lighting the season
This past week has been a heavy one. I walked the dog this morning past the island church to hear the bells toll for the Sandy Hook tragedy. There’s talk about new angels in heaven, but that no doubt brings cold comfort to grieving families. Here is an angel drawn years ago. We can all use some heavenly peace. The best I can do is be alive to my countless blessings. I noticed beauty in many forms on an early morning walk, heading to Maine College of Art for my final day of the semester. These polar bears painted on the window at Company C make me smile. I love how the winter light is...
Read Morechilly illo news
Wow! I love receiving my book in a language I can’t read! A Warmer World has now been published in Korea. That totally warms my heart. My illustration from this book also graces Charlesbridge Publishing‘s holiday card: With winter on my brain, I was inspired to draw a snowy owl for my own holiday greeting this year: I’m still in the process of mailing out my warm and wild wishes so let me know your snail mail address! I’ve been busy with the culmination of the semester at Maine College of Art. My class once again participated in the Holiday Sale, a very practical...
Read MoreMECA mid-term musings
Things are busy in my junior illustration majors studio course at Maine College of Art. Students recently completed illustrating a rituals theme, with solutions ranging from an annual naked bike ride in Philadelphia, to Burning Man, to the piece below by Kiah Gardner, which fits today’s mood in a fetching way. Kiah’s interest in fiber relief was renewed by a recent visit from Salley Mavor, who gave a fantastic lecture about her professional journey and working methods in early October. She brought original pieces of her unique fiber relief illustrations. While students are...
Read Moreoctober fest
October is my birth month, so the opal in my soul shines a little brighter these days. I received a fantastic surprise via Caroline Arnold, author of A Warmer World: my first book trailer! One luxury is being between deadlines, and having time to enjoy the busy scene in Portland. Marty and I attended the preview opening for Elegant Enigmas: The Art of Edward Gorey at the Portland Public Library. Kudos to Scott Nash, who found the sponsors to bring this incredible show to town. Here he recites a few of his favorite Gorey rhymes. It was a delighted crowd, and one filled with familiar faces,...
Read Morenuts and bolts for all
The MECA semester has begun! Things got off to a rousing start with our first guest speaker of the year, the honorable Charles Hively of 3 x 3 Magazine. I’ve been a fan of his magazine and was thrilled to finally meet such a passionate advocate of the powers of good illustration. I drew a portrait for the above flyer before meeting him, and he’s more jovial than he appears here. His talk was informative and candid, and a good shot in the arm for illustrators of any age. His background as an illustrator, an art director, and creative director gives him wisdom from all angles. He...
Read Morehurly burly
Here’s my “Moto Ood” for the Monsters show at Pine Cone & Chickadee, opening this First Fridayin Portland. He looks just like I feel this week. Since our return from London, I’ve been vrooming. I shipped off 5 framed pieces for the Children’s Book Week exhibit at Charlesbridge Publishing next week. I’ll be there on Monday, 2 – 4 PM and also for the reception. Do stop in! I also dropped off 8 art works at Portland Stage Company. My illustration on the posters for their latest production, “Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh” and...
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