Happy 2009!

Bon Appétit!

Totoro Forest Project Update

Hi from snowy Montreal!

Let me give you a quick update on the "Totoro Forest Project".
The art auction that took place in September at Pixar was very well attended and extremely successful - we raised more than 200 000$!!! The Totoro Foundation promptly used the sum to buy off a small portion of Sayama Forest in order to protect it from land developers.
Bravo, Totoro artists!

Before I move on I would also like to tell you a little bit about my piece. "My Neighbor Totoro" is one of my favourite Ghibli films, and it is definitely the one I relate to the most. It reminds me of what it was like to grow up as the little sister, of learning to accept my family responsibilities, of helping the elderly, and of understanding that nature commands reverence and respect. I love this film for its balance of truth and fable, grown-up themes and childlike whimsy.

Naturally my painting is mainly inspired by the film itself so just like Satsuki and Mei (or my older sister and I) it depicts two sisters at play in a field on a warm summer evening. I went back to my own childhood for inspiration on subject matter and look. When I was little outdoor play was the most fun because stick, stone or leaf, just about anything could become a plaything. It was far more adventurous than staying indoors anyways.

Visually, I wanted my piece to be reminiscent of 18th century French landscape paintings and of fairy tales illustrations, both of which fascinated me when I was younger. I looked at Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot and Théodore Rousseau for colour, composition and mood, but I also referenced some favourites - Ludwig Bemelmans, Maira Kalman, Mary Blair and Aurelius Battaglia for execution and style.
Here below are some references, my digital study and the final piece, again, for those who may have missed the previous post about it.

Well, this is it for the Totoro Forest Project for now.
If you would like to see this or any other Totoro collection pieces, you can still do so at "The Cartoon Art Museum" of San Francisco until February 8th, 2009.

Humboldt, Hornung

Hello.

It's been so long since my last appearance... Updates are due, sure, but I'd rather not write much. How about a couple of drawings?
This one was done last weekend, in a curious little place called "Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs" located in a curious little town called Arcata, up in foggy Humboldt County.


Marker Pen
8" X 12"

This second one is of a building I really like, here in the Mission. I drew it today during SketchCrawl.
Enjoy! And so long for now.


Marker Pen
12" X 8"

Sunday Afternoons

Marker Pen and Ink Wash
5" X 8"

Golden Gate Bridge

GGB seen from Fort Point, June 21st (and just finished today).

Pencil, Marker Pen and Gouache
6.5" X 10"

Totoro Forest Project

Allow me to introduce an extraordinary series of events I have the honour to participate in.
The "Totoro Forest Project" is organized by Dice Tsutsumi, Yukino Pang, Enrico Casarosa and Ronnie Del Carmen, but to name the core committee (although many more deserve credit here), and has a simple mission: to raise funds for the preservation of Sayama Forest, affectionately known as "Totoro Forest", as it is where filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki found inspiration for his 1988 classic film, "My neighbor Totoro".

This project of impressive scope aims to help the "Totoro no Furusato Forest Foundation" in a few ways, kicking off with a Benefit Auction, held at Pixar Animation Studios, on September 6th, 2008. A book of all participating artwork will also be available for sale at the event, and The Cartoon Art Museum, here in San Francisco, will exhibit a collection of selected pieces in Fall 2008 - Winter 2009.

I am inviting you to take a look at The Official Website, where you will find information about the events, galleries of inspired artwork and ways to contribute to this worthy cause from your corner of the world.

Enjoy, and help save the Totoro Forest!


Pencil and Gouache
6.5" x 10"

Interlude

I had a chance to see WALL-E last Saturday, and I simply have to say that this film will blow you away! Congratulations to Andrew Stanton and his crew, who have created another beautiful and honest piece of cinema!

Incidentally, today was my first day of work in Pixar's Art Department, and now more than ever, I am proud to be part of this incredible studio. Needless to say this is a brilliant opportunity, but the truth is I would have never made it here without the patience and support of my husband James, and the help of my friends Nick and Matt, with whom I've been sharing animated adventures since 1999. Thanks to the three of them, and thanks to all of you who visit my blog regularly (your encouragement too has played a big role in this happy turn of events)!

As for WALL-E, it's a rendez-vous, June 27th!

The Girl From Ipanema

Every time I hear this song I'm transported to an imaginary 1960s summer, or rather to an assembly of curious clichés I've seen in movies, like (unfiltered) cigarette-smoking youth, infamous cocktail-sipping café patrons, and classy scooter-riding beauties.
This is the girl who "gently sways" in my mind, to the Bossa Nova beat of Ipanema...

Neighbourhood: 655 Dolores Street

I always told myself to draw the church near my house before it was too late. Apparently it suffered irreparable seismic damage and is soon to be leveled.
Strangely, the tree in front of it is dying too. Maybe it knows things are coming to an end.

Škoda

This used to be our car back in the 80s, and is now part of a little project I'm working on.

Eclipse

A thank you card - inspired by the Bauhaus and by Greek Mythology - in which the Moon Goddess Selene conceals the Sun God Helios.

Family Final

At last!

Living Room

I am half of the mind that I shouldn't break up the "Family trilogy", but I have decided to take you for a (de) tour of my living room anyway.

Family Rough

Things are becoming dramatic, as you can see.

Family Study

Today, I wish I was in Spain!

Happy Birthday Dad!

The more fun...

...the less technique! (See lobster-claw-hand giantess!)

Early Spring

It's been awfully gray here lately...

29

I've been working on a project inspired by my family which has been challenging and fun. Today I had an extra reason for thinking about them.

Here we are, 28 years ago!

The Girls of Portsmouth Square

How long have they been here?