Oh l'Amour!

I love animation… and I especially love the student work done at French powerhouse art school, Gobelins (the irony that a visual communications school has, perhaps, the ugliest site I've seen in some time is not lost on me). Check out this recent masterpiece… Oktapodi.

UPDATE: Here's a little "making of" video!

Portrait of the Artist as a Pseudonym

I've posted online under the "Silus Grok" pseudonym for years and years — and will likely continue to do so indefinitely. But a couple months ago, I started to think about getting a "self portrait" done, in order to flesh-out (so to speak) my online brand. And that's when I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of a talented illustrator by the name of Jesse Ewing.

He and I have had fun over the last month going back and forth as the project progressed (see how it all came together in a Flickr set I've created for the portrait). And the final was just what I had hoped for!

And for the record: No. It doesn't look like the flesh-and-blood me — what use would a pseudonym be if I slapped it on a picture of me? Besides, I've always loved playing dress-up… and this is almost as fun.

Not Gay.

So, I interrupt the series on my recent trip to London to bring you a little mirth... namely, to introduce you to my favorite comic — whose strip today (story arch begins here) made me laugh out loud.

I'd recommend starting at the beginning (which, um, looks a little different) — or, at the very least, reading-up on the characters. You can even check-out the PVP entry at Wikipedia.

For any of my readers worried that this comic strip may be risqué... um, it's ME, folks... though not a children's comic, this is definitely PG material.

The Snowman... and His Evil Twin

Have you seen The Snowman? The British, animated short featuring a boy and his snowman? It's one of my favorite holiday treats... but nothing that good stays un-tarnished. Marketers love a good hook, and the folks at Irn Bru ( a not-so-soft-drink from the UK ) found theirs.

See a grainy snippet from the original ( you really ought to buy the full short ):



And now, for your delectation, the advert from Irn Bru:

Flight Patterns

( A little lunch-time diversion. )

I've seen this linked twice in the last week — once by Metafilter maven, Matt Haughey, and another time by Processing guru Joshua Tarbell ( whose work at Complexification I adore ) — so I thought I'd share it with my dear readers before it became popular.

Flight Patterns is a coup in animation.

Ken Wong

The artwork of Ken Wong is absolutely sublime... and I can only hope that I'll find an excuse to work with him on a project, someday.

Beautiful Dreamer: $500

So tonight is this month's gallery stroll. A chance to visit Salt Lake area art galleries ( that are normally closed after 6 )... to schmooze a little... to sample a little gnosh... and to see some beautiful artwork. Now, mind you: it's not always good. I've seen my share of disposable art — but even disposable art inspires.

So why mention it?

Well, tonight, in conjuction with the gallery stroll, there will be a studio sale at the Uffens, featuring works by four area artists: Tom Aaron ( who really needs a web site! ), Mark Elliot, Holly Mae Pendergast, and Dallas Graham. If you're not familiar with the concept of a studio sale, it's less formal than a show, and the artwork featured is often priced significantly less than it would otherwise be... and it's a wonderful opportunity to build your collection.

The studio sale is from 5:30 – 10:00 p, tonight.

If you can't make it tonight, I understand that they will open tomorrow with works not available tonight — a perfect companion to your trip to the farmers market!

Remember: bring cash or a check book. No credit cards accepted.

UPDATE: I spent the evening sitting and chatting with my friends at the studio sale... and then a little while this morning. From all accounts, the sale was a resounding success. You should have been there.

And me? Well, I walked away wishing that I had an extra $3,000... and the happy owner of a lovely and amazing photo by Dallas Graham. So ts'all good.

The Art of Kadir Nelson

Kadir Nelson's portfolio site not only showcases his work, but features a catalog of his pieces which are for sale.

(Hat tip: the amazing folks over at Drawn!)

Step-by-step Copper

Kazu Kibuishi, the deft-handed artist behind the comic phenom Copper, takes us behind the scenes of producing a comic.

Very nice.