The zoo/ Big Cats

Brilliant signage for the tiger house. The stencil is more creative than most zoo signs I've seen, and it's nice to finally see some zoos pay attention to logos and posters.

The need for animal "sculptures" at the zoo always strikes me as ridiculous. They are quite nice but just seem unnecessary especially when the real thing is much more spectacular and right across from it. At least the bronze cheetah will stand still and pose, rather than pace back and forth in front of my camera, making it impossible to get a sharp shot.

Minneapolis Buildings

As steril as glass and steel architecture is compared to an old Victorian with personality and history, it has its beauty. It never seizes to amaze me how someone came up with this. I can wrap my mind around the construction of a two story house, but a skyscraper is brilliant in its engineering. The form is so simple, without decorations that require ancient complicated names like triglyphs and metopes (thank you art history courses).

This is why in the end I prefer cities: the reflections, the lights, and heights...despite my slight acrophobia.

Illustration commissioned for a postcard for a freelance client.

I was asked to draw a woman ready to conquer the world and willing get her hands dirty. Also she had to be beautiful and reminiscent of the 60s retro ads. A challenge to say the least. The first sketch reminded me of a Tolstoy heroine, a little too wide-ed and not up to the job.

The second attempt was more successful, and spot on to the description. A bit of Sophia Lauren, a bit retro and a bit more pensive. The pose reminded me of Dorothea Lange's Migrant Mother - which has stuck with me from middle school as the quintessential image of the hardworking woman. I hate to even mention that since I certainly don't see this as being in the same category with the photograph, however when I think of a woman against the world that's what comes to mind. Perhaps for that reason it would seem that a take charge woman always has to look into the distant horizon, specifically to the left.

Minnesota State Fair II

Lately I've been trying to partake in some American experiences, being foreign and all. What is more American than the State Fair? An overwhelming of the senses, noisy and crowded, I can't say it disappointed. Frying everything is certainly not my idea of cooking, but I did enjoy my cheesecake on a stick. Had to pass on the animals giving birth and I could've gone without the smell of hundreds of pigs and cows. The demonstrations and activities were quite entertaining: acrobats climbing walls, cable car rides, ferris wheels (my all-time favorite) and eating (also a favorite pastime). A little ironic to have a cable car over a state fair like it's over some spectacular view of the Alps, but a view is a view!

I got so many shots of hanging feet out of the cable car. The one posted on here is my favorite since the feet seem to be identical. I love a photograph with some humour, especially when it's not staged.

Minnesota State Fair

It's not a state fair without pig appraisal - who knew one one pig could be more magnificent then another? Here's a sample of the myriad of animals at the fair. Also, one area I never thought the box office affected was state fair prizes. I can't say I'd hate to have a Despicable Me toy.