~ No. 25 - April 2024 ~
When I started writing this newsletter in my head I planned to send it as a Q1 update. This was earlier in March, but now April is nearly over as it makes its way to you.
So far this year has included ice storms, a snowy trip to The Suttle Lodge, my 5th semester teaching at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, flowers blooming, Jeff the dog weighing in at 91 pounds, falling into the “Where is Kate Middleton??” rabbit hole, sunny days starting to break up the rain, my beloved 19 year old cat Vada departing for the eternal sun spot in the sky, and me getting the sickest I’ve been in several years. It wasn’t Covid, but some other gnarly virus I do not recommend. I also suspect it hit me harder while I was feeling down about Vada - a physical manifestation of grief.
Thankfully I’m feeling better now, well enough even to photograph some new work! I can finally get this “Q1” newsletter out to all of you, in case anyone would like to hire me for an illustration project :)
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Only 2 more weeks until I’m on my summer break from teaching. I had a smaller section this semester than I’ve had in the past which was nice. I’ve enjoyed getting to know my students a bit better and having more time in class for experimentation or just interesting discussions that come up in our time together. Their final project is to choose a song and create artwork for Spotify Canvas (the little loop video that plays under songs on Spotify mobile). They’ll illustrate a still image and then add subtle motion to enhance the illustration as an animated GIF.
This calls back in a way to their first project, which is to create a themed playlist and then illustrate cover artwork for it. That assignment is inspired by Illustrated Tapes and you can listen/see the playlists on our class Spotify.
I was impressed with the final projects in the fall and I’m hoping for more good stuff this semester. Maybe I’ll share some in my Q2 newsletter that will probably go out in like September, who knows!
Portland Monthly Magazine
I worked with Portland Monthly Magazine for the first time for a few spot illustrations in their Spring issue. This feature interviewed 4 Portland people in the construction industry and that theme carried into having the spot illustrations interact with the page elements. I loved the opportunity to be playful with these, I think my favorite is the extra long ladder going up the center.
Working with Portland specific companies and publications means a lot to me. I’ve lived in Portland almost 7 years and I’ve always liked this city. But I’ve truly come to love it as I continue to become more involved in my communities here. Thank you AD Mike Novak.
Real Simple Magazine
In addition to my usual artwork for The Twist, I also illustrated for another feature in the May issue - about a proud stained glass DIY project. I loved looking at stained glass references and incorporating a few of my other favorite things - cats and hi-tops (I don’t know when I became a sneaker person but here we are).
And of course, artwork for The Twist, which included tips for painting projects this go around. Wish I’d had these when I painted my bathroom a few years ago.
Thanks AD Natalie Guisinger and Deanna Lowe.
Big V Forever
My cat and best friend of 19 years, Vada, passed away at the end of March. I got her when I was 15 and I’m turning 35 this year. She was by my side for so many formative moments and experiences. I miss her a lot and it’s still hard to grasp that she’s really gone when she was my constant companion for over half my life. But in moments of pain and loss, the counter balance of love and light becomes even more apparent. There’s been so much thoughtfulness and kindness from friends during this time which reinforces what I’ve been coming to know as I’ve gotten older - the people, community, and connections we make are everything. You can’t go it alone.
Reading (one bonus of being sick was having plenty of time to read…)
Doppelgänger by Naomi Klein
An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena
The Prisoner by B.A. Paris
The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda
The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda
The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
The Hike by Lucy Clarke
One of the Girls by Lucy Clarke
The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda
They All Fall Down by Rachel Howzell Hall
Zero Days by Ruth Ware
Watching
Conan O’Brien Must Go (HBO)
Secret Chef (Hulu)
The Circle (Netflix)
Listening
Secret Incredibly Fascinating Podcast
This Jungian Life Podcast