I love when people share their process. Sometimes it’s a struggle for my kids to generate multiple, different ideas for a project and it helps when they see professionals do it too. These book cover thumbnails from some of my favorite illustrators are just as good as the final images themselves.
Josh Cochran for The Borrower
Christopher Silas Neal for May B
I’m pretty sad this summer is coming to a close. For the first time in a while, things were wonderfully uneventful—no graduations, no moving trucks, no wedding planning, etc.—so the slow pace took some getting used to. As a teacher, I usually get up at 5:45, then I’ll get home between 4-5, and afterward I do some grading/planning in the evening. So, when my day isn’t crammed with things to do, I feel like I’ve been unproductive. I know, a little crazy. It took some adjusting, but I’m so grateful for the chance to travel, see family, celebrate other people’s weddings, and have some lazy days watching shows on Hulu. These past two months flew by, and this weekend will be my last “free” for a while.
Visiting Installations Antiques has been on my to-do list for some time. Located just a few blocks away in a former textile factory, it’s a hidden treasure. Before we stopped by, we had a hearty brunch next door at Krafts’men Baking. I’m pretty sure my jaw fell wide open the moment we walked into Installations. The quantity of unexpected and beautiful things just overwhelms you. We met one of the owners and her down-to-earth warmth made you feel at home, like you were a friend and not merely a customer. I couldn’t stop thinking about all the unique antiques, furniture, and trinkets they had (and staged so beautifully) in the rooms.
I left with some canning jars from Germany to store supplies, but this flat file is the first thing I’ll buy when my pockets deepen.
We finally updated our neglected etsy shop. Like I mentioned before, I tend to start up a lot of projects and hoard them. Right now I have work from this summer and a little before that, but hopefully BJ will have things as well. I still feel like my work continue to evolve and change, and the shop will probably reflect that. Shoot me a message if ya’ll have any questions!
I’ve been working on some new still lifes with objects around the house. Growing up, my friend compared our big family to bunnies so I’ve always had a soft spot for them (except the ones with the red eyes).
These are from yesterdays workshop. I actually like the plate on it’s own, especially the shiny duct tape, although I’m sure it will discolor over time. I have a bad habit of picking up new mediums and projects and forgetting about the ones that still need to be finished. So although, my first time with collograph was years ago at a summer session in Ox-Bow, I’m glad I got the chance to do it again. This time around, I really learned how everyday objects such as mailing tape, sandpaper, painter’s tape, etc. could produce a rich and wide range of texture and tones. And since there’s a new print shop that opened down the street- I really have no excuse not to continue working on some new plate.
I took a very short collograph workshop at the Glassell yesterday and really enjoyed it. (The print above is someone else) They offer classes in the fall, but I’m not sure if i can take on that load during the week. If they had Saturday classes that would be perfect!
Pen drawing with digital coloring.
Inspired by my mom. Never ceases to amaze me when she just tossed a seed after eating the fruit into the garden (her version of composting) Â and it blooms. So far the backyard has yielded mango, bell peppers, lemons, grapefruit, and cantaloupe. I can barely keep a plant alive.
Lately I’ve been able to concentrate and work on a few projects. It’s like I finally got into the grove, but school and lesson planning may disrupt that very soon. Eek. But today I came across the Momentus series and I think it will resonate well with some of my design students. I’m always looking for visual references to show them. Last year, Olly Moss and Albert Exergian‘s redesigned movie/tv posters were a hit so when I find something new to add to the mix it makes coming back to school a little easier. From the site:
A collaborative project in which a select group of designers, illustrators, and artists create visual interpretations of the most defining moments in United States history as a way of informing others of our proud, yet sometimes troubled and forgotten past.
We went to Agora Sunday night for a little break. Sometimes it’s easy to get holed up at home, especially around here (I’m feeling nostalgic for Providence right now).
Many people don’t know that BJ has a real knack for drawing even though he didn’t start until much later.  He  worked on a portrait of Coach Taylor from Friday Night Lights.
I was having a creative block, so I drew him drawing instead.
Drawing wall is growing slowly