Monday, June 8, 2026

[Bilingual post] Visual Diary 44: A Small Miracle/ 小さな奇跡

 Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載

Hi, this is Nisreen! How are you?

We experienced a small miracle the other day. Long story short, a bag we lost about a month ago found its way back to us! 

It was a small sports shoulder bag that my husband had been using on dog walks for the past eight years. It was an old bag, but it held a lot of sentimental value. I felt terrible when I realised that I might have left it on an outdoor bench. I wasn't feeling well and was really out of it that day.

Apparently, a kind person found the bag and turned it in to a nearby lost-and-found. The information about our dog on the tag attached to the bag eventually led them to contact our vet. I was so grateful to everyone whose kindness helped reunite us with the bag.







こんにちは、ニスリーンです!お元気ですか?

先日、小さな奇跡のような出来事がありました。簡単に言うと、約1か月前になくしてしまったバッグが私たちのもとに戻ってきたのです!

そのバッグは、夫がこの8年間、犬の散歩のときに使っていた小さなスポーツ用のショルダーバッグでした。だいぶ古いバッグでしたが、私たちにとってはとても思い出深いものでした。私が屋外のベンチに置き忘れてしまったかもしれないと気づいたときは、本当に申し訳ない気持ちでした。その日は体調が悪く、ぼんやりしていたのです。

親切な方がそのバッグを見つけて、近くの遺失物取扱所に届けてくださったようです。そして、バッグに付いていた愛犬のタグの情報を手がかりに、最終的に私たちのかかりつけの動物病院に連絡が入ったそうです。

私たちがバッグと再会できたのは、多くの方々の親切なおかげでした。本当に感謝しています。


Sunday, June 7, 2026

[Bilingual post] Visual Diary 43: A Visit to Lilwen Jones’ Exhibition, Roots / Lilwen Jonesさんの個展訪問記

  Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載


The other day, I attended the reception for Lilwen Jones’ exhibition, Roots, at Art Federation. Lilwen is a talented jewellery artist and photographer.



I met her at a drawing group, and she is featured in one of the drawings I’m planning to exhibit in my own show as well!

The exhibition showcases a wide range of her work, including glass art, metalworking, photography, and more. The common theme I felt throughout this diverse collection was a love of nature and a connection to one’s authentic self, as suggested by the exhibition title, Roots.

I purchased a beautiful pair of flower earrings — I love their natural feel!

The exhibition is open until 25 June 2026 at 5:00 pm. If you’re nearby, do pop in and have a look!


先日、Art Federationで開催中のLilwen Jonesさんの個展「Roots」のレセプションに出席しました。リルウェンさんは才能あふれるジュエリー作家であり、写真家でもあります。

彼女とはデッサンのグループで知り合いました。実は、私が自身の個展に出品予定の作品のひとつにもモデルとして登場していただいています!

今回の展示では、ガラスアート、金属工芸、写真など、多岐にわたる作品が紹介されています。この多彩な作品群を通して私が感じた共通のテーマは、自然への愛情と、本来の自分自身とのつながりでした。それはまさに、展覧会タイトルの「Roots(根)」が示すもののように思います。

私も素敵な花のイヤリングを購入しました。自然を感じさせる雰囲気がとても気に入っています!

会期は2026年6月25日午後5時までです。お近くにお越しの際は、ぜひ足を運んでみてください!

Friday, May 29, 2026

[Bilingual post] Visual Diary 42: I Participated in Two Online Art Workshops! オンライアートワークショップ2つに参加しました!!

 

 Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載

Today, I participated in the free online event organised by the National Gallery in London, Talk and Draw – The Full-Length Mirror.

今日は、ロンドンのthe National Galleryが主催する無料オンラインイベント「Talk and Draw – The Full-Length Mirror」に参加しました。



The session primarily featured the 1869 painting The Full-Length Mirror by Eva Gonzalès. There was a short lecture about her work and the way colour is used in the piece. This was followed by an activity session in which participants worked on quick study drawings as well as sketches of our own mirror reflections, referencing artworks from the gallery’s collection such as Gonzalès’ piece and Rokeby Venus by Diego Velázquez.

セッションでは主に、Eva Gonzalèsによる1869年の作品《The Full-Length Mirror》が取り上げられました。彼女の作品や、この絵画における色彩の使い方についての短いレクチャーが行われました。

その後のアクティビティセッションでは、参加者たちはゴンザレスの作品やDiego Velázquezの《Rokeby Venus》など、ギャラリー所蔵作品を参考にしながら、短い時間で模写や自分自身の鏡像スケッチに取り組みました。

These are my studies.

こちらが私の習作です。




It was a valuable learning experience for me to focus on shading and light rather than becoming fixated on small details or linework.

細かな部分や線描にとらわれるのではなく、陰影や光に意識を向ける時間を持てたことで、とても学びの多い経験となりました。

Additionally, I participated in the online art event Hurvin Anderson: Painting Place, organised by the London Drawing Group.

さらに、the London Drawing Group主催のオンラインアートイベント「Hurvin Anderson: Painting Place」にも参加しました。



I had little prior knowledge of the artist, but studying his work through both lectures and hands-on exercises made me fall in love with his vibrant yet soothing artistic style. He is known for using painting as a form of enquiry into how he relates to his environment, often working from photographs as a starting point to explore how elements of different locations can be assembled to create a dialogue.

それまで私はこのアーティストについてあまり知識がなかったのですが、レクチャーと実践的な演習の両方を通して作品を学ぶうちに、彼の鮮やかでありながら不思議な静けさも感じさせる作風に魅了されました。

彼は、自身と環境との関係性を探求する手段として絵画を用いることで知られており、写真から想を得て、異なる場所の要素を組み合わせながら対話を生み出す表現を探求しています。


Apparently, his work is being exhibited at Tate in London from 26 March to 23 August 2026.

At the end of the session, I created the piece below using motifs from my quick studies of his work, along with inspiration drawn from his style.

It was a full day of artistic learning!

彼の作品は、2026年3月26日から8月23日までロンドンのテートで展示されているそうです。

セッションの最後には、彼の作品を素早く模写した習作から得たモチーフや作風からのインスピレーションを取り入れて、この作品を制作しました。





まさに一日中、アートを学ぶ充実した時間でした!


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Saturday, May 16, 2026

[Bilingual post] Visual Diary 41 I Donated My Artwork to the Animal Fundraiser 動物保護施設支援チャリティーに絵を寄付しました

 

 Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載

I donated this piece to the 2026 Artwork for the Animals fundraiser for Humane Indiana’s PAWS Resale Plus. It’s a creative way to support the animal shelter, where local artists create custom artwork based on photos provided by donors.

I painted an adorable dog named Axel using oil pastels!

この作品を、Humane Indiana のPAWS Resale Plusによる2026年「Artwork for the Animals」チャリティー fundraiser に寄付しました。これは、寄付者から提供された写真をもとに地元アーティストたちがオリジナル作品を制作し、動物保護施設を支援するというとても画期的な取り組みです。

私は、アクセルという名前のとても可愛い犬をオイルパステルで描きました!


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Friday, May 15, 2026

[Bilingual post] Podcast S3: Ep10 Why Artists Should Watch the Film Michael/ ポッドキャスト S3: Ep10 アーティスト必見の映画『Michael』

   Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載


Hello, this is Nisreen — welcome to the tenth episode of Season Three of my podcast!

Have you watched the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, yet? I watched it as soon as it was released, and left the cinema feeling deeply emotional. It took me a while afterwards to gather my thoughts. 

In today’s episode, I’d like to highlight three aspects that made Michael a compelling film not only for MJ fans, but for anyone who cares about art. There will be spoilers, so please come back later if you’d prefer not to spoil the experience for yourself! I will show the process of drawing the thumbnail in the background of the YouTube video.



Please find the episode below, available in video on YouTube or audio on Buzzsprout. It's also on Apple Podcasts , Spotify 

YouTube



Audio

Sunday, May 10, 2026

My Dance Videos 2025-

  Nisreen's performance videos

ニスリーンの動画。適宜更新いたします。




Music: Koskun by John Bilezikjian
Dance performance: Nisreen
Event: Mosey (May 9, 2026)
Special thanks to my friend Grace for filming my performance!




Music: Zeina performed by Indy Raqs composed by Mohamed Abdel Wahab
Dance performance: Nisreen
Event: Raqs Party (Dec 6, 2025)
Videography: SJ Images



Music: Aziza performed by Indy Raqs composed by Mohamed Abdel Wahab
Dance performance: Nisreen
Event: INBC Annual Bazaar (March 1st, 2025)


Music: Khamsa performed by Indy Raqs  composed by Andy Smith
Dance performance: Nisreen
Event: INBC Annual Bazaar (March 1st, 2025) 

At the INBC Annual Bazaar on March 1st, I stepped in at the last minute to cover a spot and perform to an Andy Smith original, Khamsa! It was definitely a challenge to dance to a song I heard for the first time that day, but it was so much fun!

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

[Bilingual post] Visual Diary 40 Traveling with Your Dog? Here’s Everything You Need to Pack わんちゃんの旅行のお供に!持ち物リスト

 Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載






How are you? I recently went on a road trip with our dogs, and it was such a fun experience! Before living with them, I had no idea how much dogs could love traveling and exploring new places. I also really appreciated how helpful dog-friendly hotels can be.

Here are some essentials (and a few nice-to-haves) that I found useful when traveling with your furry family. I didn’t mention harnesses, collars, and leashes because they’re obvious—but of course, they’re essential too!:

Plastic bags – Great for collecting rubbish. Hotel room bins are often too small, so these really come in handy.

Blanket – Keeps your dog comfortable, and familiar smells can help calm them in a new environment.

Slippers – You don’t want to step on water drips—or worse, their bones! Hotel floors aren’t always as clean as they look, and bathroom tiles can be cold. Slippers keep your feet warm, clean, and protected.

Pet wipes – Especially essential for breeds like pugs. Daily cleaning (wrinkles, paws, etc.) becomes even more important when traveling.

Portable pet bowls – Convenient for both food and water, especially during rest stops on long drives.

Ties – Because our babies should always be fashionable.

Treats & dog food – A must. I recommend avoiding unfamiliar or wet food, as it can upset their stomachs.

Pee pads – Go for big, thick ones—just in case.

Disinfectant spray – Always be prepared for little mishaps, no matter how well-behaved your pups are.

Grooming supplies – Keep them clean, brushed, and comfortable throughout the trip.

Needless to say, don’t forget any necessary medications, medical equipment, or jackets for colder weather.

こんにちは!最近、うちの犬たちと一緒にロードトリップに行ってきたのですが、本当に楽しい体験でした。実際に一緒に暮らすまでは、犬がこんなに旅行や新しい場所を楽しむとは思っていませんでした。また、ペットフレンドリーなホテルのありがたさも実感しました。

今回は、愛犬との旅行で「必需品」や「あると便利なもの」をご紹介します。(首輪、ハーネス、そしてリーシュは当たり前なので省いていますが、もちろん必要です!!)

ビニール袋
ゴミをまとめるのにとても便利です。ホテルの部屋のゴミ箱は小さくてゴミが収まらないことも多いのです。

ブランケット
犬を快適に保つだけでなく、慣れた匂いがあることで新しい環境でも安心しやすくなります。

スリッパ
水滴を踏んだり、骨を踏んで痛い思いをすることを避けられます!ホテルの床は見た目ほど清潔とは限らず、バスルームのタイルは冷たいことも多いので、足元を清潔で暖かく保てます。

ペット用ワイプス
特にパグのような犬種には必須です。しわや足の汚れを拭くなど、日常的にこまめなお手入れが大切です。

携帯用ペットボウル
食事や水を与えるのに便利で、ドライブ中の休憩時にも重宝します。

リボンやネクタイ
おしゃれも大事。いつでも可愛くいたいですよね。

おやつ&ドッグフード
必須アイテムです。慣れない環境ではお腹を壊しやすいので、特にウェットフードや普段と違う食事は避けるのがおすすめです。

ペットシーツ
厚手で大きめのものを用意しておくと安心です。

消毒スプレー
どんなにお利口な子でも、万が一のトラブルに備えておくと安心です。

グルーミング用品
清潔で快適に過ごせるよう、ブラッシングやお手入れも忘れずに。


もちろん、寒い時はコートや、健康状態に応じて薬も忘れずに!



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Monday, April 27, 2026

[Bilingual post] Visual Diary 39 Save the Date: The First Solo Exhibition 初の個展開催のお知らせ

 

  Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載




Nisreen’s first solo art exhibition at the Lovell Gallery at The Arts Federation in Lafayette, Indiana, is coming soon—the reception will be on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Stay tuned for more details!

私の初めての個展がThe Arts Federation のLovell Galleryにて開催予定です。レセプションは2026年9月4日金曜日、18時です。詳細はまた追ってお伝えします、お近くの方はぜひ!

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

[Bilingual post] Visual Diary 38 Hair Pins That Don’t Hold Up- 意志の弱いヘアピン

  Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載


I wonder if I’m the only one who finds the simple hair ties available at CVS or supermarkets ridiculously flimsy. The same goes for their bobby pins — they can’t hold anything, especially those silicone hair ties. The level of fragility is an insult to my hair.

Even the ones from a pound shop in Japan are better quality.

I finally found some bearable hair ties at a supermarket the other day, but they were labelled “Extra strong! For thick hair.”

Sir. Be serious. You’re not “extra strong” — you’re just doing your job.





どうでもいいといえばいいことですが、米国のCVS(薬局)やスーパーマーケットですぐに手に入るシンプルな髪の毛用のゴムや、ヘアピンがあまりにも弱弱しく、数分ともたないことが多いのはなんでだろうとよく思います。

特にシリコン製のゴムは一瞬でちぎれます。

日本では100円ショップで売っている安物の商品であっても、ここまでひどくないのではないかと思いますが、どうでしょうか。

やっとスーパーマーケットで見つけたまともなヘアゴムのパックには、「超強力!多い髪用」と物々しくラベルがついていました。

髪を束ねるという最低限の仕事をしているだけなのに大げさだと思います。


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Saturday, March 14, 2026

[Bilingual post] Visual Diary 37- I became a piece of art!- 私がアートになりました!

 

  Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載

I became a piece of art!

A wonderful artist—and the facilitator of the live drawing group and museum shop manager at the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette—LaDonna Vohar painted this beautiful artwork inspired by one of my wedding photographs by Liberte Me Studio in Nakano, Tokyo. Her delicate depiction of this happy moment in life and her observant eye for detail are exquisite.

With LaDonna
With the painting
The original photograph by Liberte Me Studio


Her exhibition, “LaDonna’s Mélange,” is open until May 10, 2026, at the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette. She shows a great range as an artist, from poignant portraits to dynamic murals and playful furniture pieces. If you are nearby, I highly recommend visiting the exhibition!


素晴らしいアーティストであり、Art Museum of Greater Lafayetteで人物スケッチのグループの進行とお店のマネージャーも務めているLaDonna Voharさんが、東京中野にあるLiberte Me Studioによる私の結婚写真の一枚から着想を得て、この美しい作品を描いてくださいました。人生の幸せな瞬間を繊細に描き出す表現と、細部まで行き届いた観察力は本当に見事です。

彼女の展覧会「LaDonna’s Mélange」は、Art Museum of Greater Lafayetteにて2026年5月10日まで開催されています。心に響くポートレートから躍動感あふれる壁画、そして遊び心のある家具作品まで、アーティストとしての幅広い表現をご覧いただけます。お近くにお越しの際は、ぜひこの展覧会を訪れてみてください。


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Friday, March 13, 2026

[Bilingual post] Podcast S3: E9 Kōzō Murashita: Japan’s Most Underrated Musical Genius/ ポッドキャスト S3: Ep9 早世の天才ミュージシャン村下孝蔵

  Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載


Hello everyone, this is Nisreen — welcome to the ninth episode of season three. It’s so lovely to speak with you again. Today I’d like to introduce you to a musician many people outside Japan have never heard of, even though he quietly shaped generations of listeners: Kōzō Murashita. He was active as a singer-songwriter between 1980 and 1999, and is especially known for his hit song Hatsukoi (“First Crush”) from 1983. When he suddenly passed away due to a brain haemorrhage, he was only 46.



The thumbnail of this episode is a drawing inspired by my favourite song of his, Yūko, written in 1982. In the YouTube version of the episode, I share the process of drawing this piece in the background. I hope you’ll enjoy it.


Please find the episode below, available in video on YouTube or audio on Buzzsprout. It's also on Apple Podcasts , Spotify 

YouTube



Audio

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

[Bilingual post] Visual Diary 36- Co-Leading a Live Music Workshop with an Oud Musician- ウード生演奏でワークショップを共同開催

 

  Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載


On 28 February 2026, I had the opportunity to co-conduct a Taqsim workshop with oud musician Andy Smith at the INBC Annual Bazaar. INBC is a non-profit organisation that supports dancers and musicians in Indiana and the surrounding areas.

2026年2月28日、INBC Annual Bazaarにて、ウード奏者Andy Smithさんとともにタクシームのワークショップを共同で開催する機会をいただきました。INBCは、アメリカ合衆国インディアナ州およびその周辺地域のダンサーや音楽家を支援する非営利団体です。


Andy with the participants
Andyと参加者の皆様

With the participants
皆様と


The workshop was originally Andy’s idea – and it was a brilliant one! We alternated in sharing the perspectives of a musician and a dancer on how to perform taqsim – an Arabic word for an improvised musical solo in traditional Middle Eastern, Arabic, Greek, and Turkish music. All the participants were very engaged despite the early morning schedule, asking great questions and sharing their own experiences. 

このワークショップはもともとアンディの発案によるもので、素晴らしい発想だったと思います!私たちは、音楽家とダンサーそれぞれの視点から、タクシームの演奏・表現方法について交互にお話ししました。タクシームとは、中東、アラブ、ギリシャ、トルコの伝統音楽における即興独奏を指すアラビア語です。

早朝の開催にもかかわらず、参加者の皆さんは大変熱心で、活発な質問が飛び交い、実体験を共有してくださる方も多く、暖かな学びの場となりました。


This is a painting I created to express the joy of the teaching experience.
この絵はこの経験の喜びを表現したものです


Although I couldn’t stay for the evening gala show, it was wonderful to meet the headliner, Tina Maric, who is a lovely person and an incredible dancer. She taught a very energetic and playful mejance choreography and drum solo.


As the PR Officer, it was very satisfying to see the event’s success after months of preparation and promotion.

Many thanks to the Event Director, April, the coordinator, Andy, and all the board members who worked tirelessly to make it happen – and, of course, to all the participants, instructors, performers, sponsors, and volunteers who contributed!

夜のガラショーには残念ながら参加できませんでしたが、ヘッドライナーのTina Maricさんにお会いできたことは大きな喜びでした。彼女はとても素敵なお人柄で、実力派のダンサーです。力強く遊び心にあふれたMejanceの振付と、ドラムソロのワークショップを指導されていました。

広報担当役員として準備と広報に数か月間取り組んできて、バザールの成功を目にするのは本当に感慨深いものでした。

ディレクターのエイプリルさん、コーディネーターのアンディさん、そして開催に向けて尽力されたすべての役員の皆さまに心より感謝申し上げます。そしてもちろん、ご参加くださった皆さま、講師、出演者、スポンサー、ボランティアの皆さまにもお礼申し上げます。


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Friday, February 6, 2026

[Bilingual post] Visual Diary 35- How to Tell Japanese, Chinese, and Korean Belly Dancers Apart Online オンラインでの日中韓ベリーダンサーの見分け方

  Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載

How to Tell Japanese, Chinese, and Korean Belly Dancers Apart Online

These are my personal observations, and of course there are always exceptions. The point of this post is simply to have a giggle over a cup of tea. Not to mention, there are many cultural commonalities between these countries too. :)

Japan

  1. There is always at least one studio photo taken by Mr. Nam.

    This is mine lol

  2. In photos with dance friends, a “cute” pose is common—one hand resting on the cheek.

    Me posing with Ozma

  3. Many posts show restaurant performances, with audience faces blurred (restaurant shows are rarely seen in China or Korea).

  4. Lesson outfits tend to split between skirts and leggings, but among students, those showing a lot of leg are fewer than in China.

  5. A wide age range (mainly people in their 20s to 50s).

  6. Photos of meals with a partner appear, but often only hands are shown and the partner’s face is hidden—a so-called “soft launch”. If the partner is foreign, their face is sometimes shown.

  7. The dancers' children occasionally appear in posts.

China

  1. Very fair skin with vivid, matte lipstick—Snow White–style make-up.

  2. Many dancers are extremely slim.

  3. All students wear matching, dressy lesson outfits and perform group dances in the studio (everyone showing beautifully bare legs).

  4. Short videos filmed in dramatic locations such as the sea or palaces.

  5. Videos with large Chinese characters used prominently as titles.

  6. Everyday life, such as casual meals, is rarely shown; everything posted is polished and highly professional.

  7. When the hair is curled, it is tightly and finely curled rather than loose waves.

South Korea

  1. Soft, bouncy skin like a peeled boiled egg; it’s uncommon to see vivid, matte lipstick worn daily.

  2. Many dancers are young (including teenagers and those in their early twenties).

  3. Lesson outfits are often stylish but lean more towards sporty than dressy.

  4. Selfies in everyday clothes are common; hats appear frequently.

  5. Some photos include partners.

  6. Photos showing only competition trophies.

  7. Veil work is not seen very often.

[Bilingual post] Visual Diary 44: A Small Miracle/ 小さな奇跡

  Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載 Hi, this is Nisreen! How are you? We experienced a small miracle the other day. Long story short, a b...