jen lobo

I'm still here.

2011-12-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

Except now I'm here......

For those who have been inquiring, a little note on the store:

Things here are a bit different than what I am used to. The businesses that were crucial to my little operation are now far, far away. It's had quite an impact on the way I work and I've had a hard time crawling out of hiatus. I am working on getting back up and running after the holidays.

So sit tight while I figure it out and I will try to make it up to you.

Enjoy your loved ones, have a merry whatever you celebrate, and I will see you in the new year.

Halloween

2011-11-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

It may seem like there are a disproportionate amount of photos of

a certain daughter of mine.

There are.

Someone was a bit of a Halloween ham.

....to her mother's complete delight.

{ STORE HIATUS }

2011-10-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

In preparation for our personal exodus to the desert,
the store will be on hiatus beginning
October 27th

Things have been a bit unpredictable, so I am not sure when I will be reopening.

If you've been eyeing a certain print, now's the time!

For any inquiries on original works, please email me directly : jennifermlobo@gmail.com

Arizona Bound

2011-10-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

My husband's job is carting us off to go live in The Grand Canyon State.

Part of me is thrilled.

Part of me is terrified.

Part of me is oh, so sad.

With any luck, though, these will be our neighbors....

{ click images for source }

Interlude

2011-09-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

I have a little slice of time a couple of days a week after I drop everyone off at school that is usually

spent ~~procrastinating on the internet~~ doing laundry & dishes.

Yesterday I decided to ignore my chores and treat myself to a hike all alone to the top of the world.

There was not a soul in sight the entire time.

At the top of the peak, cliff swallows were flying so close that I could hear the beat of their wings.

A hawk flew a couple of feet overhead and I heard what I think was a deer rustling up the side of the trail.

{ at least I hope it was a deer because it sounded big }

It. was. glorious.

This may be habit forming.

Sink or Swim - SF

2011-09-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

I have the sincere privilege of participating in 'Sink or Swim - SF' a show organized by PangeaSeed, dedicated to spreading awareness about (and preventing) the devastating practice of shark finning.

Shark finning is one of those things that once you learn about it, you wish you could erase it from your memory immediately. It is just so heartbreaking to know that this is a common practice.

My piece for the show is 'Falling Out'

"Falling Out'


sketch for 'Falling Out'

If you are in the San Francisco area, please check out the show. It looks like it will be a good one.

More info at .: Spoke Art :.

Whale Watching in Redondo Beach

2011-09-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

final tally:

12 blue whales { one roughly a year old }
an enormous pod of dancing dolphins
a school of mola mola { sunfish }
a whole lotta sea lions { fun fact: an easy way to tell seals & sea lions apart - sea lions have ear flaps, seals do not. }
2 night herons { one juvenile }

All in all, one pretty amazing day.

Sketching at The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

2011-09-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

Last week Parker and I spent an afternoon at one of my very favorite places,

armed only with our sketchbooks.

At one point, Parker snuck away and made it into the gift shop to buy me the

sweetest little gift for my birthday.

Impetus & The Shop - New Orleans

2011-09-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

A couple of my paintings will be making a few appearances...

'Should've Known Better' will be be part of Impetus, a show curated by Thinkspace at the Joseph Gross Gallery (University of Arizona).

.....and also, 'Timekeeper' & 'Secrets She Keeps' are currently on view

at The Shop - New Orleans.

Do Fun Stuff :: Volume Two

2011-08-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

I am so tickled to be able to reveal one of the new projects I was teasing you about.

Do Fun Stuff :: Volume Two!

Do Fun Stuff is a compilation album organized by Ryan Marshall of Pacing the Panic Room with 100% of the proceeds going to aid the research of Smith Magenis Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that is in the early stages of discovery. You can read more about SMS & Ryan's account of his son's diagnosis and their struggle to find information about SMS on his blog.

I am honored to be a part of such an awesome project. I'll be sure to let you know when the album is complete & ready for purchase. In the meantime, if you haven't already, check out Volume One .:here:. I promise you'll like it. I have banned many a kids' album from our house, but this one is fully allowed and encouraged.

These Days : Work Edition

2011-08-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on a couple projects that really aren't mine to divulge details of. I am thrilled to be a part of them, but I'd be speaking out of turn if I were to share at this point. I will shout from the rooftops once the cat's outta the bag.

It's not all summertime loafing around here....

These Days

2011-08-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Desperately clinging to the last itty bits of summer.

Jen Lobo + Outre Gallery

2011-08-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce a little print partnership with Outre Gallery.

They are currently showcasing some of my prints at their fine establishment in Melbourne, Australia.

I am also releasing a limited edition print of 'Failed Attempts' available exclusively through Outre.

Edition will be limited to 50. All are signed & numbered.

For more info .: Outre Gallery :.

2011-08-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Last week we had to say goodbye to my grandfather much sooner than we had all anticipated.

I will always strive to live my life in a way that would make you proud.
I love you, Grandpa.

You are made of stars...

2011-07-13T08:22:00.001-07:00

NHMLA - Dinosaur Hall Preview

2011-07-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to attend the Natural History Museum's preview of the new Dinosaur Hall. They did an exceptional job. The entire exhibit was completely engaging from the moment you walk in.

Not only will you find the familiar T-Rex (although this exhibit has three and all different ages, too), as well as favorites like Triceratops and Stegosaurus, but they also have plenty of new goodies...for instance, a fossilized pregnant Platecarpus and a section dedicated to the earliest birds and how they evolved from dinosaurs.

I am so grateful for the experience. Thank you NHMLA!

Drawing Giveaway in Honor of NHMLA

2011-06-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

The Natural History Museum of L.A. is choosing a select few to go see the new dinosaur exhibit before it opens to the public. Needless to say, we're chomping at the bit {ha! terrible pun intended!} to be picked.

In their honor, I will be giving away this drawing.....

Just follow this link to my facebook page and leave a comment with the name of your favorite dinosaur & I will pick a winner (using random.org). Giveaway ends July 1 at 5pm PST.

That's it! Good luck!

More Than You Ever Wanted to Know...

2011-06-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

Juxtapoz

&

Sour Harvest

p.s. - I totally mentioned a certain little baby birdie again. Is this getting old yet?

The Lobo-Simpson Flight Academy

2011-06-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

Our Wee Little Houseguest

2011-06-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

Due to some incredibly unfortunate circumstances (falcon raid) that tragically left two baby mockingbirds dead in our backyard, I found myself playing momma bird to the sweetest little mockingbird baby.

I was really reluctant to bring in a wild bird. Taking in a baby bird is usually a setup for heartbreak. But it was clear that this little bird had no chance unless I assisted the momma a bit. She kept inadvertently knocking him first out of her own nest and then out of every makeshift nest I made.

We ended up working out an awesome little arrangement. I made a nest in a box deep enough that she couldn't knock him out (a mailbox crate - don't tell the U.S. Postal Service) and tied it in the tree. Then I made a safety net out of a blanket.

I monitored him throughout the day and issued stern warnings to the cats. She took care of meals.
At night, I brought him in to sleep next to my bed, snuggled up in a towel under a heat lamp.
In the mornings, I brought him back out to his momma in the box in the tree.

I also kinda taught him how to fly. I'm not gonna lie. It was pretty great. Eventually he got good enough at it that he could get around pretty well on his own in the tree.

This morning I set him in his nest box and when I returned an hour later there was no sign of him. The momma and papa bird were with him when I left, so I can only assume (and hope) that they are all together out there figuring it out.

It was complete bliss to co-parent with that mockingbird momma.
I feel so fortunate that I got to do it.

Evolution of 'Inherit the Wound'

2011-06-04T09:39:00.001-07:00

More sneak peeks & studio photos from Thinkspace here.

Inherit the Wound

2011-06-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

With much nervous anticipation & excitement, I announce my upcoming show, 'Inherit the Wound'.

The Opening will be June 18th from 6-8pm at Thinkspace Gallery. I would be thrilled if you would join me.

Scott Radke will be showing in the main gallery. He makes puppets that redefine the very definition of puppets. I can't wait to see these in person. Please check out his preview here.

2011-05-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we said goodbye to Bailey.

There is a peaceful little place along a river that we visit each year, where Bailey used to roam free and clumsily wobble around nudging our legs as we went on walks, waded in the river, and roasted marshmallows.

Charlotte and I spent the morning gathering wildflowers and the boys found river rocks and driftwood. We made a little memorial.

We released his ashes into the river under his favorite tree where he spent many an afternoon dozing and watching the kids play.

We each said our little goodbye to Bailey and placed a flower into the water.
As the current swept them down river, Elliot stood up, spread his arms and shouted, "I love you, Bailey!"

I wish more than anything that he was still here with us, under his tree, but there is some comfort knowing we will return to him here, as if he will be waiting patiently for us year after year.

Ema Art Auction {benefitting victims of the Japan Earthquake & Tsunami}

2011-04-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

Christina Conway has fantastic ideas and a very generous spirit. She has organized an auction of Ema art to benefit Give2Asia, an organization directly providing relief efforts to those left devastated by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

I am so pleased to be a part of it.

My contribution is this little baby tortoise emerging from its egg. My hope is for new life & new beginnings.

The auction of my piece is already live. I would be so grateful if you'd take a look. If you would share the link with your friends I would be thrilled. It is such a great cause and the more people that see it the better. Thank you so much! Bidding on my piece ends April 25, 2011 19:41:35 PDT

{ LINK DIRECTLY TO AUCTION }

There are many other lovely pieces so if you aren't interested in mine please take a look!

From Christina Conway's site:

100% of Proceeds to Benefit Give2Asia Earthquake & Tsunami 2011 Fund

Ema are traditional small Japanese wooden tablets left at shrines with an image on one side, and a wish or a prayer on the other. To help Japan relief efforts, spread awareness, support and hope, artists are creating ema with their own positive heartfelt imagery for auction to benefit Artists Help Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund at Give2Asia. Taking inspiration from these simple, traditional and specifically Japanese gestures of wish-making/prayers this auction allows everyone of any culture, religious background and dynamics a similar talisman, using the "if you will it, it will be" thought belief. A small work of art for a big cause.

One side has been left blank for its new owner to write his or her own wishes or prayers.

Bidding begins Sunday, April 3, at eBay Giving Works for Give2Asia. Bidding for each ema is open for seven days. More ema artwork will be added through April 20.

Please keep in mind that this is a Charity Auction and not just an art sale. It's not about getting a "steal". It's about contributing to an important cause and getting a "Thank You" in return with original art. These are talented artists that donated 100% of their time, creativity and proceeds for help with the recovery of Japan due to the recent Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Reactor Emergencies. Please bid generously and avoid "sniping". MANY MANY THANKS!
Sincerely, Christina Conway/Curator

My Boy

2011-04-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

I really thought I'd be immune to the pre-adolescent drama that plagues virtually every child/parent relationship. I was so young when I had my first son that I thought we'd be bonded by that decade's worth of credit in the generation gap. I will say simply...that does not appear to be the case.

As much as we differ on opinions and struggle through this stage of development, I find when he is gone, my heart literally aches. Aches over things I said in anger and frustration that I hope didn't leave a bruise. If I've learned anything lately it is that the universe does not give a shit how much you love something. It will take it if it so chooses. So I'm left with a knot in my stomach worried I didn't say "I love you" enough that morning or I let him get away without kissing him because we were on school property and I know the risk of one of his friends seeing him being kissed by his mom is too much for him to bear. We have a secret handshake instead.

He is away on a three-day field trip on an island learning about marine biology and canoeing. I know. I'm jealous, too. But my mind keeps running through all the things that could potentially harm him and I'm giving myself stress headaches. This is okay because the amount of worrying a mother does directly correlates to the safety of her child. That's just science. Duh.

So in an effort to spare myself another headache, I am going to instead focus on the amazingness of my firstborn and share with you the contents of a folder on my desktop titled "parker is awesome".

2011-03-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

This is incredibly hard for me to write.
On Thursday night we lost Bailey.

He was admitted that morning for the first stage of his surgery, the myelogram. There were complications. The surgeon decided midway through to stop the procedure for fear of damaging the spinal cord. They sent him to recovery and by all signs he was fine. They called to tell me that although the procedure was not a success, he was recovering well and could probably go home in the morning. Six hours later for reasons we will never know, his heart stopped beating. By the time I got to the hospital, he was already gone.

I am truly devastated. This is the worst possible outcome and we are all having a hard time dealing with this shock.

I've loved a lot of pets and Bailey was the only one that I could feel that love reciprocated to this degree. He had the purest soul. There was not a malicious bone in that huge body, which makes this all the more unfair. He was so special.

My heart is just breaking. I just want him back so badly.

Thank you to all of you who have supported us through this time. I wish more than anything that this story had a happier ending.

"INLE" at Gallery 1988: Melrose

2011-03-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

I am so honored to be a part of "INLE" curated by Greg Simkins. The show is based on the black rabbit of Inle from Richard Adam's Watership Down. If you have not read this book, I implore you stop whatever you are doing and read it immediately. It is one of the most well written books I have ever read and if it weren't for Greg and this show, I wouldn't have known about it. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT try to skimp out and just watch the movie. I fell asleep every time I tried to watch it. I'm probably going to upset some people by saying so, but dang, the movie is a very poor representation of the book.

I based my piece on my favorite passage from the book.

The show opens tonight at Gallery 1988: Melrose. Sorry for the delay in getting the word out. Father Time and I are in a pretty epic battle right now.

Bailey update { GOOD NEWS & THANK YOU!!! }

2011-03-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

We've raised the funds for Bailey's surgery! His first appointment for the myelogram is scheduled for March 17th.

I've repeated myself about a hundred times in the past couple of days trying to express my gratitude and I really can't put it into words. Thank you so much to each and every one of you that made this possible. You helped us keep our dog. I truly cannot say how much this means to me.

Can I also take a moment to gush about what an amazing sister I have? When this all started, she called me and I was fumbling for words and just repeating, "I don't know what I'm going to do." In crisis situations, I can be a little catlike. I tend to want to retreat and lick my wounds in hiding. She completely took charge and made this happen. I don't know how I got so lucky to be born as her sibling.

I can't wait until Bailey can hang out in the studio again!

an update on our dog, Bailey

2011-02-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

So.....the official word is that Bailey has got two portions of the cervical spine in which the vertebrae are not lining up, causing spinal compression. The compression is what is leading to his sudden inability to walk.

As of late, his condition is worsening. I don't know if the compression is becoming more severe or if his muscles are becoming atrophied from inactivity. I do know that it is heartbreaking to watch. I feel completely helpless seeing him struggle. He can still get up usually once or twice a day, but it is not without extreme effort on his part and several failed attempts. When he does get up, he drags his paws, causing them to become raw and bloody. His legs also give out without warning. He has had some pretty severe falls. Every fall is severe when you are as big as he is. Because of this we're keeping him on vet ordered "crate rest", trying to keep him comfortable and not encouraging him to get up.

We have sought second and third opinions and have had xrays done only to be told that surgery is the only course of action at this point. A myelogram needs to be done before the surgery can be preformed. They've given us an estimate of $6000 for both.

I've been hesitant to reveal the exact amount partly out of disbelief and partly because I don't want to be judged for spending this amount on a dog. But he's not just a dog to me. He is a member of our family. He's been a studio mate, a protector, a jungle gym for the kids, a best friend to Scraps. He is simply put, the best dog I've ever known (if you tell Scraps I said that, I will completely deny it by the way). I obviously love all our pets, but every once in awhile for whatever reason, you form a crazy bond with a particular pet. For me, that's been the case with Bailey. My love for this dog runs insanely deep and I just can't give up on him. This isn't a situation where we are prolonging the inevitable. He is still incredibly young at four years old and we have been assured that once he has the surgery, all signs point to him leading a healthy life.

I apologize in advance for being repetitive, but I am selling prints & originals in order to raise money for the surgery. They can all be found in my store at reluctant hunter (.bigcartel.com).

Also, there is a new little corner of the internet where you can buy some things that I've made that are geared more toward the younger set. It's called The Tortoise & The Mare.

Some items are a joint effort with my husband and others are little things I've been wanting to make for eons, and I am finally making good on my promise. I've been working feverishly getting things together for this new site and trying to fulfill other painting commitments, so please be patient with me! These are things still in progress. We're still working out kinks. I'll announce when all systems are a go. I'm just givin' y'all a sneak peek of what's coming soon!

Also again, my sister (because she is amazing) has set up a facebook page for Bailey that can be found .:here:. and also over there at the top right.
I would be so grateful if you would "like" the page and/or share the link with any friends that would be interested.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all who have been understanding and supportive.

little Luzon dove for your love

2011-02-02T09:27:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is a mere 5 days away.
Perhaps your valentine would fancy a little love Luzon dove style.
They can be found .:here:.

Please place orders by Thursday, February 10th at 3pm (pacific standard) in order to ensure prompt delivery.

And while we are on the subject....I have a confession to make.
I kind of love Valentine's Day.
I know. I know....created by greeting card companies...high expectations...long waits at restaurants...blah...blah...

I can't help it, though.

I'm sticking up for you Valentine's Day, cause you got a lot to like, too.

cheesy puns...check!
arts & crafts opportunities...check!
choooooocolate...check!
naked babies with wings....check!!!

See? What's not to love?

We'll be having a little Valentine's Day party with our little family, making each other valentines and baking and having a fancy dinner (which just means you can't wear only underwear to the table. I won't tell you who's usually the biggest culprit of this infraction).

The kidlets are pretty excited to pass out valentines at school this year, too. Charlotte because this will be her first classroom valentine exchange and Parker because his involves a fart joke. Oh, fifth grade.

p.s. Our dog Bailey's situation is still pretty tense. He'll be getting some extra valentine love as well, probably in the form of peanut butter! I'll give a bigger update soon along with some other announcements of some things we're working on here in order to raise money for the surgery. I really appreciate everyone's concern and kind words.

New prints in the Store

2011-01-19T01:22:00.000-08:00

I have had many requests for additional prints.

Ask and you shall receive....

"Tug"

"We Are Worlds Apart"

"Horsehead Nebula"

"Send It To Sea"

These are large, high quality prints using UltraChrome K3 Ink on matte Velvet Fine Art Paper. Each one is lovingly signed by yours truly. They are patiently waiting for you in the store.

I also want to add that I am extremely grateful to those of you that have responded to the situation we find ourselves in with our dog, Bailey. You have no idea how much it means to me.

Bad News & Good News

2011-01-12T22:37:00.000-08:00

The facts are these:

Our dog, Bailey, began fumbling around and bumping into things last week. This is not too unusual for him. He is a goofy 143 pound mutt that often walks as though he's been dippin' into the cooking sherry, but this was much more severe. By the end of the week, he couldn't get up at all.

Three vets and a surgical consult later, they've determined he's got a neurological disorder. It's called Wobbler's Syndrome. In order to determine the severity of the problem and a course for treatment, we need to get an MRI. Best case scenario, the disorder can be managed with medication, but there is a good chance he will need surgery. I probably don't have to tell you that artists don't make a lot of money. Certainly not nearly enough to cover the cost of the vet bills.

I want to be perfectly clear that I am not asking for donations. I am asking, though, if you happen to be in the market for some artwork, I'd be grateful if you would take a look through my store. Bailey means the world to us. I would be so appreciative if you could help me help him.

So I said there was good news! The good news is, I have a brand new piece in the store for Valentine's Day.

I've also made some valentine prints that I hope you will enjoy.

I've added some sketches to the store. The original sketch for The Devil Whale II is for sale.

More stuff is being added as quickly as possible, so please check back. I also have several paintings available through Thinkspace Gallery.

Please tell your mother & your friends. Any patronage at this time is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

And now I leave you with the Best of Bailey:

Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, & back again

2010-12-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

My husband and I kidnapped each other and went on a little southwest road trip. It was the most surreal experience.

We were teenagers again.

I put together a book of our trip as a Christmas gift to my husband. Here are ~~a few~~ a ton of pages from the book.

Special thanks to our enormously amazing friends and family who took care of our kids and animals. We are forever grateful.

I went on an adventure....

2010-12-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

'Tis The Season' Special Event

2010-12-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

Thinkspace is partnering up with Cella Gallery Satellites for a special event tonight. I have some work in the show. This will be a one night only event. For more info .:click here:. or .:here:. and Happy Holidays!

Eating Crow

2010-11-18T09:56:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure I was vehemently opposed to coordinating
outfits before I had a daughter.

.....and yet here I am.

The Idol Hours

2010-11-16T23:52:00.000-08:00

'The Idol Hours' opened this past weekend at London Miles Gallery.

From their website:

London Miles Gallery presents an all new group exhibition, entitled The Idol Hours. Revisiting some of the most iconic paintings since the Renaissance, The Idol Hours sees each of our forty New Contemporary artists recontextualize a historic and personally significant artwork from their oblique 21st Century point if view.

The piece I chose to recreate is Albrecht Durer's Rhinoceros.

The actual animal that this drawing was based on was a rhinoceros that had been gifted to the king of Portugal. The most fascinating thing about the piece is that most people in Europe had never seen a rhinoceros, including Durer. The piece was made from notes and rough sketches. I think his intention was to make an accurate likeness of the rhinoceros, but I can't imagine how impossible that would be to do without having ever seen one.

I melded Durer's piece with a story I read about Clara the rhinoceros. Clara was taken on a tour throughout Europe in the 1700s. A Dutch sea captain had acquired her after her mother had been killed by hunters. He then proceeded to take her by ship on a Grand Tour where she was on "display in front of everyone from the grandest of royals to the lowliest of peasants."

So many things fascinate me about this story. It must have been mind blowing seeing a rhinoceros for the first having no knowledge of its existence. It's equally mind blowing that someone thought it a good idea to tour a rhinoceros by ship.

Happy Birthday, Thinkspace!

2010-11-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

Thinkspace Gallery is celebrating its fifth year. There are so many great pieces in this show. It's a real testament to the integrity and overall awesomeness of the gallery's owners. I'm always happy to work with them.

My contribution is a new piece, 'Horsehead Nebula'.

I am still obviously obsessing over the stars. No promises on changing that anytime soon.

This Is Halloween

2010-11-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

Inner Dialouge of one Miss Jen Lobo

2010-10-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

I really should keep up with this thing.
Oh, but look at this picture of a momma tiger with little piglets in tiger costumes! How cute.
I need to look that up and see if that's real.
Damn. It's not.
I need to look up houses I can't afford in places that my husband will never agree to live in.
I also need to peruse craigslist for more crap that I don't need and have no place to store. Oh gosh! Look at that library card catalog! I so need a library card catalog.
I need to research vacations I'm not going to go on.
It's raining. I need to look up some recipes that would go good with rain. I need to make homemade soup today and I need to look up some new recipes for cookies. I need to bake some bread today.
I need to make Elliot some playdough, too.
I love to sew when it's raining. I need to make Charlotte a dress.
Picture day is next week. Yeah. I totally need to sew a dress for picture day.

Man, I should deal with those dishes.......and the laundry is out of hand........and I have paintings to do........and I should update this thing.

But, I don't have time.

In the past 30 days.....

2010-09-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Elliot fell & got five stitches.

All three of the Lobo-Simpson progeny started school.
One third of it did not go smoothly.

We celebrated our tenth anniversary and four birthdays. I turned thirty.

We went camping.....again.

I have a pile of laundry that reeks of campfire and a to-do
list longer than my arm.

Nearly every facet of my life is screaming for attention right now (including new work) and it feels very much like I just stepped off the merry-go-round where that jerky park kid that never seems to be supervised just ignored my frantic pleas to stop.

In other words...I am dizzy, holding back tears,
and I may have wet myself a little.

2010-08-26T11:39:00.001-07:00

Word Play

2010-08-17T14:28:00.001-07:00

I just read a comment someone left on a blog that said "Unconscionable!"
It made me laugh. out. loud. I had such a strong mental picture of the guy from The Princess Bride at home angrily responding to an LA Times blog post about the traffic Obama's motorcade caused in Hancock Park last night.

(And yes, die-hard fans, I know in the movie he says, "Inconceivable!" but something tells me unconscionable is in his repertoire as well.)

So after that long-winded non sequitur, can I tell you a word (two words?) I do not like? Rom com or RomCom or rom-com. However it is spelled, me no like. How much more effort does it take to complete the entire words? Four extra syllables. That's all you're saving. Really. Four.

Anyhow, one of my paintings (Devil Whale) is making its acting debut in a romantic comedy called "Going the Distance" and by acting I mean that I think it's just going to be up on the wall in Justin Long's bedroom, but still that's exciting, right?
Considering the fact that I haven't seen the inside of a movie theater in quite some time, I think I might miss Devil Whale's silver screen action. So, let me know if you see it!

Tattoos

2010-08-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of years I've received some intense flattery in the form of ink on skin. It is such an honor.

Thank you all who sent me a picture. You really know how to make a lady feel special.

If you are one of the tattoo artists or you'd like to leave your artist's name, please do so in the comments. And of course, if for any reason at all, you are not comfortable with me sharing your image, let me know and I will immediately remove it.

And also, if you've sent me an image and you don't see it, that's because I'm kind of disorganized. Send it again, and I'll add it.

"Love Conquers All : Art For Equality"

2010-08-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

'We Are Worlds Apart' will be part of "Love Conquers All : Art For Equality" benefiting Equality California. The show opens August 8th at Thinkspace Gallery. For more info .: click here :.

Elliot & Me

2010-07-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Elliot drew this. And then promptly threw it on the floor and ran off to terrorize the cat or his sister.

It was begging for a little collaboration action.
And yes. This is exactly the kind of stuff I do when I'm supposed to be doing dishes or dusting something.

Where the kelp seas meet the redwood trees

2010-07-25T23:47:00.000-07:00

It's not easy to find magic in pairs

2010-07-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

The other night, they asked to sleep together in the same bed. Amid the giggles, I heard Charlotte whisper, "You are my best friend." Roughly five minutes later, she pushed him off the bed and he bit her. On the head.

Weekend Botany

2010-06-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Loving you is easy

2010-06-07T15:21:00.001-07:00

Culver City Artwalk

2010-06-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

New painting, 'The Trouble With Seeing' will be showing with "Picks of the Harvest" at Thinkspace Gallery during the Culver City Artwalk.

Wish I could go, but one of the Lobo-Simpson offspring will be performing a swing dance with her ballet class. If you never hear from me again, well it's probably just because my head exploded from sheer joy.

The Plural of Nebula is Nebulae [-lee]

2010-06-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Nebulae are clouds made up of dust particles and gas and are the initial stages of star formation. They are sometimes referred to as star nurseries. How completely magical is that? I simply love it when these mind blowing concepts of astrophysics can be condensed into an idea as romantic as a star nursery.

Anyhow, that was what led to 'The Swan Nebula' which will be traveling over to London to be a part of ‘The Next Generation: A New Chapter In Contemporary Art’ at London Miles Gallery - curated by Thinkspace opening June 11th.

The show really looks fantastic and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. Thinkspace also has a sneak peek of the show on their flickr page.

Worth a Thousand Words.....

2010-05-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

Well Lookie What We Have Here

2010-05-13T08:16:00.001-07:00

'Totem for Tomorrow' in the 2010 CA Annual!

How To Handle an Emergency Situation When Your Daughter Falls & Splits Her Chin Open

2010-04-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

1. Catch her before she falls.
Crisis averted.
You may go about your day.
If this cannot be achieved, prepare for her to realize that you are not the mom she thought you were. Her verbalization of this fact will blast a hole through your heart the size of Pangea.

2. When you catch a glimpse of the wound, do not widen your eyes and gasp loudly. This will only confirm to her that it is indeed as bad as she thought and she will scream so loudly that your eardrums will vibrate violently. This will not help you to think clearly.

3. Do not call everyone listed on your phone to confirm that you should seek urgent medical attention. They will all be at work and will not answer your phone call. You have been a parent for over a decade. Trust. Your. Instincts. What is wrong with you?
(thanks for calling me back, though, Dad & Mom)

4. Call her doctor before heading to Urgent Care. This will most likely avoid a 3 hour wait with an injured child and a rambunctious two-year-old.
Also, during said wait, do not read her a book about a beloved tree that ends up dying on the last pages. You will be choking back tears and she will want to know why you didn't finish reading the book.

5. As the doctor is stitching her chin, do not promise her everything that you can think of that she likes. Although she is screaming at a deafening volume, she will always hear the words Hello and Kitty loud and clear when used in conjunction.
You will find yourself that night in the Hello Kitty Store guiltily saying yes to everything she holds up to you because she is looking at you with those big blue eyes and that bandage on her little chin is whispering, "You failed me."
You will walk to the car thinking of how many groceries you could have bought with the money you just dropped down in 10 minutes at a capitalist temple to a cat. Then you will feel guilty for feeling guilty about spending the money. If there is ever a time when spoiling is in order, it is now.

6. Realize that this parenting gig is far more challenging than you ever could have imagined, but that kids are much more resilient than your fragile ego and millions of parents have handled this identical situation (including your own, with you) and came out the other side in stride. Move on.

Earth Day Project for the Kiddos

2010-04-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

Phone books are like little relics from the past that show up on your doorstep yearly. I cannot remember the last time I actually used one. Well until today that is! I did an art lesson with Parker's 4th grade class. We made recycled paper trees.

If you are so inclined to celebrate Earth Day in the same fashion:

Happy Earth Day!

'Triptych' Opening April 1

2010-03-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

New painting, 'We Are Worlds Apart' will be a part of 'Triptych' a modern look at a classic form of art at Compound Gallery.

Moments of Clarity

2010-03-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have endured many an eye roll. I have moments where I'm sure he must have some sort of inner ear blockage; his ignoring skills are that exceptional. When we are together among his peers, he puts as much distance between us as possible.

And then something happens that makes me realize how little he still is.

And I am thankful.

The Cove

2010-02-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already done so, please see this movie. It is horrifying and heartbreaking and will leave you feeling helpless and questioning humanity, but it's done beautifully and the dedication of the filmmakers is truly inspiring.

Year of the Tiger

2010-02-24T10:06:00.000-08:00

Ask Me No Questions, I'll Tell You No Lies

2010-02-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

2010-02-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

I love this little aquarium. I grew up walking to it when I was a kid. We lived right around the corner. Something about it still feels really unique and a little like a secret tucked away in a corner along the shore, much like San Pedro itself.

It is such an awesome feeling to see your kids get so jazzed about the same touch tanks and wave machines and formaldehyde anglerfish and whale migration charts and shark eggs that seemed so magical to you when you were a kid.

You're Welcome

2010-02-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

Dreams of Horses

2010-01-26T09:37:00.001-08:00

'From Within the Shadows' Opens Tonight at New Puppy

2010-01-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

The show at New Puppy benefits the research & protection of endangered wildlife in Costa Rica through Cerro Dantas.

We were asked to make our pieces relate in some way to endangered animals of Costa Rica. As I was researching, I kept going back to the fungi in the cloud forests. Isn't it strange how similar some mushrooms look to coral? How do species that literally couldn't be further away from each other elevation-wise develop the same qualities? Trippy, trippy world we live in, folks.

It was a toughie picking an animal from the amazing Costa Rican lineup. Unfortunately, there are way too many amazing animals on the endangered list.

'Of Land & Sea'
oil on wood
11" x 17"

'A Cry For Help' Tonight at Thinkspace Gallery

2010-01-08T04:34:00.001-08:00

The weekend of animal love at Thinkspace begins tonight with 'A Cry for Help' opening. The show benefits Born Free USA.

There are going to be pet adoptions as well throughout the weekend. Taking my family to a place where there are pet adoptions is like taking a drunk to your cousin's open bar wedding. We'll see how this goes....

Opening Reception
Friday, Jan. 8th, 7 - 11pm

Special animal adoptions during the weekend
Saturday, Jan. 9th & Sunday, Jan. 10th { 1 to 6PM both days }

The gallery will also be accepting donations of old blankets, old or new pet beds, towels, comforters, treats, toys, leashes, carriers, etc. for either dogs or cats on behalf of Operation Blankets of Love.

Spanish 101

2010-01-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

I am going to preface this by saying that I remember almost nothing from Spanish 1 (sorry Miss Woods!). If I ever find myself in a remote part of Mexico, I can definitely inquire as to the whereabouts of the nearest library, but that's about the extent of my bilingual-ness.

For all the phrases and reverse adjectives I've replaced with absolute useless knowledge, there is one phrase that always stuck with me. According to Profesora Woods, 'tengo ganas' doesn't just mean 'I want to'. There is a will and a desire that gets lost in translation.

Truthfully, 2009 just about zapped my ganas, but call me silly or swept up in the hype of the newness of a new year, but I feel like I can finally say, "Yo Tengo Ganas."

'Totem for Tomorrow' for "A Cry for Help" at Thinkspace Gallery.

Onward & out to bigger & better....

Mele Kaliki Christmahanukwanza

2009-12-22T08:33:00.001-08:00

2009-12-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

P A T R O N I Z I N G
T H E
A R T S .

BY JOSH SILVERSTEIN

- - - -

Oh heyyyy Ballet, wow, you're reeeeal fun to watch—all those pliés and jetés—good for you!

- - - -

Hey, Painting. What are you, like, oils on a canvas? Boy, that's a priceless way to capture the human condition.

- - - -

Whoa, nice beat you got there, Music. Yeah, that'll never get old. Why don't you repeat that chorus again? It's soooo catchy.

- - - -

Hey, Literature. What 'cha got there, some words on paper? That'll sure come in handy... when I'm in the can!

Via

What a perfect accompaniment to this article from the NY Times. A few snippets:

The researchers found that in general very few artists’ incomes approach six figures. While the majority of artists have college degrees, only 6 percent said they earned $80,000 or more.

The artists surveyed tended to earn either very little of their overall income from their artwork or almost all of it. Slightly more than 40 percent said that in 2008 they earned 20 percent or less of their total income from their art.

Visual artists (who made up half of the respondents) and writers were more likely to earn 20 percent or less of their income from art.

Ouch! Good thing we ain't in it for the money, eh kids?!

You

2009-12-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

You are the only one of our kids to have gone to the emergency room.

You learned to climb before you learned to walk.

You were very fond of dancing on the table. You weren’t even one. We bought you a helmet. You didn’t wear it.

You fell off the jungle gym at the park, about a 5-foot drop, landing head first onto the ground. You cried less than a minute and pushed me away so that you could climb the jungle gym again. You had tiny holes in your forehead from the impact of the wood chips on the ground.

You won’t lie down to sleep without a kiss from both of your parents and occasionally, the cat.

You have been known to cut your mouth, drawing blood, yet still refuse any treatment or comfort whatsoever, yelling at me when I try to come to your aid, your teeth red with blood. You are what Vikings and Spartans are made of.

You fiercely insist on being the one to take off your shoes and clothes. Baths have gone cold while I watch you struggle.

You are capable of such senseless acts of violence. Your sister’s various bumps and bruises are a testament to this fact.

You are her devout disciple. The adoration is clear on your face.

You bring the pillow and blanket from your bed when you crawl into mine in the middle of the night. I wake up with you clinging to my neck. You have covered me up with your blanket.

You love the hell out of the poor cat…and the dogs. Being less capable of understanding the enigma of your personality, they don’t quite grasp what they did to deserve your barbaric “hugs”. I can glimpse the terror in their little eyes.

You are capable of awakening a fuming beast inside me. With one sideways glance of those piercing blue eyes through that veil of stringy, golden hair I have instantly forgotten why I am wild with rage.

The battle of love and fury that goes on in my mind during one of your tantrums is both shocking and strangely familiar. Trying to understand you is like trying to hold water in your fingers. And then it hits me.

You are your father.

The Softer Side of Boris

2009-11-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

This past week was The Boris Karloff Blogathon. I contributed this little number on behalf of The Ladies and Gents Auxiliary.

Boris likes his moving pictures sinister and his animal friends exotic.

Mr. J.Mendez, has some fantastic Karloff graphic stylings over at LGA as well. Do check it out!

p.s. - I suck at keeping secrets. Cam, this is your Christmas present.

Minnesotin'

2009-11-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

My darling husband took over the duties of the Lobo-Simpson Casa and shipped me off to my sister in Minnesota. Everyone should be so lucky.
To have an amazing husband who will brave the beasts of this home alone and to have a sister that knows your thoughts before you do and loves you anyway. No words.
You two...I am a very lucky lady indeed.

The kings of the Lobo-Mendez household, Gizmo & Teddy Boy. Thanks for letting me share the bed.

Cheesecurds. 'Nuff said.

Why don't I own this?

New city, new Natural History Museum!

The Bell Museum at The U of M.

Hope to be back soon....AFTER that damn place defrosts.

The Other Woman

2009-11-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

He spends all his spare time gazing into her eyes.
He makes her salads with organic mixed greens topped with delicate little squares of strawberries.
He brings her flowers. Pink hibiscus.
He's building a dream house in his head for her. I can see that he's thinking about it as he drifts off to sleep.
She's come to live here.....and I don't think she'll be leaving anytime soon.
And the worst part?

Well, I think she's pretty lovely too.

"I sawed it!"

2009-10-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

My son, Parker, in his film making debut. He & Charlotte feeding his Venus Flytrap.

New, New, Newness

2009-10-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

The new website is up. A huge thank you to my brother in law, Jason, for being a computer genius and providing me with tech support in the 11th hour. I'd probably still be staring at my computer, drool dribbling from the corners of my mouth if it weren't for him!

Let me know what you think! Does anything wonky happen, any broken links? Don't be shy.

Oh and! Perhaps the most exciting part, for me anyway, is I've added a store. I will be adding products hopefully 'on the reg' (say that in your best Kenny Powers voice). Giclee prints of paintings can still be found through Gelaskins.

And last, but certainly not least, thank you. Yes you. And you, and you. I stumbled upon my stats for my website & I have to say, I was humbled, thrilled, and a little nervous to learn how many people actually care about what I do. Really? Jeez. Thanks, guys. It really means the world to me & I appreciate every little click.

Home v. Work

2009-09-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

home is totally winning.....

Because it's Friday....

2009-09-25T08:01:00.001-07:00

Did you know that this occurs? I did not. Stuart is so going to have to step it up so he can enter next year.

The David Hasselhoff of the artworld

2009-09-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

Interviews in international publications: 3
Interviews in American publications: 0

So apparently I am only appreciated in other parts of the world. What have I ever done to you, USA? I vote. I bbq on the fourth of July. I like apple pie. Okay, so I am currently dodging my civic duties and avoiding Jury Duty, but avoiding responsibility is about as American as you can get, so what gives?
My feelings are a little hurt, US of A.

Anyhow. A huge THANK YOU to Funs Want magazine from Taiwan...and Angeline in particular. It was a pleasure and a complete honor!

Summer, I bid thee adieu.

2009-09-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

It's the end of the road for the season that spit me up and chewed me out.

In Where: I find out I AM OK - just a stress case, but you get to see my innards

2009-08-18T22:15:00.001-07:00

So. Headaches. Really bad ones that last 14 days. Loss of vision and seeing bright flashing lights, like I've been staring directly in the sun. Loss of feeling in my arms.

I'm dying, right? Dr. Google & Web MD have a consultation and confirm to me that it's a tumor and it's a big one. My husband makes me go to an actual living breathing doctor with a pulse. Said living breathing doctor orders brain scans. I am officially freaking the freak out. Well....I could have saved both the money for my deductible and the drama of a freaking BRAIN SCAN, because it turns out there is in fact NOTHING wrong with the anatomy of my brain, only that I have too much STRESS in my life and my doctor recommends a babysitter. So the guilty parties can all be found here:

Don't let those innocent little faces fool you. This picture looks silent enough, but let me tell you, every one of those little darlings in that picture makes a noise....and they are all different noises, the chorus of which is deafening at times. Any applicants for the babysitting position? You must work for free and do windows. Anyone?

No? Well do you want to see my brain now, then? I am kind of obsessed with x-rays, so these are like the ultimate prize. Let's poke around, shall we?

Apparently a cute little angry owl lives in my brain:

along with a sad puppy dog:

and my dog!:

this must be why I'm so sweet ;)

butterflies and moths:

and bats!:

the jury is still out on this one. I say a cartoon crab and Parker swears it's a fat baby:

file these under just plain creepy:

So maybe all the drama was worth it, because I bet you don't know what's lurking around inside your brain!

Migaloo

2009-07-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Migaloo has been spotted in Australia!
For all things Migaloo go here.
Maybe I'm psychic! I just did a painting of an albino humpback {see below post}.
I'm a little obsessed now.....

FUN FACT : Migaloo means 'White Fella' in Aboriginal Australian. Wow your friends with that little piece of knowledge.

Swoon

2009-06-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Just finished some more new work for Swoon, opening this Saturday at Black Maria Gallery.

Tug

Let Them Talk

Fall From Grace

Feels good to be getting so much work done lately. I'm really trying to plow through some new things right now...including a book project that I think I've been teasing for oh, about three years now. One of these days I'm gonna.........

Failed Attempts

2009-06-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

New painting 'Failed Attempts'.

This will be part of 'Red Ball' benefiting Sushi: A Center for Urban Arts in San Diego.

Studio De Lobo

2009-05-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

This is where I come to work and to escape the madness that is The Lobo-Simpson casa.

It's an old office building that is more Dick Tracy than art studio, but I'm not really a paint flinger, so it works perfectly for me.

This is my view of the haunted Union Savings building next door, which brings such comfort when I'm waiting for the elevator at 3am. I really. wish. I did not know about that.

The sound of silence is deafening at times. I never really realized how instrumental the white noise of my family is to my process.

Art of Science

2009-05-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Princeton University hosts 'The Art of Science' competition in which scientists submit "imagery produced in the course of research." The results are pretty fantastic.

Purkinje Neurons
Dmitry Sarkisov GS
Department of Physics
This is a composite image of five Purkinje neurons from the rat cerebellum, in the back of the brain.

Cryptic Coalition
Trond H. Larsen GS
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
In addition to cryptic coloration allowing them to blend in with the tree trunk, these Peruvian caterpillars fool their enemies by foraging together in a large group.

I get the blues: on the neurobiology of depression
Barry L. Jacobs (faculty) and Casimir A. Fornal (research scholar)
Princeton Neuroscience Institute
In 2000, we proposed a theory: that changes in brain cell production in the dentate gyrus were important elements in the descent into, and recovery from, human clinical depression. This image shows hundreds of glial cells stained for a marker protein known as GFAP. The staining uses immunocytochemistry (immunoperoxidase with diaminobenzidine).

Semiconducting Feathers
R. R. Lunt '09
Department of Chemical Engineering
Organic electronics is an emerging field that holds promise for high-quality displays, low-power white lighting, and low-cost photovoltaic applications. This image of an organic semiconducting film was taken using an optical microscope with cross-polarizers and a Nomarski filter.

Metadherin Expression at 10.5 Days Post Conception
Halley Mellor (graduate student)
Department of Molecular Biology
The transformation of a fertilized egg into a functional organism requires an intricate pattern of signaling within and between the cells of the growing animal. Cancer can result later in life when these same tools are co-opted by a cell in order to escape the normal restrictions on growth.

Individually Marked Ants
Stephen Pratt
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
THIRD PRIZE WINNER
Ant colonies show remarkably coordinated behavior, despite lacking any direction from a well-informed central controller.

Snow
Shufeng Bai GS
Department of Electrical Engineering
An optical micrograph of self-assembled pattern in polymer thin film. When a polymer film is heated above its glass transition temperature and a mask is placed at a small distance above the film, the interplay between electrostatic force and surface tension can create interesting patterns.

2009-05-08T10:36:00.001-07:00

Dear Jonathan Safran Foer,

Please save some brilliance for the rest of humanity. It's a little selfish what you're doing.

Best,
Miss Jen Lobo

Drool.

2009-04-15T14:09:00.001-07:00

Christopher Marley's work is sort of completely amazing.

Color

2009-04-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

Kind thanks to Holly, who featured me on Creative Holly Color Blog in which she asks artists to contribute five colors and tell a little about them. I love the concept. Warning: You will spend more time there than you intended....in a good way :)

Idiot Box

2009-04-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Idiot Box opens tomorrow night at Gallery 1988.

My contribution was these two little guys.

The Yo Gabba Gabba love is pretty fierce in this house. I had to be a little less than honest about where these were headed. So if you ever run into Charlotte do NOT tell her that the Brobee & Toodee paintings hanging by her bed are prints.

More Merch

2009-03-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Urban Outfitters is currently selling Devil Whale as wall art. They are printed by their own print company, "PrintRun, onto canvas and then stretched over a substantial wood frame, where it wraps all the way around - giving the piece depth and attracting interest from all angles." Well, I'll be. Sounds pretty fancy.

{ Click here } for purchasing.

Hello, Modo.

2009-03-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

Modofly.net has officially launched. Modofly sells notebooks & sketchbooks with artist covers, several by yours truly. Their practices are environmentally friendly & the books are produced in the good ol' US of A. So what are you waiting for? Go stimulate the economy!

Strange Bedfellows

2009-03-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Just finished up this collaboration piece with Japanese artist Nishi for The Strange Bedfellows Show at Compound Gallery in Portland. The entire show is a series of panels that were first sent to artists in Japan and then sent out to artists here. Love the concept. Can't wait to see the show in its entirety. I wish I could be there. Well. Honestly, I wish I could be in Portland for a lot of reasons.

please don't suck. please don't suck. please don't suck.

2009-03-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

I feel like I will be more than a little destroyed if this doesn't live up to the expectations.

via here and here

Love Hate

2009-03-11T08:53:00.001-07:00

{ If you have a short attention span, skip to 3:19. }

A distant murmuration of starlings—and yes, that really is the marvelous term for a group of these often-maligned birds—10,000 or more, rolls “like a drunken fingerprint across the sky,” as the poet Richard Wilbur wrote, smudging the dusk horizon with the quickness of a pulsating jellyfish. Audubon magazine

Starlings are nest thieves and general pains in the ass, but man, are they beautiful. The beautiful ones are always a pain in the ass though, no?

Piece of a Piece

2009-03-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

A little nubbin of a new painting in progress. Dew drops are a pain in the ass.

Justine Cooper's 'Saved by Science'

2009-02-23T09:44:00.000-08:00

Saved by science indeed. Justine Cooper travels behind the scenes of the American Museum of Natural History and captures these gorgeous photographs. Besides completely drooling over these, my mind is just screaming, how in the HELL can I do this?!

View the entire slideshow with narration by Justine Cooper.

Coincidentally, I'm also making my way through 'Dry Storeroom No. 1' by Richard Fortey, a senior paleontologist at the Natural History Museum in London.

All our lives are collections curated through memory. We pick up recollections and facts and store them, often half forgotten, or tucked away on shelves buried deep in the psyche. Not everything is as blameless as we might like. But the sum total of that deep archive is what makes us who we are.

I swear, sometimes I think, screw this art thing. I wanna be a scientist. Then I think of the amount of student loans on top of my current student loans on top of the student loans I'm surely going to have to get in order for my kids to get through school. So, yeah. Nevermind.

2009-02-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

I'm all set & ready to go for the Great Backyard Bird Count this weekend. We made a little Valentine's Day treat to entice the little buggers.

Bird 'cookies'

3/4 c flour
1/2 c water
4 c wild birdseed
3 tbsp corn syrup
1 tbsp honey

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.

Press mixture into cookie cutters on a wax paper lined cookie sheet.

Make a hole in the top of the heart with a skewer.

Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes.

Once cool, add ribbon. Hang. Hide in the bushes with binoculars.

And in the great Valentine tradition, I leave you with this

"Female seed beetles seem to really like sex—which is odd, since they're often beaten up by their paramours in the process."

Hm.{ link to article & one amazing photo }

Is This Thing On? { tap,tap }

2009-02-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

I will be guest blogging from time to time at Gelaskin's blog, What's the Skinny? My debut post is about none other than Charles Darwin.

Makes perfect sense, right? Whenever I think of iPod art, I totally think of Darwin.

Um.

2009-02-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

Excuse me while my heart explodes.

Courtesy of the one and only.

Fingers Crossed for February

2009-02-02T10:49:00.001-08:00

Two parades.
Three infected ears. Two high fevers.
One trip to the ER {don't worry. he is fine now}.
Two illustration jobs.
One group show.
One new studio!

Oh January, how you toyed with me.
2009, please slow down a little. Thanks.