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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 :)
11 Comments
Leave a response:
What a lovely post — and I’m thrilled to find out you’re a fellow illustrator, too! The Dior dress painting by Carmelo is just gorgeous.
Lori
xo
Thank-you so much Lori!! Means a lot :) Yes I just love that painting! xo
Wow, Anile. I,m deeply moved. How nice and touching to hear you talk about our experiences together. It just makes it all so worthwhile.
Thanks for being such a great teacher to me as well. I learned a lot about perseverance and tenacity, attaining goals and believing in oneself through your enthusiasm. Blessings x
Oh boy, here come the waterworks THANKS A LOT CARMELO ;) Appreciate your words so much – wow. So honoured. Three cheers for life-changing experiences and special people! xo
I can’t wait to seeeeeeeeee!!
Haha! Now I’m nervous ;) It’s just going to be simple sketches, a few hours at most each time, but posting about it will help keep me accountable :) Thanks Erica!!
what a great post anile! Thanks for sharing- :)
Thanks so much!!
So cool. I went through I&D as well, graduated in 96. Carmelo pushed hard but was also very encouraging. Some of his sense of aesthetics I carry with me still. I still get a bit nostalgic about I&D so very nice to read your post.
Thank-you so much Jason! So nice to hear your thoughts! I love your paintings, they are stunning. I think the salt and pepper shakers is one of my favourites :)
brilliant. persevere on!