When it comes to deliberating corporate strategies, boardrooms are often contentious environments with frequent members clashing.
On October 19, 2011 I posted the Directory of Illustration cover to my blog along with a narrative introducing the work. Since the book had not been released yet I posted only the cover and not any of the inside illustrations. The book is now being distributed and I’m posting the cover along with the full page inside illustrations. The theme of the book #28 is “Very, Very Visionary”. Inside the book you’ll find “Eagle Eye”, “Eye of the Storm”, “Black-Eyed Susan”, “Apple of My Eye”, “Butterfleyes” and the DI issue page. Although, in the book most of the inside illustrations are in black and white, I decided to add color backgrounds. Thanks again Dave Plunkert the designer, Glen Serbin and everyone involved at Serbin Communications.
Late Thursday of last week, Ashford Stamper the Art Director at “The Pitch” in Kansas City called with a commission that was due the following Monday. The issue was going to press Tuesday. My son-in-law, Peter Noonan, is from KC so I asked him about The Pitch. He backed up my opinion from my previous internet search. The Pitch is an liberal, alternative news and cultural publication akin to our Seattle weekly, “The Stranger”. They were going to run a story titled, “No Healing” about the struggles of Dr. Ann Kristin Neuhaus who at one time worked with the recently assassinated Dr. George Tiller who had operated an abortion clinic. The Kansas Board of Healing Arts never did agree with the pro-abortion views of Tiller nor with Neuhaus. Since the death of Tiller the Board is seeking to revoke the medical license of Neuhaus under very dubious claims.
Within 4 hours versus possibly 72 hours, Dr. Sam Tobias, a trauma neurosurgeon at the Cleveland Clinic is conducting surgery on patients with head trauma such as subdural hematomas and gunshot wounds. His approach to relieving intracranial pressure early is working and helping to save lives. For a physician read publication, the editor felt this more literal approach might be best.
Fellow illustrator, Emiliano Ponzi, invited me and 18 other illustrators from around the world to create a piece for an auction in Milan, Italy, sponsored by Doctor’s Without Borders. This was a campaign for access to essential medicines. Essential medicines remain a luxury. One third of the world population does not have access to it. “Love Shot” was my contribution. Emiliano, thanks for including me.
Sometimes luck goes one’s way. So it did for me earlier this year when I was asked if I would provide a color illustration and five black and white illustrations for the new Directory of Illustration #28. I was also lucky to have worked with Dave Plunkert as the art director on this one. Dave suggested we try simple imagery versus complex and busy as we address the theme for the book, “very, very visionary”. So, the concept of “eye of the tiger”, “eagle eye”, “black-eyed susan”, “eye of the storm”, etc. was born. Since the cover image is now showing up in printed collateral as well as on the DI website I am able to publish it here. To see the black and white images you’ll have to nab your own copy of the book. I believe it comes out at the end of 2011. Thank you Dave P., Glen Serbin and everyone involved at Serbin Communications.
Over the last few years, Mark Tuchman, design director working on the School Library Journal has commissioned many images from me. Here are four from the last year.
Teen Reading. The article addressed ways to engage teens to expand their reading horizons and discover the joy of reading.
Privacy. When lending books on sensitive social issues to adolescents keeping prying eyes at bay, be they teachers, parents or other students, is an important consideration for librarians.
eBooks. A sometimes controversial issue, librarians and researchers are finding that children derive benefit when reading an eBook.
The Right Book. Pairing the right book with the right child is key to getting kids “hooked” on reading.
