Featured in the No.12 3×3 Illustration Annual!

I just received my copy of the No.12 3×3 Illustration Annual- it's a gorgeous, hefty little book with pages upon pages of amazing work!

I'm honoured to have three of my illustrations featured among some pretty talented artists- the pieces featured are Kafka on the Shore, Fall in New York, and Egg Freezing as a Job Benefit. Big thanks and kudos to Charles Hively and 3×3 mag.

Miyazaki Spirit Tribute Show Aftermath

This weekend was the opening show of the Miyazaki Spirit Tribute show, a special curation by the Time Beards, Craig Drake and Luke Harrington. The RSVP on the Facebook events page for the show had reached 6.4k attendees- it was quite the viral phenomenon, but was certainly a test of how that number would translate on opening day.

Opening day came and it was dumping rain- people were lined up stretching 2 whole blocks 0n the streets of Soma to get into Sketchpad gallery. It was such a humbling experience to see the excitement and support!! It was wonderful to meet the fans, hang out with the amazing artists I showed with, and soak up the Miyazaki spirit!

The show also got a beautiful write up in The Verge, where they featured my work and included in the cover art.

The "Zootopian" Vision

Just saw Zootopia- and was floored. As the story unfolded, I realized that a very strong message was being delivered, of racial stereotypes and inequality. Of fear mongering against certain classes of people. Of a government that pushes fear tactics to forward its own agenda. Of a "Zootopian" vision of everyone coexisting in harmony. So much resonated with the current political climate and social issues we're facing in these times, all wrapped up in a children's movie.

This is the power of storytelling, and communicating with art. Anything is possible. It allows you to put forth issues that are complex and hard to talk about in inventive and creative ways. This is why I find so much meaning and passion in what I do. The Zootopia plot is simple- a bunny rabbit moves to the big city and fights for what she wants against all odds of what she's been typecast- and in turn learns of acceptance. The freedom of animation allows for so much more- it can send powerful messaging through metaphors, subtleties, pop culture references, fantastical scenarios, and characters that are delightful, approachable, and easily digestible. Pixar films have always been well known for being sophisticated- but Zootopia just took it to another level.

I'm excited, and optimistic about what studios like Pixar/ Disney have tapped into. I grew up with the very one-dimensional recycled Disney stories of true love and romance- kids these days will be watching films like Zootopia, and learn something very real about the world in a way they can easily understand. When these kinds of stories resonate with the impressionable nature of childhood, we invest in future generations that will grow up to change the world for the better.

Go see Zootopia- the visuals are stunning, you'll be laughing for most of it, and you just might come out with a new perspective.

Tribute to Miyazaki!

Miziyaki_Show_Ballot

A sneak peak at my final work was featured in Gizmodo, SFStation, and SF FunCheap! I will be showing work among an amazingly talented group of artists at the Miyazaki Tribute show this Saturday at Sketchpad Gallery! This is an event that cannot be missed if you're in the Bay Area- and your only chance to grab a limited edition print of the artwork I've created just for the show!

For more information be sure to follow the Facebook event page– we look forward to seeing all 5.9K of you!