Perhaps I Dream Too Much Alone

Starting Over

2012-01-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

Sometimes there are no second chances. Assumptions become truth. The world is void of sparkle. And a few people you once welcomed into your home now sit atop hills gazing from their glass houses.

It is in these times that you must remember the person you are and take comfort in unwavering strength. Surround yourself with people who see you for who you truly are and not what people have stamped you with in a moment of judgement and false truths.

Life is an adventure. The only thing consistent is change.

In the Forest, Through the Trees

2011-12-08T16:56:00.000-08:00

My favorite place in any bookstore is the children's book section. Mainly because there are cute books, little tables and sometimes...something in which you can feel like you are in a diorama of sorts.

And speaking of woods/forest themed things, my lockets sold out at Urban Craft Uprising over the weekend, but more are on the way. Check out my Facebook page or Etsy store to get your hands on them.

A Proper Red Dress

2011-12-06T17:38:00.001-08:00

I have been away from this blog for a while now. SO much has been happening that is beyond wonderful. My first experience vending at Urban Craft Uprising was so much more amazing than I could have ever asked for.

For 2012, I have a pending show in Paris, participation in NYC Surtex and many more adventures I cannot wait to experience.

I wanted to share my photos from a session with the amazing and talented Fedora El Morro of Tiny Box Media. She is so talented and such a beautiful spirit. Check out some of the photos she took of me. All © Tiny Box Media, 2011

Illo Friday: Launch

2011-06-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

What happens when you shoot jello out of a cannon? A launch of the tastiest kind. A Jello Shot.

New work, new wearables, and new loves

2011-05-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

2011 has been full of lessons, observations, and endless possibilities. With May in full bloom, I have a wealth of friends I am smitten with who support me regardless of my flaws, I have a blank sketchbook waiting on the table, and a head full of ideas.

I couldn't be happier in this moment.

A few snapshots of the items I have been working on over the past few dark wintery months. I am excited to get them into stores. What do we do in Seattle during the dark rainy months? We draw, of course!

Sad onion pendant

Tea Rabbit locket

Tea Rabbit on watercolor paper, framed at Ghost Gallery starting May 14th

Kitten in mittens with pie, framed at Ghost Gallery starting May 14th

Lessons Learned in 2011

2011-03-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

It's early yet in the year and already so many lessons learned. I should preface this entry by saying I truly do appreciate every opportunity to learn something about myself or others.

1. Art Shows
I love doing them. Some are themed, some aren't. I have a routine down when hanging a show.
Take tape, plastic bins for carrying your work in, a hammer, tacky for hanging art cards. Always have a little bag of emergency items for either hanging your work or for the framed work itself. Label the back with the date, the title and your name - perhaps even contact information.
Always be gracious to the people who are having you hang work at their business. Promote them on your Facebook account when you let people know where they can see your work.

2. Bad seed clients
This next tale is a lesson I had learned long ago which was - don't ever let a client take advantage of you. And be strategic as a freelancer. This client was a start-up and I was happy to be part of a growing company. Unfortunately, I mixed personal with professional, thinking they would see how hard I worked and promote me. That didn't happen and my job went to cheaper labor.
My mistake here: not being strategic and asking for what I wanted or seeing my worth. It's an obvious lesson, but I forgot one key element: work is work. Business is business no matter how sweet the client is or, in this case, appears to be.

3. Always being thankful.
Of course, to live a life doing what you sincerely love comes with an abundance of thanks. Always be thankful for the projects, the beauty in what you create and also the bad seed clients along the way. Give thanks to the people who buy your work. Take what you learned, apply it to the next and keep moving forward.

2011! New Artsy Wearables and New Art Shows!

2011-01-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hello Kittens!
2011 is off to a great start. I am showing 2 Art Shows in February and participating in a 3rd.

Trophy invited me back to show in February. Info below:

"Does Peanut Butter have a co-dependent relationship with Jelly? Do delivery trucks and garbage trucks get along or have a secret rivalry? Love and Loving Not is in the air this February.

Kelly J. Brownlee's solo show titled "Love, Love NOT" is a follow up to her July art show "Salty Sugar". Arriving just in time for the month of Love, this solo art show with brand new original illustrations pokes fun of and celebrates her love of tasty treats and random visions while encouraging the viewer to decide...will you Love or Love Not this February?

Original illustrations giclee' printed on watercolor paper in Vintage frames. And yes... there might be a wombat or 2.

Will you Love or Love NOT this February?

Opening reception, at the Wallingford Center Trophy Cupcakes the evening of Wednesday February 2nd, 2011 (Groundhog's Day!) in conjunction with Wallingford Artwalk. Starts at 6pm and ends promptly at 8pm when the center closes.

Trophy Cupcakes and punch served!"

And if you're in Seattle, stop by these fabulous gallery/shops to view my work as well as many other fabulous artisan's pieces.

Cakespy
Ghost Gallery
Tasty Art Boutique

7 Art Shows in December

2010-11-30T12:58:00.000-08:00

If you had asked me 1 year ago if I thought I'd be making art to display around local venues, I would have said, "No, displaying your work is for serious artists". Well, ever since my first show in July of this year, I have been on a roll, making art. Funny art, playful and whimsical. It's the stuff that feeds my funny bone and fuels my desire to make more work. I make these pieces because they're fun for me. And thankfully, they're fun for others too, because my work is selling and funding more shows.

So here is the December line-up for the shows I am participating in this month around the city:

December 9th, Opening reception 6-9pm The Puny Picture Show
Wallflower Custom Framing LLC & the Shooting Gallery
4735 42nd Ave SW Seattle, WA 98116

Ghost Gallery, MINIATURE Art Extravaganza

504 E Denny Way at Summit, and 200 Roy St Seattle, WA

Starting Tuesday, December 7 at 4:00pm

Solo Bar MINIATURE Art Extravaganza
200 Roy Street Seattle, WA 98109
Starting Tuesday, December 7 at 4:00pm

Sun, Dec.12th, 12-7pm
Ghost Gallery HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT (I'll be selling rings, pendants and notecards) There will be cocoa, cookies and champagne! Free admission! Come visit me!
December 11th - January
Helle in Georgetown
6253 13th Avenue South Seattle, WA, 98108
Burlesque, wombats and buttercups will decorate this awesome space.

Tasty Art Boutique
"Gifted" Opening Reception, Dec. 10th
7513 Greenwood Ave North Seattle, WA, 98103

Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, Dec 12th
225 N 70th St Seattle, WA 98103
In conjunction with Bells of the Sound music concert

Spooky!

2010-10-17T20:16:00.001-07:00

Owl eyes can be spooky.

My show, "For the Birds" is on display thru the end of October and I couldn't be happier with these little guys.

Dessert

2010-09-03T09:27:00.001-07:00

He brought her desserts.

City of Hope Benefit and the Art I made

2010-08-30T20:17:00.001-07:00

There are truly some amazing opportunities for artists in Seattle. I am not sure if there is an artist revival or if art is now just more accessible and places in which to hang art is more common. It's almost as if the flood gates opened on the art scene here and now suddenly, there are more opportunities to make, create, and show work.

The City of Hope benefit is one of these opportunities I chose to take on. Artists were asked to create an image with a corset or slip in it. The theme celebrates Women: their strength, struggle with cancer, survival, beauty, power, etc. The artwork would be donated, with proceeds from sales benefiting City of Hope.This particular challenge called to me for a few reasons. The first being, I have first hand knowledge of cancer, having survived it when I was 14.
Secondly, I am not one of those deep intellectual artists. Never have been - it's inauthentic to try and be something I am not. How was I to deliver something deeply personal to me, but not stray from my love of creating fun and simple imagery. I divided pieces into 4 vignettes that touch on the 4 stages of my cancer journey.
And I can say that each of these vignettes mean something to me regarding my cancer journey without feeling like I sold out trying to be or do something I am not. And I also was able to experiment with my desire to cut paper and create a slightly different dimension to my work.

Ghost Gallery Miniature Art Extravaganza THIS Saturday 12-7pm

2010-08-13T00:53:00.000-07:00

For those of you in the Seattle area who like tiny art, stop by Ghost Gallery on Saturday for their Miniature Art Extravaganza to benefit the gallery.

I'll be at my Tiny Tart table selling artsy wearables (pendants, necklaces and magnets and pins), and note cards of select work from my show at Trophy as well as a few note cards featuring
The Shanghai Pearl.

A few early pics as I stage my tiny table.

Rooster aka Cock rings! Adjustable size, Giclee' print with an epoxy bubble.

I will also be placing these items on my Etsy store this weekend!

Illo Friday, Breakfast

2010-07-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

An Amazing Art Reception Night

2010-07-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

I couldn't have asked for a better evening at Trophy Cupcakes in Wallingford. From the wonderful cupcakes the geniuses at Trophy Cupcakes made out of my illustrations, to the new and familiar faces who showed up.
It was a surreal experience having my work hung up. Especially because I have never framed my work before and- this may be surprising- I don't and never have had my work up in my home. I just never liked it long enough to justify having it hanging around. :) However, this show inspired a flood of new work that I am smitten with even now. And it was wonderful to share it.

This was an evening filled with decadence and bliss. And many of my pieces sold, which I am very excited about. This whole art show thing - putting myself out there - could get addicting. Once you take your work and put it out into the world, inspiration follows. Photo courtesy Adam Van Dyke

I am humbled, honored, and smitten with the whole experience.Photo courtesy Adam Van Dyke
Photo courtesy Adam Van Dyke

A very special thank you to all my friends, my amazing family, to Brad Davis for helping me with my artist statement and hanging, to Adam Van Dyke for shooting photos, to our neighbor Mike who helped me drill frames, to Sarah for creating lovely frames for me, The Color Group for producing amazing prints, Image Mill for doing my work on acrylic, to Annie's Art and Frame for framing my Wombat piece. Jennifer Shea of Trophy Cupcakes for seeing my vision for the show and providing a wonderful space to show thru July.

Last but not least, countless others who inspire me constantly. This show was truly a group effort and belongs to you!

Photo courtesy Adam Van Dyke

Photo courtesy Adam Van Dyke

Merci!

My First Art Show!!

2010-07-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

I've been keeping pretty low these days because I have been hunkering down and preparing for my first art show "Salty Sugar". I made a decision early this year that it was time to take my art out from behind my computer screen and out of my sketchbooks and share it! Below are some pictures of my preparation, sneak peeks and delicious cupcakes based on my illustrations. The opening reception is being held 5-8pm, Wednesday July 7th at Trophy Cupcakes in Wallingford in conjunction with the Wallingford artwalk! I am so excited and thrilled!!

Artist Statement for my Salty Sugar show:
A dash of whimsy and a healthy sprinkle of humor … My flair for ‘salty sugar’ fuses contemporary elements with a vintage aesthetic. Celebrating life's sweet morsels along with its savory humor, my work is fueled by visions of candy, friendly wombats, tarnished glitter, old chiffon, lovable children and amazing people.

Wombat cupcakes based on my illustrations! The talented Maren at The Bravern made these!!

The location where my art and reception will be held.

Brush your teeth!

Frames!

Sneak Peeks of a portion of some of the art.

Illo Friday, Slither

2010-05-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

Ahead

2010-04-23T14:12:00.001-07:00

Being tossed into the sky helped them get ahead of the other planes.

Dip

2010-04-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

What do you do when a charming wombat decides to take a dip in your tea?

Etsy Shop

2010-04-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

I have been swamped with work as of late which has been wonderful. I still pinch myself sometimes when I realize I get to draw cute cupcakes, miniature icons and vintagy things for a living.

In February, I opened my shop on Etsy and had my first order today. Check it out. I'll be adding more options to choose from soon!

2010-03-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

Focused

2010-02-01T17:59:00.001-08:00

She'd rather be focused on her man and not on her cat's grooming habits.

Wilderness

2010-01-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

Though a city girl, she made sure to stay grounded to her wilderness roots.

Confinement

2010-01-12T17:34:00.001-08:00

Some of the best conversations happen in forced confinement. Whether you're on the bus, airplane or simply riding in a car.

Christmas Card Production

2009-12-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

Been too busy with amazing and fulfilling projects! I guess one can never be too busy with wonderful and nourishing things.
Giving you a glimpse into my card making this year.

Happy Holidays!

Blur

2009-11-09T23:36:00.000-08:00

Though blurry, she liked viewing the world through her candy colored button.

A Flying Mascot in the Face of Cancer

2009-10-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

It was perfect that the topic was 'Flying' for Illo Friday. I just completed a cartoon logo for my friend who was just diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. He has an amazing sense of humor and agreed to let us help organize a benefit event for him to help pay his medical bills. I set up a blog for him and his amazing friends are all helping to organize rides, meals, food drop offs and this fund raising event. It is amazing what can happen if you present a request for help.

If you are interested in reading more, please visit: http://chemocranor.blogspot.com/

Off to NYC

2009-08-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

I am off to New York! Going to do a few client meetings, and portfolio drop-offs and gather some inspiration along the way.

Idle, Illo Friday

2009-07-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

Sitting idle, watching the runway, was what she liked to do most.

Drifting

2009-06-20T02:24:00.000-07:00

She was happiest when she was drifting above the crowds, like she drifted from town to town.

Close up.

I also did a version with the background shown here, but I almost think it stands better without the background. What do you think?

Been Away...

2009-06-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

I'll be back soon! Just swamped at the moment. Hopefully there will be an excellent topic for IF tomorrow.

Illo Friday, Theater

2009-04-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's best to avoid the hecklers and crowds at the theater and just watch a nice movie within the comfort of your home.

This one was for an article in Girl's Life Magazine.

It's been a while since I have posted! Work has been steady and life has gotten very busy as I balance work, being a mom and also having a social life with a wonderful circle of friends. My latest enjoyments are the few times a month I can attend an art opening and indulge in a happy hour beforehand with my peeps. The weather is getting nicer which means more festive art walks and a more happenin' city. I am fortunate to have a life full of so many wonderful and satisfying activities.

Tomorrow I am reviewing portfolios at AIGA's Reality Check, an event that brings all college design students on the brink of graduation and gives them a chance to get their work critiqued by design professionals in Seattle. It wasn't that long ago that I was one of those students and had my portfolio ripped apart by one of the best illustrators in town. Okay, maybe not my WHOLE portfolio, but I remember it as being a defining moment for me. So, it is an honor to be one of the reviewers this time and see the new talent out there. I do relish working with college students. There is a refreshing optimism about the way they view 'work life' after college.

Intricate

2009-03-09T20:03:00.001-07:00

They were delighted to see intricate specks of gold embedded in the prized chocolate bar.

This idea was inspired by Willy Wonka. I had always wondered what would happen if a kid bit into the candy bar without noticing the golden ticket. You would have a mixture of golden ticket and chocolate. These will eventually end up on marketing materials for my promo cards. I did buy gold envelopes to match.

Breezy

2009-03-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

I am just coming up for air long enough to post this for Illustration Friday. I have had numerous projects that have all wrapped within the past week. Work kind of flows all at once or spontaneously here and there, it seems. And in the slower times, I have found it is best to keep busy with personal artwork.

This lady was inspired in part by a gallery visit to Roq La Rue during an opening reception for 2 exceptional painters. As I gazed at the works on canvas, I noticed a young woman enter the gallery space wearing a fabulous red coat. It was probably vintage or 2nd hand and looked amazing with her pale skin and dark hair. The image has been floating around in my head for weeks and had to get it out to share.

Bonjour Cherie!

2009-02-10T20:10:00.000-08:00

I just finished doing a Blog logo for Tanya's blog which is a very romantic and charming new space online.

Please be sure to check it out! Tanya and I met during the segment I did with the National Geographic Channel.

Flawed

2009-02-03T15:23:00.001-08:00

With everything that is going on in the world, I often feel the news shows us a society that is reminiscent of dramatic theater. What is a good dramatic story without certain flaws? Chaos, corruption, doom and gloom under an uncertain future. These are ingredients for the perfect recipe for some wonderfully horrific silent film. I only hope the curtain call for current disastrous events comes soon.

Pale

2009-01-17T22:54:00.000-08:00

No matter how sunny it got or how much skin the other girls exposed, she never strayed from her desire to be pale.

Contained Falling Cookies Made into a Drum Band

2009-01-14T19:55:00.000-08:00

Just a funny Illustration that came to me the other day.

A New Year!

2009-01-05T09:27:00.001-08:00

I did this illustration for a friend of mine who is helping to organize a fashion charity event.

Here's to a new year, a new sense of hope, and endless possibilities.

Merry Christmas Eve and Beyond!

2008-12-23T23:26:00.000-08:00

As promised, here is my holiday card I sent out this year. A very Merry Christmas to all of you!

Cards and Confections for the Season!

2008-12-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

I have made some of my favorite confections for the holiday season to give away as gifts. Peppermint Bark is so easy to make and is such a nostalgic treat. White chocolate is melted down and mixed with crushed peppermint candies. It is then chilled and hardened and then broken apart. The mixture of the creamy sweet white chocolate and the refreshing mint is delicious.I created a label for the bags of bark. Kind of a fun play on words. Each labeled glassine bag is filled with bark and then sealed with a small sticker on the back.

And...

the below is just a preview of my illustrated holiday cards for this year. Right now the living room has been taken over by sticker labels, shimmery envelopes, and greeting cards. There is something so relaxing about folding, cutting and sticking. Assembling fun items to give away. It's a crafty Christmas this year and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll post the full card for you to see on Christmas Eve. Hope all of you are knee deep in fun artsy projects as well!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-12-10T13:08:00.000-08:00

I have been away from my blog for a bit longer than I wish mainly due to the fact that work has been burying me, literally. I cannot complain and am truly thankful for every blessing in my life. A wonderful family, friends who are true companions, inspiration everywhere.

My day being a year older is off to a grand start. A homemade card from my 5 year old bean, Lily. Tons of wonderful wishes from friends, and a set of too-good-to-be-true shoes from Anthropologie to kick my feet up in, care of my true partner in crime, Chris.I am constantly reminded of all the wonderful and beautiful things around me. And am also truly thankful for this wonderful artist community. Thank you, all you talented folks out there.

Wouldn't it Be Nice

2008-12-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

I drew this one last night of my east coast friend Melissa and her darling pup, Pixel. They both went surfing and I had to draw this image because of the great visual I had of them and also because...darn it...I miss summer! Not a complaint, but an observation. My friend Bradford and I are trying to do less complaining - in fact, we're trying to see how many days we can do with ZERO complaining. The idea is to be more thankful for what we have. And if we mess up, we have to start all over. Imagine that!

So here's to less complaining and to warm summer days in the not so distant future!

Illo Friday, Opinion

2008-11-24T18:22:00.000-08:00

When choosing your wedding dress, it is always important to bring your BFF to give her opinion.

Illo Friday, Pretend

2008-11-17T08:53:00.001-08:00

You can pretend it doesn't bother you when he talks on the phone during dinner...

I've Been Tagged, You've Been Tagged!

2008-11-17T08:22:00.001-08:00

The lovely and incredibly talented illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton tagged me along with 7 other illustrators on her blog. First of all, to be tagged by someone as talented as Vanessa is a huge honor and to be in the midst of the other illustrators is so flattering! It has been wonderful being part of this very talented and supportive artist community. Thank you everyone who stops by!

Here is the list of the few 7 brilliant illustrators who I really am inspired by and whose work I keep tabs on daily. There are so many other artists that I cannot even name, but I do keep tabs on them via my links list. If you have not visited these blogs, please do. Thank you all for your amazing work!

Diana Evans
Eric Barclay
Nancy Lefko
Rob Mc
Tessa
Candace Drew Calming
Goobeesta

If you decide to participate, the rules of the Tag are as follows:
1. Link to your tagger and post the rules.
2. Post 7 Random facts about yourself
3. Tag 7 Friends and link to them
4. Let them know that they have been tagged by leaving
a nice little message on their blog.

7 Random facts about me:
1. I was named after my great grandfather who immigrated to the US from Ireland
2. My former middle name 'Nicole' was to honor the French family I wasn't adopted by
3. My favorite thing to do is buy baguettes at the Pike Place Market
4. I wear a lot of black, but not because I think I am deep, because it hides dirt!
5. I secretly watch The Fabulous Life of Kimora
6. My favorite season is Fall
7. I have a tradition every Fall of watching Moonstruck and then Amadeus, which I believe are true movie classics.

There you are!

Pimping Your Ride

2008-11-09T13:34:00.001-08:00

I think I am car-obsessed. Not with buying a car (cars have never been of interest to me as far as collecting them), but with drawing them.

Illo Friday, Wise

2008-11-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

It is always wise, when riding your tricycle, to wear a helmet to protect your head.

Illo Friday, Vacant

2008-11-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

Are phone booths ever used for making phone calls anymore?

Illo Friday, Repair

2008-10-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

Repairing a broken heart can be a daunting experience. I can remember my first boyfriend broke up with me on Valentine's Day of all days!

Polar Bears and Popsicles

2008-10-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

Illo Friday, Late

2008-10-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Whether you're late for work, late to your kid's school or late with dinner, being late doesn't often feel very nice. Notice, I pulled the rabbit from Alice into this one. It's all about balance. How do you do it?

Friends as Avatars

2008-10-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

I love my friends. Therefore, I decided to capture each one in a small illustration. Some of them are using their portraits as their profile pics on online communities which is always fun.

High Density Living

2008-10-07T22:40:00.000-07:00

This is the current trend in Seattle. Take a beautiful craftsman house, bulldoze it down, and build an ugly townhouse that houses 5 separate units on the land. And these town homes sit empty, for the most part, because they run at minimum 350k and up.

Illo Friday, Sugary Part II

2008-10-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Another sugary illustration, portrait of Katy Perry.

Illo Friday, Sugary

2008-10-04T01:15:00.000-07:00

Sugar-topped ice cream cones and a dessert cart in Central Park with skating penguins.

King Kong

2008-10-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it's the economic climate, the political debates and the drizzly rain here in Seattle that makes me want to escape into a land of monsters. Where battles between good and evil are a bit more clear and defined or at least fictional.

Halloween Treats!

2008-09-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

Just a festive illustration I completed this afternoon. I can't believe October is already here. Today I went to Target and most of the Halloween decorations, etc were sold out and Christmas cards were prominently displayed in aisles already.

Illo Friday, Packed

2008-09-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

This one is a repost, but fit the theme of "Packed" perfectly.

Work the Catwalk!

2008-09-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

Another celeb illustration. Kimora Lee Simmons is a giant. Well, the tallest multiracial Asian woman I have seen in a while. Love her.

4x4 Truckin'!

2008-09-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

This is an illustration I did a few nights ago. Driving along the freeway, I kept thinking about drawing a fat truck with big tires.

Illo Friday, Clique

2008-09-19T00:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome, Fall...

2008-09-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today we had our first day in some time that was below 70 degrees. This got me into the mood to welcome Fall in. And it's the perfect theme for this week's Arty Girlz Challenge.

Bus Lady, Cafe Girl & Winter Lady

2008-09-16T14:36:00.001-07:00

Illo Friday, Island

2008-09-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

My spin on "Island". I can relate much better to a kitchen island than the tropical kind.

Rachel Zoe Project

2008-09-10T08:10:00.001-07:00

I am addicted to the new reality show that features Rachel Zoe, the thin, seemingly always stressed out stylist for celebrities. From the moment I saw her on tv, I felt she had the perfect qualities for a caricature illustration. Thin body, large head, orange eyes covered in enormous sunglasses and draped in expensive couture. The portrait isn't meant to be a slam on her. On the contrary, I think she's super glamorous. To be able to buy dresses for a living would be a dream... See fashion blog.

And her close-up.

Illo Friday, Clutter

2008-09-06T20:28:00.001-07:00

If you're a bag-toting lady, chances are you have been in this situation before or at least witnessed it.

Shoes! Glorious Shoes!

2008-09-05T00:45:00.001-07:00

Another illo I cranked out this evening. Fun with shoes!

Bunnies on a golf cart...

2008-09-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit, I watch reality TV. Worse yet, sometimes I watch "The Girls Next Door".

They make denim shawls, right?

2008-09-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

To continue my denim theme, I drew portraits of my friend and I dressed in denim. Random, I know, but it makes me laugh. That's me on the left with a denim Pashmina.

And another portrait of my friend in a strapless denim dress. They do make those, don't they?

Grand Paris!

2008-09-02T15:49:00.001-07:00

Illo Friday, Memories

2008-09-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

One of my memories is being forced to wear the largest puffiest coat ever known to man. It was fur lined with a bright blue puffy parachute fabric and was even belted. That coat traumatized me and attracted unkind words from a few classmates. The coat was eventually destroyed when I accidentally left it against a space heater and the hood melted.

My Zebra in Denim

2008-08-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

Just a funny zebra I drew this weekend after a close friend of ours stopped by dressed head to tow in denim. It got me thinking about big bottomed zebras who wore pants.

Illo Friday, Routine

2008-08-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

For this Friday's Illustration, I chose this image I produced for Spotlight Productions.

They Have Glass in First Class...

2008-08-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

Remember the old days of being excited to go on a plane trip? Of dressing up, of using train cases for cosmetics with matching luggage? Those days have sadly been gone for a while, the memories of easing your way onto a plane in your best travel outfit has been replaced with having to strip down for security, having your personal things rifled through and being prodded like cattle through long lines only to be smashed into a tiny space on a plane, and digging your nails into the dirty fabric cushions during take off and landing. I understand it's necessary and so, have grown used to the routine.

On my whirlwind trip to Buffalo and back in 24 hours, I flew 2 flights to Buffalo. One of which was sitting behind 3 young boys who all yelled at each other after one of the boys refused to put on his seatbelt, "You're gonna die if you don't buckle your seatbelt! You're gonna die! You're gonna go to airplane jail!" as the plane took off. There was also the usual man with bad b.o. and a plethora of crying babies.

After my interview about having been a plane crash survivor for the National Geographic Channel, I arrived at the airport, went to check in and was given a pleasant surprise that the person who booked my tickets home, had booked me in first class. The only other time I have ridden in first class was when I was 17 and I was bumped up by default. And I recall service back then was kind of snippy. It was if they knew I didn't really belong in first class.

However, on my connecting flight from Cleveland to Seattle, I moved to the line when they announced seating for first class passengers. And was seated in 1E. The chairs were roomy, the space was expansive. And upon being seated, I was asked right away if I wanted something to drink. I ordered a water. The woman next to me ordered a wine and asked how much it was. (Was her first time in first class as well). The flight attendant assured her that wine and all other alcohol was provided free. I was give my plastic cup of water which was twice the size of the usual cup they give economy seats. And the woman next to me was handed her wine in a wine glass. I watched as she tapped the glass with her nail and confirmed, it was indeed a real wine glass. We were both impressed, being the amateur first class patrons we were.

I sat back and relaxed as I watched everyone else shuffle onto the plane, looking exhausted as me, and dreading the 4hour plane ride ahead in their tiny seats. I understood their discomfort and sympathized but also told myself to enjoy the first class experience, as I will not likely pay for a seat like this ever in my life.Throughout the flight, we were given hot towels, a big bag of cashews, a turkey cheese plate (yes, real glass again!) and were asked frequently if we wanted anything to drink. I felt slightly decadent.

After the plane smoothly touched down in Seattle, I was the second person to walk off the plane, feeling rested, refreshed and happy to be home.

4 Flights in 24 Hours

2008-08-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

After my contract came to an end last week, I started off this week with a whirlwind trip to Buffalo, NY and back to Seattle in 24 hours. 2 months ago, I was contacted by a Research coordinator at the National Geographic Channel who expressed interest interviewing me for one of their shows, "Air Investigation". 90% of the show investigates the air crash and the other 10% focuses on interviewing the survivors. I agreed to be interviewed after speaking to this woman for over an hour and also getting some advice from close friends. It has been a few years since the media blitz surrounded the 'lift' and the 25th and the 30th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. 7 years since Oprah's crew interviewed me and shaped my life story into a contrived and slightly sappy version of the real thing. And now, after a few years of no longer being involved in adoptee organizations, I have found myself again. Just as me. Not me the adoptee. But me, the mom, the wife, the artist.

However, I didn't turn the interview from the National Geographic channel down simply because I figured, why not? I had nothing to lose. I had been interviewed before. No big deal. Perhaps my story would inspire or enlighten others? If nothing else, it would be a new experience and they were paying for everything.Monday I was flown to Buffalo to film the interview. Their offices are based in Toronto, so they coordinated my flights and put me up in a hotel, paid for meals and sent the crew down.
I got into Buffalo Monday night, was driven by taxi to The Mansion, the place of lodging and the location of the interview. A butler met me outside, took my bags and proceeded to show me around the old place. There is nothing like the architecture of the east coast. Purely amazing.
I was shown to my room, which had an adjoining parlor room, separate bedroom and a bathroom that my living room back home could have fit into.I walked Delaware Ave and found a place for dinner. I ordered a burger that was described as having loads of mushrooms and bacon, but really ended up having bacon bits and dried dehydrated mushrooms. I was so hungry, I didn't care. And at 9pm, utterly exhausted, I fell into bed, surrounded by a dozen pillows, and crisp linens. I awoke an hour later to a terrific lightning storm. Big streaks of lightning pulsed the night air. I was quite comfy until I remembered the butler mentioning something about the house being a brothel at one point and then I began looking around the expansive suite, studying shadows, the high ceilings, the sealed doors that led to different areas of the mansion. I slept with one eye open, half expecting to wake up and see my bed surrounded by angry prostitute ghosts.

Luckily, morning came and I was off to the continental breakfast down in the foyer.

The rest of the day went well. The crew arrived 2 hours late due to being stuck at Customs. But they managed to set everything up, finesse their lighting, do sound checks and finally interview me. I was impressed with their work and it in no way felt contrived or fake. The piece will be airing in March of next year and I am interested in seeing what they come up with.

Illo Friday, Enough

2008-07-18T20:41:00.001-07:00

4th of July Recap

2008-07-07T17:10:00.001-07:00

Just a small little recap of an awesome 4th of July. We devised a plan that allowed us to find free parking, have time to slowly browse downtown and the Public Market before dining on the waterfront and watching the fireworks show from the best view point in the city. And afterwards, we were treated to a traffic-free drive home. Couldn't have been better.

Little by Little...bit by bit

2008-07-05T23:13:00.000-07:00

Finally had time to do a little painting today. Went through the usual stages of loving and hating what I was doing. Started out timid and finally got my stride later in the day. It's amazing to me how much a painting can change from start to finish. I guess it's never really done. You can pick at it forever, really. This is far from being done, but I am enjoying the process.

In Waiting

2008-06-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

Paint brushes in waiting...
I have been working feverishly on finishing illustrating an adventure tale for a client. Probably would have been much more of a hoot if I hadn't waited until the last minute to start work on it. However, I managed to complete it at 3:35am this morning, promptly fell asleep and then awoke at 9:35am to start edits the PM had for me. Suffice it to say, I haven't had much time for painting, but am optimistic about tomorrow! It's kind of nice to have days free and perhaps I have hit my stride in freelancing from home again.(A funny habit I have when I paint is that I hold a spare paintbrush in my mouth. I have no idea why. Makes me look like Cruella Deville and those vile cigarettes she used to smoke. )

New Sketches

2008-06-14T16:25:00.001-07:00

Been working the whole day on these few sketches that will be evolving into paintings over the next few days.

Illo Friday, Worry

2008-05-24T16:52:00.001-07:00

Illo Friday, Wrinkles

2008-04-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

My submission for Illo Friday.

Change is Constant

2008-04-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

A close friend of mine once told me the only thing that is consistent is change.

For the past several months I have been working onsite at a gaming company designing games for a very big fast food chain. I learned a tremendous amount while I worked there.
For example, I learned that:
1. I like working outside the house
2. I like being downtown
3. I know very little about gaming culture, but find it quite hilarious

The office consisted of men in their late 20's, early to late 30's and whereas they had the personalities of anxious teenagers who lived for gaming, I found them to be the best team I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Somewhere amongst the immature chatter, the throwing of chairs at each other and regular cursing, they met all their deadlines, got the work done and were naturals at the gaming industry. They possessed absolutely no ego and were always anxious to share knowledge with anyone who wanted to listen. They were also very flexible and understanding when it came to family. They often let me bring Lily in when I had no childcare. It was amazing.

Sadly, this morning, I arrived at work and was told of a company merger that meant 35% of the company was laid off yesterday without warning. And the new structure also meant my contract was terminated. I had been expecting my contract to end this week, so it was not painful for me, but it was painful to see the rows of empty desks. To say goodbye to the remaining few who didn't know about the fate of their jobs. These people who had worked closely as a team for the past 5 years and understood one another so well.

It was lovely being part of a team for the time it lasted, and also having a regular paycheck. There is talk of having me come back in 6 weeks to be hired again once the re-org is complete and the dust settles. Who knows.

I am usually one to rise when challenge is presented, so perhaps this was the kick in the arse to get me inspired again, as I have been feeling particularly blah since the New Year.

Hoping to get more drawing in and also blog more.

Illo Friday, Save

2008-04-07T20:33:00.001-07:00

Illo Friday, Garden

2008-03-11T08:15:00.001-07:00

My Favorite Photographer

2008-03-05T15:58:00.000-08:00

There are few photographers who can capture such beautiful scenes on film. I was lucky enough to sit for Djordje Zlatanovic who does amazing conceptual and portrait work and is finshing up his degree at school this spring. He and his wife came to our house a few weeks ago to shoot a piece that highlighted the theme "Blue".Both were wonderful to spend time with and also charmingly entertained Lily. I feel very fortunate to be part of his portfolio work. Check out his complete portfolio. He's a real gem and is definitely going places in the art world.

Illo Friday, Leap

2008-03-02T09:50:00.001-08:00

My entry for Leap

February Funeral

2008-02-28T19:27:00.000-08:00

Can I just rant about how much I loathe funerals? And, I mean, not just because you've lost someone. But because around death, there is often feuding, quarreling about who gets what, and who says what, etc. This is simply how people grieve. And the truth is, none of it matters. The person you loved is no longer on this planet. The person you thought would be around forever is a face in your memory. It's a difficult realization.I had not been to a funeral since I was 18, when my friend died in a plane crash. It was horrible, tragic. A sudden death. A funeral I don't remember much of.

I had forgotten just how cookie-cutter funerals are. There are prayers, hymns, and a eulogy where one person tells their favorite memory of the person that everyone loved. More prayers, readings of scriptures and then you're dismissed to juice and cookie time in the basement. It may be due to the grieving that people don't put much thought into funeral services. This is understandable.

How I wished today that the service had been different. Wishing for more of a celebration of that person's life where everyone got 2 minutes to share their favorite memory or what that person meant to them. Like weddings, funerals are a place where not many people know one another. People stay at their small tables, huddled close. But yet, the reason why you are there is because that one person touched your life. Why not share that? Laugh and cry together. Connect. Exchange the cold pews for a round circle of chairs where everyone shares.

It's not a perfect world and it was not my funeral to plan. But, it does inspire me to write funeral plans into my will at some point. After all, why not send someone off to the afterlife with a little laughter, a little hoot and a damn fine party?

Maybe I should go into the funeral party planning business.

Then again, maybe my grand plans for funeral parties is just my way of dealing with grief.

Illo Friday, Multiple

2008-02-22T09:58:00.001-08:00

Multiple pictures on the wall...

Happy Owl

2008-02-17T22:20:00.001-08:00

This Owl makes me especially happy. Sailing through the milky way with his trusted parrot. Stopping only to pick a bouquet of sunflowers before dozing off to sleep.

In Memorandum

2008-02-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

A man I regarded as a Grandfather passed away last night. It was odd, even when I was out with friends, I got quiet in the middle of the chatter around me. Something felt "off", so it was less of a surprise this morning when I received the news of his passing. Grandpa Don, as I lovingly referred to him, was a friendly neighbor at our family cabin near Mt. Rainier. He was the first person to introduce us to the area, help us with the floods that always came with heavy rainfall, and we quickly embraced him as part of our family.

My childhood is sprinkled with wonderful memories that involve him. He was part of my childhood. The ultimate wilderness handyman, he taught me out to shoot a rifle, to ride a motorcycle, build campfires. Always telling wonderful stories of his childhood. About how he and his friends lowered their car with rope down the side of Queen Anne Hill in the 50's when the streets were too icy. How his father would leave him and his brother in the woods to go exploring and camping in the 1920's. Wonderful stories that would last past sunset around a campfire, his laughter echoing through an otherwise quiet night.

One particularly fond memory I have is the day he took me in his pick up truck up the roads loggers used. Up and up and up. We drove for about 45 minutes before he pulled over and led me to a partial clearing. I stood on the edge of a cliff overlooking Packwood Lake. The water was a brilliant blue and it sparkled in the summer sun. It was an amazing view. Untouched, hidden. We sat at the edge of the cliff for some time. I don't even remember how old I was, but for some reason, that day stands out to me and seems like it was yesterday.

In the past year, he developed problems with his legs and had to have one of them removed and even more recently, the doctors decided to remove the other. It was the ultimate death sentence for someone with such a vivacious spirit. For me, he will always be preserved in my mind as the strong willed grandfather, friend and mentor from my childhood. I will miss him. And am so thankful to have had him in my life.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know technically, it's not VDay quite yet. In some part of the world it is in fact, February 14th. So, here is my heartfelt contribution. Have a lovely day!

Illo Friday, Choose

2008-02-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

My illustration for Illo Friday's topic: Choose

Insecurity breeds Creativity!

2008-02-05T22:20:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd post some illustrations I have done in the past about Insecurity or Beauty. Funny how the two go hand in hand! Makes for fun illustrations at any rate.

I once tried to bleach my black hair blonde when I was 11 so I could look like Darryl Hannah in Splash. She was the epitome of beauty in my mind back then.
It didn't work out.

And this one is a work in progress.
I'll do some more work on it at some point.
Bathing suit season is yet a mere month away!

February BBQ

2008-02-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

Some cupcakes I made for our Winter-into-Spring inspired bbq we held at the casa last night.

I am always so grateful for the wonderful close knit circle of friends we have around us.

Illo Friday, Blanket

2008-02-01T23:45:00.000-08:00

My entry for Illustration Friday.

Snow blankets the ground.

Happy February 1st!

2008-02-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

I am so excited that February is here. Perhaps it's because that means the days are going to start getting longer and that we are farther away from the holiday madness. Spring is only a few months away, and then there's all of that lovely pink and red in the store windows.

Buttons Buttons Everywhere!

2008-01-29T11:10:00.001-08:00

Some buttons and magnets I made a while ago.

Lost

2008-01-29T10:54:00.000-08:00

Every morning, I walk to the bus stop to catch the 131 route that gets me into the city in 15 minutes. I love the walk over the bridge and the view I get of the vast industrial area south of the city. The world is humming with action. I love watching the trains, seeing the smoke billowing up from factories, watching people open up their shops, their docks. Rituals. Everyone has daily rituals and one of my daily rituals is watching them take place. I snapped this photo the other day and found something slightly comical about being able to see the billboard sign over the city that reads "Lost".I chewed on this for a bit, thinking about society, about how the older generations see our society as being lost, less goal-oriented, with less hope due to looming threats to our planet. My philosophy has always been that we make our own destiny, our own future. In that way, I feel we do have at least some control over situations in an otherwise unpredictable world. We choose to be fat or thin, to let difficult situations envelop us or inspire us, to beg for money or make our own living. Choices. Life is about choices. It's a nice way to live, though challenging - and much easier sometimes to just lay down and "give up" . But because each one of us makes these daily choices to either better or worsen ourselves, perhaps we are a little less Lost than we think. At least as individuals.

Catching Up

2008-01-28T13:53:00.001-08:00

Decided to post some of my illustrations I had on my old blog before I removed it a few months ago. Feeling the desire to get creative and perhaps do some more sketching.

My take on the Hollywood version of international adoption as a charitable accessory.

This one is from the children's book I have out. There's even a song that goes with the book now! Take a listen.