Sketch of the week
February 22nd, 2012
As aspired to here and committed to here, I’m kicking off a new column today where I post a sketch every week. It’s not about posting something finished, or even necessarily very good, but rather about remembering how good it feels to use a pencil (vs a mouse), get lost on a page for a few hours, explore ideas and re-sharpen my abilities – posting about it is just a great way to help keep me accountable.
Today’s inaugural post: 2H pencil, 2 hours, pinecone.
Happy Pandaversary!
February 21st, 2012
A year ago today, we took a ride to the Eastern Townships. I have since lost track of the hugs, cuddles, laughs, games, and kisses. Especially the kisses. I have watched strangers’ faces transform as we walk by – Panda brings smiles, squeals and a conversation to just about everyone she meets. We hear snippets of: I don’t like dogs, but I like that dog. If I had a dog, it would be that one. Look at that – THAT’S a dog. Best dog ever. Dog of the day. Ohhh I want that dog.
Sadly for most who ask, she’s one of a kind – as anyone who’s ever adopted a shelter dog knows. We’ve come up with breed names for her so that when people ask, we have an answer – what kind of dog is that? Oh, she’s a Fluffmaster 3000. A Fluffy McFlufferson. A rare and unobtainable Fuzzface. No matter what you call her, she’s our Panda. Happy first Panda-versary, dear Fuzzface – extra carrots after dinner today :)
p.s. If you are thinking of welcoming a pet into your family, please consider adopting a shelter animal. There are many, many loving animals out there who need forever homes. Many thanks to the Frontier Animal Society, who made life possible for Panda.
Happiness Is…
February 17th, 2012
A fresh pair of afghan slipper socks. My beloved old ones were full of holes and the soles had fallen off – it was time. Toasty tootsies for under twenty bucks, yes please! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!
Illustration Inspiration
February 16th, 2012
Technically, this isn’t an illustration post per se – but inspiration always gets its roots from somewhere, right?
Years ago I studied Illustration & Design – it was a grueling program, and fellow classmates dropped like flies. Lucky for me, I had started the process by taking a few night classes prior to being accepted in the program so I knew what I was in for. Even luckier for me, my very first teacher turned out to be my best.
When I handed in my first assignment to Carmelo Blandino – a still life I had drawn hastily in a (very) short hour before class, I got “it’s fine, but I know you can do better” back. Incredibly, nobody had ever said this to me before. I was so surprised that I forgot to be embarrassed or insulted and proceeded to re-draw the same subject matter (my boot – I was a combat boot gal in the mid-90s) for the next class. I gave it a good 3-4 hours and, to my surprise, he was right – it was so much better that I finally felt the appropriate twinge of embarrassment when looking at the first version from the week before. I still have that sketchbook somewhere; I love comparing the two and reminding myself that we all have that potential inside of us, waiting to get hustled out.
It was so much fun to work with Carmelo in those early years – as a group, we worked on giant tableaux for a special gala at Montreal’s Museum of Fine Arts in honour of their Lichtenstein exhibit. As students and teacher, weekly we challenged each other to go above and beyond in our exploration of techniques and art history. I got accepted into the full-time career program and life was crazy, but good.
Then I got sick. I was diagnosed with IBD (specifically, ulcerative colitis) halfway through my studies. Shortly after, things took a serious turn for the worst and I had to leave my job and apartment behind, then cut my school hours by more than half. I can’t really put into words what it’s like to be seriously ill for several years (and on and off ever since) and the resulting earnest gratitude I feel daily for the most mundane things as a result. I was put on additional side-effect-heavy medication just to help me make it through school, and I was fortunate to be able to stay on by special permission from the faculty – it would take an extra year for me to graduate. And graduate I did: by the skin of my teeth, with a lot of determination. I’ve led a pretty varied career path since then but those years continue to influence me, and my work, daily.
Carmelo has since left Montreal and his successful illustration and teaching career behind to immerse himself in fine arts – it’s been a real treat to watch him express himself so vividly. His work is luscious, organic, larger than life. I want to live in his paintings. My walls covet them. We keep in touch here and there, and we usually get to say hello when he comes to Montreal for one of his exhibitions. Recently, he decided to make one of his pieces available as a print – guess who snapped one up instantly.
This piece, a beautiful rendering of a vintage Dior dress, painted on an Hermes box (that is some chic recycling Carmelo!) hangs in my office and reminds me every day that I can always thrive to be better. Thank-you Carmelo :)
In this spirit, and to honour one of the resolutions I made earlier this year, I will begin a new column next week where I post a sketch of the week. Just to keep me limber and to remind myself of the possibilities. Because there is always an abundance of possibilities :)
Busted!
February 15th, 2012
We’re not the only ones who love where we live. We knew about this guy when we moved in because he’s been here since last spring, but it’s time to send him on his way – even though he’s living in an exterior structure, the ground below it is littered with styrofoam and other nest aides, and the inside of our garage is starting to smell. So we called Humane Wildlife Control and they came by today to assess the situation. They’ll be back tomorrow to send this fellow on his way. Sorry buddy, paying tenants only! Here are some pics I took one evening last fall as he watched me sweep the front walk. So long, peanut gallery.
Kern it like ya mean it
February 14th, 2012
It’s Valentine’s Day, and you know what that means? Getting competitive and playing type games, that’s what! By the by, Valentine’s Day is every day. Whether you’re with someone or not. So treat yo self and head on over to play Kerntype this very instant. You’re welcome.
Yep, that’s my score ;) Thank-you Ryan for sharing the link!
Happiness Is…
February 10th, 2012
A fresh haircut after too many months! Merci Chez Snips!! Have a wonderful weekend everybody!
Fresh Work: Davina + Daniel
February 8th, 2012
I have long been an admirer of wedding photographers Davina + Daniel – a beautiful, talented couple, traveling, creating beautiful work together, complementing each other – so amazing. Currently they’ve just kicked off seven months of on-again off-again travel starting with Guatemala – last year had them all over the map as well, including a stop-over in Kenya where they spent some time at an orphanage. They have a sweet little dog named Coco (that I know Panda is dying to meet) and when they got married it looked like this – I mean. Really.
photo: Ben Chrisman
I was thrilled (and a little nervous!) when they contacted me to re-vamp their identity. They felt that they were outgrowing their previous look and were giving a lot of careful thought to what their needs and wants were. I love it when clients take their time with this process – it may feel like a luxury, but it’s essential for lasting results. We brainstormed with images, moodboards, font exploration and came to the conclusion that a custom font treatment was the only way to go – after all, in a sea of wedding photographers, these two are one of a kind. The goal was to convey the unique, natural and completely personal approach that Davina + Daniel give to each of their assignments – not to mention their unrelenting passion, dedication and attention to detail. Oh, and did I mention they become friends with most of their clients? Add: lots of care and joy to the mix.
I worked on varying the line weights to allow each letter to shine while maintaining the flow and adding some handmade detail. This logo was a lot of work (in a good way) and I really enjoyed the process. Not only that, but I really enjoyed working with Davina and Daniel – I know that as a couple it can take some extra compromising and exploring (from choosing what movie to watch to decorating your home, let alone creating your identity!), and they were very patient and supportive of each others’ likes and dislikes during the process. Thanks guys, for being such lovely clients! I hope the logo continues to make you happy!
Note: I also helped them with the design of their new site, where the focus, naturally, had to be all about the work. You can check it out here.
Can’t get enough of Davina + Daniel? You can purchase a selection of their prints here.
Happiness Is…
February 3rd, 2012
Helping friends with their projects! The lovely and talented Nadyne was working on a video to showcase her fabulous, homey and very inviting home-salon Chez Snips so of course I didn’t hesitate. Even with a move to Hudson I still love heading over to Nadyne’s to get my hair cut – it’s like going to a friend’s house. A beautiful, adorable friend with amazing hair. Who proceeds to make YOUR hair amazing, fills you with laughter, and sends you on your way. Seriously, make an appointment.
You’ll also catch a cameo of my dear friend and beautiful mama Bess with brand-new sweet baby Edwin, PLUS a glimpse at the cover of the very first print issue of Pure Green Magazine!!
Nadyne directed me to look like a dork. Actually she didn’t, but perplexingly, that’s exactly how I look. Sorry Nadyne :) Congratulations on your beautiful video, I love it! Happy weekend everyone!
Chez Snips from Francis Pelletier on Vimeo.
Happiness Is…
January 27th, 2012
Trying a new recipe and liking it! Recipe here – I added more feta, couldn’t help myself. Have a wonderful weekend!
