Linocut Print: Japanese Goldfish

I thought I'd try doing a linocut of the goldfish drawing/watercolor from earlier post here. I used the MasterCarve blocks and a #1 cutter. This image from applying watercolor directly to the block and printing on watercolor hot pressed paper. Since I have been reading so much on Design, I could not help envisioning this as a logo. So this is a fictitious cafe...but I would love to go there:) Not done with this yet. May still want to add the characteristic spots by subtracting more of the block...more to come:)

Reading up on design

The sun came out for a rare appearance and lit up a gathering basket...
I've been reading and thinking a lot about design lately. Stephan Sagmeister's new book, Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far and his website, and Marian Bantjes' blog. Her work is amazing. Her sugar drawings reminded me of my experience with Buddhist monks from Namgyal Monestary in Ithaca and making sand mandalas. (That's another post coming up:)

Christmas Catalogs

Most of the catalogs we receive these days go in the recycle bin. I held onto the Patagonia catalog though because I thought the cover image and design was so striking. I was making stamps later in the day and couldn't resist adding a bit of color and well...sentiment.

wine label design & illustration

Stocking up on wine for the holidays. Hardly an expert, I sometimes pick wine because of the label and hope that it's a good wine. Here is some wine label art that I found to add to my collection. It seems that illustrated labels for wine companies are " scarce as hen's teeth" as my mother used to say. But these really caught my eye.

About the "Cycles Gladiator"(2006 Merlot Central Coast)...the label reads..."The invention of the bicycle ushered in a new spirit of freedom during the late nineteenth century. The Golden Age of Cycling reached its pinnacle in 1895- that same year French printer G. Massias unveiled one of the great Parisian art posters advertising a fashionable new bicycle: "Cycles Gladiator". His mythological image of the winged bicycle captures the stylish grace, beauty, and unfettered freedom of our hillside vineyards. Let Cycles Gladiator whisk you away for the ride of your life."
(This was actually a really good wine!! and you can buy the poster here) Cycles Gladiator Wines Participate In Cycling

About "The Smoking Loon"( 2006 California Chardonnay)...the label reads ..."Besides his bein' kinda crazy, they called him the Smoking Loon cause he was so damn efficient," Jake began, stubbing out his cigar. "he'd take care of business an ' get in an' out before anybody seen him comin'...leavin no trace 'cept the lingering sound of his eerie, loon-like cackle. No one was really sure who he was or who he worked for, but when word got out somebody needed his services, the Smoking Loon just appeared on their doorstep, like outta thin air or somethin'." Here is another illustrated label on the Smoking Loon website that is humorous called "Plungerhead" by The Other Guys. Actually this company seems to have their sense of humor in their back pocket.

About "Toasted Head" (2006 California Chardonnay)...the label reads..." Aromas of vanilla spiced pear and nectarine are complemented by tropical fruit, and toasty oak notes. Rich and creamy in texture, with ample acidity and a long soft finish. The mystery and wry humor of the fire-breathing bear, along with serious winemaking captures the Toasted Head state of mind." There is even more explanation on their website.
Enjoy!