Olympic Gold




I just learned, this beautifully produced 30 second spot will air tonight,  in select markets,  during the Sochi Games Opening Ceremony.  This one is a source of happiness and pride, a big win for the host city Cleveland and a positive, lasting recognition of equality - so needed today.  Equality is Golden.



 *concept sketches, where all our ideas begin and are sometimes more interesting than the finish

Willy Wonka






*here, I knocked the saturation down and added a few elements, inspired by Cleveland's steelyards and warehouses. 










I've been in a world of Pure Imagination this past week developing these for Caryl Crane Youth Theatre's latest production, Willy Wonka. It's been a fun rediscovery of this classic story. ...and really, what's not to like?  Yummy, imaginative treats, catchy songs, and a poor kid, with heart, winning the day! I'm thrilled for the talented CCYT cast and crew and can't wait to see the show.


Pure Imagination
by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley

Come with me
and you'll be
in a world of
Pure Imagination
take a look
and you'll see
into your imagination

We'll begin
with a spin
traveling in
the world of my creation
what we'll see
will defy
explanation

If you want to view paradise
simply look around and view it
anything you want to, do it
wanta change the world?
there's nothing
to it

There is no
life I know
to compare with
Pure Imagination
living there
you'll be free
if you truly 
wish to be.

MLK




"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
-Martin Luther King


*linework version, drawn with a stick (a twig really) and brown ink. It was fun experimenting.



Spotted: NYC Travel Journal

My NYC journal was spotted twice recently.  First in Where Magazine (pictured above) Thanks Christopher for finding this one!



And then this past weekend, in the gift shop of the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. (above) It makes me happy to see these out there! If you'd like to get your own, you can find them here.



*cover design


*back cover design

Old Cards




Came across this pair of cards a while back on the rack at Target.  I designed them long ago, but I liked seeing them side by side, and still in print. Together, they seem to tell a story and make me want to hum The Only Living Boy in New York or Bleecker Street ; )



Butterfly

She was our little butterfly—
bringing sunshine and joy, 
on even the cloudy days.
Had we only known, 
how fleeting the time,
so delicate in the storm that took her away.

Where do butterflies go in the winter,
when life in this meadow adjourns?
My heart doesn't know,
but yearns for that glow,
of Springtime and our butterfly's return.

some good Texan wisdom...

Civil War Monument - Madison, Ohio

Let me tell you what is coming. After the sacrifice of countless millions of treasure and hundreds of thousands of lives, you may win southern independence, but I doubt it. The North is determined to preserve this Union. They are not a fiery, impulsive people as you are, for they live in colder climates. But when they begin to move in a given direction, they move with the steady momentum and perseverance of a mighty avalanche.
-Sam Houston

belated Seasons Greetings!


I'm not sure why, but old Saint Nick seemed especially present in my thoughts this holiday season. Of course, I prefer a more nostalgic version - folksy, earthy, and heavily inspired by the incredible 19th century cartoonist, Thomas Nast.  Though it's time to start packing up the decorations, I think I'll keep sketching Santa, just puts me in a good mood. Happy Holidays!

talk about making an entrance : )


Walking by these graceful old doors, you can't help thinking of the countless souls who have called this place home, or dropped in for a visit. General Washington came here, at the war's end, to resign his command. Lincoln came too, to offer terms of peace to the rebel delegation.  Great men and women came here - to end wars. This charming town on the Chesapeake bay, with it's tree lined streets and famous crab cakes.. hoping we can find a little peace here too. 

 -thoughts walking downtown

Fall 2013 textile designs







traditions made new
Keeping with the Fall theme, I wanted to share a few Fall icons I developed with a coworker friend at Jo-Ann Fabrics.  The designs were to have the look and feel of 18th century tapestries, (Versailles meets Cracker Barrel HA! :) but everything had to be in vector. It's a different style for me, but I'm always up for a challenge. Here is what we created.  -thanks again Michael and Johnny!

Fall 2013






You can't help but feel more connected to nature and your suroundings this time of the year and new experiences enhance that feeling even more! Though I've been busy finishing up this next batch of Children's books, I tried to make time to go sailing, pick apples, and walk through a misty pumpkin patch - all first time experiences that I wanted to share here.  Hope you're also having fun and new Fall experiences out there! : ) 

2014 Gay Games Medal


*face

*reverse


I'm happy today to share my design for the 2014 Gay Games medal.  This is an incredible opportunity for Northeast Ohio's GLBT community and I couldn't be more proud to help out. Our design celebrates Cleveland and Akron's industrial golden age, as well as their iconic skylines - two great cities hosting a great cause.

The Federation of Gay Games does amazing work, learn more at the following links:
As you can see, I considered a few local landmarks, before settling on the more recognizable, city skyline concept.



Since the medal is being embossed, it had to be designed in negative, making it a little tricky to figure out. At this point in the process, it reminds me of early 20th century woodcuts.  I love that stuff.
Cuyahoga Sunrise
I wanted to create a full color design as well, one that is uplifting and speaks to all the exciting things happening in Cleveland. Go Cleveland! Keep making us proud. 

Galina и Август кошка






A few weeks back, I received a friendly email from Galina, an artist in Russia who creates beautiful cross-stitch designs. She made these from my travel illustrations and was writing to make sure it was okay. I think they're great and it's cool to see these interpreted in new ways. You can see more of her designs and download free stitching patterns on her blog here. It's these friendly exchanges with fellow creatives around the world, that I enjoy the most with this blog. Google's translator is fun to play around with too. Thanks for sharing Galina - keep up the beautiful work!