12.21.2010
12.20.2010
12.13.2010
Studio Views
12 hours and 19 inches of snow + 4 hours shoveling = 2 feet of light in the studio. Obviously, no real connection to the shoveling part of that equation since that took place in the driveway... There will be a tangible shovel # to factor in once that snow drops and I can no longer see out my window! Plus, it never seems like a good idea to have tons of snow sitting right up against the house :)
New photos and relevant shovel hours to follow. I DO love winter!
12.09.2010
A Polar Opposites eBook!
Thanks to the marketing folks at Marshall Cavendish, and the Ripple eBook Reader, Polar Opposites has entered the digital age. Not only do you get a digital version of the story for your Mac or PC, but you can record your own reading of the book. While not quite as cozy as sitting down with the ink and paper book in hand, it is a comforting option for the ePicturebook set. An iPad app is on the way soon.I'd love to hear feedback if anyone goes hi-tech and decides to purchase one of these!
Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears
Lots of penguin news in the studio this week:
On Tuesday I attended an excellent talk on Emperor Penguin diving research by Dr. Torre Stockard. Zina, my character in Polar Opposites, is much more like an Adelie penguin than an Emperor (smaller and a bit less colorful as penguins go) but it's always inspiring to learn more about such the world at large from those that really dig in deep.
And then yesterday afternoon, someone sent me an elementary school-aged science resource in connection to the book as well. The irony, of course, is that Beyond Polar Bears and Penguins wants to get past these two charismatic and appealing creatures and expose students to the many other fascinating things about these extreme polar worlds. For that, I applaud them, and it looks like a terrific site. Still, at least I have my penguins living in the southern hemisphere, and penguins ARE a great springboard into Antarctic studies :)
PS Did you know that penguins have square pupils?
11.24.2010
11.23.2010
11.10.2010
11.08.2010
A Polar Opposites Halloween
When my daughter requested an "Alex" costume for Halloween this year, I was pretty excited to give it a shot. I have sewn a bit with polar fleece (my wife and I created 85 custom designed winter caps for our wedding place settings), and the challenge of creating a polar bear face was impossible to resist. Since Halloween has come and gone, perhaps these pics will add some extra "light" to end of Daylight Savings!
10.27.2010
A "mazing" opposites!
I'm still very excited about the new book and filling out my bag o' tricks for a fall/winter full of school visits and presentations. Click on the image to download and print a maze of your own.Cheers!
10.13.2010
Comics Go Pink: Cartoonists Care
On October 10th, more than 50 of King Features’ cartoonists observed National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Sunday comics section of newspapers across the country.
Budding activist that she is, Melanie insisted that Harts Pass should also participate. With due apologies to all of King Features' legit cartoonists, but in complete and utter agreement with the spirit of the day, please enjoy our small contribution...
10.11.2010
The Winthrop Art Walk, and a HUGE thank you!
On Saturday night, October 9th, a small selection of artwork from Polar Opposites was on display for the semi-annual Winthrop Art Walk. The art will hang for another week or two, but signed books can be purchased (and even personalized and shipped by request) at Trail's End Bookstore all year 'round!Also, a huge THANK YOU to the very generous donor who purchased my books & bowls collection at the Room One Soup Dinner on Saturday night. The bidding was reportedly "fast and furious" - with the 4 bowl set eventually earning $800 for this worthy non-profit. Really nice to hear!
A fine Saturday evening here in Winthrop, WA if I do say so myself :)
10.10.2010
Arctic Circle Comics
With my own recent comic experiments, I've had fun getting back into the groove of reading some daily strips. This was a ritual -- especially on Sundays -- for many years and is certainly one of those foundational interests that led me drawing my own characters, and becoming the artist and author that I am today. Like so many people, I especially LOVED the irreverence and imagination of Calvin & Hobbes, as well as a slightly more obscure outer space comic called Orbit (I think I have that name right?).Anyway, last week I discovered this great little strip by Australian cartoonist Alex Hallat called Arctic Circle. It's funny and It's smart. Something that I hope to emulate in my own work both comic and otherwise.
Check out Alex's work AND please note the lovely juxtaposition of POLAR BEARS and PEGUINS that also makes this strip a winner in my book ;)
Cheers!
10.08.2010
A Minnesota Original!
Minnesota illustrator friend Mike Wohnoutka gets some well deserved face time on a new Twin Citites Public Television feature called "Minnesota Original".
Congrats Mike!
10.05.2010
Soup Bowls for the Soul!
Room One is hosting its 4th Annual Soup Dinner on Saturday, October 9th. All summer, artists, citizens, and visitors of the Methow have been painting their hearts out in preparation. 200 bowls are glazed, fired, and ready to go!With the price of admission, you receive a bowl of your choice (they go fast of course), a wonderful meal, and a beautiful fall evening at the Winthrop Barn. There are also a number of artisan bowls that become part of a silent auction. As a extra treat, my inaugural participation includes a four-bowl set featuring characters from Polar Opposites, Slow Days, Fast Friends, and The Practically Perfect Pajamas. You will also receive signed copies of these books, AND a piece of original art for my new comic strip, Harts Pass.
Non-valley residents can feel free to contact me with maximum bids (Erik's bowl set only). I'd be more than happy to facilitate a long-distance bidding frenzy!Contact me at: #509-996-4345
- Erik
10.04.2010
Library "Lynx" to Literacy
It is my great pleasure to announce a recent collaboration with the North Central Regional Library System. After two wonderful stints on the summer reading tour, I've now put paint to paper and provided them with a series of character drawings for their latest literacy initiative. I'll post the more official and complete materials when the layout and design is complete, but now you've seen two :)
9.29.2010
Harts Pass Soccer Club
9.24.2010
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