American Illustration 28

If the beginning of this year couldn't get any better, it just did. I just got an email saying that the two pieces above got into AI28 web gallery. I am very excited and flattered to be among the other artist to be represented in the 28th annual American Illustration show.

The piece on the left is about a story I read in the Atlantic monthly. A seasoned Book Tour salesmen, is stuck between a rock and a hard place, because he sick of his job selling books (that he has been doing for 15 years!) but at the same time he can not see himself doing anything else.

The piece on the right is a portrait of one of my best friends Andrew Stiles. I tried to capture Andrew as he naturally is. Spontaneous, and full of energy that catch's you off guard.

Again, this is very flattering news and it is such an honor to be part of this annual.

SVA Grad Show + Sketching + Kate Egan

NJ Transit to NYC 11/25/2008

Enlarged Image: HERE!

I went to New York City on Tuesday and saw the Graduate studies show for the Illustration as a visual essay program at SVA. I was really impressed with the work that I saw, but not only that, it got me to challenge myself to ask the question yet again. "WHAT IS ILLUSTRATION?"

The work looked more like fine art and not so much like illustration. I am so used to seeing work that is put into context with symbols, metaphors, ect that looking at the show I felt alittle uneasy. I was both curious and shocked by the work. That night I had the pleasure of sitting down and having dinner with Matt Cavanaugh to talk about the business of illustration as well as other topics. After we finished our burgers and copious amounts of tatter tots at the Trailer Park Bar/dinner, it was time for me to head back to Philadelphia to get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday and what was left to do work wise.

Kate Egan "The Vegan Eater" - Soph. Illustration Major at U Arts

For her random thoughts and drawings/paintings

Enlarged Image: Here

We will see how the week turns out, so I might do two portraits this weekend. I don't know yet, I have a few things I have to take care of before then.

Plus I have a job I did that I want to post but due to copyright I can't so in the next week or two I will be able too!

HAPPY MONDAY!

Andrew and Rachel

Bigger image: Andrew Stiles

Bigger Image: Rachel Kantor

Doing a series of portraits of my friends to work on likiness'.