, based on the invented character Lexical Lover, pronounced “Rekusikaru Rabaa” in Japanese. Rabaa’s story describes a figure caught between two worlds, often unsure whether he is speaking Japanese or English. Each spread pairs dictionary definitions of Japanenglish terms, with illustrations of Rabaa engaged in related activities.
TOOFY (below) stuffed toy // 2007
Toofy is a large, cavity-filled, grill-sporting tooth stuffed toy. I arrived at the concept of a "cute-tooth" when considering the reactions of some Western viewers (especially designers), who experience cuteness overload when faced with saccharine kawaii imagery.
Toofy & Strawberry
Thesis exhibition: Toofy in situ