Lauren the Loris

Here she is!

(To view the study, sculpture, drawing, and vector graphic for this portrait, please view a previous post.)




Recap from this portrait:

Lesson - just as in any portrait, facial expression can be very powerful
Discovery - new perspectives lead to greater transformations in each step of the process
Challenge - make the animal's environment engaging so that it tells or begs a story

Thanks for reading, and as always, suggestions for the next animal are much appreciated!

L is for Loris

Ok, I think I've finally got the hang of this process. I now know how long each step takes, and I know that 2 weeks for each animal won't be a problem. I wasn't sure for a while there, but I've gained confidence this time around!

Here's the documentation of steps for Lauren the Loris:

the study

the sculpture

the drawing

the vector graphic

The whole point of the process is to transform and abstract the subject with each new medium. One key lesson I'm learning is the importance of new perspective.

Instead of sculpting the loris looking straight ahead, she's looking up. Instead of drawing the sculpture from the side, I looked down at it. And, this wasn't planned, but in the vector graphic, I think Lauren now looks as if she's hanging from the branches of a tree!

I'm excited, because I'm learning how to push the envelope a little more each time. This growth is partly dependent on planning, but it's also dependent on my willingness to let go and take chances. The latter is definitely a challenge for me.

Well, it's time to make this into a collage now. I'll post it up in a few days. =)

Ben Sollee and Joel P West (solo set)

Here are some images of a poster I did for an upcoming music event with Ben Sollee and Joel P West. The event is hosted by Sezio, a non-profit artist organization here in San Diego.





Ben Sollee and Joel P West (solo set)
Wednesday, August 18th
Sushi Art - 390 11th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Doors @ 7:30pm - Music @ 8:00pm
Presale Tickets $8 - $10 @ Door

thanks, jimmy!

Thank you Jimmy, for calling my attention to this awesome animal, the loris.

Here's the maquette. I usually don't show these rough drafts but I'm just so excited about it. I even know her name already (thanks to Andy.)

Meet Lauren the Loris!

Ira the Ibex

Here are some pictures of the collage for Ira the Ibex—just finished yesterday!

(To view the study, sculpture, drawing, and vector graphic for this portrait, please view a previous post.)



Call me crazy, but I keep thinking that Ira totally looks like Andy. I see similarities in the curves of his brow, the long bridge of his nose, the shy and kind eyes, and even the facial hair!


At least Andy doesn't seem to take too much offense to my idea. He's even learned the sounds that ibexes make. I'm sure he won't be embarrassed if you ask him to show you!

Ok. Now, things I have learned...

- each problem is an opportunity to learn more about the materials I'm using, so have patience
- felted material is so cool!
- don't be afraid to zoom in for a close up next time

Thanks so much for checking out this post, and a special thanks to you followers! Your feedback so far has been immensely encouraging. By the way, feel free to send me suggestions for other animals if you'd like. =)

Now on to the next animal!

I is for Ibex

Introducing... Ira the Ibex. Here are some snapshots of the creative process:

the study

the sculpture

the drawing

the vector graphic

I had my doubts as to whether ole Ira would make it, especially through the sculpture stage. But, after a few breakdowns (literally on Ira's part, and emotionally on mine) I think he's going to be just fine. A dynamic pose is a challenge indeed!

I'll be working on the fabric collage, so look for it in my next post. =)

some new cards

I just finished these designs...

This one for my friend Sarah who is getting married this Sunday. The Chinese symbol means "double happiness" and is a traditional wish for newly weds.


This one is a baby shower card that I did just for fun. =)

Fox Collage

Here are some images of the fabric collage for Fae the Fox. Hope you enjoy!

(To view the study, sculpture, drawing, and vector graphic for this portrait, please view a previous post.)




Things I learned this time around:

- patterns are our friends
- it helps to determine the gender, name, and personality of the animal before doing the collage
- it's a challange to make the stance of the animal dynamic

Until next time!

F is for Fox

For the past two weeks I've been creating "Fae the Fox." (By the way, I have also decided to name the quail Quinn.) Here are the steps I took to develop a pattern for the collage.

the study

the sculpture

the drawing

the vector graphic

It's kind of funny — I think the sculpture turned out looking a little bit like our cat, Me'shell. I'm so familiar with my little companions, especially now that I spend most of my time with them. I must have subconsciously applied some of her characteristics to the sculpture, like the delicate ears and furry collar.


I'm happy that this happened, because I like the idea of combining characteristics of different animals. After visiting The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago last summer I've been intrigued by Mesopotamian art. One interesting figure is the Dragon of Marduk, with a scaly body, serpent's head, viper's horns, front feet of a feline, hind feet of a bird, and a scorpion's tail. Now that's pretty bad ass.


I just finished the fabric collage of Fae yesterday, and will show the pictures for that in the next post.