posted: November 12, 2009

It's been awhile since I lasted posted, but there's no time like the present. This is somewhat of a departure for me to work primarily digitally, but the problem called for a clean, straightforward technique according to a tight agenda with little room for experimentation. I was able, however to furnish all the concepts myself and the client was remarkably accepting of them. One drawback was their insistence on a four-panel cover, which I lobbied hard to reduce into one panel, to no avail. Them's the breaks.

It's a brochure cover I illustrated for a report by M.I.T. and US Geological Survey on the subject of harmonizing science, politics, and policy in natural resources management. Technically client's name is MIT-USGS Science Impact Collaborative, or MUSIC for short. Seems kind of a cutesy acronym at first, but actually it fits with their goal of preparing environmental advisors to coordinate, or "conduct" stakeholders with different environmental agendas to sing in harmony with one another. For example, if an industrial facility is producing pollution in a water source that normally sustains a population, M.I.T. prepares doctoral candidates trained in focussing the disparate interests of those affected by the water, such as mothers, fishermen, farmers, big industry, and so on, into one shared vision...the equivalent of making music together. Corny? Depends. If it works, and we can solve global problems by concerted effort from everyone, maybe not; maybe in fact it's a constructive metaphor. I've always believed music provides invaluable metaphors for life of course.

posted: February 3, 2009

CTTD is, as you know by now if you've been reading Drawger, the brainstorm of Sandra Dionisi, artist and Creative Director of The Bepo + Mimi Project in Toronto. It is an exhibition and art auction to be held in conjunction with Aaron Solowoniuk, drummer of Canadian band Billy Talent and organizer of F.U.M.S., a benefit concert to raise money to fight MS, multiple sclerosis. All the artists who participated in the show are donating a percentage of sales to the cause. The reception and auction will take place in Toronto at Steamwhistle Gallery the evening of February 5th and it has sponsorship from backers such as Warner Music Canada and is being promoted in major media outlets.

Many if not all of the 50 artists were able to do the drummer of their choosing. Shown here (at top) are my image of a favorite of mine, jazz drummer Tony Williams depicted in his earlier post bebop period of the 60's, and Sandra's elegant print of Travis Barker of Blink 182.

Sandra is not on Drawger—although she should be—so I am posting her image here with her permission. She deserves a lot of credit for spearheading this huge effort.

Here is Sandra's magnificent piece. I am grateful to her to have been included in the show. Here are a couple links to websites for the event.
http://bepoandmimi.com/shows_drummer.html
http://cttd.wordpress.com/
Thanks.

posted: November 4, 2008

It may be for just this day; things may not turn out like I want, but right now hope is still alive.

posted: October 9, 2008

Are you tired of the Republican smear machine...of John McCain pandering to the right wing and saying anything to win the election...of speaking down to Barack Obama with references like "that one"... of calling Obama, a man of mixed race who under great obstacles lifted himself up by his bootstraps and went on to rise to the top of his class at the nation's most prestigious university, an "elitist" because he speaks well...of selecting a running mate who is totally unqualified to hold the office of Vice President of the United States? I am. We can affect the election. We have less than a month.
Last Friday I played a fundraiser for Barack Obama. During a break in the festivities, a local representative exhorted attendees to become active and join a bus tour leaving for New Hampshire the next morning to go door to door campaigning for Obama. My musician friend playing the gig with me declined the bus tour, but the next day I received an email from him which I reprint below for the benefit of any here who feel moved to get involved politically. If we do something, it will have an effect. If we do nothing and sit around we have only ourselves to blame for the country falling into the hands of John McCain and (ulp) Sarah Palin. It could happen. Let's not let it. Just a suggestion. Herewith, the words of my friend:
--------
Dear Everyone,
 
Two nights ago I went to an Obama rally. The speaker, head of the Mass. Obama campaign, said, "If you think you can just go to your Tuesday night bridge club, your Wednesday night bowling league, and your Thurs night movie and expect a political change in this country, you're dead wrong."
 
So I've discovered a really easy way to volunteer. Just go to www.mybarackobama.org, and they will provide ways you can work in your own neighborhood or even from your own desk. I just made about 35 calls to voters in Ohio and New Hampshire, with phone numbers--and a script!--the website provided. I didn't even have to take off my bathrobe, which most of you know is what I usually wear around the house.
 
Does it matter? Here's a short story: Years ago, I lived in New Orleans when Louisiana tried to legalize gambling. (Of course, they succeeded.) I knew a progressive woman, Jackie Clarkson, on the city council who represented the swing vote. Like me, she adamantly opposed gambling. She was up for re-election in a couple of days, and her vote could turn the tide.  I thought, "What if I call 10 people and ask them to call 10 people, etc?"
 
I didn't do it. It was just an idea I could have done. Two days later, Clarkson lost the election by 27 votes.
 
So--do something!

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