This, is Grand
These were the words coming out over the subway PA that struck me as kind of amusing. Because ambient sounds add so much to these scenes, I have it in mind to run some of these sketches along with the audio tracks I record while sketching them. I hope to start hitting this soon.
Inspiration: The Journals of Dan Eldon
Dan Eldon’s work (above) continues to inspire me to take more creative risks and break away from the familiar. I strongly recommend picking up the amazing collection of his 17 personal journals, “The Journey is the Destination,” delicately compiled by his mother following his death while working as a Reuters photographer in Mogadishu in 1993. He was only 22 years old. His vision was unique and inspiring, and his artwork is an affirmation of living a passionate life. I’m so happy that his family decided to share this with the world and continue to use Dan’s story to inspire others through their non-profit, The Creative Visions Foundation.
You can see more about Dan and check out a few samples of the journals, but you really have to just pick up a copy.
I’m trying my best to follow Dan’s example by using a variety of media and creating more interesting spreads in my journal. I feel like I’m just barely scratching the surface and I’m excited to see where I can take it.
Blue Line Commuter
I’ve been taking the train to work a lot more lately and it’s been working out well. The blue line isn’t quite as crowded as it’s been, which definitely helps for the sketching.
White Pelican
This guy greets you right after you make your way into the museum’s Nature Walk. I generally just take a cruise through the hall and see which animal calls out to me. Yesterday, the pelican got the nod.
I have to hand it to the taxidermists–they’ve done an amazing job retaining the personality of these animals. The habitats the artists created for the displays have mindblowing detail as well. What was once one of my least favorite spots in the museum is now somewhere I find myself sketching a lot.
Nap after the late shift
I made this sketch during a train ride home awhile back. It was early morning by the time I’d wrapped up a piece of animation I was working on and boarded the EL. I was moved by how many folks were making their way home from the late shift (or on their way to the early AM shift). This guy in particular looked as if he were exhausted from a hard day’s work and never budged during the entire time I had my sketch book out.
Contemplating how to handle the ice
Yesterday would have been a great day to brew a pot of coffee, turn on some music and enjoy Chicago from inside my apartment. That day turned out to be today, so I can’t complain much. This is the part of Winter I enjoy.
Yesterday, on the other hand, I experienced the iciest sidewalks and streets of my life. Folks were waiting literally hours for buses caught up in the chaos. Those of us that chose to close the gaps by walking as far as we could met the sidewalk on occasion with authority. I took a great spill (body parallel to the ground) and decided to enjoy a few moments looking up at the sky before I picked myself up and dusted myself off.
Today though, it’s coffee, a great soundtrack, maybe a turkey melt, and then an outside adventure to the Chicago Theater to see My Morning Jacket. Winter ain’t all bad.
Screen printing mini doc
Screen printing was something I knew I had to get into at some point. Indeed, it was pure love when I made my first print last year, as the process was just a great fit with how I like to work. With a vibrant and supportive community of screen printers and poster artists, Chicago has turned out to be a great place for me to get my training wheels.
Jay Ryan and Mat Daly–of The Bird Machine–have some fun here documenting the process.
The Grand Daddy
During a Sierras backpacking trip last fall, our group hiked a ridge overlooking our campsite and found this glorious tree. It’s weather-beaten and gnarled, but its massive roots have a firm grip upon the granite it sits on. I’m gonna design a beer label at some point featuring this guy front-and-center. Holler at me, brewers.
