Finally! We settled in our new place in San Francisco. Feeling inspired and I’ve been thinking (and reading) about detoxing. Maybe it’s the idea of a fresh start here in California, or just the result of shopping at too many organic grocery stores.  On Saturday I had dinner with my friend Jeff, we talked about eliminating the superficial elements of an illustration until your left with a pure honest image (no bells, no whistles). This is like a detox for your creative work, and I love/hate the idea. The more I fear taking the decorative elements out of my work, the more I know it’s time to experiment.

It’s true…I’ve always considered myself a “dog person” and maybe even warned my single friends about the sigma of having multiple cats. An old boyfriend actually gave me a bumper sticker that read “destined to have cats” after we broke up (what a charmer!). Well after a month on a house boat kitty sitting for a friend, I’ve changed my tune. This little feline has shown me that they are in fact very lovable and low maintenance. Now… I’m not running out there to buy a liter box and some cat nip, but I definitely have a new appreciation for all you “cat people” out there.

Looks like this floating boat life is finally coming to an end next week. As sad as it is to leave such an amazing place, I’m excited to get set up in the new apartment. We found an amazing old victorian over looking golden gate park with seven floor to ceiling windows in the main room (the studio!). Being a bit of a light freak, this apartment was everything I could have imagined and more. Having an inspiring space to work in is key, and there’s a lot of work to be done in the next few months.

We are staying on a house boat for a month in Sausalito while we look for an apartment. The house boat is beyond anything I can describe, windows with amazing views surround us. It really feels like a dream here, and I’m trying to capture it all in my sketch book with my pocket size water color set. Tom Waits lyrics are in my head, the idea that you never really see something until you truly see it’s opposite.

I never saw the east coast ’til I move to the west
I never saw the moonlight until it shone off your breast
I never saw your heart ’til someone tried to steal, tried to steal it away
I never saw your tears until they rolled down your face.

After five years in New York, it was time to pack up and head to the west coast. We landed in San Francisco on Tuesday night and we are thrilled to be back. This new piece is about not relying on an external situation (a job, your relationship, money) to feel at peace with the present moment. All that said, I truly believe in the old saying “you take yourself where ever you go”…the west coast version of this gal is smiling (big).

My good friend Jeff is an incredible illustrator and he also teaches at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. We met almost seven years ago at a Cuban Bar in San Francisco where I was waitressing. He pulled out his sketch book and we started chatting. We’ve been good friends ever since. He has been in the illustration field for quite a while, has a brilliant client list, and has won many awards for his work. But he always has an encouraging word to give, ears that listen, and a way of making you feel like your work matters. So Mister Jeff this piece is for you, I hope your students know how lucky they are to have you.

An optimist is the human personification of spring.

-Susan J. BissonetteRobin Williams

The sun is shinning, the farmers market is open and there are bright little buds on the trees. Even though it’s still a bit cold here in New York, Spring is on the way. The past couple of weeks I have been working on an exciting “green project” with my fabulous friend Alison. We are designing a line of organic tee-shirts for toddlers that will be used to raise money for The World Wildlife Federation. It’s so nice to collaborate with another creative mind, especially someone who makes work seem like play.

A little promo piece for Spring…