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.