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Rotating Reading List

  • Marcel Dzama: Marcel Dzama: Sower of Discord

    Marcel Dzama: Marcel Dzama: Sower of Discord

  • : The Arabian Nights: Tales from a Thousand and One Nights (Modern Library Classics)

    The Arabian Nights: Tales from a Thousand and One Nights (Modern Library Classics)

  • P. G. Wodehouse: Carry On, Jeeves (A Jeeves and Bertie Novel)

    P. G. Wodehouse: Carry On, Jeeves (A Jeeves and Bertie Novel)

  • Richard  H. Davis: Gods in Print: Masterpieces of India's Mythological Art

    Richard H. Davis: Gods in Print: Masterpieces of India's Mythological Art

  • Michael Ende: Momo

    Michael Ende: Momo

  • Fanny Britt: Jane, the Fox, and Me

    Fanny Britt: Jane, the Fox, and Me

  • Camille Rose Garcia: Snow White

    Camille Rose Garcia: Snow White

  • Christine Davenne: Cabinets of Wonder

    Christine Davenne: Cabinets of Wonder

  • J.B. Kaufman: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Art and Creation of Walt Disney's Classic Animated Film

    J.B. Kaufman: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Art and Creation of Walt Disney's Classic Animated Film

  • Rachel Wharton: Handheld Pies: Dozens of Pint-Size Sweets and Savories

    Rachel Wharton: Handheld Pies: Dozens of Pint-Size Sweets and Savories

  • Lilli Carré: Heads Or Tails

    Lilli Carré: Heads Or Tails

  • Melissa Milgrom: Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy

    Melissa Milgrom: Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy

  • Kyo Maclear: Virginia Wolf

    Kyo Maclear: Virginia Wolf

  • Alvin Buenaventura: The Art of Daniel Clowes: Modern Cartoonist

    Alvin Buenaventura: The Art of Daniel Clowes: Modern Cartoonist

  • Sophie Blackall: Missed Connections: Love, Lost & Found

    Sophie Blackall: Missed Connections: Love, Lost & Found

  • Angela Carter: The Bloody Chamber: And Other Stories

    Angela Carter: The Bloody Chamber: And Other Stories

  • Henry) Kiyoko Lerner, Nathan Lerner, David Berglund, photographs (Darger: Henry Darger's Room

    Henry) Kiyoko Lerner, Nathan Lerner, David Berglund, photographs (Darger: Henry Darger's Room

  • Arnold Arluke: Beauty and the Beast: Human-Animal Relations as Revealed in Real Photo Postcards, 1905-1935

    Arnold Arluke: Beauty and the Beast: Human-Animal Relations as Revealed in Real Photo Postcards, 1905-1935

  • Loren Coleman: Field Guide to Lake Monsters, Sea Serpents, and Other Mystery Denizens of the Deep

    Loren Coleman: Field Guide to Lake Monsters, Sea Serpents, and Other Mystery Denizens of the Deep

  • Randall Jarrell: The Animal Family (Michael Di Capua Books)

    Randall Jarrell: The Animal Family (Michael Di Capua Books)

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Voted Least Likely to Love Working Out

I've been thinking about this post for a while, and after lots of percolation, I find myself in the year 2012 writing about an extremely unlikely topic: Exercise.

Exercise illo
*Note this is not an accurate depiction of Miette as my personal trainer - anyone who knows my cat knows he would be driving a fully automated child-sized car. He would never be caught expending so much effort on riding a bike.

Like lots of pale bookish types, I always thought I just wasn't cut out to be An Exerciser. It's not so much a lack of motivation to jump around and sweat and then fall down, out of breath (although that's part of it). For me, it was always:

1.) The trappings of exercise: the gym, the clothes, the equipment, the shoes.

I'm not sociable enough to go to a gym, and I don't want a ton of equipment and accoutrement filling up my house.

Keep reading after the jump!

Continue reading "Voted Least Likely to Love Working Out" »

April 24, 2012 in About Me (Mostly) | Permalink | Comments (64)

Wolf Hearted & Rabbit Hearted Originals

The original paintings were just listed for sale in my shop!

RabbitHeartLow WolfHeartLow

As much as I love them apart, when I see them together like this, I really love them fiercely.

April 19, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (7)

Spring sale banner flowers

Spring sale collage

Visit the shop!

April 16, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (6)

Wolf Hearted

Here is the companion piece for Rabbit Hearted - a foe? A friend?

WolfHeartLow
Wolf Hearted     11"x14"x2"    Acrylic on wood

A few of you mentioned the differences in these paintings from what you might expect. I think what you're sensing, the secret explanation, is that about six months ago, I started making some new work privately that is even more unlike what one might expect from me (fitting, because I created them using a pseudonym.) I'm still not sure if or when I'll share those - if I do, it'll probably be in a new, separate place. Whatever I do, I've sworn myself an oath that I'm not going to fret about the work that I make.

I don't personally think, on the surface, that these are a huge departure from my usual. But I do think these new paintings come from many things mingling together: that secret work, my desire to always move forward, the growing spectrum of things I'd like to say. I have a whole post in mind about what the process of making things is like for me. I'm not sure it's universal, but I do think I'd like to talk about it a bit. It would be a nice conversation to have.
Maybe soon?

In the meantime, happy weekend to you!

April 13, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (17)

Rabbit Hearted

A new painting -
She also has a companion piece that I'll be sharing later this week.

RabbitHeartLow
Rabbit Hearted    11"x14"x2    Acrylic on wood

These paintings will be available for sale soon, I'll post when they're properly photographed, etc!

I've got so many projects in various stages, and in between everything else, it's nice to be making stand-alone or few-of-a-kind paintings.

I hope the Spring (or Fall, for those in other hemispheres) is treating you well, wherever you may be. Here in Portland, we stole Spring for a few sunny, lovely days, and then it was promptly snatched back from us. So I'm back in my natural habitat...writing, painting, and planning with a grey wool sky outside and the patter of rain sounding.

April 11, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (8)

The Country Bunny

Yesterday, before my Powell's storytime, I was chatting with two (lovely) children's book room ladies about gathering a few picture books in case the littles wanted more stories after my Oddfellow's reading. "Maybe something Spring-y? Something Easter-y?" they suggested. "Or just a book you really love..."

And immediately, The Country Bunny came to mind, because it's all of those things.

Country bunny collage

I first happened on this book at Books of Wonder a handful of years ago, and lured by the candy-colored cover, I snapped it off the shelf. A few days later, I found myself at the end of a New York visit, sitting at the gate of Newark airport, reading it near-breathlessly. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, aglow in Easter egg colors grounded by inky blues and blacks. And the story, about a brave bunny who is both an extremely good mother and has her own dreams and ambitions, is enchanting and emboldening.

As I wound through the pages (it's quite wordy by today's picture book standards) I found myself, cross-legged on the airport carpet, with tears slipping down my face. This book, about something as whimsical as the plight of a would-be lady Easter bunny, reminds me of everything good and real and true. Of the different kinds of hopes we carry around, and how those hopes don't need to cancel each other out. Of how many things a book can be, and a person can be. It reminds me of my own mama.

This interesting little New Yorker piece gives a brief history, if you're interested.

And I didn't end up reading it at Powell's yesterday, simply because of the length. But today's the perfect day to read it, anyway (preferably with a side of Cadbury eggs.)

April 08, 2012 in Books | Permalink | Comments (23)

Powell's Storytime Saturday April 7

Children reading
FRED STEIN  Children Reading Newspaper, Paris 1936

I am reading from Oddfellow's at Powell's Burnside on Saturday at 11 o'clock a.m. for their children's storytime, and I would very much like to see you there. I will have the official signing stamp in tow, and free nick-nacks as well.

I cannot promise I will as engrossing as the Parisian newspaper above, but I'll give it my best shot!

April 04, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (6)

Virginia Wolf

I originally thought I'd post about this book in a round-up with other picture books, but Virginia Wolf, by author Kyo Maclear and illustrator Isabelle Arsenault really deserves its own post.

COVER-virginia

Loosely based on the relationship between the sisters who grew up to be painter Vanessa Bell & writer Virginia Woolf, this unusual (and unusually lovely) picture book imagines a day in which Virginia "wakes up feeling wolfish", and Vanessa tries with all her might to surround her sister with beauty.

Virginia garden
Virginia Wolf
, copyright 2012 Kyo Maclear / illustrations copyright 2012 Isabelle Arsenault 
Published by Kids Can Press

Vanessa makes her a garden, full of real and imagined flowers, pink-eyed rabbits, and good things to eat.

This book went straight to my heart for a few reasons: I went through the throes of a serious Virginia Woolf phase in college and I have been prone to pretty profound bouts of the blues at times. How could I imagine the likelihood of a picture book book about either, let alone both? And stitched above the rather serious underpinnings of the story, there is a lively, adorable little book : "The Wolfish" Virginia is perfect, with her little snoot and ears, and the fresh, bright colors mingle with sooty black lines and crisp white so nicely.

For further reading, this interview with Kyo Maclear talks about the beginnings of the book (I love hearing about book beginnings!)

There is also this extremely endearing book trailer, if you'd like a little sound & movement with your preview of Virginia & Vanessa's tale:

Just perfect.
One of those things that makes a person hopeful - about the continued delight and ingenuity of illustrated books, but in the bigger, larger sense, too.

April 03, 2012 in Books | Permalink | Comments (18)

Floral Dept.

IMG_4712 IMG_4714
IMG_4722 IMG_4720
Bits of blooms around the kitchen.
Clockwise from left :

1. Thrifted vintage plates from occupied Japan. I love the big bunches of delicate flowers and the decorative edges. I don't know know the name of the motif(s), but I have found three variations so far.
2. Scratched, but all the better for it, red floral-printed tin tray.
3. Our kitchen curtains
4. Sweet little thrifted saucer. I use saucers more than anyone I know. I think we eat nearly all our snacks and treats from saucers, not to mention they are champion spoon-rests.

Thanks so much for the kind words about the new painting!
&
Happy weekend to you

March 22, 2012 in Domestic | Permalink | Comments (15)

The Banjo Recital

I finished this painting recently, after I got a bee in my bonnet about a girl playing the banjo in the middle of the woods.

BanjoConcertBiggerLo
The Banjo Recital    11"x14"x2"    Acrylic on cradled wood panel

The whole time I was working on it, I kept thinking she was singing/playing them this song. I feel almost certain that's what she's playing, there among the animals and the lily-of-the-valley.

BanjoRecitalCrop

I just listed the painting here, in my shop for sale.

I've been making some paintings lately that aren't part of a larger series or story. I realized that I've hardly made any drawings or paintings that weren't part of something bigger for the last few years, so it's a nice change to make some stand-alone images and smaller series. I have several big, involved projects on the horizon, so I'm working on whatever I fancy now, before I get wrapped up in those.

March 20, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (26)

Liking Lately

IMG_4681

A little list of things that have struck my fancy in the past few weeks:

- Beautiful Australian children's style magazine Papier Mache - similar to Milk, but blessedly with English text so I can read it and not just look at the pretty pictures. It's unbelievably beautiful, and I was happy to spy Misako Mimoko and some other favorites peppering the pages.

- Black Books on Netflix instant. This British series from the early 2000's is silly and (I think) wonderful. It might not be everyone's cup of tea (or swig of wine) but cantankerous bookseller Bernard Black, marry me please. I'm forlorn to be out of episodes.

- A magic beauty potion. This was spritzed on my friend's pretty face by a Sephora lady on our last visit. We couldn't get our mitts on our own personal bottles quick enough. It sets your makeup and just feels very lovely. It might be a placebo, but what a nice placebo it is.

- Le Petit Ecolier chocolate cookies. I found them at our supermarket and one or two is so nice for dessert or with tea.

- The Tattooed Lady: A History - I had been wanting this badly for a while, and I finally took it home from Powell's a few weeks back. It is exactly as it sounds and as specialized as it is wonderful.

- Lynch Creek Dahlias (for the flower ladies.) Located only a little while away in Washington, this family farm's website has tons of beautiful Dahlias - from the small pom-pom kind to the dinnerplate variety. I'm awaiting about a half-dozen different kinds...I'm so excited to have some late-Summer/Fall flowers this year.

If that isn't a motley list, I don't know what is - but a true portrayal of the things I get excited about from day to day.

I've got a few new paintings I've been working on to share soon. In the meantime, we have oddball lists!

Happy Friday!

March 16, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (20)

The Oddfellow's Website is up!

This project was keeping me busy for a good little minute, and I'm so happy that it's finally out there. 

The official Oddfellow's Orphanage website is now up and running!

SS1

With a character portrait gallery (featuring the new portraits, naturally), a reader art gallery, sketches, downloads and more, I think it's a nice place to hop around for a bit.

SS2

If anyone you know (little or otherwise) creates any Oddfellow's inspired art, feel free to email or snail-mail it to me and I'll post it in the reader art gallery.

SS3

 

Oh! And I mentioned a new set of paper dolls a few days back...and they're freebies! 

DeliaOlliePaperDLOW

Don't miss the Delia & Ollie paper doll download in the Diversions section. You should be able to download the high-res file straight from the page.

Whew! So happy to share all of this finally!

March 12, 2012 in Art (my pictures), Projects + Downloads for You | Permalink | Comments (16)

O.O. Portraits Added

Portrait collage

All available paintings can be found here in the originals part of my shop!

March 09, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (1)

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Oddfellow Bluebeard

BluebeardFramed

Oddfellow Bluebeard   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

And finally, dum-da-dum! The founder of the feast, Headmaster Bluebeard himself.

All thirteen original portraits will be posted in my shop Friday at 12 pm West coast / 3 pm East coast!

Bluebeard Painting LOW

March 09, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (0)

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Delia

DeliaFramed

Delia   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

It's through Delia's eyes that you first meet Oddfellow's Orphanage, so I wanted to save this silent little miss for almost-last.

Tomorrow is the founder of the feast: Oddfellow Bluebeard himself, and the portrait update as well!

DeliaPaintingLOW

March 08, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (5)

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Hank

HankFramed
Hank   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

Aw, Hank, that's quite a nice pocket square you've got there!

Hank's occupation? Bear-keeper and general handyman of the house (he also keeps his eye out for varmints and intruders on the grounds.)

HankPaintingLOW

Only two portraits remain after Hank, and then all the portraits will be added to the shop Friday. Whew!

Who's left?
Delia & Headmaster Bluebeard, most fittingly.

March 07, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (4)

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Imogen


ImogenFramed
Imogen  8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

Today we have the inky-armed Imogen. Even though she is a smaller character in the book, I have a real soft spot for her. 

ImogenPaintinglow

She'll be up in the shop with the other portraits on Friday!

March 06, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (6)

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Daniel

DanielFramed
Daniel  8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

Today we have Daniel, pickpocket-er of pickpockets and all 'round stand-up little guy. He sports ribbons awarded for his various good deeds and collected through his time at Oddfellow's.

DanielPainting

Four more portraits left to preview!

March 05, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (0)

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Ava

AvaFramed
Ava   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

I think we're almost two-thirds of the way through the portraits!

For Friday, we have sailor-collared, open-hearted Ava and a trio of the little birds that love her so.

AvaPainting

Happy weekend & see you soon!

March 02, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (9)

Paper Dollishness

I was getting a little posting-hypnosis from all the portrait posts, so I thought I'd share a little in-progress snip of new paper dolls I'm working on.

DeliaPaperDollProgress

I think the new Oddfellow's portraits will go up for sale next Friday, March 9. I'll post the exact time soon and make one of those "sticky posts" that will stay at the top of the blog as a reminder.

I'm working almost non-stop on finishing up a project that's been in the works for a while - I can't wait to share it here!

Happy Thursday to you!

 

March 01, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (12)

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Professor Stella

StellaFramed
Professor Stella   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

And here we have the resident Astronomy teacher, the demure but lovely Professor Stella. I thought it was only fitting to preview this portrait after Professor Silas, because they are sweethearts of sorts.

StellaPainting

February 29, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (10)

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Professor Silas


SilasFramed
Professor Silas   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

It's kind of an open secret that I have a little crush on Professor Silas. I actually based Oddfellow's resident cryptozoologist loosely on the dashing John Hodgman - don't know if many people know that fun fact?

SilasPaingingLOW

More portraits forthcoming!

February 28, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (10)

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Felix

FelixFramed

Felix   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

I was looking very forward to Felix's portrait. His skeptical eyebrows in the graphite drawing-version are one of my favorite things in the book. He's Josiah's favorite character, and I have big plans for him to figure more prominently in the next Oddfellow's adventure (Ollie, too!)

FelixPaintingLOW

He's just such a grump and I want to tousle his hair (which I'm sure he would love about as much as wearing that corsage.)

Stay tuned for another portrait tomorrow!

February 26, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (13)

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Hugo

HugoFramed
Hugo  8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

For your Friday amusement, today's portrait is the hungriest hedgehog in the known world!

HugoLow

I love the idea that Hugo would choose a treasured bit of food to pose with when having his portrait made.

Have a lovely weekend - I'll be back with more Oddfellow's folks next week!

February 24, 2012 in Art (my pictures) | Permalink | Comments (16)

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Nurse Effie

NurseEffieFramed

Nurse Effie   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

I am getting lots of questions about these paintings and when the originals and prints will be available, so here's a quick run-down:
- I created these for the forthcoming Oddfellow's website, and there are 13 paintings total.
- The originals will be available for sale after they've all be previewed here. I will announce the exact date & time they'll go up for sale.
- I make prints available after the original is spoken for.

I hope this is helpful!

As you can see, gentle, pretty Nurse Effie is the portrait-of-the-day:

NurseEffieLow

Happy Thursday!

February 23, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (10)

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