Illuminara

I attended a Winter Solstice celebration in Muir Woods yesterday. The paths were all lit with illuminara, the canopy echoing with christmas carols, and folk stories were being told around fire pits. At a certain point, the lights ended and I ventured further into the forest where my only guides were my trusty flashlight and intuition. After awhile, I turned off the the flashlight altogether, letting my eyes adjust to the darkness, and for a brief while, experienced what it's like to truly commune with nature. And the best thing that came out of it was that even though I was far afield from the crowd, the sounds of civilization, et al, I never truly felt alone in all that darkness. In fact, I don't believe there really is such a thing. Our bodies trick us, but the spirit knows better.

"True" Grit is a True Classic

I just saw the latest Coen Bros opus yesterday evening, and I can honestly say it's one of the best westerns I've ever seen. Go do yourself a favor this holiday and enjoy the beautiful Christmas gift that is "True Grit".

The Dude abides again...

Happy Thanksgiving from Hipster Central

Having Thanksgiving lunch with some workmates the other day, my eyes chanced upon a crew of hipsters milling about with martini glasses in hand, ironic mustaches and all. I could not help but wonder:

Do hipsters know they're hipsters?

La Familia Calacas

I'm about a week late here with my dedication, but I guess inspiration strikes at will! I've always thought the Day of the Dead was such a healthy and open way to remember those who have passed. The end doesn't have to be all doom and gloom.

So I present you Senora Florita and Senor Skullito in all their glory :)

Tron Night

Greetings programs!

As a child of the 80's, Tron was one of those seminal films that really inspired me to draw to my heart's content. Few films ignited my imagination quite like that film. It hasn't aged as well as the heart and mind remembers it, but Jeff Bridges is a national and timeless treasure as far as I'm concerned.

On the eve of Tron Night (which should be showing in your local IMAX theatre), here's hoping that lighting strikes twice and that the new film does the same for some bright eyed kid in the audience. In 3D!

Lost in the Moment

This was inspired by a talk with a good friend this afternoon. His description of a moment he had with his daughter as she fell asleep is moving for me.

Swept Away

Satellite of Love

Afrique

Tuning into the world...

For Thailand...

Having been lucky enough to travel extensively through Southeast Asia in the last decade, one of the most common sights you come across on the road are scooters, scooters, and more scooters. But what makes it so special is bearing witness to whole families on these two wheelers moving collectively through their days together.

In the aftermath of the protests in Bangkok, I dedicate this drawing to the enduring and very warm spirit of the people.

Help the Aged

I love the Pulp song that this posting is named after:
Help The Aged by Pulp

Barking at the moon...

Aesop Reimagined: Fox & Crane

And now we come to the part of the story where Crane is not so happy with Fox.

If you're curious as to where this came from, I think it's a mix of having watched John Woo's "Red Cliff" (glorious return to form btw) and admiring both clips of Fantastic Mr. Fox and the Mozilla Firefox logo. I do love me some Aesop's Fables!

Happy Chinese New Year with a bit of Heart

Today, we have ourselves a 2 for 1 special on an astrological and interpersonal level. Here's wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year & a Happy Valentine's!

Ovo in Spades

Looks like I have the start of a series going here. It must have something to do with the fact that sometimes I just want to run away with the circus.

Oco-cular Voyage

I had the pleasure of catching the latest and greatest Cirque du Soleil show "Ovo" recently. I also happen to be storyboarding for a pharmaceutical client. I was so enthralled by the human spectacle in the former while being in awe of our inner universe, that I thought what better way to synthesize them but into a sketch of the day.

Happy 2010

Happy New Year everyone!

This drawing was inspired by a beautiful month long trip to Asia, specifically Bhutan. It has some of the most breathtaking vistas I have ever witnessed along with some of the warmest and kindest people I've come across in my short time on this rock of ours. Prayer flags abound!