January 28th 2010

White Squirrel

I finished my illustrations for New York Magazine today and decided to take the afternoon off. I met up with Anthony at White Squirrel cafe, which is the sweetest little coffee shop across from Trinity Bellwoods Park. I loved the idea they used for their table, (which I took a photo of, above). They repurposed old parquet flooring! It looked very cute. Their coffee was great, too.

I also wanted to thank Bianca D'Amico for posting about my work on her blog today! I met Bianca a couple of years ago when she was showing here in Toronto. She now curates a small boutique in LA called Pergolina.

January 24th 2010

It's a little odd, but I think even better than stumbling upon a beautiful art or design blog, nothing makes me happier than finding a beautiful new FOOD BLOG.

I just found La Tartine Gourmande. The photos are gorgeous; slightly over-exposed and right up close with the perfectly prepared food. The site is put together by Béa Peltre, a food writer/photographer. She includes her recipes with each post, which look like they've been typed on to a lovely recipe card, (sometimes adding a french version, as she's a French expatriot).

I'm so glad I found this site, although I should be working like mad, and have already planned dinner for tonight. Oh well, it'll be something sweet to explore when I have a bit more time.

Happy Sunday!

January 21st 2010

I should be working like mad on my illustrations today, but in a moment of distraction I found this post on Mieke Willem's blog. It makes me warm looking at this amazing collection of mittens. Okay. That's enough diversion for now.

January 20th 2010

When the Day Breaks

National Film Board of Canada

I saw this film when it was first released, and have never forgotten it. It makes me cry every time I watch it.

{ If it doesn't come up fully on your screen, click on the link below the video player to view it on the NFB website. }

January 19th 2010

While I work, I love to listen to audiobooks. I've started to listen to the Chronicles of Narnia, which I read when I was really young. I forgot how good they were! Or maybe I didn't realize it when I was little.

I'm a bit silly about making sure that my audio files in iTunes have the prettiest covers included so that I can see them on my computer and iPod while I listen. While I was searching for covers for these seven books, I found the original first edition covers, illustrated by Pauline Baynes. I love stumbling upon new children's book illustrators that I'm not familiar with. Her work is really sweet and beautifully drawn. From what I gather, she illustrated a lot of adventure books, including the Narnia series and and edition of The Lord of the Rings books.

I've included all of the original covers below. (I especially love the "Silver Chair" cover!).