The Slumber Games

The Hunger Games- coming out this week to theaters. After much hesitation I listened to the whole audiobook series. Great "read".

You'd think fear of starvation, poverty, families on the brink, insurrection, oppression, the threat of death, obnoxiousness of cameras / reality TV with a self indulgent audience would be bad enough- but the Hunger Games took one more thing from Peeta and Katniss-
a good nights sleep.
Likely for the rest of their lives.

Hello Nathaniel

Well, folks at long last here's another sneak peek into my upcoming kids book "Nathaniel's Flippers"... nope I don't have a date set, still fine tuning and y'know.... writing it.
BUT here's my happy lil man with a lot of adventures sure to follow opening his new "shoes". Stay tuned!

mrrogersvalentine

As a child of the late 70's early 80's... I can vouch that a consistent presence of comfort and care came from a daily dose of Mr.Rogers Neighborhood.
I was lucky to have a great family, support system and lots of love- for those kids that maybe weren't as blessed I can imagine the impact of this special show was far more meaningful. A person that was there everyday speaking seemingly just to you about how wonderful and unique you are.

Illustration Friday (IF:) theme of the week is "popular" which I think could apply to v-day... and it doesn't take a genius to figure out why. The more "love"and attention you get- the more popular you are. I like Mr. R's approach- we're ALL special and deserving of care, credit and respect.

So on this most commercialized of all days- where if you are single you either a player or pariah... I'm kickin it old school lil kid valentines day and wishing you all a big hug from me- your illustrating neighbor.

IF: suspense

suspence, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

This weeks 'theme' is suspense... while I had multiple ideas something about this concept stuck with me.
Is s/he bringing her a scrub brush for her back? a loofa on a stick? maybe even a plunger to fix some other plumbing in the bathroom?
OR
Could it be something more sinister?
I find the suspense is in not knowing... all the guessing and theories.
I'll leave the story to you.
;)

IF: Twirl

a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

This weeks Illustration Friday is "twirl".
There's something so sweet about a little girl being twirled by her dad, I remember wanting to spin and spin, feeling like a ballerina.

Grounded

 
a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

A long overdue Illustration Friday creation- but now a new favorite.

It's funny how we all run around trying new things and new places- how the world is a much much smaller place than it was even a generation ago. Then people could live entire lives in one town without a thought, entire families lived in the same houses (by choice)... setting down roots wasn't a question- it was a way of life.

Now it's a conscious thought, a choice and in that- a state of being grounded and home in your own two shoes.

A well written and awesome must-read for designers and freelance artists...

Jessica Hische is an illustrator, typographer and designer whose work I've peeked in on from time to time over the years and have great respect for. Her site entitled "jessica hische is awesome"... is by no means false advertising.

She devised this amazingly funny (and truthful) "should I work for free?" flowchart that's pretty great.
I need to get a print of this at some point when I have wall space again... and when anyone asks I can point to it and wear a knowing grin.

While researching articles on licensing artwork and the "business" of art I came across and article she wrote that I found not only helpful but a great read.
If you're just getting started out, have been around for awhile or just want to learn something- take a gander: On Getting Paid

Happy Holidays!

This week's Illo Friday theme is "sink".  Of course I thought of all kinds of water basin ideas- but instead came up with SNOW- you sink right into it.  What with the holidays I had to post something festive and beautiful. 

Living in New England there's a kind of magic about the holidays that only seems to truly arrive when the white stuff does. Of course we're now at Dec.21st and STILL no snow- but here's hoping we'll get a white Christmas asap. (but not too much). So to my followers, friends, clients and family~ many thanks for your support, encouragement and enthusiasm, it helps me to make images I hope to share with you all in the coming year.

Stay warm, indulge in tasty treats, embrace family and friends, share kind thoughts and wishes and above all- stay safe and have a wonderful week!

Cheers to all,

Kerri D

hellofriend

hellofriend, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

This weeks Illustration Friday is theme'd: Separated.

Yes, there's a story behind this image. On one side you have me in Boston (complete with a map in the texture)... on the other my best friend C who just so happens to live in Singapore (again, map in the texture). We met many years ago while he attended a college here and I befriended a whole bunch of his flat mates. Over a game of poker and a concert to see Tori Amos we became fast friends and over the years have remained close despite all kinds of life obstacles.

In this day and age the question I have is how separated ARE we really? Besides the obvious distance and lack of ability to join in activities- give one another a hug during good or bad times... it's still very much possible to be and remain close with someone on the other side of the planet. Rare? perhaps. But then again he's not unfamiliar with long distance connections and me? well I'm a strange lil bird.

The point is- I like to think that we're only as separated from one another as we allow ourselves to be. I'm not talking about racism, agism, politics... well any of the "isms"... that's a whole other can of worms. I'm talking tech. People complain left and right about how isolated technology makes us and how close can your friendships be with with a gadget in-between? They're not wrong- but like anything there's always another side to that coin.

In my case- a half year with a bad back has caused me to miss countless social gatherings, birthdays, a wedding, traveling opportunities, art openings and more. It's landed me severely lacking in close physical contact with my friends- but with my mac I can be stuck in my studio/home for days and not feel lonely or isolated.

I'm lucky to have those close friendships... maybe friendships are like architecture- without a solid base and sturdy frame... it doesn't matter how pretty it is... how many cables you have coming in or going out- no amount of tech will keep the thing upright through rough weather or stand the test of time.
 ;)

pearlharbor

It's a day that will live in infamy- and in the memories of historians... and the grandchildren who were told the stories at the knees of grandparents who were there.

This weeks Illo Friday word was:brigade.... being the daughter, granddaughter etc of US veterans... well... it brings much to mind- but considering the date of Dec.7th- this stuck out far more.

My house sits under the flight patterns for an international airport. When 9-11 happened and air traffic went dead for a day or two the silence was deafening- those planes so high above, never noticed them before that. I read recently about how the "zeroes" flew into the harbor on that terrible morning over family homes and people just waking up.
I though about how weird that'd be if all the planes that fly over me all the time suddenly weren't passenger planes and flew far too low for comfort. Since Vietnam the media has in different levels desensitized us to the horrors that happen- and suddenly something like Pearl Harbor is no more terrible than an episode of NCIS and less frightening than SAW (one two or three). These events and tragedies are something that happened "over there", and like a bad TV movie- the mind can change the channel if it's not invested.

If grandpa's assignment had followed through rather than being changed... he'd have been on the Arizona sleeping in his bunk- or as an officer on deck giving orders. Mum wouldn't be here, my uncle or my sister and I. It's amazing to think on and for me it's personal, it's part of my family history.
I hope I'm wrong- I hope people never forget- because remembering is learning.... and learning is to not repeat mistakes. There's no need to dwell on awful things- but it's important to repeat our cultural knowledge for future generations.

Anyhow- in this case- it's an amazing image I hope we never see again.

Illo Friday: Silent

Silent, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

A wee bit late- but I'm prepping for the upcoming holiday sales. This weeks topic was "silent"... and I find nothing more haunting and peaceful than this.
Lends itself to imagination, all the conversations once had or that will happen here... but for now, silent and peaceful, damp from rain.

TheVeteransLetter

theletter, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

Today we celebrate the fallen, the brave, the silent and the missing.

North South East West- no matter the location there are those willing to give their lives to protect something greater than themselves- to safeguard homes, families and friends.
Behind each of those brave souls is a loved one waiting and wishing for their safe return home. Not everyone gets the happy ending, some get the letter often dreaded.

For my grandfather Richard Bulman USN- who narrowly missed Pearl Harbor and must have lived with heavy ghosts after his ship sunk off the coast of Africa.

For my great uncle Kenny Driscoll USAF- a fighter pilot who was last seen on the wing of his plane in the middle of the Atlantic.

For my father John Desmond USMC who lost an eye, has survived 2 bouts of cancer due to agent orange and cricks in his neck from shrapnel... PTSD hasn't been kind to his gentle spirit.
He left on patrol in a group of 3, he returned a group of 1. Semper Fi.

To these brave men and many many more- thank you. For your service, your bravery and your lives.
To the families, finance's, friends and loved ones- stay strong for them, your sacrifice is appreciated as well.
May they come home safely and soon to you... have hope.

Semper Fi.

While this is a different era- I find the song rather suits the sentiment.

Scary Mr.Darcy/Stripes

dancewdead, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

Ilo Friday! yes a bit late but seeing the subject matter is "late" as well... you can't fault me TOO much.

This weeks theme was "scary". Now I'm a big fan of "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen... I also realize it's fiction (much to my dismay).  And a lovely commenter pointed out it's stripes too! (this weeks theme) so bonus! Two for one! :)

What I find personally scary isn't monsters or disasters, boogie men or highway robbers (all scary yes.. but that's what heroines are for). What I find scary is hoping and waiting for a Mr.Darcy that will never come... to spend a whole life waiting for love only to find what this Elizabeth Bennet has discovered... she's too late.

Illo Friday! Scattered

Scattered, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

This is pretty much me at the moment... juggling everything and still rather zen about it.
Go figure. :)

Illo Friday! Contraption

There has been a lot of talk recently in the US about government, politicians and biased lobbying/secret handshakes.  So this weeks assignment being "contraption" I thought I'd give my take on it.

While I have my opinions and views... I mostly keep my political notions to myself.  WHY? oh why? I'm an artist right? I'm supposed to be good at communicating such things or at least passionate about them. Personally? I don't like to argue, and often times when people discuss politics there's a lot of "convincing" others to see one point of view or another.  I have mine, I like to listen an chat- but having anyone try to sway me or help me to convert to another belief- I just find insulting.  

So my personal belief has become that all politicians (even the good ones I personally think have great ideas or are working for the people) are full of hot air.  If only we could capture all their boisterous blame-game babblings I bet it could power an entire city.  How bout that? No need for oil or gas... no pollution... we could bring lights and heat and electricity JUST from political banter (bullshit).

Put em to work.

Grendel's

If I could trek in today I'd go here- Grendel's Den in Harvard Square.
I adore places with character and a pub-like old world/worn in feel.  Plus they have a damn fine roast beef sandwich.  I drew this from a photograph I took there about a year ago during a quiet lunch with my mum. And really like how this has turned out.
Cheers!
~K