The light is shifting and there's been a chill in the morning air here in Portland. The season is changing and it's time to settle back into a routine after the loose and lazy days of summer.
I took some much needed time away from my newsletter and from work. 2020, aside from being a generally absurd year, was also a busy one for me. I did some of my favorite work to date, but I also burned myself out after months with no break. So I gave myself time and permission to recharge.
I camped on the coast, took a great road trip out to eastern Oregon, worked on some paintings for the SUMMER show at Sometimes Gallery, watched a lot of VHS tapes while I rode out the PNW heatwaves in the basement, and generally tried to uncouple from the embedded guilt we all feel whenever we're not ~producing~.
This has, however, caused me to fall behind on sharing new work. So prepare for many illustrations ahead! And shoot me an email if you have a project in mind - hey@sunnyeckerle.com.
Chronicle One Line A Day Cover
Chronicle Books asked me to illustrate a cover for their 'One Line a Day' journal series. Chronicle has always been high on my list of dream clients so seeing that message arrive in my inbox was very exciting. Thanks Chronicle!
My copies showed up in the mail....awhile ago...but my self sabotaging perfectionism prevented me from sharing until I had time to take the perfect photo. These babies are available in stores and online now.
Nike Zoom Backgrounds
I made it through 2020 having to do very few Zoom calls, though I know that wasn't the case for most folks. Nike created an internal library of Zoom backgrounds for employees to browse and use on their many Zooms and they asked me to create 2 illustrations to be part of it.
It's been really fun getting messages from folks who recognized my work during their meetings over the last several months. Fellow NE Portlanders might recognize the inspiration for the second background :)
SUMMER at Sometimes Gallery
A great new gallery here in Portland included me in their second show, SUMMER. Everyone contributed artworks that evoked that classic feeling of summer - sunscreen, pool floaties, popsicles, and my contribution - Rainier beer paintings.
I was honored to be among artists such as Lisa Congdon, Kate Bingaman-Burt, and Jessica Poundstone (plus many more!). Stop by the closing September 12 if you’re local to PDX. One of my paintings is still available, along with some other great pieces.
Smaller Things Pajamas
I’ve seen my work come to life in books and magazines, but never pajamas…until now.
Smaller Things got in touch last fall and we collaborated on a Chicago themed pattern for their pajama line. Since then we’ve worked together on a few more patterns that are now available for pre-order. The printed artwork looks fantastic on the fabric and they make great gifts, too…give them a follow to see what else is in the works.
Catland takes the GOLD
Catland: The Soft Power of Cat Culture in Japan by Sarah Archer (released August 2020) was recently named the GOLD winner for Popular Culture (nonfiction) from Forward Reviews.
I illustrated a map of the notable locations from the book. Definitely grab a copy if you'd like to learn more about cat culture, crafts, and history in Japan - it's a fun book.
Stickers!
Just for fun - I made sticker sheets! I had them printed by Sticker Ninja here in Portland. I'm really happy with how the colors came out. Grab some here!
That’s all…for now. I have even more to share next month, so be sure to subscribe :)
Listening:
Steve Gunn - Other You
Flock of Dimes - Head of Roses
Gia Margaret - Mia Gargaret
Watching:
The OA (Rewatching because it's just so good) (Netflix)
The Chair (Netflix)
Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu)
Pig (In Theaters)
Reading:
Grotesque, Natsuo Kirino
The Guest List, Lucy Foley
The Passenger, Lisa Lutz
Enjoying:
Vintage Sainsbury Packaging Archive