Books

I've been reading a lot of John Steinbeck on the train lately. I just started Totilla Flats today. At the begining of a lot of these books they have a forward or an essay by an academic type. Usually I skip past and get straight into the story, but I for some reason I thought I'd read this one. I'm not knocking the guy who wrote it as he posed some interesting questions and ideas, but he started going on about the tragic ending and what eventually happens to the main character.

Why would you do that at the beginning of a book when you're introducing a novel someone is about to read for the first time? I think I'll go back to skipping forward.

Beauty is a rare thing

Talented illustrator and nice guy, Ian Johnson has a new book of his Jazz portraits out. I used to draw jazz musicians a lot until I got into Ian's work. He really has that side of things covered.

It's inspiring watching his work develop, such a great style. More info at Paper Museum Press.

Driving slow in the fast lane

Howdy.
Hope all's well in your part of the world.
Things are good at this end. I've been scrambling the last couple of months.
I've been working an some t-shirt designs for next year and an album I did the cover for came out recently. The Bamboos are such a great band. It was a real privilage to be involved. Many thanks to Kano for setting it up.

On another note, if you happen to find yourself up in Tokyo, you should go to this.

Josef Williamson and Mike Metteer

Ben's Cafe, Takadanobaba
1st Nov ~ 14th Nov 2008

http://www.benscafe.com/

I don't know mr. Meteer, but Jo is one of the good guys. Very talented man.

Blogged down

I guess there's not much point to a blog/website if you don't update it. Things have been pretty crazy at this end for a while now, some changes and shuffling going on, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and will get back on track really soon. (how's that for two train metaphors in the same sentence?)
I'm hoping to redesign/simplify/update my site soon as there's a lot I've worked on this year that has been filed away. I've also started painting again on some personal projects (for the first time in ages) and can see myself going in a new direction. It's true when they say, "inspiration comes from working." I've got a head full of ideas lately that will slowly (but surely) take shape in some way or another. Thanks to the family for putting up with my nonsense in the meantime.

Hope you're enjoying the weather in your part of the world. People complain a lot about the humidity of the summer here in Japan, but I love it. It's like a jungle, hot and steamy during the day with nice cool breezes at night.

Take it easy,
B

Basketball Jones

I've had this song stuck in my head all day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIbp5C-5WXM

Choppin'

"I don't mind choppin' wood, an' I don't care if the money's no good." - The Band

Well, I care a bit, having a family and all, but it's great doing something you love for a living. Sometimes I'm juggling, but I love it. 

T-Shirts and Magazines

I did the cover illustration for a local magazine recently. It's a portrait of the Japanese artist, Murakami Takashi.

Also I've been making designs for t-shirts with a label up in Tokyo called Ought. One of the shirts will be this Stevie Wonder tribute I drew a while back. Thanks Ryota-san! Can't wait to see how they turn out.

Plums

We took a walk to the shrine near our house today to have a look at the plum blossom festival they were having. Henry tried green tea but it wasn't his cup, too bitter.

February Daze

Henry and Miz took me to Coco's for my birthday earlier this month. Thanks guys.

It doesn't snow where I'm from and it was yet another first for H, so we were really excited about the cold snap we got last week. It kept up all day, it was fun while it lasted.

Here's the view from the balcony. Riding a bike through it was pretty sketchy.

Our pals came down from Tokyo to visit. We took them for okonomiyaki and yakisoba. Doesn't get much better.

Letters

There's a lot to be said about being able to walk to work with a smile on your face. I had a great day today.
I just noticed today that the building I've started working in has a vacuum-post system on each floor, like in the movie "Being John Malkovich". It's fantastic! I was walking to the lifts when I saw some letters shoot past.
Speaking of letters, I was taking a look at the website of my lecturer from University days. If you're into typography it's well worth a look. www.the-letterbox.com.au

Tyrone Thomas and the Whole Darn Family

Here's how my Tyrone Thomas piece turned out. Some of my favourite illustrators also had work in the magazine, so I was really happy to have something alongside them. Check out Ian Johnson, James Blagden and Zachariah O'Hora. Well worth your while.

Rainbow Region

We stayed with good friends Neil, Annette and their family in northern New South Wales. This is the view from their back veranda. The area is known as the "Rainbow Region". I always thought it was a hippie thing but now I know the real reason. It's a great part of the world. There must be pots of gold all over the place.

Back in Japan

We arrived back in Japan on Sunday. Thanks to all the friends and family that made our trip so great. My boy Henry loved it, everyday there was something new for him. Here he is getting a quick swim in before the rain came.