Last summer, I was honored to create an illustration for (512) Brewing’s 16th Anniversary beer (a very hazy and very tasty IPA).
We wanted to give a nod to Austin’s history and unique charm, so I hopped on my bike and photographed the graffiti-covered train bridge that sits just south of downtown.
The marks that decorate the bridge are more like messages, sending hope and playfulness out over the city. I have long loved the meditative “Focus One Point And Breathe”, and “Never Give Up” with accompanying Pac-Man being chased by ghosts.
I had to simplify the messages a bit, to make everything small enough to decorate a beer can, and I kept the colors bright and lively to communicate the playful attitude.
The can design looks great and I’m so grateful to have my artwork on such a tasty beer! It won’t be around long though, since it was a one-off batch made solely for the anniversary.
But the joy I got from exploring Austin’s playfulness stayed with me and before I knew it, I’d begun painting the same scene (with a few changes and more details).
Working on a summer scene during the winter months has been a wonderful way to keep my spirits up.
Next up: Barton Springs Pool!
ART SHOWS
My large, gold painting of a “Spiny Star Cactus” was part of the Renew group show at The Muse Gallery and my experimental painting of a sea monster named “Nessie” is currently at ArtUs Co Gallery, on display until April 12th!
COMMISSIONS
Over the holiday season I created two small paintings commissioned for gifts. The subject matter is a little different from what I usually focus on and it was a nice way to stretch myself creatively.
In working on this painting of Rosa the eel, I learned a lot about American freshwater eels. These creatures are fascinating! They spend the first part of their lives as tiny transparent creatures in the ocean before each mysteriously finds its way up rivers and dams to a spot where it will spend years, even decades, living alone. Then one day the eel transforms again and returns to the ocean, where it breeds and dies in the depths of the Sargasso Sea.
Their long lifespan and mysterious ways make breeding eels in captivity impossible, and they have been over-fished across the world (often to be served as “unagi” sushi rolls). The United States is lacking in protections for these creatures, so I’m vowing to never order unagi again and am spreading the word so that people can make informed decisions about what they’re eating.
THINGS I’M LIKING
Watching the Gamelatron sonic kinetic sculptures in action. So relaxing!
Listening to this short podcast about the artist who painted the graffiti on Austin’s train bridge.
Reading The Book of Eels by Patrik Svensson
Seeing the new version of the classic film Nosferatu, out at a theater with a friend. It was delightfully scary!
I hope you’re discovering new joys and making time to meet up with your favorite people, plants, and animals.
Thank you for following my journey!