// New Column

Since my last post (nearly a year ago!), I had put out nearly a dozen issues under the new blvd masthead -- they were  exciting times! While I decided to move on and leave my post as Creative Director back in September, I'm excited to announce that I'll be penning a new monthly round-up style column for the magazine. Big thanks to the ladies over there who continue to let me play with them at blvd!

// Time Flies

Hard to believe it's been a year since I put out my first issue of Boulevard. For my twelfth issue -- and first as non-acting art directior -- I'm excited to unveil our rebrand!

 

// I Survived!

I was incredibly honoured/petrified/excited to be presenting at last week's Pecha Kucha event in Victoria. Having attended PK events for years, it was pretty surreal being on stage and trying to say something moderately inspiring/interesting to a room full of wonderfully creative people. While I found the whole experience truly terrifying, the inspiring folks I've connected with since have made getting out of my comfort zone so very worthwhile. So -- thank you PKN Victoria!

 

 

// Foreshadowing

Just a little something to warm you up inside...

The Birth Of A Tool. Part I. Axe Making (by John Neeman Tools) from John Neeman Tools on Vimeo.

// Grace, Compassion, Courage

When I dream, I dream of living a rustic cabin in the woods with an endless library, abundant wine cellar, a big fireplace, sun-drenched studio, vast garden and big dog.
These beautiful axes by Best Made Company are the perfect accessory to my rustic cabin fantasy.

// Boulevard: March

My first issue as AD of Boulevard is now on the streets. Check it out online here.
[Cover photo by the wonderfully talented Dean Azim.]

// Leap... and the net will appear

I have been rather quiet on the internets lately. It's been a wonderfully wild few months... but hasn't allowed a lot of time for blogging (or breathing, really).
After quitting my [good, stable, secure] job back in October in search of happiness (yes, I just said that), everything got a bit nuts. A month of 13 hour days (thanks to the most wonderful contracts: holiday windows! art installations! illustrations!), along with some pretty cool accolades, I then landed an amazing one year mat-leave contract over in Victoria, art directing a lifestyle magazine. So, over the holidays, I packed up, rented a U-Haul... and here I am in beautiful Victoria, BC!
Once things settle down a bit, I hope to be back online a bit more. Until then, check out Boulevard Magazine. My first issue as AD will be out in March!

[image via]

// 36 Characters | 36 Blocks

I have quite a back-log of fun projects to post about, but here is one that's a little different than my usual work! [Please pardon the dodgy iphone photos...]

Commissioned through Nyree Hazelton Arts, the client sought 36 individual pieces each baring one of the 36 characters representing the various styles of Chinese cooking. Each piece was hand sanded, stained and spray-painted with individually hand-cut stencils. (No complaints if I don't have to do that again for a little while...) The final accumulation is now mounted in the client's dining room.

// Preview

I've been feeling very blessed lately to be working on a lot of really fun, creative projects with great clients. Here's a little sneak peek of a typographic illustration I just wrapped up for a local music magazine...

// Lust List

Am coveting these beautiful 24" x 12" reclaimed wood chopping blocks, by Vancouver's Union Wood Co. Visit them online or at their newly opened storefront at 503 Railway Street.

// A Pantone Christmas

Oh Pantone, you certainly are making it easier and easier to buy quirky gifts for designers!
[via CuratedMag]

// Sneak Peek: Test print

[please excuse the bad iPhone photo!]
Stayed up late last night listening to records, drinking good wine and printing with my little Gocco. My own little version of heaven.

// Sneak Peek: Smooth Sea

Just a little project I'm working on... more soon!

// Bresinka

Those who know me well know that:
a) I read. A lot.
b) I'm happiest when I'm creating. Bonus points if it makes a mess. Ink. Screens. Fabric. Stains. Paper. Power tools...
and
c) I'm a bit of a music enthusiast. To put it mildly.
There, now you know me. And you likely understand why I am so drawn to the brilliantly warm, tactile work of Wayne Bresinka (whom I discovered through a friend who was raving about his Diana Krall posters/branding).

Do check out Bresinka's blog, where he documents his project from inception to completion. Makes me want to spend the weekend holed up in my apartment collaging!

// Andrew Bird: Fever Year @ VIFF

Andrew Bird has always been, and likely always will be, one of my all-time favorite musicians. In my humble opinion, he is one of the more brilliant, innovative artist of our time. Having been following his career for nearly a decade and seen him perform numerous times, I am thrilled that his new documentary Andrew Bird: Fever Year (directed by Xan Aranda) will be presented at this years Vancouver International Film Festival.

Shows times are October 8, 10 & 14 in Vancouver and tickets are $10-$12. Details here.

If you aren't in Vancouver or can't make it to the showings, do check out his TED talk here.

[Image via here]