Category Archives: News

Hello Port Washington, NY!

I want to send out a HUGE thanks to all the young readers of Port Washington, New York who welcomed me during my visits to Guggenheim Elementary, Sousa Elementary, Daly Elementary and South Salem Elementary schools.  What a way to celebrate the release of my new Star Wars pop-up!  Also, I’d like thank the incredible folks from the Dolphin Bookshop for arranging all of the events last Wednesday – the day would not have been possible with you!

Artist Watch: Street Art

Been very much into street art these days.
Here are a few snapshots from my excursions so far…

Artist Watch: Maira Kalman

Maira Kalman’s work is extensive.  She has written and illustrated children’s books, created The New Yorker Magazine covers, and many many more pieces.  Her paintings and sense of color are exquisite and seem to be alive!

Artist Watch: Dana Tanamachi

Without knowing it, you have probably seen some of Dana Tanamachi’s work out and about. She is originally from Texas, but now lives in Brooklyn and is a full time custom chalk letterer! Her work has been on magazines and catalogs (West Elm, Oprah, etc), and in stores! I just had to share her wonderful pieces of art with you all! To see more of Dana’s work click the link here.

Artist Watch: Tom Whalen

Tom Whalen is an astoundingly talented illustrator, designer and werewolf hunter with a true love for the characters he depicts in his work, including some of my very own favorites – like Decepticon Communicator Soundwave, the evil sorceror Skeletor and the mute ninja commando Snake Eyes.

A limited edition of the two prints pictured here will be available from Thursday, October 11 through Sunday, October 14, 2012 at New York Comic Con booth 1681. Bold, colorful, inspiring and expressive – he shares my interests in super hero comic books, transforming toy robots and the complete domination of the Universe (kidding on that last one… maybe). After the Zombie-pocalypse when the robots inevitably take control, you can be assured Tom Whalen will be the official artist of Earth’s new metallic overlords!

Artist Watch: Tao Nyeu

‘Wonder Bear’ by Tao Nyeu is a really fantastic children’s book I found at Barnes & Noble recently.  The book takes you through a delightful journey with two children, a bear, and other animals!  Even though there may not be words, the pictures tell the whole story.  And a picture is worth a thousand words.  Check out more of her work here!

Artist Watch: Alli Coate

Alli Coate

Within the studio, we are always looking towards other art for inspiration.  I found Alli Coate through one of these searches.  Coates is a Rhode Island based illustrator, and her art work is a combination of illustration and applique/sewing techniques.  I really love the playfulness of her style– it’s so tactile and she uses the fabric patterns to set the mood for the pieces.  Check out more of her work at her website.

Artist Watch: Bovey Lee

When one mixes Chinese calligraphy, painting, and digital work you get the amazing artist Bovey Lee.  Lee uses all of these disciplines to create wonderfully intricate cut paper art that are full of life.  She has exhibited her work all over the world and has won awards as well.

Even though the pieces are usually massive, they’ll so delicate and painstakingly intricate.  Check out some of her work below and definitely dive into her website!

Pop-Up Showcase: The Castaway Pirates

I’m always on the lookout for a clever, fun pop-up book. The Castaway Pirates (Chronicle Books, 2008), written and engineered by Ray Marshall and illustrated by Wilson Swain, is among my favorites.

The book’s jaunty rhyme is very funny and ends with a lucky twist, and the pop-ups and art  have unique styles. On his website, Ray Marshall posted a great explanation of how his book was made, from the original idea to the final production. If you’re curious about the process of making a pop-up book, I recommend it!