30.1.09

Good Night, Hawaii


Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend. 
(above: three of my favorite 
people in Hawaii last summer)


Two Russian Winters


Okay, folks, this is far more somber than usual, but I must pass it on: here, Sergei Larenkov, a Russian photographer has superimposed present day images with those from WWII.

Same place, very different time.

There are other arresting images; this one, above, is sadly poetic. And gives us pause to think...times may be tough, but things could be worse.

We live in a free country.
[See Maira Kalman, below.]

How lucky are we? Well, take a moment to see what it looked like, not so long ago, in a very cold place without hope.


(Links from Warren Ellis via sevenblock. Twitter, again.)

Halleluja for Maira and the Pursuit of Happiness



Thanks to Paul Pincus and twitter, this morning was made Glorious by the Reality that entered my sunshiny house with the knowledge that Maira Maira Maira Blogs Again! 


Watching Your Head About It




"The yellow walls are lined with portraits
And I've got my new red fetching leather jacket
All these poses such beautiful poses
Makes any boy feel like picking up roses
There's never been such grave a matter
As comparing our new brand name black sunglasses..."
Poses


(It seems that we could be at the dawn of a new age.
One in which we might begin, as a society, to know
better than to put store in the gravity of our new
brand name black sunglasses.
We'll see.)



27.1.09

Reading the World, in San Francisco. Following Folktales in the Ukraine. Two Wonderful Journeys, and You're Invited!

We're going to conduct a few "4 by 4" interviews in the next few weeks...four questions, four minutes. Quick and informative, with fun topics and fascinating folks.

Our first interview is with 
Dr. Beverly Vaughn Hock, 
a most amazing woman 
(a veritable and charming force of nature!) 
and we've asked her about 
the marvelous conference taking place 
at the University of San Francisco, 
on the 
and about an upcoming 
adventure in the Ukraine--
one you might want to join in!


Below, four quick questions,
 with answers from Dr. Bev Hock:

1. The most fun about "Reading the World?"
The most exciting part is seeing people come together to make connections and build relationships, all brought about by the love of the book. Literature is a transformative vehicle and I get to watch it happen right before my eyes every conference.
2. Best comment afterwards, from someone who's attended? 
"I don’t care who is coming next. I know it will be great. I mark my calendar a year ahead. It was wonderful to be around such a brilliant group of people who are attempting to be a positive influence to humanity through writing, illustrating, and publishing children’s literature."

3. The Ukraine! You are going! What seems most thrilling?
I always look forward to meeting with contemporary authors and illustrators. I love, however, plunging into the folktales since the proverbs and sayings in them always provide wonderful clues and insights into the national psyche of a people. 
This is a part of the world I have never seen, so it will be a wonderful adventure - and we have the most wonderful inspiring and educated guide (one we adore) who will be explaining the culture to us.
4. Tell me where to sign up for both or either. 

Elena Polenova, "Ducks save Filipko," 
Courtesy State Tretyakov Museum, Moscow
Illustration, above: Rosemary Wells, Bunny Cakes

antilope and gardenia















production and style: victoria thorne
for the mercury news


















photography: rick martin


25.1.09

Oscar Story, Retold






One more look
at the Oscars shoot
for the Mercury News.



concept, style:
victoria thorne


photography:
rick e. martin





sideways


oscars
(a few years ago)
for the merc

the wine bottle to the right has
has a handmade label created
(by yours truly) as a mock-up
for the modern art council
of the
sfmoma




From Chris Sacca, Via Flickr


a brief station break, in between Oscar posts, for

to say the least...
 
via twitter, posted on flickr


merc. news hat-tip
to mr. charles
(oscars)