DaKoda Davis

Enchanted Garden

2010-05-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

Slight correction to the original posting. After further review, the Botanic Garden and I have decided to name the month-long exhibit and activities to be called 'Enchanted Garden' as opposed to the original 'Fairytale Festival'. My illustrations will be on display in an interactive set-up for the opening show on August 5th 2010 in conjunction with AJ Frames & Design, Motions Talent, Party Perfect!, Two Face Hair and Make-up and Bernhard Meck, a self-described Environmental Sculptor. The title of the Exhibition is 'World of Wonders' This should be an eclectic exhibition unlike any other the Memphis Botanic Garden has ever seen.

WORLD OF WONDERS

Exhibition Runs August 1-31

Opening Reception

Thursday, August 5, 5-7pm

free wine and light hors d' oeuvres

For now, here are a few teasers of what is to come.

Invitation Cover for the event

Hopping Home

acrylic on wood-panel

Mushroom Wine

acrylic on wood-panel

Seeing the Light

acrylic on wood-panel

Live Mythical Fairy character featured by

'PARTY PERFECT!' 'Two Face Hair and Make-up' and 'Motions Talent'

{Botanic Garden Fairytale Festival 2010}

2010-01-15T15:48:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on organizing the fairytale festival with the Memphis Botanic Garden for this August. Here is a small sample teaser of the work. The clipping is from my most current Illustration. This is to be part of a series that will be on display. There will be 45 paintings in total for the exhibition. More details will be posted later.

{New Illustration Graceland}

2009-12-28T07:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays Everyone!
Here is a new Illustration to add. A simple piece to compliment an editorial in Midsouth Magazine's January | February Issue.
Let Me Know Your Thoughts? Thanks,
Happy New Year.

Don't forget...the New WEBSITE IS UP AND RUNNING.
Check It OUT!

WWW.DAKODADAVIS.COM

Coming Soon 2010

2009-12-04T12:45:00.001-08:00

Coming soon 2010

Coming Soon 2010

2009-12-04T12:43:00.001-08:00

Candyland Shoes
Coming Soon 2010

Fairy Tale Tree Series

2009-11-06T08:13:00.000-08:00

A few things to update everyone on, First, I will be launching my official website within two months. Secondly, I am working on a continuation series of fairy tale trees. This show will be a part of a 45 series at the Memphis Botanic Garden May 2010. For now, here are some teaser sketches that are going to be painted on wood panel.
Finally, I am doing another continuation series that will be involving CandyLAND. Thank you and I wish everyone many happy holidays!

Just for Fun

2009-10-26T15:21:00.001-07:00

I couldn't pass up this opportunity. I decided to create a woman dancing to illustrate her motion throughout my composition.

Quick Commercial Rendering

2009-08-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

This Illustration is one of several I have prepared for a client in Tennessee, who is proposing a series of architectural plans to groups of concerned citizens

{Seed Packets}

2009-07-22T04:12:00.000-07:00

After much labor and effort, I have completed the seed packets. These are to be permanently installed at the Memphis Botanic Garden for their Children's Garden.

{My Big Back Yard Birds}

2009-06-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

These are a series of bird illustrations that were commissioned by the Memphis Botanic Garden's "MY BIG BACKYARD"

Now, I am working on a series of seed-packets that will be posted soon.

{Special Promos}

2009-06-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

These are a set of special promotional booklets that I made, with the help of a friend.

My BFA Show

2009-05-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Memphis College of Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts 2009 Exhibition

:: My Resume ::

2009-04-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

DAKODA A. DAVIS
Illustration | Graphic Design

878 N. Idlewild Street
Memphis, TN 38107

901.276.1666
213.453.0609

dakoda.davis@gmail.com
dakodadavis.com. OR dakodadavis.blogspot.com
_____________________________________

EDUCATION:

2004 – 2005; 2008 - 2009 B.F.A. Illustration Memphis College of Art - 3.44 GPA

2005 -2007 Illustration Otis College of Art and Design

Dean’s List: 2004- Present

1999 - 2003 Bauxite High School Diploma, Bauxite

School Bauxite, Arkansas

AWARDS/HONORS:

Fall 2004, Spring 2005, 2008 - 2009 Memphis College of Art Dean's List

Spring 2009 Memphis College of Art Magna Cum Laude Graduate

Fall 2005 – Spring 2007 Otis College of Art Portfolio Scholarship

2004 – 2005; 2008 - 2009 Memphis College of Art Portfolio Scholarship

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Even before graduating from college I have been exposed to the world of professional Illustration, Photography and Graphic Design with construction Firms, Botanical institutions and other various contacts. Some of my current skills include: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe In-design, Adobe Flash, Corel Painter, Quark XPress, Microsoft Word and Power Point, Excel, Traditional and Digital Photography, Traditional Painting, Oils, Acrylics, Watercolor etc.

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE:

2002 – 2004 Graphic Designer at Benton Courier Newspaper, Benton, AR

Summer 2006 Independent Internship with EA Electronics, Marina Del Ray, CA

Fall 2008 Internship with Environmental Sculptor Bernhard Meck, Memphis, TN

Spring 2009 Internship with Midsouth Magazine, Memphis, TN

2008 – Present Independent Contracting with Aqua Construction International, Memphis, TN

2008- Present Independent Contracting with The Memphis Botanical Garden, Memphis, TN

2008 – Present Independent Contracting for residential clients in conjunction with Bernhard Meck, Environmental Sculptor, Memphis, TN

EXHIBITION EXPERIENCE:

Spring 2009 BFA Gallery Exhibition - Memphis College of Art, Memphis, TN

Reference Available Upon Request

©2009dakodadavis

:: Work In Progress ::

2009-04-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

A series I am working on with fairy-tales and the unseen moments.

:: Work In Progress Continues ::

2009-04-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

The King and Queen of Candyland
Acrylic on Wood Panel

Detours and Deadends
Digital Media | Oils

:: Work in Progress ::

2009-04-07T20:40:00.001-07:00

So here is my final

The Torment and the Toil
Digital Media | Oils

Illustration Promo :: Artists

2009-03-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

I am mostly confused about where I am typically heading in my promo design. I found a great website, recommended by another artist, that is a definite starter for me.

http://illustrationpromo.com/

Frank Flothmann - is an artist from Berlin and has an interesting way of presenting his illustrations with a poster. The cool part is that you have all these different points of view and can fold it in several different ways.

Chet Phillips - has a simple approach but its elegance makes it subtle and effective.

Laura Galbraith - She has a very hand crafted approach that could be interesting

Michael Slack - I love the texture with single characters on the cover. A possible idea.

Frances Castle - I LOVE THE COASTER. That could be so interesting to do something so creative and give the client something they can use! Although I might need to think about a way to keep the coaster from fading and tearing when it gets wet. Hmmm.

I think there are some great ideas to work with here.

Work In Progress{Circus Performer}

2009-03-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

This is a continuation from my previous painting. This is mixed media with photography. I kind of like this mood the paintings have. Work in Progress.

Work In Progress :: BFA One

2009-03-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

I think I was able to resolve a lot of the issues that was discussed in class.

Work in Progress :: Continued

2009-03-17T13:26:00.001-07:00

Candy....is yummy.

Vissual Essay :: Continued Work in Progress

2009-03-04T07:46:00.001-08:00

I apologize for the blurry shots. I left my tripod at work. However, I think this gives a 'sense' of how the work is coming along.

:: Work In Progress ::

2009-02-19T16:56:00.000-08:00

I think this is a much better solution to my composition in terms of adding more environment for the King and Queen of Candy Land.

:: Visual Essay In Progress ::

2009-02-14T16:39:00.001-08:00

I Love Thumbnails!

Visual Essay Proposal

2009-02-10T20:58:00.000-08:00

{There are two people who are close to me... and I will prefer to them as A and B}

For my project I have chosen the theme of “The King and Queen of Candy Land” which I will illustrate on wood panel consequently enhancing and embellishing it in acrylics. The piece is approximately 32x48. The final Illustration will be showcased in a frame reminiscent of the Rococo style with it's gilded and overly frilly trappings. The comical and playful imagery has a serious subtext. A and B who unfortunately over the years have undergone a peculiar transformation inspire me. Once proud and self-assured members of the community, they have experienced a gradual physical, spiritual, and emotional decline. In the process of this, both of them have accepted to see themselves as invalids and suffer from a plethora of real and imagined sufferings. A and B, whom I love dearly and who were the most beautiful people in the world, have now accepted a life of over-administering the many drugs and prescriptions that are made available to them by the medical field. They have developed what I would describe as genuine addictions yet if confronted about the issue, both A and B would be in complete denial. I have observed how formely adequate prescriptions are now running out quickly ahead of time. It has further deteriorated into a situation where A will get up at the crack of dawn to be the first at the pharmacy to get prescriptions filled. This has seemingly evolved into a lucrative cottage industry, for the doctors and pharmacists alike. Surely everyone agrees that there are some serious sufferings that need ever more serious medications. I watch them and I observe how these once proud human beings have meta-morphed into ghoulish characters of their former selves. I see them digress into their personal miserable world. I observe their necks twisting and the eyes rolling in a tormented manner struggling to stay coherent. They are in my eyes a King and Queen who have evolved into macabre characters struggling with perfect appearances, yet quickly descending into dread and despair. The king resides in his comfort chair with his ‘can’ serving as a gauche (dipping) spittoon holding it proudly and high much like a king would hold his royal scepter. He and the queen are feeding off an abundant jar filled with colorful candies in toxic hues. The perversion of beauty is the product of gluttony in which beauty in moderation becomes ghastliness in overabundance.

Work In Progress :: What's Missing

2009-02-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

Attached is an evolution of my earlier sketch which was a rough sketch in black and white. The continued progress evolved into a piece that focuses on illumination of light within a fairy tale setting. Later, I added a small gnome who is drunken and passed out leaving his door unlocked. I feel very comfortable with this more elaborate version in its current state. However, I am not dismissing the possibility for future changes. I see this image as part of a larger series of illustrations that use fairy tale settings as their theme.

State of the Union :: Post VI

2009-01-27T20:01:00.001-08:00

I am definitely a different kind of Illustrator. I would say that I enjoy creating art that I am commissioned to produce. I love to illustrate anything and everything. I haven't quite figured out what my 'specific' niche is just yet, but I am still learning. I hope to continue sending my work to constant publications and slowly ease my way into the markets. I would also like to go back to Los Angeles or New York for a little while and create bodies of work for different exhibitions. For now, I will continue Illustrating for clients whether that be books, magazines, newspaper articles, etc.
My present work yes and no
ten images themes, techniques, subjects, formats
I am a bit confused as to what my portfolio is lacking. I do however know certain things that I would like create. I am hoping the discussion will help guide me along and tailor my work to a stronger grouping as a whole.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

State of the Union :: Post V

2009-01-27T20:00:00.001-08:00

If I had to spend the rest of my life Illustrating one book? I don't think I could do that. I am much to impatient to do one thing for the rest of my life. Maybe I could illustrate a series. Perhaps like C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia.

If I could apprentice for any two artists, dead or alive? I would totally pick Michaelangelo, and Da Vinchi. oh oh....I would love to work under Rembrandt as well.

If I were banned from the art world I would definitely go into archeology or be a botanist. I might even go into studying reptiles.

One Month and A Thousand Dollars
A Simple Childrens Book

Six Months and Ten Thousand Dollars

One Year and One Hundred Thousand Dollars

State of the Union :: Post IV

2009-01-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

Lane Smith

Nathan Ota

Jim Auckland

Thomas Woodruff

Mark Ryden

James Jean

Jeff Soto

Greg Simkins

Camille Rose Garcia

Glenn Barr

Some Illustrators whose work I admire and whose careers I would possibly emulate.
Also is a list of some of their clients they work for.

{Camille Rose Garcia}
BLAB, Juxtapose, Los Angeles Times, Time Magazine, Glue Magazine, Flaunt Magazine, Nylon

{Greg Simkins}
Disney, Mattel, Upper Playground, Juxtapoz, To Die For, Vans, Converse, AFI, Saosin, Gym Class Heroes, Pennywise, STRANGEco, Ningyoushi, Kid Robot, Zero Friends, Epitaph, Dark Horse, Iron Fist and Pulse International.

{Mark Ryden}
Umbigo, Elegy, Cyber Zone, 200%, District, Helio, LA Weekly, DPI, LA Artland, Panik Magazine, Arte, Tear

{The Clayton Brothers}
Res Magazine, New York Times, Paper City, Various Group Exhibitions and Solo Exhibitions.
view link

{Nathan Ota}
Newspapers: Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, San Diego Union Tribune, Sacramento News & Review, LA Weekly, City Beat.
Magazines: Business Week, US News & World Report, Writers Guild of America West, Mix, Jazziz, Electronic Musician, Guitar Player, Music & Computers, Swing, Request, Keyboard, Movieline, Computer Life, Computer Gaming World, Stocks and Commodities, Financial Executive.

{Jim Auckland}
Warner Brothers, Walt Disney Studios and Columbia Pictures. He has created portrait collections of famous athletes for NFL Properties, The Upper Deck Company, The Franklin Mint, The Bradford Exchange and the NBA. His paintings are included in the collections of The Buffalo Bills, The National Football League, Hughes Aircraft Company, General Mills, and The United States Air Force.

{Jeff Soto}
ArtWeek, Hi Fructose, Giant Robot, Beasts!, Juxtapoz, American Illustration, Paper, Art Prostitute, Streetwear Today, Print, Communication Arts, Stop Smiling, ID Pure, Lifelounge, Cal Magazine, Romantik, Beautiful Decay, Langages de Rue, XFuns, and Lodown Magazine. Sony Music, Warner Bros., The Broken Wrist Project, Entertainment Weekly, The Village Voice, Esquire, City Pages, Tor Books, Morrow Snowboards, Nickelodeon magazine, Field and Stream, Spin, Toy2R, The Portland Mercury, Disney Adventures, Macskinz, Coors, Visa, F Communications, Wired, The Boston Phoenix, Juxtapoz, Critterbox toys, United Airlines/Fallon, Fast Company, Wired, and Outside Magazine.

{Lane Smith}
books published
His titles with Jon Scieszka have included the Caldecott Honor winner The Stinky Cheese Man; The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs; Math Curse; and Science Verse. Lane's other high profile titles include Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! by Dr. Seuss and Jack Prelutsky; The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip by George Saunders; Big Plans by Bob Shea; and James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. In 1996 Lane served as Conceptual Designer on the Disney film version of James and the Giant Peach.

{Thomas Woodruff}
Art News, Art Talk, The New Yorker, New York Times, Art In America, Vogue, Harpers, Juxtapose, Art Papers

{James Jean}
DC/Vertigo Comics, New York Times, Rolling Stone, Atlantic Records, Playboy, Nike, and Target.

{Glenn Barr}
Mad, DC Comics, Paradox Press, Ren and Stimpy Show, Bjork's I miss you, Woody Woodpecker, Juxtapoz, Erotica and Film Threat Magazine.

Ten Magazines I could work for
• Cooks Illustrated
• Res Magazine
• Art Papers
• Rolling Stone
• New York Times
• Panik Magazine
• Juxtapoz
• No Tears Magazine
• Paper City Magazine
• Time Magazine
• New Yorker

{Dream Jobs}
Random House
Harper Collins Punlishing
Golden Books
Disney
Warner Brothers
Nickelodeon
Colombia Pictures
Sony Music
Target
Entertainment Weekly

This is a small selection of some of my all time favorite dream jobs. They have always had artwork published that I feel I could be a part of producing as well. We all have dreams, why not go for them?

Solo and Group Exhibitions later in the future.

• If I had to form a magazine that focused on the likely hood of my survival.....well then I would probably be covering the entertainment industry. This I mean I would be constantly having articles about celebrities, hotspots, films, music. etc. This would encompass the film and music industry because no matter what Americans love escapism and forms of alternate reality. They love to feel as if they are a part of the popular culture. The look and feel of the magazine would not be quite as goddy but would evoke a bit of a mainstream design.

State of the Union :: Post III

2009-01-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

• My creative process would be one that is done very methodically. I begin with writing down the thoughts relating to the concept I am trying to achieve. Next, I usually begin looking at reference images and art to help inspire me. I begin taking into consideration all of my research and developing thumbnails. After sketching, I take my clearest ones and try to refine the composition and figure out the best way to execute my concept. After my thumbnail has been selected I usually like to work on woodpanel or illustration board and paint my piece with acrylics. This method is typically my most favorite.
I feel that my process could be more efficient if I planned ahead with more thumbnails and references. Usually I get 'writer's block' and can't develop certain ideas as far as I would like to. I could also pull on collected images that I have gathered previously in anticipation for just such a project. Being so critical I know I could always do better. Something that I strive for as an Illustrator is perfection. A goal that will never be fully achieved but still is my target.

• I admire professional film director, Steven Speilberg's creative processes for a number reasons. He is a very prolific person, with a very imaginative mind. He will never run out of ideas because he allows the story as well as the actors to inspire him for creative and unexpected results that veer from any mechanical methodology. He is in other words prepared to allow others on a day to day basis to inspire him with creativity. His creative process includes writing ideas down to something workable on paper, discussing the work detailed by taking those ideas to action sequences and finally taking that to film.

State of The Union :: Post II

2009-01-27T18:26:00.000-08:00

• What would be my favorite piece? I have to say that my recent favorite piece would be a political satire that I made of THE CEO of the Memphis Zoo. I depicted him as the grinch stealing the trees of Overton Park. I took this into a series of die cuts and assembled it in a shadow box. I had a lot of fun with this piece. I normally work only two dimensionally. The work is two dimensional but the idea of making work in a series of layers in three dimensional form was something that I would love to continue in a series of works.
• I really haven't ever been told what piece people like the most. Recently I haven't been given much input on that.
• The piece that suprised me the most was an interactive adult censored children's book I made. I didn't think that the piece would come together as it did, but at the end everyone loved it. AND it functioned well.

• My five doodles sketches.

State of the Union :: Post I

2009-01-27T18:06:00.000-08:00

• My favorite media to work in is acrylic. I like to work in Oils, Watercolor, Pastels, Dry Media such as Charcoal, Conte, etc.
• I am not a particular fan of working in Chalk Pastels because it tends to be too messy.
• I would like to work in Gauche. I think that could be a fun medium to experiment with.
• Three classes that have influenced my illustration are Digital Imaging, Interactive Media, and Communication Studio IV. Digital Imaging and Interactive Media have helped push my concepts and execution of work in a different way of Illustrating. I was able to experiment with creating work Digitally and even using ways of incorporating the user in the pieces. Comm. Studio IV was with Cecil Kim in Los Angeles which really helped me to push my painting skills even further without the purist method. I am very much inspired to create the same style of work in process but instead using the computer as a medium.
• The work of my peers has helped with the way I think and also allowing me to step back and see my work from another angle. I believe my peers have helped influence my thoughts and processes to be less narrow and widen the range of work that I create.
• I love pop music, techno, and soft classic. Also, depending on the mood I am in I can really listen to anything.
• I love to sing, and Act. I love running, Yoga, dancing. etc
Something I like that I don't think anyone else does is Disney Films.
• The three pieces I would love to own would be the Nike of Samothrace, Monet's Waterlilies, and The Mona Lisa.

{Postage Stamps}

2008-11-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

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:: Irish Culture Wikipedia ::

:: Persistent Stereotypes ::

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:: Postage examples ::

{Celebrity Project}

2008-09-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

Our Second Project is covering an Illustration based off of a celebrity in a current movie. The film I have chosen to cover is called 'The Duchess.' Keira Knightley is the actress playing Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. The film is a startling portrait of a seemingly naïve young woman who enters the world of power and politics. A compulsive gambler who will eventually die in debt, she nevertheless enjoys the thrill ride of challenging the conventions of her times. In which women play more the role of an heir producer and dowry bringer.

{Three Reviews}

The L.A. Times {movie review 'The Duchess'}

Film.com {movie review 'Keira Knightley Talks Duchess'}

Future Movies {movie review 'The Duchess Movie Review'}

Cinematical.com {movie review 'TIFF Review : The Duchess'}

09.01.08 {Death Penalty Position}

2008-09-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

When looking at history and at the situation of the world today, it embarrasses me to see that the United States is one of the very few countries that have the death penalty on its books. We share the ranks with such countries as Iran, China and North Korea. Even countries like Japan and France, the masters of the guillotine, have abandoned the death penalty in recent decades. When it comes to making a stand on the issue of the death penalty, I find it unsettling that America has only international ‘thugs’ as spiritual friends.
In recent years, with the advancement of DNA analysis and other high-tech forensic technology, quite a few people on death row were found to be innocent. These wrongful convictions may make up a substantial number of convictions, many of which are attributable to over zealous prosecutors and district attorneys. Often evidence is being withheld from police, juries bias, and especially in smaller cities simply not accustomed to dealing with the complicated capital punishment case. While some states, especially in the northern U.S. no longer have the death penalty, others in the south, especially Texas seems to have an express lane for those accused of capital crimes. The majority of all executions are performed in Texas, which has less than ten percent of the U.S. population. It is unsettling to think that the death penalty is handed out in a random manner and that in the past; possibly one out of ten prosecuted were executed innocently. When talking about the death penalty, the biggest issue that I have with supporting it is the prevalence of wrongful convictions, which seems to be unavoidable. One could argue that somebody could be released from prison after serving a lengthy term, but not be brought back from the dead.
The United States has a disproportionately high population, making up one percent of the general population. Many of these are violent and repeat offenders. Something within the structure of what we refer to as America may be inherently wrong to create an ever growing number of social outcasts. Our national inclination to support the death penalty may have its roots in some odd place such as early high school days in which the winners and losers, the stars and the outcasts are prematurely selected. Crime rates in most developed countries are significantly lower, prison populations disproportionately smaller with relatively few offenders guilty of a capital offense. All these speculations and thoughts about opposition to the death penalty and the origins of such prevalent violent crimes are brushed aside with some of the most violent cases of recent history. Some offenders are virtual poster children for the death penalty. Case and point Edward Duncan III, a convicted child molester with apparent previous child killings under his belt. The details of his most recent crimes are too horrific to list here, but it involves the killing of four individuals for the purpose of molesting two children. In his sadistic manner, he apparently created snuff movies of himself raping and violating the children. In court he was convicted of murder as the jury had to watch the horrific recordings of his acts. He showed no remorse. Seeing a case like this I cannot only say that I derive great comfort from knowing that the execution would rid the world of a potentially escape prone predator from ever walking the earth again. I must admit that the discussion of cruel and unusual punishment, in his case, has a ridiculous ring to it and that I must restrain myself not to devise appropriately barbaric methods of punishment. This however is part of most people’s human nature, and when all is said and done, I say I wish we would live in a world where the punishment could be stashed with other relics of our history. However the reality is this society seems to be barbaric, so barbaric measures seemed to be destined to stay on the books. Maybe in the 22nd Century America will not need the death penalty anymore.

{Green Tea, Non Profit Money}

2008-08-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

I am inspired by the microcosm of issues surrounding small autocrats running non-profit organizations. It seems as though they share the characteristics of tribal chiefs who run their own little kingdom. In this illustration the CEO of the Memphis zoo is having a non-profit tea party with his favorite pal and Memphis zoo superstar, the panda. He is pouring from an amply filled pot of non-profit money, which is sweetened with the syrup of Donations and creamed with City Subsidies. I shall name this work : The Party ain't over till the pork fat runs out!

{Revised Version of Napoleon}

2008-08-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

This Illustration was originally projected to be the cover of the Memphis Flyer. However, it was later in editorial meetings to be too lop-sided and controversial (by a thin margin). Although provocative and possibly modifiable by adding a tear jerking tree hugger to the picture, it was still 'too much.' In a small town like Memphis there is still a significant amount of caution of alienating a potentially troublesome institution, such as the zoo administration. They might find themselves side-lined from future access to media information from the zoo. However even-handedness is the obligation of any publication and that teaches any political satirist to anticipate expectations.

The image you are viewing is an evolution of my earlier creation of Zoo Director, Chuck Brady. I decided to add other components to the illustration to symbolize the complexity of the controversy.

The number one contention of the controversy is the irresponsible clear-cutting of a rare piece of ancient forest {symbolized by tree stumps and chain-saw}.

Number two of the contention is that besides the trees affected, a complex ecosystem was destroyed with complete oblivion {symbolized by the squashed frog underneath the triumphant boot}.

Number three of the contention is that the zoo professes to be interested in conservation, but to create their vision a perfect piece of natural ecology is sacrificed for an artificial piece of wildlife. {represented by a wooden crate titled 'ACME instant mild-life}.

Lastly, the zoo has gained a reputation to be run by a self-serving money dynasty that is creating a zoo that is becoming progressively less affordable for the native population of Memphis of who at least a quarter are below the national property line {symbolized by a crop duster trailing a banner with the words 'Cha Ching'}.

{The Grinch Who Ate Four Acres of Forest}

2008-08-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

{Oh My God He's Back! For Seventeen More Acres}

There he comes, the Grinch who stole the forest.

This is my second, in a series of political satires on a tragically disastrous political figure in Memphis, TN. It is a representation of a zoo director who has incurred the wrath of the community by secretively cutting down an ancient forest in a park. He has just unleashed a new political fire-storm by claiming yet another seventeen acres of this virtually untouched forest land for one of his new {Green} projects, which his critics claim to be a sinister land-grab.

{Trouble at the Memphis Zoo}

2008-07-12T14:44:00.001-07:00

So after careful review, I decided to make a few changes to my earlier composition. It didn't feel like the figure was stable, and a bit awkward just floating about like that. Plus I didn't care for the speech bubble either. I think this is a much better solution.

{Trouble at the Memphis Zoo}

2008-07-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Example of Political Satire {local issues : Memphis, TN} This composition uses the image of a buffoonish totalitarian leader {Napoleon} who is reborn in the shape of a hackster zoo administrator whose greatest accomplishment is the clear-cutting of an ancient forest, which was protected by a Supreme Court ruling.

{Memphis Botanic Garden}

2008-07-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

These are a few current concept illustrations for the Memphis Botanic Garden's 'My Big Backyard'

{Personification}

2008-05-30T09:44:00.001-07:00

{Anaphora}

2008-05-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

{In Class Exercise}

2008-05-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

A.R {Nora Krug}

2008-05-30T02:06:00.000-07:00

{www.nora-krug.com}

Nora Krug is an Illustrator who works in mostly mixed media. She studied Graphic and Stage Design at Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute for Performing arts and Illustration and Documentary Film at the Berlin University of Arts. She also attended the School of Visual Arts in NY. Her illustrations are visual narratives that have appeared in many different publications. She ccontinues today creating art and freelance work.

{clients}
New York Times
Los Angeles Times
Playboy
Comedy Central
Nylon Magazine
Print Magazine
American Illustration
ARS Electronica
The Guardian
etc.

Nora creates some pretty interesting stuff. I really like her color choices. The palette is so refined and works very well with her overall pieces. Some of her animations are pretty cool too.

A.R. {Chip Wass}

2008-05-30T01:53:00.000-07:00

{www.worldofwassco.com}

Chip Wass attended the University of Iowa and The Art Institute of Chicago before he made his move to New York in 1989. He is an Illustrator and Designer where he has produced award-winning Illustrations and even character designs for several different clients. His style consists of creating digital works and animations.

{clients}
Disney
Nick at Nite
Cartoon Network
The New York Times
Entertainment Weekly
Penguin Books
Nike
Quiksilver
Newsweek
Instyle
Wired
Nick Jr.
Life Magazine
Suave
The NFL
Bravo
People
The Washington Post
Berlitz
Levi's
Pfizer
The Chicago Tribune
WFMU
The Metropolitan Opera
The Nation
Pizza Hut
etc.

Chipp has some really cool character designs. I can't believe that a lot of childhood characters that I have seen were designed by him! The style in which he uses is very smart in producing mass numbers. Rock on Dude.

A.R. {Greg Mably}

2008-05-30T01:40:00.000-07:00

{www.gregmably.com}

Greg is an Artist based in Toronto Canada. He attended The Ontario College of Art gaining an extensive background in art as well as his BFA. He works for a lot of magazine companies as well as other corporate businesses. He has received recognition from businesses such as American Illustration, AIGA, etc.

{clients}
dotcom
etc.

Greg has a very unique style. I like the idea of vector based graphics with a twist. This is very cool to look at.

A.R. {Stephanie Wunderlich}

2008-05-30T01:32:00.000-07:00

{www.wunderlich-illustration.de}

Stephanie Wunderlich is a freelance Illustrator with a means to an end. She works with several companies producing her work. Her style mostly consists of collaging and photoshop.

{clients}
Cosmopolitan
Stern
Geo Special
Eltern
Focus
Custo Barcelona
Wall Street Magazine
New York Magazine
Havard Business Review
Natural Health Magazine
Style Magazine

Stephanie is very minimalistic and creates some very vibrant pieces. I really love the way she takes figures and distorts them to a minimal style. It becomes very deco or retro. This is something everyone should check out.

A.R. {Coco}

2008-05-30T01:23:00.000-07:00

{www.cocopit.biz}

Coco is an illustrator who has gained a perspective of insight through studying design and art in Paris. Coco likes to work in mixed media and revolves themes around design and fashion. Coco helped set up an organization in London called {getconfused} Coco is a freelance and full time designer as well as illustrator.

{clients}
Couture Jewellery
Demure Untamed
Anois Anais
Biba
etc.

I really love her style of collaging with mixed media
The idea of overlapping images and using slight washes or other medias to emphasize the subject matter is so inventive.

A.R {Ilana Kohn}

2008-05-30T01:04:00.000-07:00

{www.ilanakohn.com}

Ilana attended the Pratt Institute after moving to Brooklyn as a child. She graduated with a BFA in Communication Design and Illustration. She works full time as a freelance illustrator in Greene Brooklyn. She uses a style of painting that mostly is pulled from ideas of impressionism and abstraction.

{clients}
The New York Times
Utne Reader
American Medical News
The Deal
LA Weekly
MeatPaper
Out
MyMidwest
Hanley Wood Media
The Stranger
L Magazine
Bitch!
Rockpile
The Rake
The Advocate
etc.

I find that Ilana has a refreshingly different approach to illustration. Most of her work is so aggressively done with a free flow. I love how loose the textures are in her work. It really contributes to an interesting point of view.

A.R. {Steven Assael}

2008-05-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

{www.stevenassael.com}

Steven was born in New York, NY, in the year 1957. He studied at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn as well as took an independent study in Europe from a scholarship at Pratt. Steven works in mixed media, however he truly enjoys using traditional materials. His work ranges from classical, to modern in variations throughout his work.

{clients}
Arts in America
The Washington Post
New Yorker
Art and Auction
New York Times
CBS
Art News
Morning Call
American Arts Quarterly
etc.

I find his work to be very interesting. The details in his figures are absolutely breathtaking. I really love his value range and color scale as well.

A.R. {Montse Bernal}

2008-05-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

{www.montsebernal.com}

Montse Bernal is from Barcelona, Spain originally. The artist uses a variety of materials, ranging from dry media to painting, to even digital and some animations. Montse graduated in fine arts by the University of Barcelona. Bernal also is specialized in illustration in ENSAD of Paris.

{clients}
Nike
BMW
Beefeater
Camper
Evian
Wella
Revlon
Women's Secret
Mandarina Duck
PASTE Magazine
Nylon Magazine
Marie-Claire
Texas Montly
Traveller
etc.

Montse has some beautiful work. I really enjoy the presentation of the work, very nicely done. I think the conceptual aspect is very well achieved in the pieces. I think the drawing skills by the artist are incredible. WOW!

A.R. {Andrew Hem}

2008-05-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

link
{www.andrewhem.com}

Andrew Hem attended Art Center College of Design and graduated with A BFA in the year 2006. His style mostly consists of a painterly fashion and hand done material. He likes to paint in several media from Oil to Acrylic. He also creates alot of interesting drawings as well. He has had several exhibitions ranging from Portland, SF, San Jose, Phoneix, Costa Mesa, Italy, and London.

{Clients}
Adidas
Lucky Brand Jeans
LA Times
Chicago Time Out
St Antony's messenger
Sony Pictures
Heavenspot
Talons
Idn Magazine
Huston Magazine
Boss Lady Designs
Smc Lab
Three Legged Legs

I really must say that Andrew has some interesting work. Not that I am particularly fond of it, but he has some clever conceptual ideas when he is portraying figures. The color palette is a bit washed out for me, but I prefer vibrant colors. Overall, I feel his color choice works well with his compositions.

A.R. {Brian Despain}

2008-05-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

{www.despainart.com}

Brian Despain has always enjoyed art. His medium is a pop surrealism that is created through digital painting as well as hand acrylic and other paints. He also does three-dimensional model design and even photo retouching. His interests are in drawing fantasy characters of all kinds such as space ships, demons imps and even dinosaurs.

{Clients}
Gelaskins
Rog La Rue
Spectrum
Luc Besson
Privateer Press
Despain Interiors
etc.

I really like Brian's paintings. He has some really cool textures that he overlays in some of his illustrations. Not to mention, his robot illustrations are so cleverly depicted that I really feel the depth in the paintings.

Article Illustrations {Revised}

2008-05-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

{Ink Studies}

2008-05-27T15:31:00.001-07:00

{xerox studies}

2008-05-27T15:26:00.001-07:00

Illustration III :: Baby TV + Baby First TV

2008-05-26T22:07:00.001-07:00

Illustration II :: Dengue Fever

2008-05-26T22:06:00.001-07:00

Illustration I :: Funky Shoes

2008-05-26T22:05:00.001-07:00

{Spot Metaphors}

2008-05-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

A.R. {Filip Pagowski}

2008-05-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

artist link:
{www.filippagowski.com}

Filip Pagowski is and illustrator and designer living in New York. He earned his bachelors degree in Fine Arts at teh Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts. He mostly creates digital work and utilizes traditional methods in his art. He works for a multitude of clients in France, Canada, Japan, Poland and the United States.

{Clients}
The New Yorker
Comme des Garcons
Talk Magazine
Saks 5th Avenue
Le Monde
Travel + Leisure
The New York Times
Visionaire
Random House
Diane von Furstenberg

A.R. {Maura Cluthe}

2008-05-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

artist link
{www.frag-ment-ed.com}

Maura has pretty much been drawing all her life. She started drawing on huge rolls of paper as a child and continued to pursue her talents through her life. Today she mixes up the style a bit from just drawing. She integrates photography, type, cut paper, collage work, etc. As well as the traditional style methods of painting and drawing.

{clients}
The New Times
Lyndsay McCandles Contemporary
Review Magazine
etc.

Her work is very simplistic and creative. I really like all of the individual faces she makes. Even though they are all executed in the same style, they are all unique and individual. I really like the choices of color she uses in simplifying the characters down. They are bold and bright which really adds to her work.

A.R. {Joe Vaux}

2008-05-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

artist link:
{www.joevaux.com}

Joe Vaux was born in 1972 in Islip, NY. He attended Syracuse University where he received his Bachelors degree in Fine Art. Joe uses a range of materials such as oil, acrylic, and somewhat occasional digital work. He has had several exhibitions in places like Corpo Nason, Mendenhall Sobieski, Key Club Plush, The Venice Contemporary, Limitied Addiction, and Modern Gallery.

{clients}
Corpso Naso
Fantagraphics books
etc.

All I can say is wow! I am so hypnotized by the detail in these pieces. The depiction between reality and fantasy is so close, that I literally can taste the images, the textures are so nicely done.

A.R. {Greg Clarke}

2008-05-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

artist link:
{www.gregclarke.com}

Greg Clark attended UCLA earning a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art. Shortly after, he began launching his free lance business in Illustration shortly after 1990. Greg likes to work in several different areas rather than just solely painting. He uses traditional media, as well as digital design. He has been recognized with awards from American Illustration, Print and CA, and even with Graphis. Not to mention, he has received medals from the New York Society of Illustrators.

{Client list}
Rolling Stone
The Atlantic Monthly
The New Yorker
Volkswagon
Purina
Xerox
Fox Television

Greg Clarke has a very soft range of color, which works well in his pieces. The Curious George series is absolutely funny. He uses really nice dry brushing effects as well. Lovely.

A.R. {Ana Bagayan}

2008-05-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

artist link:
{www.anabagayan.com}

Ana Bagayan moved to Burbank, CA from Vermenia when she was six and slowly developed her interest for art which she then attended Art Center in Los Angeles. She received a Bachelor's in Fine Art for Illustration. Her media mostly consists of painting mediums, such as Acrylic, Oils, etc. Her style can be defined of a surrealistic nature. She currently lives on Venice Beach with her boyfriend continuing her art career for clients.

{Ana's Clients}
Rolling Stone Magazine
Wieden + Kennedy
Publicis Mojo
Crispin Porter and Bogusky
GQ Magazine
Spin Magazine
Diesel
Lucky Tangerine
Mighty Fine
Honda
Moon Design
Sony BMG

Ana is actually one of my recently favorite illustrators. I love how well she pushes the media around on the wood panel. The richness of colors and texture in her paintings have such depth. I am particularly fond of her series of baby animals eating the mother. It is twisted, and provocative, yet keeps me rolling with laughter. Way to push some boundaries.

A.R. {Matte Stephens}

2008-05-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

artist's link:
{www.matteart.net}

Matte Stephens is orignially from Birmingham, Alabama. He has exhibited work all over the US and in some parts of Northern Europe. He lives with his wife Vivienne and their pets. He is a painter and has a type of retro style to his work. He mostly uses Gouache on plywood for his technique. He is inspired by such artists as Ray Eames, Buckminister Fuller, Irving Harper, George Nelsom etc.

{Some of Matte's Clients}
Velocity Art and Design
Design Sponge
Modern Twist
Apartment Therapy
Nahcotta
etc.

Matte's work isn't particularly my favorite. I do appreciate and enjoy his work and hope that more work comes for him. I do think his use of materials is handled well though. Probably my favorite piece is that of the fox. I think it looks so sweet and cunning. I would like to see a branching out of the same material to further push his concepts and production.

A.R. {Josh Keyes}

2008-05-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

artist link:
{www.joshkeyes.net}

Josh Keyes is a painter and sculptor from Northern California. His work has been shown throughout the United States. He was born in 1969 on August 17. He received a Bachelor's degree from The Art Institute of Chicago, as well as a Master's degree in Printmaking from Yale University. His technique is mostly done in mixed media with a focus of photorealism. He went through several phases of painting techniques during his school years. For example, he studied numerous techniques such as the use of dramatic lighting, chariscuro works etc. He is inspired by artists such as Cezanne, textbook illustrations, Minimalism, and Cubism.

{Clients}
Map Magazine
Picnic Magazine
Juxtapoz
The Penleaf
SF Magazine
ABC
New York Magazine
Pimp Magazine
etc.

Josh definitely challenges himself with these interesting three-dimensional pieces. The use of perspective is very aquarium like. I enjoy his conceptual pieces with the security camera. I wonder how long it takes him to fully render out these works? I can also see where he draws inspiration from the scientific text book illustrations. Overall very nice work and use of color too.

A.R. {Tiffany Bozic}

2008-05-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

artist link:
{www.tiffanybozic.net}

Tiffany Bozic, originally from Arkansas, has always been inspired by the natural world. Growing up on a farm allowed her to blend her external world with the internal through illustration. Her style is mostly conveyed in a rich distinction of acrylic paint on wood panels. She relates her work as a type of therapeutic process. She is currently living in Oakland, CA where she shows work in galleries as well as in Europe and other areas of the United States.

{Clients}
Semi Permanent International Arts
Flaunt Magazine
Fourteen Hills Magazine
Alarm Magazine
California Academy of Sciences Artist in Residence
SF Chronicle
SF Weekly
LA Weekly
ArtScene
Empty Magazine
Juxtapoz
etc

Tiffany's paintings are incredible! They are so beautifully rendered with fantastic compositions. I love her references to Audobon! She has depicted many natural themes such as birds, various other animals and plants. The way she repeats some of her images in circular forms are quite nice as well. I especially love her intertwining of organic curves with some of the aquatic subjects.

A.R. {Seymour Chwast}

2008-05-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

artist's link:
{www.pushpininc.com}

Seymour Chwast is largely known as one of the founders or Push Pin Studios, that was formed in 1954. The Studio is World known for it's reputation of innovative designs and illustrations. Seymour mostly works in mixed medias, from painting, inking, and even computer design. He creates a variety of works from illustrations, to conceptual, to even logo and identity design. He is a recipient of the AIGA Medal, glorified in the Hall of Fame for Art Directors, and has an honorary Ph.D in Fine Art from the Parsons School of Design, in NY. Chwast has exhibited countless works and lectured widely such as the Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum and many other major museums.

{clients}
New York Times
Time Magazine
Graphis
Boston Magazine
Custon Ice Cream
Erlanger Beer
German Glassware Firm
Serendipity Restaurant
McDonalds
Brooklyn Children's Museum
Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art
Mr. Chips Ice cream parlor
Tracey Associates
various art exhibit posters
etc.

A.R. {Michael Slack}

2008-05-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

link to the artist:
{www.slackart.com}

Since a child Michael Slack created creepy creatures from library books, such as mummies, scary fish, etc. He continued to start making comics and punk rock gig posters. Finally he decided to attend Cal-Ars for a summer art program and decided art college was his only option. He attended San Fransisco Art Institute where he earned a bachelors in Fine Arts for painting. His style is with mixed media, such as using traditional painting methods and also using computer generated work in photoshop. He has had several works published in magazines, books and on TV.

{Clients}
Chronicle books
Alarm Magazine
Fructose Magazine
Greenwillow Books
Running Press Childrens Books
Harcourt Childrens Books
Ranger Rick Magazine
Nickelodeon

The style of Michael is very fantastical. It is a range of monsters with a twist. This must be due to the fact of the artist's interpretation of his creepy type worlds and the characters that transpire from them. I really think that his ideas are unique in their conception. I find that there is some similarity in a crossover of food products and insects. The textures are very nice as well. Again, this is part of the eeriness that allows room for further interpretation.

A.R. {Andre Carrilho}

2008-05-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

artist link:
{www.andrecarrilho.com}

Andre Carrilho was born in Libson, Portugal 1974 on July 26. He has been working as an Illustrator, Cartoonist, Designer and Animator since 1992. Andre has also been collaborating with some of the most important Portuguese newspapers and magazines. He has won several international and national awards, as well as shown his work in exhibits in Portugal, Spain, Brasil, France, and the United States. His style is mostly digital using photoshop.

{Clients}
New York Times
Harper's Magazine
Independent
Vanity Fair
etc.

The use of work is very creative. Andre uses photoshop to illustrate different characters making them very exaggerated but still holding those stereotypical characteristics that most people see. I love his piece of Queen Victoria, she is so dramatic and scary! I will definitely continue looking at his future works.

A.R. {Tom Schamp}

2008-05-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

artist link:
{www.tomschamp.com}

Tom Schamp was born in 1970, May 22 in Mortsel, Belgium and grew up in Brussels. He attended the Sint-Lukas Institute in Brussels, and another year in Poland studying graphics. Gradually, he developed a style of his own where he works in acrylic paint on cardboard. His illustrations are aimed at children and adults.

{Clients}
Children Book Companies:
Le Seuil
Milan
Averbode
Humo Magazine
Playboy Magazine
Newspapers:
De Standaard
NRC Handelsbald
Anima 2004
Boekenbeurs 2003
Festival van Vlaanderen
etc.

Schamp is a very interesting character. I am quite impressed with the use of material as well. He has a wonderful since of color usage and also with distorting perspectives. There are several refrences to work of matisse and other artists as well. The style is very loose and yet even thought the characters are exaggerated, the forms are turned quite nicely with a since of volume.

A.R. {Arnold Roth}

2008-05-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

artist link:
{www.arnoldroth.com}

Arnold Roth is a Freelance Cartoonist and Illustrator. He was born in February of 1929 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He attended public schools until he received a scholarship to fund him to art school where he continued to pursue his career in 1951 on to the present. He is married to Caroline Wingfield, with two sons, Charles and Adam Wingfield. He works with a variety of media, such as ink, watercolor, acrylic, etc.

{Clients}
New York Herald-Tribune
Murdoch Features, Inc
Paramont Pictures
RCA Records
Colombia Records
Fantasy Records
Storyboard Inc
New York Post
The Progressive
New York Daily News
and many, many more.

I really love his compositions. Every single piece has so much going on in it but at the same time everything is clear. I particularly enjoy looking at the enviorments sith people, they are so detailed and the hand quality work is very organic and free flowing. The style is very fluid in its conception.

A.R. {Kristine Lombardi}

2008-05-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

artist link
{www.kristinelombardi.com}

Kristine Lomabardi began her art as early as 1973. She made many artistic projects all through grade school. Her first big career starter was when she landed an art direction project in advertising for Pepsi. Gaining lots of invaluable experience, she continued illustrating projects on her own free lance. Her style of work is mostly mixed media where that includes painting and hand lettering with type press etc, and the occasional digital work. Currently she is working with several art directors, making her own since of flair to art projects.

{Some of Kristine's Clients}
Accent Home
American Cheerleader
American Fitness
American Lawyer
Avanti Press
Bethseda Magazine
Body+Soul Magazine
Bicycling Magazine
Hallmark
Harper Collings
Hilton Hotels
Paramount Cards
Readers Digest
Swank Recordings
Vanity Fair
etc.

Very classical styling with her work. I really enjoy seeing the watercolor pieces. The use of type works very nice in her work. The use of mixed media also allows a greater variety in the pieces. I don't think I would want to see one use of media over and over. I think it would become mundane if that was done. Although the work is very nice, I feel it tends to shift towards a more feminine audience rather than universal.

A.R. {Phil McAndrew}

2008-05-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

artists link:
{http://www.philintheblanks.com/}

Phil McAndrew is a cartoonist and Illustrator living currently in Syracuse, NY. He attended Daemen College, where he received his BFA in Illustration. When in highschool, Phil was producing and publishing mini comics and web comics. Phil, co-founded and collective program for illustrators and cartoonists in 2004 called Found Hat Press. Phil was awarded the Syracuse Press Club Professional Recognition Award for best art Illustration in 2006. Currently he is working on his first graphic novel.

{Some of Phil's Clients}
King Magazine
The Syracuse Post-Standard
Moo Cow Fan Club Magazine
The Wit's End Players
Daemen College
Set To Easy
Weather Graphics
Several Indie Rock Bands

Article 5 {Sex and the City}

2008-05-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

link to the article:

{www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/20/arts/20sex.php}

supporting links:

{http://www.hbo.com/city/}

The movie industry is observing an interesting phenomena accompanying the premier of a movie based on the television series "Sex and the City." For one, virtually all the fans are female, and what is even more interesting is the apperance of large groups of friends going to see the movie together. It is a phenomena observed in the past with the Star War series as well as the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Ticket sales have even outpaced the opening of Indiana Jones. It seems as though female friends enjoy to hoot and hollar at the screen and have the same kind of coversations with their girlfriends at work the next day.

{images}
light saber
space
lipstick
high heels
dress
condom
bra
nail polish
panty hose
panties

Article 4 {Funky Shoes}

2008-05-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

link to article:
{http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/28/arts/fbones.php}

supporting links:
{www.tranquilityalley.com/funky_shoes___boots.html}

The height of Fashion is slowly rising more and more. There is a cross of luxury shoewear meets the fetish business. All of the large designer brands are having competitions with specialists and vice versa. Shoes are the new height this summer. Consumers are being convinced that shoes are as essential as an accessory. The new thing apparently is about wearing sandles that are flat leather soles and lace all the way up to the calf. or for women its wearing ever lengthening platforms! The more weird and wonderful the shoes apparently the better they sell.

{images}
alligator for scarf
stilts
shoes
bar of soap as shoes
knight's armor

Article 3 {Baby and BabyFirstTV overexposing?}

2008-05-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

link to article:
{http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/18/technology/baby19.php}

supporting links:
{http://www.babyfirsttv.com/}
{http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/05/17/111522.php}
{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYgHMCCzGK4}

Educational channels for babies such as Baby TV and BabyFirstTV are a new way of helping children to learn. This is a series of short clips with educational characters like carrots and gingerbread men singing "The world keeps turning and you keep learning." These shows are rocking cradles around the globe such as the US, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Several Countries have been sending complaints about the effects that overexposure to television is harmful to the babies. Since 2005, the companies have grown rapidly in reaching more than 90 million homes through the subscription based network. Several research companies even performed tests with children from the ages of 2 to 5 with sustained television viewing. Children with the age of 5 that watched more than two hours suffered from problems with sleep, attention and even aggressive forms of behavior! However, early exposure to younger ages not cause behaviorial or social problems as long as the viewing was reduced as the children grew older. It is considered a good way to educate and occupy children by watching no more than about 10 minutes on average a day. However there are other views that the overexposure to watching these shows is counteracting effects of human emotion and that babies are losing connection with people inorder to learn.

{images}
pacifier as tv
diaper
television
albino baby
rattle as remote
bottle of static
baby bonnet with tv

Article 2 {Dengue Fever Spreads through Mosquito}

2008-05-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

Link to article:
{http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/15/healthscience/13brod.php}

Supporting links:
{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengue_fever}
{http://www.dhpe.org/infect/dengue.html}
{http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=36994}
{http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/954993538.html}
{http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/03/2207447.htm}
{http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2006/oct/05/india.randeepramesh}

A recent Children's hospital in Cambodia had large signs that warned of the spread of a severe epidemic of dengue hemorrhagic fever. The disease isn't a contagious one but rather passed from person to person through the bite of a virus-carrying mosquito. Other countries have experienced these epidemics such as Costa Rica, Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam. It has also affected areas such as Rio De Janeiro, Mexico, some residents of Hawaii and Texas in America. One of the Olympic gymnist for this summer, Diego Hypolito, was infected too. The main cause for the infection is the 'day biter' or Aedes aegypti which is primarily active during the early morning and late afternoon. All it takes is basically one infected traveler to bring dengue fever home, where a resident tiger mosquito can transmit it to others. Effects from the infection result in the leaking of capillaries, life threatening loss of blood volume and death from dengue shock syndrome. Scientists have not yet reached a vaccine for the spread of dengue fever and will not have one anytime soon. All of the treatment is symptomatic, where aspirin like drugs, including ibuprofen, need to be avoided due to the cause of bleeding and can make symptoms worse. Mostly Acetaminophen is used to reduce fever and pain.
There are ways of helping to prevent the spread of the mosquitos. A good idea is removing small standings of fresh water, where the mosquito breeds, such as flower pots and old tires. Another good option is to apply sunblock followed by repellent that includes DEET, and spraying clothes with repellent as well.

{images}
mosquito
skull
grim reaper
world
blood
hand
bite
bottle of repellent
man in hazard mask
gas mask

Article 1 {German Olympic Sponsorship}

2008-05-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Link for the Article:
{www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/20/business/sponsor.php}

Really, this article is not just about sports, but more of a moral dilemma verses a corporate one. German firms such as Adidas and Volkswagen are using the Olympic logo in China for advertisement purposes. This is a great opportunity for the Advertising companies because it will gain lots of merchandise sells and publicity, but the other hand is a battle of morals with how China's government is running business and human rights in general. The article basically states that in some markets such as france and germany, there is a popular battle brewing about whether sponsoring the chinese Olympics means that it condones violations of human rights and the continuing debate of Tibetan autonomy. The article states how in some countries such as spain and italy there is no such public discussion. German companies are among the most foremost foreign brands in china, and besides having to walk a tight rope of not offending anybody the one issue that escapes some is that the Chinese as such could be offended too and the backlash against foreign brands could be much more severe than anticipated.

{images}
volkswagon
torch
tennis shoe
olympic ring
german flag
discus
pole vault
ribbon twirl
track

{Verbal Metaphors}

2008-05-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

1. I Feel as Free as a Barn Swallow
{target} you
{source} swallow
{ground} freedom
{tension} constraints that people aren't free

2. Light as a Feather
{target} person; Mango; etc...
{source} Feather
{ground} Lightness
{tension} Objects, regardless of subject matter, are not physically at the same weight capacity of a feather

3. Nuttier than Squirrel Pooh
{target} person
{source} squirrel pooh
{ground} insanity or goofyness
{tension} Someone who is nutty and someone who is physically nutty isn't the same thing. What is similar being full of nuts as opposed to whacky?

4. Pink Like Your Flamingo
{target} Vagina
{source} Flamingo
{ground} Both Pink
{tension} One is a bird and one is an orphus

5. Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
{target} Light striking a Cloud - opportunities, situation
{source} negative seeming opportunities
{ground}something that would appear negative and finding something wonderful from it
{tension} sometimes not every negative situation has a possible positive outcome; Plus its always nice to see a cloud on a hot day.

{Metaphors}

2008-05-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

{Partridge in a Pear Tree}
{target} couple
{source} partridge in a pear tree
{ground}
{tension}
juxtapositon

{Human organs like the operation game}
{target}human
{source}game operation
{ground}contemporary medical consumer and comparing to operation
{tension}
Fusion

{Apple in an Orange}
{target} free floating; pseudometaphorical
{source} apples and oranges
{ground} metaphor of apples and oranges
{tension} they are both physically different fruits

{Cell Phone with Pirate Flag}
{target} Cell Phone
{source} comparison to evil, Pirate
{ground}
{tension}

{Credit Debt means Losing House}
{target}
{source} Credit card losing house
{ground}
{tension}

{Love in the Taj Mahal}
{target} Taj Mahal
{source} Love Couple
{ground} Dwelling of wife in the Taj Mahal, eternal love
{tension}

{Soaring on Wings of Eagles}
{target} Airforce
{source} Eagle, wings, massive sky god
{ground} they both flight
{tension} Physically impossible to fly on an eagle

{Democrats on Working Man}
{target} white collar man work habits
{source} donkey
{ground} not very productive
{tension} his back would break if he tried to carry a donkey

{Human innerworkings like a machine}
{target} human
{source} factory
{ground} we are a complex mechanism
{tension} we would be robots

{Gluttony; You are what you eat}
{target} not pictured, gluttony
{source} man eating himself, autophagy
{ground} some specific self destruction
{tension} we aren't literally what we eat.

Tessellation One {Fast Food}

2008-05-18T19:36:00.001-07:00

Tessellation Two {Lack of Exercise}

2008-05-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Commentary six {Gay Marriage}

2008-05-16T08:51:00.001-07:00

Commentary five {Fast Food}

2008-05-16T08:50:00.001-07:00

Commentary four {Lack of Exercise}

2008-05-16T08:49:00.002-07:00

Commentary three {Dogfighting}

2008-05-16T08:49:00.001-07:00

Commentary two {Celebrity Idolization}

2008-05-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

commentary one {Abortion}

2008-05-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

{Peacock} Visual Rhyme Three

2008-05-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

{Gnome} Visual Rhyme Two

2008-05-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

{Otter} Visual Rhyme One

2008-05-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

A.R. :: Gary Baseman

2008-05-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

{www.garybaseman.com}

Gary is a productive painter, illustrator, toy designer and TV/Movie Producer. He has exhibited in Los Angeles, Rome, NYC, Taipei, Barcelona, and Berlin. He also had a two man art show at the Laguna Art Museum as well as an installation at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. The basis of his work can be stated as a blending line between fine art and toy culture. He uses a lot of iconic imagery, some very dark and some playful. His media includes, acrylic, painting mediums, dry media, computer design, and 3dimensional work as well. He is also the three time emmy award winner as creator and executive producer of "Teacher's Pet," the critically acclaimed animated series and film.

{clients include}
The New Yorker
Time
The New York Times
Rolling Stone
Entertainment Weekly Magazine
Cranium
Pacific Los Angeles Time
Guillotine S2DIO
etc.

I really enjoy this illustrators style of work. The textures are so much fun to look at. I definitely like to see very successful Illustrators making it big in the art world. His paintings are very vibrant and full of a childlike youth. He is definitely in my top ten of artists!

A.R. :: Jen Skelley

2008-05-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

{jenskelley.com}

Jen Skelley attended Syracuse University in New York. Her major was in Advertising Design with a Minor in Surface Pattern Design. She is a designer and illustator for different clients and continues to free-lance her work. Her method has majorily consisted of Silkscreening, Print-making and also Line work.

{Clients}
Macys
Gocco Screen
Paper Images
Plesh Creative Group
Syracuse University

I really love her patterns. They are very light-hearted and cute. She definitely would appeal to a younger age group of clients. Although some of her patterns are very retro, they aren't exactly what i would call mainstream. She has some interesting color choices as well.

A.R. :: Erik Mehlen

2008-05-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

{www.erikillustration.com}
Erik Mehlen's illustrations are mostly done in mixed media. He likes to make realistic portraits and twist them in creative way this being done by forms of distortion to the figures. Erik was born in West Covina, California on September 25, 1983. His method of work includes mostly the paintbrush, along with the occasional mixed media of cut paper textures and dry media. Mehlen studied at the Atlanta College of Art and Savannah College of Art and Design. He currently is residing in Atlanta where he continues Free-lance Illustration work.

{Awards}
Society of Illustrators Honorable Mention, work accepted into Society of Illustrators L.A. and New York shows, 3 bronze ADDYS in the professional category.

Erik's work is very detailed and exciting. I especially enjoy his edgar allan poe cover for a book. The portraits are fun too. I really hope things go well for this artist.

A.R. :: Frank Chimero

2008-05-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

{www.makemakemake.org}

Frank Chimero is a tinkerer, Illustrator and designer. He is originally from Missouri, USA where he was inspired by aesthetics from the mid-century. He likes to capture optimistic senses, heart and charm as well as playfullness.

{Chimero Clients}
The Walrus Magazine
Business Week
Convey Studios
Goodwin Films
Hyde Gallery
etc...

I really enjoy seeing designers break away from just computer generated art. Chimero has a lot of really cool and innovative designs. The illustrations are in mixed media such as print press, cut paper and photoshop. I think his work is very playful and fun.

A.R. :: Gabriella Corbera

2008-05-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

{www.headsonboards.com}
Gabriella Corbera work can be described as a very edgy retro style. Gabriella lives and works in Barcelona. She works in Mixed media such as acrylic, silk-screening and digital. Corbera runs a business called HeadOnBoards where the artist develops old comics and graphics from the early years of twentieth century and tries to adapt them to present times and for client assignments. She uses inspirations such as Old Cartoonists: Schulz, John Stanley, Frank King, Elsie Segar, Tezuka- Present cartoonists: Seth, Kim Deitch or Chris Ware - And so: the old times - bad printing - naïf attitudes - banjo sound - folk music - damaged things - birds - unknown old men & women - Old movies - James Stewart - Irene Dunne - Jacques Tati - old Penguin book designs - vintage cards - 30's & 40's commercial art - mistakes - child doodles - scribbles- hats - pipes - churches - façades and windowsills - worn-out shoes - etc.

{Clients Include}

Lin Magazine:
from no.1, March 2007 until now in the passtimes section.

Esquire (Spain) no.7:
Article about LSD , April 2008

43rd Annual SPD Awards: Gold Medal
in the category NON-NEWSSTAND ILLUSTRATION
more info

Gabriella definitely pulls out a fun dirty grundgy style of work. I love seeing that hand quality of designer work. There are a lot of interesting takes on earlier artist from the twentieth century. I especially enjoy her color palette as well. She really knows how to use nice complimentary colors. The use of type is presented well in her pieces. I actually might start pulling references from these ideas myself.

A.R. :: Adria Fruitos

2008-05-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

{adriafruitos.ultra-book.com}

Adria was born in 1984 in Barcelona. He studied at the Art School of Massana, Barcelona and the School ESAD in Strasbourg, France. His main concentration for the Communication Arts is Illustration. He currently travels to different cities of Italy, France, Germany and Belgium in Europe as well as New York. Adria likes to produce a great deal of his work in mixed media such as paint, collage, photography, and pencils. He is working for for different public organizations, magazines and Children's books. His work has been exhibited in Barcelona and some towns located in France.

{Adria Clients include}
Random House Mondadori
Le Cool Publishing
Parramón Ediciones
Ediciones Kalandraka
Theater company Dagoll Dagom
Oxford University Press
Cruz Roja
Edicións Hipòtesi...

{Exhibitions}

2008 Ateliers Ouverts ( Studio's Open ). Strasbourg - FRANCE
2008 Guest illustrator Re-Searcher (Artist Representation) Lisboa. Portugal
2007 Collective exhibition Ferimobi 07 Espai Carolines. Barcelona
2007 Collective exhibition Numo-Collectif Troglodyte Festival International de la B.D. Angoulême
2006 Collective exhibition 7ème Biennale du carnet de voyage Salons Polydome. Clermont-Ferrand
2006 Collective exhibition Vans Off The Wall Skateboard store FREE. Barcelona
2006 Individual exhibition Ne me parlez plus de natures mortes La Grotte. Strasbourg
2005 Collective exhibition Dibuixar llibres en blanc Biblioteca del Mil·lenari. Sant Cugat. Barcelona
2005 Collective exhibition Així som i això fem Sant Andreu. Barcelona
2004 Colllective exhibition Obra i procés Centre Català d’Artesania. Barcelona
2004 Collective exhibition Quadern Viatge Barcelona - Bologna Casal Pere IV.Sabadell. Barcelona

I can't not even begin to explain how much i enjoy this artist. There is such vibrance in his pieces. His work reminds me of several children's books I used to read as a child. The used of mixed media is fantastic. I love the textures that are built up in his pieces. I even become lost in the richness of his colors. I absolutely love this Artist!

A.R. :: Michael Hacker

2008-05-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

{http://www.michaelhacker.at/}
Originally Michael was born in Feldkirch, Austria on 7th October 1981. Since 2002 he has been living and working in Vienna. Michael Hacker likes to work in Printmaking techniques along with silkscreening. He is an Illustrator and cartoonist. Hacker studied in graphic design and advertising at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna as well as in visual communication at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts (KHiO).
He likes to produce screen prints, gigposters, illustrations, graphic design, murals as well as installations and filmworks. He currently is doing all of this with a group of artists called Atzgerei. Hacker also works as a freelance Illustrator. He has illustrated and printed posters for bands and other various businesses.

{Some of his clients include}
Iglo, Eskimo
FM4 Frequency
Lisa Film
Wienenergie or Bank Austria
a contributed editorial illustration for magazines like News, Wiener and Faces.
Sonic Youth
Isis, Melvins
Devil Driver
Unsane
Prong.

Michael Hacker has some brilliant pieces in his gallery. His styles using printmaking add a great deal of uniqueness to his works. Some of his photoshop pieces are interesting as well. There is a lot of simplicity in his illustrations that can be seen on his website.