This Illustrated Life

New Starry Drawings

2012-02-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

In Costa Rica last week I wasn't compelled to draw much, because I just wanted to explore and be. But I did make these illustrations, all strangely with a similar theme...

I have too many ideas! I feel them buzzing inside me, these little balls of inspiration making me antsy and impatient to GET THEM OUT. So I pictured them like fireflies filling my glass jar of a head.

In New York you don't see the stars. So standing on an empty beach at night alone in the darkness looking up at the stars...I just started to weep, feeling gratitude and awe. And the words that popped into my head were, "I'm sorry." It breaks my heart to forget things that are important.

Traveling alone, strangers can be quick to judge you. "You're here...alone?" "It's JUST you?" "Isn't that lonely?" This bothered me sometimes, as though "just me" wasn't enough. For some reason in response, I thought of myself as the sun. Alone, yes. But it's a star in a universe with billions of other stars. Does the sun get lonely? Is the sun "enough?"

Currently Listening: Paper Bird...Anything Nameless and Joymaking

Costa Rica!

2012-01-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

Last week I WENT TO COSTA RICA!

I know, I know, this was a spontaneous trip but I simply had to get away. And my brother gave me money for Christmas (Thanks, Brian!) so I had to seize the opportunity. You can see all my Costa Rica pics here, but here are the highlights...

I flew into Liberia, Costa Rica. This lil' airport was just had a fancy makeover so there are some GREAT flight deals from New York...

The first half of my trip was up by Rincon de la Vieja, a volcanic national park.

Here are some pics of just how pretty the area was...

First up: RELAXING! Soaking in natural springs, bathing in mud, and--gasp!--taking naps...

Next up: ADVENTURE! I spent a day doing horseback riding, zip lining, and some hiking....

Next: BEACH! I went over to Golfo de Papagayo, where I stayed on the super-quiet-you-can-have-a-beach-all-to-yourself Playa Panama...

But I also visited Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco, which were more lively. (There will be more on this daytrip adventure in a future blog post)

Traveling solo, I met lots of awesome random people! A hilarious private jet flight crew, a group of Frenchmen who sell mushrooms, a couple environmentalists/geologists from NY, a pair of childhood friends from Toronto/Paris (and a local dog named Tequilla), a rowdy clan of empty-nesters from California, and a local guide who let me tag along on his wave runner. LOTS of adventures.

****

And of course, no trip of mine is complete without MR DUCK'S travel photos! He had a great time, despite being gnawed on by a toucan. (If you want to see the past decade of Mr Duck pics, go here!)

Currently Reading: Why We Broke Up...written by Daniel Handler, illustrated by Maira Kalman

Super 8 Home Movies

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

This past Christmas we surprised my Mom with a collection of all the old

SUPER 8 HOME MOVIES converted to DVD!

I edited together some highlights from the Laura Lee footage, and thought I'd share them in case anyone would find them amusing. I gained 3 insights from watching these...

1. My personality is kinda....the same. I'm still in my own world, clumsy, either super happy or super grumpy, and highly motivated by cookies.

2. My parents really ARE the most supportive loving people ever. They gave my brother and I such a amazing childhood, and I'm so thankful for that.

3. I was born a nerd. In the 3rd video here, I'm not only wearing glasses and sporting a lazy eye, but when my Dad asks what I got for Christmas I exclaim, "STAR WARS!" And I dance like Elaine from Seinfeld. Wow.

Part 1: Newborn- First Steps (1979-80)

Part 2: Toddler (1980-81)

Part 3: Toddler - Preschool (1981-83)

And speaking of my Virginia roots...

I just got a shout out on the Prince William County Schools website! Living in a city where no one really knows me at all from back in Virginia, it's kinda nice to see myself referred to as an "Osbourn Park High School Alum." Warm fuzzies!

Playing with markers

2012-01-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

The other night I just HAD to play with some markers. You know how it is.

These leaves were in a package I received from my friend Lauren Larken (more on our correspondence later) and I love the shapes so much I used them as my inspiration.

Rory helped.

"I'm sorry, were you using these markers?"

Here are scans of how they turned out!

My scanner doesn't handle marker colors very well, but you get the idea...

I totally overworked this one, but I couldn't help myself! Rainbow colors!

(This was the drawing in the very first photo)

Currently Listening: Warpaint...Exquisite Corpse

Bushcraft: Snowflakes

2012-01-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

This month at Bushcraft we made paper snowflakes!
And more shrinky dinks!

Some were STAR WARS snowflakes.

Then we broke out the Shrinky Dinks...

This was a fun way to spend a freezing cold evening, thanks to the folks who braved the weather to join us! And my apologies to our host Bishop for all the glitter that is still embedded in his floor from last Bushcraft. Oops!

Currently Listening: Sigur Rós...Inni

Jugs & Capes....and Robot 6 Interview

2012-01-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

So I recently joined the Brooklyn based all women graphic novel book club...

JUGS & CAPES!

This month we read Habibi by Craig Thompson and had a fabulous discussion.

We also had a brag-able spread of goodies. Yay!

I wrote some DISCUSSION QUESTIONS afterwards based on our conversation...

1. For most of the book the reader was led to believe it was set in the past, but then we learn it is contemporary. What did you think of this switch and how did it change the story for you?

2. There were many passages where myths, stories, and passages of the Qur'an were woven into the story. Did you think this enhanced the story? Did this method of storytelling work for you?

3. Discuss your take on the environmental undertones and the re-occuring role of water.

4. What were some similarities between Habibi's storyline/themes/characters and the ones in his earlier work, Blankets?

5. His layouts are amazing, and are all very different. Which were your favorite pages visually? How did he use panels and layouts to direct the pacing? And what about the pages where he left lots of white space?

6. Did you find the use of Islamic patterns distracting or appealing? How do you think his drawing style has been influenced by Islamic calligraphy? Has his style evolved since Blankets?

7. There is a surprising number of dynamic action scenes in this book. How does it compare with other more typical superhero action comics?

8. He included words a lot within his images, especially in the water. Pick an example where you think this was especially successful.

9. As a white male author, how do you think he handled the portrayal of women? And the portrayal of middle eastern characters?

10. What role did words/stories play in Dodola's life? Do you think they were what kept her strong through all her hardship?

11. The relationship between Dodola and Zam was very complex. (And at times confusing!) Discuss your take on it.

12. Would you consider Dodola a prostitute? What was her relationship with sex? What did you think about her first husband?

13. What was your take on Noah (the man in the boat)...was he a fool, crazy, kind, demented, a good guy, etc?

14. Did you feel emotionally attached to the characters? Like, cringing for them at certain points, feeling suspense when they were in trouble, rooting for them, etc. What were the parts that really got a reaction from you?

15. What did you think about Zam as a character? Was he developed enough? What did you think about his castration?

16. In the end, who saved who? The little girl they buy in the market, Zam, Dodola? Or did they even need saving?

And finally, our two favorite questions...

17. There were drawings of breasts on most of the pages, but no penises. We didn't even get to see what Zam looked like post-castration. What's the deal with that?!

18. If you had to pick an image from Habibi to get as a tattoo, which would it be?

****

ROBOT 6 INTERVIEW

Oops, I TOTALLY forgot to share this before the holidays! I was interviewed by Brigid Alverson from Robot 6 (A fun comics/ pop culture news blog) about my work as a scenic painter on Christmas windows.

You can read it here!

New Drawings: Closing a Chapter.

2012-01-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

So here's the post-break-up-angry-phase artwork that I made last week.

I expect this is the end of my Kurt-inspired series of drawings, which all together make quite a solid little body of work. (50 drawings) Since it illustrates the whole rise and fall of our relationship through art, I thought it'd make an interesting little book. I expect I'll simply self publish it myself as a little passion project. But who knows.

On to the art! With this first drawing I took process photos for once, since I drew the shapes by tracing the shards of broken glass from the night of the break-up...

And here's the finished drawing...

This drawing is called "I'm a maker not a breaker." Here's the next one...

The text in this drawing reads, "Fuck you for blaming me, fuck you for scaring me, fuck you for manipulating me, fuck me for letting you." The knives represent the suicide-threat nights.

The drawing was inspired by this angry rant I scribbled in my notebook one night after an argument...

And here's the next drawing...

This illustration was about feeling like I just run from this, from him, from us.

This one was about fixing the holes he left behind in the wall, which felt rather metaphorical.

Let the healing begin.

Currently Reading: The Isle of Avalon: Sacred Mysteries of Arthur and Glastonbury by Nicholas R Mann.

Balloons!!

2012-01-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

I now have another new random skill to add to my already absurd resume... balloon wrangler!

For New Years Eve I worked all day on the balloon drop for the Matt & Kim Show, who were just featured on the cover of the Village Voice. (And who are super nice!)

We blew up 2000 BALLOONS, herded them into two long mesh nets, and wove the pull-cords through each one. My fingers were super raw from hours of tying, but working in the Hammertstein Ballroom was lovely and my fellow wranglers were a ton of fun to work with!

(Thanks Adam Aleksander for including me on the project)

Click here to see a VIDEO OF THE BALLOON DROP! (warning: it's loud)

Currently Listening: Cults...by the Cults.

Flip Through My Sketchbooks

2012-01-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012!

It's now been 10 years since I first started making art for myself back in 2002, and most of you didn't know me way back then. So I thought I'd finally assemble all my art and share videos of my sketchbooks so you can virtually flip through!

For 4 years I only worked in these sketchbooks (I even sewed 2 of them!) and the process made such an impact that it became the inspiration for my graphic novel "Page by Paige." Each sketchbook is 182 pages and was made while I was living in Charlottesville, Virginia. Please forgive the pages that are ugly, boring, or self-indulgent. I'm extra thankful to Virginia musicians Ki:Theory and Lance Brenner for letting me use their music as the soundtrack.

Sketchbook 4: June 2005 - May 2006

Featuring: "True Lovers' Knot" by Ki:Theory (Free download here)
Context: I was painting murals, selling furniture, living in an old hotel room, and really focusing on my art. After this sketchbook I finally started working on loose paper.

Sketchbook 3: April 2004 - April 2005

Featuring: "My Thoughts" by Ki: Theory (Free download here)
Context: I was finishing teaching, then started a mural painting business and left my college boyfriend. My first big reboot year.

Sketchbook 2: April 2003 - April 2004

Featuring: "Like Wax" by Lance Brenner
Context: I wrapping up my first year of teaching middle school art and then starting my second year.

Sketchbook 1: April 2002 - April 2003

Featuring "Lindsay & the Ocean Blue" by Lance Brenner
Context: I just finished grad school, moved to Charlottesville to live with my college boyfriend, and started my first year of teaching middle school art. I started this sketchbook to learn how to tap into my own creativity.

And here are links to ALL MY ARTWORK

from the past decade, now conveniently on Flickr!

2010-11 Art (72 pieces)
2008-09 Art (253 pieces)
2009-10 Comics (31 pages)
2006-07 Art (373 pieces)
2004-06 Sketchbooks (316 Pages)
2002-04 Sculpture, Art, Sketchbooks (292 Pieces)

Final drawings of 2011!

2011-12-30T10:10:00.000-08:00

Here's some more sad artwork! I'm so thankful art helps me work through these things....

After you break up with someone, that connection you have doesn't just severe. Which makes things just more sad and confusing. Especially if you're still living together.

Another drawing about that lingering connection, about mourning the loss of the other. (Randomly, the colors in this painting were inspired by designs on a couple t-shirts that I just associate with us)

The past couple weeks I've been hiding away a lot, because of a mixture of apathetic sadness and holiday blues and not wanting to talk about things. And this is what it felt like...I imagined I was pulling down the blinds and such around myself, hiding as much as possible in plain sight.

Break-ups make me reevaluate my life, and look for how the relationship fit into my journey. I guess it makes me feel better to look for its purpose rather than focus just on its failings. And my relationship with Kurt helped me deal with a lot of my personal romantic issues. So this drawing shows my appreciation of that, thanks for helping me hang up more of my hang-ups. (These are a decade's worth of my hang-ups all together chronologically...)

Currently Listening: Gotye...Making Mirrors

Happy holidays!

2011-12-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone!

Bushcraft: Homemade wrapping paper!

2011-12-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

Let's make wrapping paper!

This weekend at Bushcraft we made wrapping paper by painting/ stamping/glittering brown kraft paper...using a variety of tools as bubble wrap, block prints, rollers, and cut-out sponges. Thank you Diana for making the glogg, and my apologies to Bishop for being left with such a glittery apartment! (Muah-ha-ha...)

Here's Bishop...

Diana...

Jasmina...

...and me!

This was so much fun that I believe I have found a new holiday tradition! Yay!

Currently Reading: Summer Blonde by Adrian Tomine

6 New Drawings

2011-12-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

The first new drawing is simply about my kitty Rory and how darn cute he is...

***

The rest of these drawings are about relationships.

They are in chronological order, a couple drawings down is after when Kurt and I broke up last week...

Understanding us is like putting together a puzzle when you don't know what the picture is, or even if the pieces will fit together at all. You wonder why some things are so complicated.

I guess this is my, "I want us to move forward together but I'm tired of waiting for you to catch up to me" drawing. It's my desire for us to be on the same happy healthy page, and wishing I could help you climb up to me.

This was the first drawing after the break up. It sucks and it's sad, but thankfully there is no bitterness or anger. The text in the tears says, "I know it's for the best..."

There is no bad guy in this situation. If anything, I am angry with your problems that interfered with you being able to just be happy with me. I love you, but I hate hate hate your depression.

I should have admitted to you earlier how your suicidal tendencies have taken an emotional toll on me, but I really thought I could handle it. So I'm carrying a speech bubble, but I left your words out since that's private.

***

Soooo, these are all the drawings about this for now. There will be more.

Thank you Kurt for allowing me to share very personal aspects of our romance publicly through my drawings. That takes a lot of trust and courage, so please know how grateful I am. I've been very lucky to have you as a source of love and inspiration.

Misfits Party and Jugs & Capes

2011-12-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone who came this weekend to our

Misfits party!

We played the pilot episode and the Christmas special, I gave away some copies of the every excellent Misfits soundtrack, and then Kurt played music videos/ short films until we were booted out. (Thanks, Andy for letting us put this event on!)

Kurt dressed as a young offender complete with orange jumpsuit, and I was the probation worker who in the show always ends up dead.

On a random nerdy side note...

Last week none other than Doctor Who himself Matt Smith and Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) visited the Way Station because they heard there was a TARDIS in Brooklyn! (The TARDIS is his time-traveling vessel, but here it's the bathroom) They even signed it on the inside. If only they came a few days later, then we would have ran into them...

This weekend I also attended my first meeting of

Jugs & Capes!

It's an all-girl graphic novel book club, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. This month we read and discussed Berlin: City of Stones (Book 1) by Jason Lutes while eating absurd amounts of baked goodies. It was really nice to discuss comics as a literary art form in such a fun, relaxed setting. Thank you Andrea Sparacio for inviting me!

Currently Listening: Misfits season 1 & 2 soundtrack

Mister Handsome

2011-12-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

Nobody probably remembers this....but a couple years ago I was commissioned to paint a 1980s style unicorn poster for the the set of my friend Jason Wishnow's new film. And now the film is finally out!

Mister Handsome

A short film from Jason Wishnow (2011)

A very grown-up love story between a girl and her imaginary friend.

Starring Heather Burns, Ajay Naidu, Beth Grant, Michael Chieffo, and Miles Fisher.

So here's the poster I painted...

And here are some screen grabs from the film with the poster in the background. (I love Heather Burns!)

Why was this poster so special? Well, it was to be featured in a pivotal, um, love scene between the main character and her imaginary friend.

You should just watch the film online, it's a fun 14 minutes! And thanks to Jason for giving me this opportunity, and a shout out in the credits. I can't wait to see what film he makes next!

Mister Handsome (2011) a short film from jason wishnow on Vimeo.

New Commissions: Signs & Comics

2011-12-08T10:49:00.001-08:00

Last week I made a trio of simple signs for a Prohibition themed party at Employees Only! (special thanks to Adam Aleksander) Here's a process pic featuring Rory...

Here are the finished signs...

And then here's the party! Photos are from Metromix...

ALSO...last week I was also commissioned to draw a save-the-date postcard featuring an engaged couple where they are dressed up as superheroes. It was a slightly different style for me to work in, but I really love how it turned out! I simply had to share it. It really makes me want to draw all my friends as superheroes...

Barnes & Noble...and Brian Froud!

2011-12-06T08:42:00.001-08:00

This weekend I appeared at the

Barnes & Noble in Manhasset!

I talked about my work, answered questions (there was a good little group of teens), and signed copies of Page by Paige. Special thanks to Teresa for making me feel so welcome!

And in other I-am-such-a-nerd news...

I met Brian Froud!

So my friend Juliet and I were walking around the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and we just ran into Brian Froud! He's the amazing illustrator behind Labyrinth and Dark Crystal if you don't know his work. (We actually used his work as inspiration while creating the Enchanted Forest installation a year ago for Hendricks...) We got to talk with him for about a half hour (wow!) and I could not resist hugging him. It was such an emotional magical serendipitous experience as an artist to meet someone you admire so much, especially in a museum that already holds deep emotional resonance for me. I am so lucky!

To make this encounter more bizarre, the night before at the Museum of the Moving Image we saw a screening of Labyrinth where Brian Froud was featured as a special guest along with Brian Henson, Wendy Froud, and Toby Froud. That made it even stranger to run into him! It was a magical weekend indeed.

Currently Reading: Beg The Question...by Bob Fingerman

3 new drawings! And new mix tape!

2011-12-05T06:37:00.003-08:00

New drawings!

After making them, Kurt pointed out how they all have an underlying theme...Lies. Huh. I guess not having an artistic outlet and being more stressed in recent months wasn't the most emotionally healthy thing for me. I get more fractured. (Click to see larger)

Black sheep.

This was inspired by going home for Thanksgiving. Not that I'm the family outcast or anything, I am just... different. And I repress that sometimes to accommodate others when it seems to make gatherings go smoother.

Insecurity.

I spent so many years not feeling like a "real artist" that sometimes when I'm doubty it pops back up, making me feel like I'm a fraud waiting to be exposed. Then I have to remind myself that just like my blonde roots, it's just not who I am anymore. That I choose confidence just like my red hair.

...FINE!

This is what I've been like in recent months when I didn't have time to draw any of my little metaphorical self-portraits. Pent up. This isn't really the most original visual gag, but I kept visualizing it when talking to people. So I had to draw it out.

***

New Page by Paige Mix Tape!

After teacher/musician/writer Chase March read Page by Paige, he decided to make his own mix tape! It was inspired by the collection of music I included in the book (There is a "mix tape" in the back) as well as a bunch of new songs. It's a unique idea and an awesome compilation, I'm so glad he sent it my way! I really love how music can enrich the meaning of a work of visual art, and I wish more artists mushed the different disciplines together.

You can download the mix and see his blog post about it here!

Currently Reading: Chester 5000 (a fun wordless erotic graphic novel!)...by Jess Fink

Upcoming...Book Signing & Misfits Party

2011-11-30T06:46:00.001-08:00

Lookie! Upcoming events!

Book Signing

This Saturday I'll be signing copies of Page by Paige at the Barnes & Noble out in Manhasset on Long Island! It's part of their Educator Holiday Shopping event...

Saturday December 3rd 11:00am - Noon

Barnes & Noble: 1542 Northern Blvd, Manhasset, NY 11030

Event Link

Misfits Party

Kurt and I are hosting a Misfits viewing party at the infamous bar-with-a-TARDIS...The Way Station!

Saturday December 10th 4:30-7:00pm

The Way Station: 683 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn (Prospect Heights)

Facebook Event Link

Are you still going through Doctor Who withdrawl? Are you ready for your new TV obsession? Let us introduce you to BBC's Misfits! It's about a group of teenagers doing community service for past mistakes, only to find their lives changed after a storm gives them strange powers. It's superpowers meets Breakfast Club minus Heroes' blunders. It's bloody brilliant...literally!

First we'll be showing the pilot episode for you newbies. Then we'll show the festive 2nd season Christmas special where the gang has to kill Jesus and Santa gets his shag on. There will be some special curated shorts, some Fisherman's Friend for the taking, and drink specials such as the "Save Me, Barry!"

Kurt Christenson and Laura Lee Gulledge will be your orange-jumpsuit-donning hosts, inviting you to dress in character (real or made up) or simply wear your favorite shade of orange.

Currently Listening: M83...Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

Holiday Specials: Books & Prints for Sale!

2011-11-28T07:50:00.001-08:00

Please help support me as I start my second book by

Purchasing a copy of Page by Paige!

The holiday special:

**Inside each book is a sticker, fun permission slip, and artistic license.
**I'll sign each book and personalize it for the recipient with a little doodle.
**Please order by December 15th to receive before Christmas.
**FREE GIFT WRAPPING upon request! (non-denominational)

Buy Page by Paige:

*I also have PRINTS AVAILABLE!*

Here are all the different prints I have in stock for $12! They're on nice watercolor paper, signed, and mailed safely in a packing tube. Heres a photo of the "Brooklyn Sky" print to give you an idea of scale.

Buy a Large Print:

Here are the other pieces that are available! (Click to see larger) Be warned, quantities are limited.

There's also a smaller sized print of my "Let's Make Rainbows" drawing that's available for $5!

Buy a Small Print:

Which Artwork?

(Shipping just in the US, sorry)

*I also have products available on SOCIETY6!*

There are Ipod & laptop skins and such. These are items that THEY print and I get a small percentage from, so I don't have these items on hand myself.

*And ORIGINAL DRAWINGS are available!*

Original illustrations/drawings/paintings are up for grabs as well as original pages from Page by Paige. Just email me about which one you are interested in! My prices are quite reasonable. ($30-150 plus shipping)

{PS--I just made these paypal buttons and I'm not very savvy with this sort of thing, so I apologize in advance if I hit an unanticipated snag!!}

The Holiday Windows!

2011-11-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again....
HOLIDAY WINDOWS!

So this was my 5th and pretty much last year working as a scenic painter on Christmas windows. They are OPEN to the public so now I can share some photos! (And videos) You can see ALL the pics from this year and the past 4 years in my annual window blog: ItNeedsMoreGlitter.blogspot.com

SAKS

These were what I've been working on the most! I painted ALL the linework on these ten windows so it'd be consistent, and it's funny how it has my inking style. Three-dimensional drawings?! Yeah, this was pretty the perfect combination of my graphic novel & scenic painting worlds. And I'm super thankful I got to paint it.

MACY'S

These windows feature different celebrity designed ornaments which will be raising money money for the Make a Wish Foundation. It featured a 3-D animation and a touch screen design-your-own-ornament thingie! It's sorta like a steampunk wedding invitation meets Christmas card...

LORD & TAYLOR

These windows were based on Children's drawings about what Christmas means to them. I think they turned out really whimsical and fun! And getting to paint like a kid was REALLY refreshing.

Some of the process pics...

Oh, and my infamous companion Mr Duck tagged along!

(Here are some pics of him in Peru, Iceland, Spain/Portugal/Scotland, Turkey, and Ghana...)

Children's Book Festival @ Brooklyn Museum

2011-11-21T07:15:00.000-08:00

This weekend I took part in the 5th annual Children's book Festival

at the BROOKLYN MUSEUM!

Most of the authors there had multiple titles so I was especially thankful to be included. I did really well, having some great conversations and selling all my books with just two copies leftover!
I shared a table with the lovely writer Colleen Venable who was selling copies of her Guinea Pig Pet Shop Private Eye series!
Colleen had little guinea pig comic strips for kids to fill in, so I did one myself...
One supporter who stopped by was my friend and absurdly talented comic artist Simon Fraser who picked up books by both Colleen and I!
Afterwards I checked out their current exhibition "Youth and Beauty: Art of the American Twenties" which is a particular period that directly inspired me aesthetically in school. It's up until January 29th and I highly recommend it!

Currently Reading: My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

Brooklyn Museum THIS SATURDAY!

2011-11-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

This Saturday I'm pleased to announce that I'll be one of participating in the...
Brooklyn Museum: Children's Book Fair!

Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Brooklyn Museum: 200 Eastern Parkway (at Washington Avenue) Brooklyn, NY 11238
Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion, 1st Floor
Visit Web Site Free with museum admission

Over 30 Brooklyn authors and illustrators will join us at this year's fair, featuring story books, picture books, and graphic novels. Come enjoy author readings, a game for children, and café service.

Please come by and say hello! It's perfect for combining with exploring Prospect Park or one of the wonderful exhibits. (Have you not seen The Dinner Party housed in their Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art?!)

In other news....

Holiday Windows COMING SOON!

Next week I'll be DONE with all these holiday windows that have been keeping me busy since July! I'll keep you posted here with pics from behind the scenes as well as the finished products. Pics and video. But you can see the past 4 years of windows I've worked on here in my very special Christmas window blog: ItNeedsMoreGlitter. Stay tuned! We're livin' the dream...

Latest appearance, interview, and press!

2011-11-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

**Page by Paige is
This Week's Pick on 60second Recap!**

Check out the video review by book critic Jenny Sawyer, who normally isn't really into graphic novels so that makes it an extra special honor to be featured. Doubly awesome!!!

**Latest Long Island library appearance!**

Today I was just the guest speaker at the Suffolk County YA Librarian event "Put Art in It" out in Ronkonkoma. Special thanks to Barbara Moon for being so supportive of me and my work. And this was really quite a great workshop that she put together!

**Audio interview on Geeking Out About... !**

The lovely Trisha Lynn interviewed me at my table at NY Comic Con, I'm in the 13:30-17:30 minute mark in the recording. So you can hear the little pitch I gave everyone who came by my table! And I actually sound pretty articulate, too...

Currently Listening: Eddie Vedder...Ukulele Songs

Walking Dead Party: ZOMBIE PAINTING

2011-11-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

So last week I did body painting with Matt Mikas at the UNDEAD CARNIVAL at The Box! It was put on by io9 and AMC's The Walking Dead. A wonderful undead time was had by all!

I did the post-mortem-rotting-flesh airbrushing and Matt was the perfect bloody-wound-stylist! Check out some of the results...

Some of the zombies were creepy.

While others were pretty.
Then some were just...dead.
And others searched for brains!
While others...wait, what were Kurt and I doing?! Perhaps zombie-making-out?
Currently Listening: Fleet Foxes...Helplessness Blues

Pumpkins & Pirates

2011-10-31T04:17:00.001-07:00

Last weekend BUSHCRAFT got together for some pumpkin carving and here are the results!

I made a Death Star pumpkin, Diana made the classic vomiting pumpkin, Jasmina made a Darth Vader mask, Bishop carved one of his characters (Bangels), and Josh carved a Clockwork Orange face. This is our Breakfast Club inspired pose on the roof! (Thanks for taking the photo, Kurt)

Here's a close up of my Death Star-O-Lantern!

Then last night for square dancing and pub songs at The Drink I dressed up as Cursed Pirate Girl! (I simply had to give a shout out...) It's an AMAZING COMIC by Jeremy Bastian which I learned about at Baltimore Comic Con and highly highly recommend. Aye, matey!

Currently Listening: Wilco...The Whole Love

My apartment is in Time Out!

2011-10-27T04:05:00.000-07:00

My apartment is featured in the current issue if TIME OUT NEW YORK!

Kurt and I are absurdly ridiculous in this! With the rainbow colors, the awful haircut I had just given Kurt before this photo was taken, and how they play up our romance, this article definitely makes me smile. How did we get in? I simply emailed them after seeing a blurb in the magazine asking people with cool apartments to contact them. I said, "I have a fun apartment! Here are some photos!" Easy peasy.

Here it is in the print magazine...

Then when you go online, you can see us on the main page for Time Out NYC! That's just crazy.

And when you click on the story there are DOZENS of photos in the gallery capturing everything from our cat to the shower curtain to our matching tattoos. With lots of info on all our stuff and lots of shout outs.

And finally they include some stores we recommend...

Love the look? Get it here!

Desert Island (540 Metropolitan Ave between Union Ave and Lorimer St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-388-5087, desertislandbrooklyn.com)
“It’s great for random artwork,” enthuses Christenson. “It’s a comic-book store, but they sell all sorts of prints from Adrian Tomine, Peter Bagge and Charles Burns.”

Dick Blick Art Materials (1-5 Bond St between Broadway and Lafayette St; 212-533-2444, dickblick.com)
The artsy couple purchases the majority of their frames and art supplies from this bi-level resource. “Most art stores in this city let me down because I’m always looking for random supplies—from airbrush paint to cheap picture frames,” says Gulledge. “But Dick Blick is always organized and always has what I’m looking for. Plus, the staff is lovely.”

Junk (197 North 9th St between Bedford and Driggs Aves, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 212-260-1851, motherofjunk2.blogspot.com)
“The title says it all,” states Christenson. “A lot of places would overcharge for something like a typewriter, but at Junk you could probably get it for $50, and it would look nice.”

Pearl River Mart (477 Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts; 212-431-4770, pearlriver.com)
“You can get things to help fill up space for not a lot of money,” notes Gulledge of this Soho staple for festive, stylish Asian decor. “It’s the best bang for your buck.”

Drawings about not drawing

2011-10-24T03:52:00.001-07:00

In recent months, between working on the Christmas windows 6 days a week and other things like New York Comic Con, there has been no time to make any of my personal self-art-therapy drawings. But here are a few fast drawings I managed to crank out this week...all about NOT HAVING TIME TO DRAW. (Click image to see larger)

In this drawing I am quietly imploding. A side effect of not having my creative outlet. (I drew this at my table at Comic Con)There's so much I have not been saying because there just hasn't been time to get into it. (Usually my art helps with this problem) Sometimes it's easier to lie and act like everything is fine, because it's just too exhausting to open up about it with people.
When I get drawing ideas I need to make them right away, because if I let the idea sit around too long then I lose the desire to create it. So when there is no time to draw them, they end up just getting tossed out. Which makes me sad.

Currently Reading: Doctor Who: The Forgotten...by Tony Lee & Pia Guerra

NY Comic Con Recap

2011-10-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here's the recap from my first Artist Alley table at New York Comic Con!

I got the table last minute because someone else cancelled, so I was thankful to even get a spot. I sat next to illustrator Elliot Hernandez, and was happy to get to know him and his lovely wife Tara over the three days of the convention.

I sold some drawings & prints but mostly I sold a TON of copies of Page by Paige. It was amazing how positive everyone was! A bunch of different people even walked up to my table who had already read my book and told me how much they enjoyed it. And I was randomly interviewed on the spot a bunch of times. It's just so surreal to see someone connecting to artwork I was making back in a motel room apartment back in Virginia when my art didn't belong anywhere and I was just pushing myself to keep drawing anyway. Crazy! Anyway...

I did some commissioned sketches, including an unusual request on a purse...

And Gowanus Pete made a guest appearance!

This is actually the costume I made for Kurt to use for promoting his new digital comic Power Play. (Yes, Kurt is inside the costume.) I'm thrilled with how it turned out, especially since I never sew anything.
Then on Sunday I signed books and did some live drawing at the Abrams booth!

Including a couple silly impromptu drawings for these lovely ladies...
Thank you everyone who stopped by my table, and those of you who have been supporting in spirit. I still can't believe I had a table at New York Comic Con!

Currently Watching: Misfits...Second season (It's sooo good)

Scribble Press Guest Judge

2011-10-17T04:28:00.000-07:00

I'm the guest judge this month for Scribble Press!

It's a fun studio (located in NY & LA) where kids can write, draw, and post their own original e-books. Each month they have a Faber-Castell Scribble Your Story contest where children submit their books for a prize package of art supplies. I was given the five finalist books to choose from, and it was really difficult to chose a winner! They were all so adorable, but I ended up picking "My Little Unicorn" by Sadie as the winner! (You can read it online)

Here's my review of "My Little Unicorn"...

I love tales with journeys and quests, so I was immediately drawn into “My Little Unicorn.” The unicorn travels through different lands, picking up other animal friends along the way. They are all different and looking for where they fit in, which is something that I think everyone can relate to. Because everyone feels like they don’t belong sometimes! In the story the characters include a unicorn who has a rainbow tail, the skunk who is albino, and the redbird who is blue. Even though they see themselves as “wrong” because they are colored differently than everyone else, I think they are each more unique and beautiful because they are different. What could be more fun than a unicorn with a rainbow tail?? The drawings themselves were very colorful, vibrant, and fun to look at. My favorite drawing was on the second page with the green trees and flowers. The unicorn in the center of the page really pops! Sadie should be really proud; she did a great job with this book.

Congrats, Sadie!

Getting Ready for NY Comic Con!

2011-10-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

Counting down to New York Comic Con...tomorrow!

My kitty Rory has been assisting me as I've been getting everything prepared. Here he is "helping" me paint my sign, which will be a big variation of the Page by Paige book cover.
And he helped me cut up Artistic Licenses and Fun Permission Slips to give away. Then Rory helped me finish a costume that my boyfriend Kurt Christenson will be using to help promote his new comic Power Play at Comic Con. It's a character named Gowanus Pete who is half man half squid!
I've also made some simple block prints so I can offer up some human printmaking like I've done before at FIGMENT and other events. Rory couldn't help out with this part, it require fine motor skills.
Here's where my table will be located amid all the comic-y chaos. I hope you can stop by my table, I'll be there tomorrow thru Sunday!

Come see me at New York Comic Con!

2011-10-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Breaking news! This just in!
...I'm gonna be in artist alley at NEW YORK COMIC CON!

I'll be at Table S4 in artist alley all day Friday-Sunday.
Then Sunday at 1pm I'll be signing books at the Abrams table.

**You can add me to your NYCC show planner here.**

I'll be selling copies of Page by Paige, showing my sneak peak of my new characters for my upcoming project Will & Whit, selling prints and original drawings, giving away stickers and fun permission slips, and doing some fun human printmaking. I'll also be giving away goody filled agents of whimsy inspired easter eggs with each purchase. (And if you're very lucky, there might be shrinky dink wares up for grabs!)

If you're gonna be at Comic Con, please stop by and see me! It'll be intense few days for me on top of all these hours I've been working overtime painting Christmas windows, so I'll definitely appreciate all the familiar faces I can get. And hugs. And snacks.

Specifics...

Dates: Friday October 14th-Sunday Oct 16th
Tickets: $35 single day pass (Saturday is sold out) or $65 three day pass
Hours:10-7:00 Friday & Saturday, 10-5:00 Sunday
Where: Javits Convention Center

Bushcraft: Shrinky Dinks!

2011-09-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

Just like my comic alter ego, I love hanging out with my creative friends. And after having way too many conversations with people saying that "we should hang out and make stuff just for fun sometime," my friend Bishop and I decided to start a little monthly artsy gathering at his studio in Bushwick.

Hence the birth of...BUSHCRAFT!

For our kick-off adventure, we decided to make shrinky dinks. Because we're grown ups.
First we drew out/traced our images onto the shrinky dinks with markers and colored pencils...
Just to show you how small it gets, here's how big the shrinky dink was before...
...and how big it is after baking!
They curl up in the oven all crazy-like before flattening back out.
It's very suspenseful and exciting watching them in the oven. See? Just look at Alyson's face!
Here's most of the shrinky dinks we made as a group...And this is my favorite of the ones I made. I'm gonna make it into a necklace...
Oh, and we were also celebrating BIRTHDAYS! Kurt, Bishop, and myself all have birthdays this same week. Yay cupcakes!
Back at home...Rory wasn't sure about another ginger cat in the house, but he's adjusting!If you'd like to try this at home, I highly recommend it! You can buy refill packs online and it costs about $5 for a pack of 6 blank sheets.

Comics Quick Draw! @ Brooklyn Book Festival

2011-09-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here's the recap from the Comics Quick Draw event
at the Brooklyn Book Festival this weekend!

I drew live on stage with the lovely comic creators Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy) and Raina Telgemeier (Smile). We were featured in the Publishers Weekly blog about Comics and Graphic Novels at the Brooklyn Book Festival, as well as a Publishers Weekly article Children’s Books at the 2011 Brooklyn Book Festival: A Photo-Essay. You can see all our individual drawings here on Pop Culture Spectrum!
We had a GREAT crowd who gave us bizarre and entertaining suggestions for things to draw.
We had just 3 minutes to draw each picture, and it went by fast! We had time to do 7 rounds...

We talked about the drawings after each round, and at the end we gave all the drawings away to the kids. Then we signed books!
Let's see, here's my giant powered donut being bombarded with sprinkles...
And here's is my version of an elastic man (I thought he should be playing basketball)...

Finally, here's a collaborative one we all did of a dragon and a hippo on a catwalk. (I drew the dragon, Dave the hippo, Raina the crowd)

Thanks everyone who came out! I hope everyone had as much fun as we did.

Currently Reading: Habibi by Craig Thompson (Birthday gift for myself! It's amazing....)

New Drawing & 2nd Book Update

2011-09-19T03:46:00.000-07:00

So what's the update on my 2nd graphic novel? Well, last week I finished the pitch and sent it along to the higher ups. Hooray! So we'll see what happens.

The working title is Will & Whit, and it revolves around the characters I introduced in my blog back in June. Here is the short summary...
"As lamp-building teen Willy wraps up another summer in her mountain town, she longs for unplugged adventures with her fellow creative friends Autumn, Noel, and Reese. Little does she know that she will get her wish in the form of a whimsical arts carnival and blackout thanks to a hurricane named Whitney, which forces Willy to face her fear of darkness and the living shadows that shed light on her true self."

***

With these new characters, I thought I'd start drawing some short little comics so I can get to know them better! (And play around with style) This one is"Willy the Dude."
Here are the individual panels so it's easier to read!

Currently Reading: Unwritten: Tommy Taylor and the Bogus Identity...by Mike Carey and Peter Gross

Nerdy Fan Art: Whedon & Moffet

2011-09-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

I thought I would make some silly fan art just for fun, covering composition notebooks in doodles like a swoony middle schooler. So who did I choose to dedicate them to? I thought I would pick my two favorite nerdy writers of course. Because real nerd chicks love writers! And the more I develop my own abilities as a writer (and I'm dating a writer) I really appreciate good storytelling.

1. JOSS WHEDON!

(Click to see larger) And here's a pic of me with him a couple years ago when he made an appearance at the Apple Store promoting Dollhouse, just to show how nice he is.

2. STEVEN MOFFAT!

(Click to see larger) And here's a pic of me with a Dalek at a Doctor Who exhibit in Scotland a couple years ago! Before I vomited in the museum. (Long story!) I have seen Moffat live but not met him...yet.

If you're interested in commissioning a custom nerdy composition notebook cover or if you want to buy one of these off of me, just let me know!

Currently Listening: Lady Gaga: Queen of Pop by Emily Herbert

This weekend! Brooklyn Book Festival

2011-09-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEKEND I will be at the Brooklyn Book Festival!

I'll be taking part in a DRAW-OFF with the amazing (and super-nice) Raina Telgemeier and Dave Roman, hosted by Calvin Reid from Publisher's Weekly Comics World. Since I've been working on Christmas windows so much lately rather than comics, I'm feeling a bit rusty with my drawing! So it'll definitely be interesting.

It's Sunday September 18th at 11:00am. It is FREE and will be at Brooklyn Borough Hall: 209 Joralemon Street. (Subways: ACF Jay Street, R Court Street, 2345 Borough Hall)

Currently Reading: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (audiobook)

Now Available for SCHOOL VISITS

2011-09-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

I am officially available for hire to give school presentations, lead creative workshops, and design/collaborate on murals!

You can see the specifics on my website, but here's the jist of it...

Presentations:

I open by playing the video trailer for Page by Paige, introducing myself, and introducing my graphic novel. I briefly run through my journey from nerdy student to teacher to artist, accompanied by embarrassing photos. I bring one of my sketchbooks, which were the core of my artistic development, to share in person. I run through my creative process of turning a raw emotion into a metaphorical drawing through visuals that show each step.

I discuss my unexpected discovery of graphic novels. I share my early attempts at sequential s storytelling, show how my visual style evolved, and what I struggled with. (Like drawing hands!) I explain my intention in making Page by Paige, which was to share how creative expression can teach life lessons and encourage self discovery as it did for me.

Students receive artistic licenses and sign fun permission slips. Then a few student volunteers participate in a live reading of a excerpt from Page by Paige accompanied by the corresponding comic panels. I wrap up by answering questions from the students. In addition...Students also get a Paige-inspired sketchbook activity guide, teachers will receive a Page by Paige discussion guide, I will create a Paige-inspired chalk drawing in front of the school during my visit, and a signed copy of Page by Paige will be donated to the school library.

Workshops:

With smaller groups I can do workshops rather than or in combination with a presentation. These are designed to promote introspection and reflection through creativity rather than technical production skills:
The Art of Sketchbooks: Students either learn how to make their own sketchbook or simply try one of my go-to sketchbook activities.
Mirror Self Portraits: Students reveal who they really see when they look in the mirror by drawing on actual mirrors with wax pencils.
Reprogram Yourself Self Portraits: Students work on changing one of their own perceptions of themselves by creating a drawing completely out of words.
How are You? Self Portraits: Students will identify some of THIER own personal symbols so they can draw a simple self portrait using their own metaphor.

Murals:

I can draw a mural out for your school and paint it personally, or simply design it with the intention for the students to paint it collaboratively. Fee would depend on size, complexity, and time frame to execute. I have extensive experience doing large scale painting from working as a freelance muralist/scenic painter since 2004. (Portfolio here)

If you have any questions or if you are interested in bringing me to your school, please send me an email: lauraleegulledge@gmail.com

Page by Paige Discussion Guide

2011-09-01T01:35:00.000-07:00

For all you educators and literary types out there...I've written a discussion guide for Page by Paige! Why? Because I want to help promote bringing graphic novels into the classroom as an emerging literary form. Because there are some really exciting similarities and differences between graphic novels and prose novels. So let's help teachers out with more educational tools!

Note: I'm trained as an art teacher, so I hope none of you legit language arts teachers take offense if I act like I'm the literary expert. Because I'm not! I just hope that this guide can be helpful in starting conversations with students. (If you don't like it, here's a silly photo of me in Ghana to make up for it!)

Page by Paige Discussion Guide

**Literary Analysis**

Graphic Novels as a Format:
Graphic novels continue to be a source of debate in language arts classrooms. Since Page by Paige relies heavily on illustrating Paige’s internal world, how would it have been a different reading experience if it was made as a prose novel instead? What makes visual storytelling different than prose storytelling? Some scenes don’t have any words and let the pictures do the talking, so is that still considered literature? You can discuss the format more at large by asking the question if reading comics and graphic novels develops literacy skills. This can also be a good topic for a class debate. Or you can use this as a segway to discuss other forms of visual storytelling, such as Trajan’s Column or German woodcut wordless books.

Metaphors:
Page by Paige is simply swimming in metaphors, because it’s how Paige translates her experiences and processes feelings so she understands them. Select an example and have students describe the image visually, what they think is being expressed, and if it can be interpreted different ways. For example, an image of being submerged in water could be interpreted as calming or terrifying depending on the individual reader’s point of view. Did you notice any reoccurring motifs, and what do you think it symbolized? Students can also be invited to come up with their own examples of how Paige would illustrate a scene from their own life.

Similes:
Some of the drawings in Page by Paige illustrate specific common expressions, making them more of a simile than a metaphor. For example, instead of writing that she feels so vulnerable it’s like she’s walking on a tightrope, Paige is actually walking on a tightrope. After analyzing examples in the book, invite students to illustrate a saying they use themselves. (Such as “walking on eggshells” or “being an open book.”)

Personification:
Continuing on the theme of figurative language, you can also follow a similar process of analyzing personification in Page by Paige. Have students look for an example of when an object or abstract idea comes to life with human characteristics to interact with Paige. (Such as Paige’s heart or paintings at the museum that talk to her.) What do you think is the deeper meaning? What does the object in the scene symbolize for Paige?

**Visual Analysis**

Nonverbal Communication:
Since the characters are drawn, the reader can interpret a character’s thoughts and feelings through more visual cues. Select a scene from Page by Paige and discuss what you can learn about a character through their facial expressions and body language. (Such as when Jules confronts Paige about their friendship or whenever Paige interacts with her Mom.) Does this sometimes contradict with what the character is saying verbally?

Style Duality:
The look of Paige’s inner world and external world are drawn differently. Why do you think the artist drew it this way? Have students articulate the difference in their appearances such as the shading, imagery, tone, and composition. How does the layout/composition influence the pacing? How does the line quality and shading style create a tone? Ask students if they themselves sometimes retreat into their own head, and what their mental realm is like. Is it a loud, colorful, dark, quiet, cluttered, etc? Does this contradict how they act and/or their physical environment in the real world? Is it an escape or a prison?

Word Art:
Sometimes Paige uses words visually to express what she isn’t saying out loud. For example, when she begins her new school she imagines the signs with words of encouragement on them as a sort of pep talk. Is there anything that you tell yourself when things are rough, like a personal mantra? Then in other moments of Page by Paige, her imaginary words express her doubts and fears. They literally cloud her head. Are these things real issues or has she simply built them up in her head? Why does Paige doubt herself? What would your doubt clouds say?

Creativity:
Like many introverts, Paige has two sides: who she presents to the world and then who she is inside her head. She uses a creative outlet to merge the two more together. Do you feel like two different people sometimes? When you pour your heart into something private such as a journal, diary, instrument, or sketchbook is that a substitute for friendship? Is Paige’s sketchbook a character in the story?

**Other Themes for Discussion**

Relationships:
Parents...Paige censors herself in front of her mother and avoids sharing her sketchbook with her until the end of the story. Why does she distance herself? Do you think she is acting out of anger? Ask students if they do the same thing with their parents.
Friends...Paige’s friends all reflect back different qualities of herself. How does each friend help her? What traits, qualities, and skills do your friends bring out in you?

Home:
Throughout the story, Paige struggles to adjust to life in a big city and makes the city feel more like home by hanging up drawings of trees. Do you think she has evolved into a city girl or will she always be a country girl at heart? What are the benefits and drawbacks of living in the big city versus a small town? If you have moved to a new town yourself, what did you do to make it feel more like home?

Street Art:
Street art has grown to be more accepted by the art world, but still stirs up controversy. Would you consider wheatpastes like the ones hung by Paige to be vandalism or is it art? What’s the difference between Paige’s street art trees and graffiti tags? This can be a good opportunity to introduce students to other street artists such as Banksy and Swoon, or to perhaps have a class debate.

Online Criticism:
Paige struggles with criticism of her artwork when she posts it online, taking the comments very personally. Have you ever had a drawing criticized in an art class? How would that feel different than having your art criticized by a stranger online? Do you think it’s easier to be mean online since you don’t have to see the other person face to face?

Currently Listening: The Naked and Famous...Passive Me, Aggressive You

New Society6 schwag! And LoLcats.

2011-08-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

I've posted some of my artwork on Society6! Here you can check out my new store. So you buy the products through them, and I get some proceeds from each item sold. I've posted a handful of pieces that I thought would be appealing.

There are prints and stretched canvases...
Ipod/phone skins and Iphone cases...
T-Shirts and Hoodies...
And laptop skins, which are my personal favorite!
If there is a piece of mine that you think should be turned into one of these products, please let me know! I just picked these at random and would love some feedback.

***

Oh, and I have to share the BEST REVIEW OF PAGE BY PAIGE EVER. This girl Rie wrote a review in her blog using only LoLcats! (She also wrote, "In all seriousness, this is the best graphic novel I’ve read in a while. " Double happy!)

So I couldn't resist sharing a few of the images. You can see the rest of them in her blog "Friend of Dorothy Wilde!"

Baltimore Comic Con!

2011-08-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Here's my recap from BALTIMORE COMIC CON!

It was my first time having a table in an Artist Alley at ANY comic book convention, and I was super nervous. I've been working too much lately and fighting off a cold, so I was thankful I didn't lose my voice!

I sold out of ALL the copies of Page by Paige that I brought with me, almost all on the first day! I also sold out of my zines along with selling a ton of original drawings. Everyone was very complimentary and encouraging, so overall I'd say it was a huge success! Me and my set-up ended up looking quite patriotic...

I must thank Kurt Christenson for helping me learn the ropes and being so supportive! You should check out his new digital comic Power Play which he's created with Marvel artist Reilly Brown...the preview is available for free on Comixology!

Abrams didn't have a table, but they had lots of books nominated for the Harvey Awards being held there. Here's me with Abrams ComicArts Editor Charlie Kochman and his wife...

I was also commissioned to do some sketches, so I' thought I'd share a couple! Here's a self portrait of myself as my own superhero: The Incredible Sulk, complete with kleenex box utility belt and chocolate bar of justice...

And for a Doctor Who themed sketchbook, I drew my alter ego Paige as Amy Pond...

(Photos were by Kurt Christenson! Except for the first one, which is from Valerie D'Orazio's coverage for MTV.)

Great Neck Library Event

2011-08-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Last week was a visiting author at the Great Neck Library out in Long Island!

It was the finale event of their Teen Summer Program, and everyone was quite welcoming. I spoke about my art, shared one of my sketchbooks, talked about how it evolved into Page by Paige, and answered lots of really good questions from the audience. Afterwards there was a signing and snacks. Thank you everyone who came out! And special thanks to Courtney Greenblatt for inviting me.

The event was mentioned beforehand in the local papers! This article from the Great Neck Record now hangs on my mom's fridge. Moms LOVE clippings.

Next I'm working on my blog post about BALTIMORE Comic Con! To be continued...

NEWS! Baltimore Comic Con, New Art, and More!

2011-08-15T03:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend I'm proud to announce that I will be at BALTIMORE COMIC CON!
I'll be in Artist Alley at table 1709K! This will be my first time having my very own table at a big comic convention like this, so I am very excited/overwhelmed/nervous about it. Mostly overwhelmed. I'll be selling copies of Page by Paige, original artwork/illustrations, and zines.

Info:
August 20-21st at the Baltimore Convention Center.
Hours are Satrurday 10-6:00, Sunday 10-5:00.
Tickets are $30 weekend, $20 Saturday, $15 Sunday.
Stan Lee will be the guest of honor!

***

Next, here's a new little drawing I made this week. Click to see larger...

So a lot of my drawings have been sad lately, mostly stemming from personal romantic relationshipy stuff. I see this drawing as the pinnacle of that struggle inside myself, because I was really torn in two directions...not knowing which side was the real truth. Thankfully things have been resolved, so no more sad drawings on the horizon.

***

Next I thought I'd share a PRODUCTION SKETCH I made for Adam Aleksander recently! It was for the Zu Vodka Bison Riding Block Party on Bourbon Street itself in New Orleans. (Production by Handcrafted PR)

Here is my little watercolor sketch of his proposed design and a photo of the finished results. I wish I could have seen it in person!

***

On a final random note...
My hairdresser Cobra recently gave me some fun strawberry-blonde/dark-red tips at the end of my hair, and decided to use it to represent him in a contest going on right now for stylist of the year at Dramatics NYC! Talk about flattering. You can vote for my photo and support him super quickly by going here!

Page by Paige...MOTION COMIC!

2011-08-08T03:33:00.000-07:00

At the Page by Paige book launch party I debuted a short MOTION COMIC trailer by filmmaker Nathan Luppino...and it's finally online! Please check it out.

The song is "Thankless" by the Charlottesville band (my lovely friends) All of Fifteen.

Recent Body Painting Adventures

2011-08-01T03:25:00.000-07:00

I have not shared any body painting stuff in AGES, so this is a long overdue collection of what's happened in that department in the past few months!

DIRTY DISCO LAUNDRETTE
This event, organized by Adam Aleksander, was in an actual laundromat! 2nd Skin adorned the bartenders (who were wearing towels) with suds and glitter. You can see more pics from the party here, and Ventiko's photobooth pics here.

POETRY BROTHEL
I painted a burlesque performer live at The Poetry Brothel "House of Illusions" event. I did this back in the winter and it went so well they brought me back! This was a new poem written by the poetry whores.

RED LOTUS EVENT
Ages and ages ago Matt and I painted the staff at a party at the Red Lotus Room. Alas, I don't even know what it was called! Shrug.

AT HOME BODY PAINTING
A while back Kurt and I had an at-home body painting session, which I highly recommend! (You can use tempera paint, which is easy to find and flakes off when it dries but for playing around it's perfect.) Here's what I painted on Kurt, hope he doesn't mind me sharing!

Gatekeepers Post Interview

2011-07-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

I was recently interviewed by Jeff Rivera for the Gatekeepers Post about Page by Paige! It's is a social media community that focuses on book publishing with a ton of great interviews and articles.

We talked about inspiration, writing, ebooks, and promotion. Some of which I knew what I was talking about! Click here to read the interview. And please like/tweet if you feel so inclined.

More new drawings!

2011-07-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

I don't like how the text bubble turned out in this little comic, but otherwise it pretty much captures me lately. Freaking out and clutching my kitty Rory. (click these to see larger)

Weeping willow self portrait. I tried not to make this too indulgently sad, but hey, I have been a bit melancholy lately.

Sometimes I feel like I'm scraping the bottom of the well, I just feel tapped out emotionally. Like there's nothing left for me to give and I'm spent.

Currently Reading: Bossypants(audiobook)...by Tina Fey

New drawings!

2011-07-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a trio of new drawings! Click to see larger.

That drawing sort of explains itself. I've been kinda down lately. Meh, summertime.

When I freak out about my life being totally unstable, like I've been doing lately, I remind myself that it's what I've decided to do with my life. I can always go back to my old life of a full time job with health insurance and a predictable schedule, but that comes with its own consequences as well.

I've been hanging out on my quiet little rooftop lately, so here's the first of what I'm sure will be a series of drawings illustrating the view.

Currently Reading: Choice Theory by William Glasser, M.D.

Red Bull Creation - Live Murals!

2011-07-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend I led some live mural painting at the big Red Bull Creation event in McCarren Park!

I got involved with this through my favorite project-event-playmate Adam Alexsander. This was like what we did at 3rd Ward a few months ago with Red Bull, which you can see in my old blog post recap.

We had a bunch of art supplies for each side of the mural including paint, papers, hardware, twine, nails, hot glue, glitter, paint pens, scrap metal, pip cleaners, etc.

Guests of the event were welcome to walk up and contribute to the collaborative murals, which had a computer-circuit-board-technological sort of theme.

My helpers were great! There was Chris Ams...

Danger Dan...

Then Andrea Sparacio (who took all these lovely photos) and Alyson Greenfield.

And here are the finished murals! Click image to see larger.

You can see more photos from this event in Andrea's flickr set!

MONDAY! MONDAY!
My lovely mural helper Alyson Greenfield is having an ALBUM RELEASE show this Monday July 18th at Mercury Lounge! (You might remember seeing that she performed at my book launch party) Well, this is her hip hop covers album ROCK OUT WITH YOUR GLOCKENSPIEL OUT. She plays at 8:30. Here's the Facebook Event.

Book Signing at the Gulledge House

2011-07-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

Over the holiday weekend I had a Page by Paige book signing party at my parents' house in Woodbridge, Virginia! (All the photos are on Flickr)

There were some blasts from the past! Such as color guard friends from the JMU marching band...

Fellow survivors of Osbourn Park High School.

Another former Kappa Pi (art fraternity) president.

As well as neighbors and friends of the family.

And we made some NEW friends as well.

We gave out door prizes and goody bags, and I signed books of course.

Thank you everyone for coming out! And a big-whopping-extra-super-sized thank you to my family for hosting and feeding and photographing everyone so wonderfully! (Mom and Brian made the food, Dad took the pics) THANK YOU!

Now I'm headed back to New York! In the fall when school is back in session I'll be lining up some Page by Paige events/workshops here in Virginia, so stay tuned!

Finger Painting Break

2011-06-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Last night I did some FINGER PAINTING with my awesome illustrator friend Andrea Sparacio! If you need to loosen up and let go artistically, this is a fun way to do it. We just used some tempera paint that I have in my stash, so you don't need anything fancy.

Here are the silly paintings I made! (Click to see larger)

We watched some Doctor Who, so I wasn't too surprised when my fingers started making a portrait of Amy Pond. Hahaha! Nerd.

New comic characters! And new kitty!

2011-06-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

I've been scheming up a BRAND NEW YOUNG ADULT GRAPHIC NOVEL! And it's with a totally new cast of characters! I first met my new main character when I doodled this in my sketchbook ages ago...

It's taken me a year and a half to get to know her, and I only just began to work on her friends. They're all brand new and still evolving, so who knows how they will transform as I work on writing out the story.

WILLY
Short for Willemena, named after my great grandmother. She makes lamps out of found objects and has an old-fashioned steampunk tinged style. You can see I'm playing around with her hair, whether to have it looser or done more tightly braided. She represents a side of my personality just like Paige does, so there's some physical continuity with her strawberry blonde hair and freckles. Oh, and her shadows are alive.

AUTUMN
She is Willy's best friend, from an Indian-American family. She makes rad puppets.

NOAH
He completes this trio of longtime friends. He's sweet natured and into cooking.

REESE
She is Noah's little sister. She's a little tweeny hipster who idolizes Noah's friends.

Now it's time to hammer out the plot for these characters! If you have feedback on these characters, I'd love to hear it! Please comment or shoot me an email: lauraleegulledge@gmail.

And speaking of new characters...
I've adopted a kitten! His name is Rory, AKA Roary like a lion cub. (the name is also in reference to a Doctor Who character) He was found a few blocks from where I live here in Brooklyn, and we're guessing he's about 6 months old. He's a real life party cat! He sleeps on his back like this all the time, it's waaay too cute.

Currently Reading: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Latest News!

2011-06-24T03:53:00.000-07:00

Lots of new news to share! Let's get started...

I currently have an etching hanging in the Crest Hardware Art Show! It opened this past weekend, featuring hundreds of works of art displayed creatively throughout the store. This brass etching of mine is the only large one that I didn't install as street art under my alias Karat. You should check out the show if you can, it will be up for a while.

***

I was the guest speaker at the annual Young Adult Services Division
(YASD) luncheon in Nassau Country, which basically means I got to hang out with a room full of wonderful librarians! Here I am with Barbara Mickowski, the president of the NCLA Young Adult Services Division.

***

I was interviewed by Palle Schmidt for Writing with Pictures. You can read it here!

***

I am featured in an article in Publishing Trendsetter about Manga and female readers in the comics industry. You can read the full article here, written by Rachel Stark.

***

Attention all you Virginia folks!

Next week I'm having a BOOK SIGNING & PARTYat my parents' house in Northern Virginia! There will be lots of wine, food, freebies, and surprises. Please RSVP on facebook or via email: pattysgulledge@gmail.com
Sunday July 3rd 3:00-5:00pm.
11550 Gunner Court Woodbridge, Virginia.
Facebook Event.

9 New Very Personal Drawings!

2011-06-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

9 drawings?! Normally I'd break these up into multiple blogs, but my computer has been in the shop so I was unable to scan any of these any earlier that today.

These drawings are all about some recent romantic turbulence, so please take them in gently! They are uber personal. (Click to see larger)

1.

Sometimes, one of us checks out of the relationship like a library book. Leaving the other behind to miss us.

2.

I see things in greytones, you see in black and white. I see things optimistically, you're pessimistic. I'm daytime, you're nighttime. Problems normally arise because we simply see things differently than the other person.

3.

To me this drawing is a Carrie Bradshaw sort of observation. I'm normally a lipgloss addict, so when I don't bother to put it on I know I'm either apathetic or super preoccupied. Same thing with a lack of appetite. (I painted it with copper metallic paint, so it looks way cooler in person.)

4.

You're a dish that needs more time in the oven, but I am patient. I drew this quickly, in my "New Yorker cartoon" style. (And for you Joss Whedon fans out there, I was indeed thinking of the Buffy cookie dough analogy while drawing this.)

5.

Sometimes there is no where to step. I can walk on eggshells or walk on nails...which is worse? Either way I just end up hurting both of us.

6.

People talk about heartache as a physical pain, like your heart is being ripped out of your chest. And now I really get it. But for me it's more like a painful implosion, a black hole where my heart was.

7.

When I draw self portraits, I've noticed that I normally don't abstract my own form unless the emotion manifests itself physically. Like in this drawing. I was so upset, so without control, that no clever metaphor could possibly express it. Only a swirl of lines could express something so visceral.

8.

You're an alien and I'm a robot. We both feel like outsiders, separate from humanity. But I'm good at analyzing humans, so I can explain their behavior to you when you don't understand. I'll be your translator.

9.

You're rain and I'm sunshine. Yes we're different. But together we make rainbows.

Crest Art Show & Body Paint Events THIS WEEK!

2011-06-13T17:53:00.001-07:00

Looking for fun stuff to do this week? Check out these events where I'll be painting live & displaying artwork!

1.
CREST FEST HARDWARE ART SHOW
I'll have a BRASS ETCHING hanging in this indoor/outdoor group art show! There will also be live bands, DJs, creative vendors, food & booze, and a self portrait project photobooth.
Saturday, June 18th 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Crest Hardware: 558 Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg
Free, Facebook Invite

2.
DIRTY DISCO LAUNDRETTE
2nd Skin will be there airbrushing suds and bubbles on bare body parts of guests at this latest party thrown by my dear friend Adam Aleksander. You can come dance in your underwear to the beats of DJS from DFA Records, pose in a washer-dryer-photobooth by Ventikoland, and drink free detergent themed cocktails all night.
Friday, June 17 at 10:30pm-4:00am
Metro Community Laundromat in Williamsburg
Tickets $76, Facebook Invite

3.
SUMMER NAKED PAINTING PARTY: "Unravel The Mystery of a Stranger"
2nd Skin Body Painting will be helping paint the masses at this quarterly, burning man style, now infamous naked painting party. Free drinks by Nude Vodka 8-9:00. Go to the link to read more details.
Wednesday June 15th, 8:00pm-1:00am
The Gallery Bar: 120 Orchard Street
Tickets $20 cash at door, Facebook Invite

Have you seen the Page by Paige blog?

2011-06-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

Some of my "Page by Paige" blog (whoispaige.com) overlaps with this blog, but I also post separate content there. So I thought I'd share a recap of all that fun stuff in case you might be interested!

Print out your own copy of Paige's art rules!

A guide I made for making a font out of your handwriting.

Print out your own sheet of artistic licenses to cut out and share.

Meet the real character: Longo!

Jules' new music pick: The Boxettes

Longos' new music pick: French Horn Rebellion

Stay tuned, there are lots more new "Paige by Paige" blogs to come!

WORD drawings @ WORD Books

2011-06-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

This weekend I held my last scheduled workshop for the summer, at WORD Books! (I'll be lining up more events in the Fall) In the spirit of the space I decided it would be appropriate to make drawings out of WORDS.

It was a very art therapy sort of lesson, and since we were a small group we were able to get more personal which was nice. First I shared different ways that I've used text in my artwork and in "Page by Paige," especially as a way to articulate inner fears.

Then we shared the negative things that we each tell ourselves, named the underlying fears, and decided what positive phrase we could ingrain in our head to override the original negative one. Then we made drawings out of the new words, because drawing it/writing it can help new ideas stick in our head.

Since these were all pretty personal I'll just share mine rather than everyone's! My inner fear was that I am a fraud, that people will discover that I'm not that cool or talented or clever and that my graphic novel was a fluke. So the positive phrase I need to "reprogram" in my head is that "I have something to offer."

And congrats Daniel and Annie for winning a copy of my "Be a Revelationary" poster!

Book Expo America: Author Speed Dating!

2011-06-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

Last week I attended BOOK EXPO AMERICA where I took part in the event "Speed Dating With Children's Authors!"

19 different authors (including myself) moved from table to table, spending time chatting at each table with over 100 librarians, book store owners, and other book professionals from across the country. It was a lot of fun, even though I had to talk my way into the event because I didn't have a badge! I was shocked to hear that many of the attendees had already read my book. Now if only I can save enough money to do a proper book tour...

Publishers Weekly posted a complete article about the event here. And I'd like to say a special thanks Kurt for passing out my stickers and such until I ran out!

In other news...
Abrams art director Chad Beckerman posted a nice blog entry about my event at BookCourt! Complete with a bunch of new photos. Thanks, Chad!

And FINALLY...
This Saturday 4-5:00 is my last event in New York for a while! At WORD Books in Greenpoint. We'll be making portraits out of WORDS. Click here for more info!

The Reviews of "Page by Paige"

2011-05-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Now that "Page by Paige" has been out for a month (wow!), I thought I'd share the REVIEWS so far! Overall people have been very positive and encouraging, which as a first-time author makes me feel unbelievably grateful. So....THANK YOU!

“Gulledge's b&w illustrations are simple but well-suited to their subject matter; the work as a whole is a good-natured, optimistic portrait of a young woman evolving toward adulthood.”
--PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY

"A sweet coming-of-age graphic novel about an artistic introvert. Paige’s sketches are soft and expressive, and Gulledge does an admirable job of providing insight into Paige’s musings, creating a very intimate ambiance for this well-fleshed-out character. The artist masterfully commands her piece, creating a cohesive and fluid work that cascade smoothly along. Teens are sure to relate to this wallflower who blooms—gloriously"
--KIRKUS BOOK REVIEWS

“Gulledge’s literal depictions of metaphors are quite beautiful, and the story is eminently relatable.”
--PASTE MAGAZINE

“Page by page, ahem, we are treated to inventive layouts and designs as we get insightful glimpses into Paige’s conscious mind....Gulledge is an honest artist, laying out her fears and dreams out for all of us to examine...This comes highly recommend to people seeking something fresh and different.”
--COMIC MIX

“I immediately wanted to find people around me to share the images. I can't wait to start giving this out as gifts or sharing it with teens that I know. Page by Paige is a wonderful debut by Gulledge and I certainly look forward to future work from her. “
--KID LIT FRENZY

“ The themes Gulledge tackles in the flowing text and the revealing illustrations are complex and mature. So while many teens will definitely relate to Paige's feelings of isolation, older readers will also find something to love about this imaginative tale.”
--RT BBOOK REVIEWS

“The story is warm, charming and full of sugary sweetness, inspiration, trust and caring of friends, a budding relationship and tons of feel good moments... Gulledge (is) not afraid to take the readers on a visual stroll that is engaging and distracting at the same time, much like an amusement park...Not only for young readers and one I am sure will easily make it onto my personal “best of” list of 2011.”
--BURNT WEINERS

“A funny, charming and very touching coming of age story. I loved Paige and I hope she has more of her story to tell.”
--GREEN BEAN TEEN QUEEN

“This was a fun, quick read with enough depth to make me go back and re-read it again.”
--MRS. P’s BOOK REVIEWS

“It’s astounding...This is a book that could only be done as a comic, and it makes full use of the medium.”
--COMICS WORTH READING

“Anyone who's ever felt like a fish out of water, anyone who's ever felt like they don't measure up, anyone who's ever felt alone will relate to Paige. She is so fully realized, with all of her teenage highs and lows, it makes you want to cheer when she ultimately works up the courage to share her art with the world.”
--READING EVERYWHERE

“I am a 30 year old, white male who enjoys metal music and mixed martial arts. Why the disclosure? Because I simply loved this book...I am honestly blown away with how much I enjoyed the artwork in the book, spending a lot of time staring at the same page, picking out all the little details.”
--AMAZON customer review: John

“I would rate this book five stars: I loved it.”
— SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL teen review: Madison (Age 12)

“ Her character seemed well developed and real, and the supporting characters also have very vibrant personalities.”
— SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL teen review: Katie (Age 16)

“If I could go back in time I would hand this book to my 16 year old self. Who would I become? Most definitely an Agent of Whimsy!!”
--GOODREADS review: Wendy

“The artwork is quite wonderful, and makes the book feel like you are reading a journal/sketchbook instead of a graphic novel written by an adult.”
--GOODREADS review: Matthew

“Laura Lee Gulledge is truly a talented artist....Just shows how important teaching kids how to express themselves is, because it can save them from bottling things up inside of them.”
--GOODREADS review: Kellee

“ This is an awesome graphic novel that I would recommend as a way to get those who draw to read.”
--GOODREADS review: Lori

“ Though the tale is written from a teenage female perspective, I still find myself (30-something male) able to relate to her trials and tribulations...Gulledge's work here flows like a song. “
--GOODREADS review: Kent

“I loved how Paige slowly coaxes herself out of her shell. Great themes of friendship and finding your own place in the world.”
--GOODREADS review: Kelly

“I loved how Paige's artistic explorations were reflected in the changing styles of the art in the book--inked and non-inked, panels and no panels, markery and watercolory--but they all fit together as the work of one artist's personality.
--GOODREADS review: Tessa

“Many interesting elements here, but most profoundly expressed are the insecurities of a creative, introspective young teenager, who is willing to face her fears and grow into the young, capable and honest artist she is meant to discover, becoming a friend to herself and to others along the way.”
--GOODREADS review: Teresa

“ Paige's head is filled with so many thoughts and doubts, in a way that I remember vividly from my own teen years, and the illustrations bring to life her emotions.”
--GOODREADS review: Joy

“DON'T MISS THIS ONE! Wait. I yelled that. Okay. Yes. I would yell this from the rooftops. You have kids that will absolutely love this!”
--GOODREADS review: Paul

New drawings!

2011-05-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! Here are three new drawings for you to enjoy. (Click to see larger)

First drawing and a close-up:

This one is about the end of the plan. Giving up more and more control. Entering totally uncharted territory.

Second drawing and a close-up:

Whether it's put up by you or by me, sometimes there is a wall between us. Others might not be able to detect it, but we can see beneath the surface of each other.

Third drawing and a close-up:

More and more of my friends are having babies. My biological clock continues to tick away silent and unnoticed (thankfully), but I can't help but wonder what my future holds. Hence, Magic-8-Ball baby heads.

Currently Listening: French Horn Rebellion...The Infinite Music Of French Horn Rebellion

Next Week: Workshop @ WORD Books!

2011-05-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Next Saturday I'll be holding my last scheduled book event for a while...and it will be at the wonderful WORD Books in Greenpoint!

Saturday June 4th 4-5:00pm
WORD: 126 Franklin Street
Closest Subway: Greenpoint Avenue G Stop
RSVP on Facebook

What words come to mind when you look at yourself? Do you ever wish you could change who you are? In this workshop, I will help you “reprogram” your perceptions of yourself by creating a self portrait completely out of WORDS! You will work sheets of paper using a variety of drawing tools. No special artistic skills are necessary!

I will be raffling off a signed copy of my "Be a Revelationary" poster! And I'll have my original sketchbooks on hand for you to flip through.

Currently Reading: Lewis & Clark by Nick Bertozzi

Mirror Portraits @ BookCourt

2011-05-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

This Sunday I held a signing and workshop at BookCourt here in Brooklyn! I talked about my artwork and invited folks to make mirror self portraits, which was an activity based on my introspective style of art-making portrayed in Page by Paige.

People drew what/who they saw when they looked in the mirror using china markers...

And here is a sampling of the finished ones! People drew themselves as a pirate, an artist, a princess, a baby, etc.

How about me? Well, I drew myself under construction...

Thank you everyone who braved the non-running-subway-schedule and came out on Sunday! And you folks at BookCourt for being supper supportive of the event. You can see more pics from this in my Flicker gallery.

Sculpture: Wall Street Bull for HBO

2011-05-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

I usually freelance as a scenic painter, but last week I wrapped up my first big opportunity to do some large-scale sculpting!

Through Largent Studios I worked with anther freelancer David Kretschmer to make a sculpture for the launch party for the HBO film "Too Big to Fail."

We were basically replicating the famous Wall Street Bull, but making sure to change various details for legal reasons.

And here is our finished bull...ta-da!

It was sculpted with layers of tiger foam and aqua resin over chicken wire around a metal armature. Lots of sanding and carving and filling and building up.

When complete, I built up layers of different speckled shades of pewter with a final green iridescent finish to compliment the money-themed decor.

This was a really fun (yet physically tiring) project! And getting a chance to work more three-dimensionally was definitely a wonderful new challenge.

Currently Reading: Catching Fire (Book 2 of The Hunger Games)...by Suzanne Collins

New Paintings & Drawings

2011-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

This painting is an abstracted pile of rocks inspired (and including) the Antoine de Saint-Exupery quote: "A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral." (Click images to see larger size)

Here's a close up...

This drawing is about....ALLERGIES! Drowning in an ocean of tissues, the kleenex boxes floating almost like buoys. I'm sure many of you out there can relate!

And here's a close up...

And this is a quick drawing I made at a neighborhood bar (The Emerson) a couple weeks ago, where I was killing time locked out of the apartment! Everything had gone wrong that day, so I thought I'd laugh at the absurdity of it rather than sulking. I forgot about it until I stumbled across it yesterday...

Finally, I drew another little cartoon on the wall of the apartment! This one is in the kitchen, and it's a tribute to the little mouse family that I feel guilty for having to exterminate. (Well, most have been caught in the traps left by the previous tennant...) So sorry, little mice!

Currently Reading: It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken...by Seth

Red Bull Circuit Board Murals

2011-05-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

Last month I worked with Adam Aleksander Presents to create a live interactive art element for a Red Bull Creation event at 3rd Ward! (Sorry I'm so behind on my blogging!) You can see a cool write-up about this "Brooklyn Nerd Party" here.

Live painting...what to do? I proposed we have circuit-board themed collaborative murals for guests to add to, since the event had a technology/hacker/mechanical/innovation vibe. And this design wouldn't be intimidating for the non-artist, since you'd only need to create simple shapes and lines!

So I gathered lots of materials for each work station: Paint, hot glue guns, scrap wood, nails, hardware, metallic papers, paint pens, glitter, rope, red bull cans to cut up and manipulate, etc.

We actually had THREE murals, making it a competition! Guests were divided according to the color of their wrist band: Red, blue, or silver.

Here are the three finished murals! Each one was given the same materials but had totally different styles.

The crowd favorite was the third one here, because it had interactive and kinetic elements! It's not finished here, but you see it developed in the other pics below...

Special thanks to my lovely helpers Stacey Keating, Carly Todd, Chris Ams, Kendalle Fiasco, and Ray Keilman!

Currently Watching: Comic Book Confidential...documentary by Ron Mann

Workshop SUNDAY at BookCourt!

2011-05-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

Come to BOOKCOURT this weekend where I will be signing copies of my debut YA graphic novel "Page by Paige," sharing fun freebies, bringing original sketchbooks for you to flip through, and leading a short workshop!

When: Sunday, May 22nd 11:00am - 2:00pm
Where: 163 Court Street (between Pacific & Dean) Brooklyn, NY 11201
Closest subways: Bergen St. FG, Hoyt-Schermerhorn ACG, MNRW2345 Court St./Borough Hall
Here's the Facebok Event.

Mirror Self Portraits Workshop:
Who do you REALLY see when you look in the mirror? Perhaps you have a secret identity, hide behind a mask, or imagine yourself living out your dreams?... In this workshop, Laura Lee helps you reveal you true self by drawing on ACTUAL MIRRORS with wax pencils. No special artistic skills are necessary!

This is a new lesson I've created and I can't wait to try it out! It should be a lot of fun, so if you were not able to make it to the recent launch party then I hope you can swing by on Sunday!

Currently Reading: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Recap: Brooklyn Comics & More

2011-05-15T03:49:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I was at Brooklyn Comics & More helping them celebrate FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! (It's a day each year when comic book stores nationwide give away a ton of free new comics)

I signed copies of Page by Paige and brought chalk to draw on the sidewalk...except it was raining most of the time I was there! So, sadly I only got to draw a little bit before I left. (Next time I'd be awesome to get more kids involved!)

New Street Art: Etchings!

2011-05-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I made a dozen brass postcard-sized etchings that were to be my own personal markers for resonant places for me here in the city, each featuring a drawing inspired by that location. And NOW I've finally started to hang them, even though some of them are a bit out of date! So here are the first four of Karat's historical markers...

LOCATION: Chelsea, Manhattan. On 21st St btwn 10th & 11th Ave
MARKER: The Birth of Karat. (Where I hung my first piece of street art which then became my first piece stolen) February 3rd 2009.

LOCATION: Flatiron District, Manhattan. On 23rd Street at 6th Avenue, by the entrance to the FM subway station.
MARKER: When I became a lemur. Er, a Laura Leemur. July 2nd 2007.

LOCATION: Flatiron District, Manhattan. On Madison Avenue at 25th Street on the East side of Madison Square Park.
MARKER: Madison Square Park, The moment where I first felt at home in New York. September 18th 2007.

LOCATION: Williamsburg, Brooklyn. On North 6th St btwn Wythe & Kent. On the front of Public Assembly.
MARKER: Karaoke Night: Where I found my Sunday night family.

Stay tuned, there are 8 more etchings are to come! And you can see my previous etchings here.

Oh, and in OTHER NEWS!
My recent wheat pastes have gotten some shout outs on the website New York Shitty! One of my Revelationary posters was just featured as a Day Starter and then of my little dogwood trees was featured as Street Art du Jour.

"Page by Paige" Book Launch Party!

2011-05-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the "Page by Paige" launch party at Powerhouse Arena last weekend! (You can check out all the pics on Flickr and on Facebook.)

We had a great turnout! I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such supportive people...

I did a live reading of a section from the book...

I brought my original sketchbooks for people to flip through...

I debuted a new short motion comic trailer by filmmaker Nathan Luppino...

Jules-like musician Alyson Greenfield performed on keyboard, guitar, and glockenspiel...

I raffled off signed copies of the book, signed zines, copies of the book soundtrack, and an original drawing from the book (which was set in DUMBO where the party was)...

Guests got goody bags containing one of my smiley plastic easter eggs, an artistic license, fun permission slip, business card, sticker, candy, and list of upcoming events...

I signed A LOT of books...

And people had their cartoon-voice-bubble portrait taken, using a handmade whiteboard sign that my dad helped me make! Here are a just a few...

This pretty much sums up how I felt about seeing my book finally make its debut...

Thanks for coming, everyone! And extra thanks to Kurt Christenson, Diana Arge, Reid Harris Cooper, and Robert Feliciano for taking great photos...

On a final note...I haveNEWS!
"Page by Paige" has been nominated for YALSA's Great Graphic Novels for Teens list! (YALSA stands for Young Adult Library Services Association) This is such an honor! OMG indeed!