Some really exciting things have been bubbling in my studio. For the first time, I tried to film a drawing from the beginning to end.  It might not be perfect but it is my ‘Ugly Duckling’.

I have to admit, it was quite the ride from figuring out lighting situations to video editing. Not only did I decide to film my process, but this video was part of an even bigger scope in which I was collaborating with the very talented pianist, Jonah Wei-Haas (@Jweihaas) who scored the original song.

I have never done a collaboration in this fashion where he was composing as I was drawing. We really played off each others energy and the song is perfect for this piece. Hell, I think it is perfect for the spring time too. Can’t you see butterflies and the cool spring breeze in your hair?

The first obstacle of filming was to set up a temporary space outside of my regular studio so I could move around and not get into too many frames while I was filming.  One thing I very quickly realized was how cautious I had to be while recording. I never realized how much I am on autopilot when I am working; it was a nice change to actually have to think and slow down. (I am actually pretty clumsy and oblivious). This project really made me appreciate my practice and now I can watch it forever!

The second and most frustrating part was figuring out how to use a camera to shoot the video. This was by far the worst part of the process but having a manner in which to see your project come to life again and again before your eyes is really spectacular. I have to say, I am kind of addicted to it and it was totally worth it.

You can see the final video here (YOUTUBE).

So after finishing all the many hours of recording and dancing for the camera, the fun began. I am a self proclaimed queen of tedium and video editing is by far, one of the most challenging and tedious things I have ever attempted to pick up on a whim.  I have never before used Adobe Premiere but being self taught at Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, I attempted to tackle it.  This was Jonah’s and I’s first time at using this software and I can’t wait to become proficient at it.

I honestly can’t wait to film another one with hopefully a bit more consistency and grace. I hope you are as excited as I am for the next one. Who knows, I might make this a monthly project and if you are a musician or artist and you want to collaborate please do give me a shout out.

Here is an image of the final piece and if you have already watched the VIDEO and are thirsty for the final image, or if you haven’t seen it, I hope seeing this will encourage you to check it out!

Breathing Life
2013
40″ x 30″
Pen & Ink

Also, please do show some love to Jonah who made the wonderful tune! You can also read some of his thoughts (hopefully not bad) about this collaboration on his BLOG.

These are some links to some his HOT HOT Sites!

WEBSITE

YOUTUBE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

You can also watch the video for the first or second or third time by clicking the image below, please enjoy!

..

..

// Nestingzone

Even though it is mid winter in Chicago, I am already anticipating the spring time and the lovely weather and flowers.  The spring time is always a time where you want to clean everything out, start over, and freshen up your life.   So in celebration of this new season, I decided to freshen up my website with the help of the lovely and talented Evan Wei-Haas (BCMG)! 

So before I introduce you to my newest beast, let’s have a flashback

I am in many ways nostalgic for my old site.  This was the first website that I ever had to showcase my work.  It was a time of great transition for myself and my work — I was still in school and trying to figure out what I wanted to do.  I had no idea what I wanted in a site or even what the work I was making would look like, but through the help of my good friend Wayne — there it was.

So after a few years of rocking that site, I felt I needed to upgrade.   That site was wonderful but with devices like iPads//iPhones// iSomethingOrOther, my site would just have a panic attack on the device.  And everyone knew how anxious my site would get when it heard, “Oh, let me show you my work, can I see your iDevice.”

So without further ado, here is my new fresh faced beast…

Isn’t it beautiful?!  New Site, New Me, New Work, and New Year!  I feel like it hits the nail on the head and fits!

It’s clean, modern //contemporary, graphic, and happy, yet not annoyingly complicated.  It accentuates my work and makes them  feel so organized!

It is PERFECTION!

//Nestingzone

Over the last few weeks I have been creating some new and finishing some older works for a very special event at my Undergraduate school, The School of the Museum of Fine Arts. The Museum School Art Sale is a wonderful event  which brings thousands of works on a changing rotation, priced by the artists and sold to benefit student scholarships at SMFA. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the exceptional caliber of work produced by SMFA students, alumni, faculty and more, and  to experience the thrill of discovery in the Boston area.

For me it is very exciting to showcase new works that represent my vision more clearly. It is amazing that I graduated a mere 5 months ago and so much has happened and changed.

So I hope you enjoy what you see and please do check out the event at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (230 The Fenway Boston, MA 02115)

Thursday, November 29, 10 am–8 pm // Opening celebration 5–8 pm

Friday, November 30 + Saturday, December 1, 10 am–8 pm

Sunday, December 2, 10 am–5 pm

Aimlessly Involved, Evolved
2012
Pen
36″ x 24″

Hitch Hickers
2012
Pen
20″ x 24″

Stacks On Stacks
2012
Pen, Ink, & Acrylic
36″ x 24″

House Hunting
2012
24″ x 20″
Pen, Ink, Acrylic, & Illustration Paint

// Nestingzone

I was commissioned by my friend Brian to make a piece that drew inspiration from a song he gave me. ( I apologize for not being able to embed the song here but when it comes out on their page I will update with a link ). This was a really exciting collaboration for me especially after my move from Boston to Chicago and it indeed  lifted my spirits and got me stoked to work in my space ( you can see pictures of my habitat in the post below ). I must say that this space is PER.FECT.ION. and I know it will get worn to the ground only for me to redecorate it.

Sprouting
(Please pardon the crude Sketch: 10″ x 12″)

My concept was pretty rough to begin with But I knew I wanted to highlight what I considered a “blossoming” effect that was developing throughout the song and play with the meter and beats. The alternation between 6 and 7 beats really resonated with me and what better way to illustrate a blossoming effect and beats then with Flowers and Birds!

Budding

From the sketch, I started on the larger piece (20″ x 24″). With the bones constructed, honing in on the color choices was key. With so much line work already in place, I was hesitant to darken the image with more line work so underpainting was a strong contender for me.

Here the Blossoming happend…

“Blossom”
2012
Pen & Ink
20″ x 24″

Thinking about the color choices, I aimed to choose a vibrant color that could bounce off the deep reds and darken the blacks and bring the piece together. Yellow it was and against all the colors, the yellow was so much brighter than I anticipated but I love the end result!

Till next time,

//Nestingzone

So here are some shots of my new setup!

//Nestingzone

Golden Fields
2012
Pen, Ink and Acrylic
24″ x 20″

Recently finished this piece for a client and I  have to admit, I am really enjoying the integration between the urban and natural landscape.

Cheers,

//Nestingzone

The Undergrowth
2012
Pen & Ink
24″ x 45″

Sometimes you need a nice change up and landscapes in the unconventional since are just that for me. I rarely draw landscapes, so every once in a while, I jump off the cliff and land right dab in the middle of a complex lanscape drawing.

I have to admit, they are very refreshing and challenging in a good way.

//Nestingzone

So without further ado…

Here are some pieces I just finished scanning!

Old Country
2012
Pen, Ink, and Acrylic
36″ x 24″

Searching
2012
Pen, Ink, and Acrylic
24″ x 20″

//Nestingzone

//Nestingzone