Above is a picture of the holiday illustration I was commissioned to create for JP Morgan Chase, on display in a New York City branch – what a nice feeling to see that! I drew it on location last summer, and added the snow – who knew then that the NYC winter would be so mild, that I’d still be using my imagination for the holiday themed weather. It’s funny to think of how I was sweating as I made those snowflakes fall…

Besides that good news, our Dalvero Academy exhibit, Journey of Transformation, opened on November 21. (website HERE) It’s the work of myself and 28 other Dalvero artists. We drew the 38th Voyage of the Charles W. Morgan through the waters of New England, and our drawings are on display throughout the Mallory building gallery at Mystic Seaport. Also on display is each artist’s individual response to issues of ocean and whale conservation. I created an art-to-wear kimono, called Whale Song Coat, as seen above. I loved the idea of creating a ceremonial robe to honor the whale. The piece speaks to the importance of understanding our whaling history, as well as what we need to do to preserve cetaceans (and our oceans) in the future. Ironically, because of whaling we have a better idea of what habitats the whales migrate through, information we can use to protect them. It is also interesting to me that throughout history, the hunting of whales as they migrated facilitated the migration of people, both along the underground railroad and across oceans. I illustrated those ideas and others with a palimpsest of maps, symbols, and navigational cues, from 19th century whaling maps to GPS notations of  humpback whale migration. Will try to post some inspiration ideas and process shots soon. I really enjoyed the tactility of working with silk and sewing, and have some big plans for 2016. ;)

This is one of the drawings I had the privilege of making on board the Morgan as she traveled from Provincetown to Boston in the summer of 2014. A great memory! You can see some of the posts I made from that voyage here.

And last (but of course not least) I am happy to announce that some of my fashion illustrations are traveling around Europe this season with the exhibit: Across Poland with Best Fashion Illustration, Fall 2015 – Spring 2016. More info on that HERE.

It’s been such a whirlwind, but I do feel so grateful that work is keeping me busy – it’s what I love to do. STILL haven’t finished scanning my drawings from Cuba and Bali this past summer, hope to do some of that during the holiday weeks. Along with a lot of visiting family and friends, eating good food, and drinking good wine. Cheers!