tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70760012872007581692024-02-20T07:53:22.190-08:00The Jellybean TreeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-72584654215885883192014-04-29T11:09:00.000-07:002014-04-29T13:12:58.232-07:00Bourbon Sugar Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BourbonSugarCookies_zps3a6a0d0d.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BourbonSugarCookies_zps3a6a0d0d.png" height="400" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been working as a freelance illustrator/designer for some months now. I love it and I love that I have more time to cook and bake. It's Derby time again here in the Bluegrass and in celebration, I tinkered with a <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-sugar-cookies/" target="_blank">basic sugar cookie recipe</a> to add the smoky flavor of bourbon. The texture of this cookie is spectacular and the soft center really brings out the hint of Kentucky's signature whiskey. I've included the measurements of some of the ingredients required if you choose to make plain cookies without the bourbon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Bourbon Sugar Cookies</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Ingredients</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 cups all-purpose flour (2 3/4 without bourbon)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup butter, softened</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 1/4 cups white sugar (1 1/2 without bourbon)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 shot quality bourbon (I used Woodford Reserve)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Directions</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In a large bowl , pour the bourbon over the sugar and let sit for a few minutes. The longer the sugar melds with bourbon, the stronger the flavor will be. I also covered the bowl during this time to cut down on the escape of vapor. Next, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. (I used parchment. I think it keeps the bottoms of the cookies from getting too brown.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Cookies will puff up during baking and fall with cracked tops upon cooling. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to fully cool on wire racks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Happy Derby everyone!</b></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-28412516535335399192013-11-27T10:41:00.001-08:002013-11-27T10:43:54.688-08:00In Thanksgiving: 2013<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I haven't been as diligent about posting here in the past year or so. Not for the lack of ideas, I assure you, but rather, the lack of energy. My life wasn't what I wanted. I had hit my 10 year mark as a professional designer and I was certainly not where I had envisioned when it came to my career. I was doing what I thought I <i>had </i>to do, working where I wasn't happy and really wasn't respected. I didn't think I had any other option as beggars for the scant jobs can't be choosers. I was sure money was the only thing of importance, happiness and health be damned. I felt pinned, painted in a corner, hopeless. I had let everyone down, especially myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One day, a Twitter friend pointed me in the direction of <a href="http://zenpencils.com/" target="_blank">Zen Pencils</a>. I wasn't sure what it was by the name, but when I landed there, the first thing I saw was <a href="http://zenpencils.com/comic/125-marie-curie-life-is-not-easy/" target="_blank">this comic</a>. I admit, I had tears in my eyes when I got to the bottom. I got a number of things from this comic. One: you should never let go of what you feel in your soul, the thing that drives you and comes naturally. Two: high acclaim is amazing, but even when it doesn't come, you're making a difference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I scrolled through the comics that day, not all of them, but quite a few. I felt better, but I was still torn. A crossroads was up ahead and I had to make a decision. Do I keep doing what brought home a paycheck (and made me a shell of a human) or do I do what I <i>NEED </i>to do? A bit later, <a href="http://zenpencils.com/comic/128-bill-watterson-a-cartoonists-advice/" target="_blank">this comic</a> was published and though it wasn't the singular factor in my decision, it certainly helped. About a month later, I resigned my full-time position to become a freelance illustrator.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm thankful for a lot of things this year. I'm so blessed to have a family and a husband who support me. I'm glad to have had the experiences of the past few years as they (though it seemed they were doing the opposite) made me see my true value as a creative and a person. I'm thankful for the new friends and relationships (<a href="http://www.kentuckyforkentucky.com/" target="_blank">Kentucky for Kentucky</a>, I'm looking at you) I've gained this year and of course, the exposure I've gotten because of them. I do truly love being an illustrator and this opportunity, though not an easy road, is far better than the road I was travelling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I sit down with my family for Thanksgiving this year, I'll see every experience large and small as precious and inspirational. So I would like to thank Zen Pencils for what I know is not a rare occurrence. Serendipity led me to what I needed to see and without this illustrator and his own journey, those sights wouldn't be there. I leave you to your holiday with a few lines from another one of my sources of creative fire, <i>Level Up</i> from Vienna Teng. Happy Thanksgiving for the rest of forever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"If you are afraid, come forth.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>If you are alone, come forth now.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Everybody here has loved and lost,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>so level up and love again.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Call it any name you need.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Call it your 2.0, your rebirth, whatever –</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>So long as you can feel it all,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>so long as all your doors are flung wide.</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Call it your day #1 in the rest of forever."</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-52841439717688932902013-10-15T06:19:00.000-07:002013-10-15T06:22:51.212-07:00Pumpkin, Turkey, & Tomato Soup<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's that time of year, when everything is pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin. Amid the lattes and muffins, there skulks a more intriguing prospect—at least for me—the recipes for savory pumpkin dishes. Recently, I made up a pot of soup using </span><a href="http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/pumpkin-chili/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">this pumpkin chili recipe</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> as a springboard. I wanted something lighter, more along the lines of a white chili, but with tomatoes. This soup has a sage and smoke flavor (like sausage) and a bisque-type consistency. It combines two fall staples, turkey and pumpkin, into a hearty, healthy soup that's perfect for lunch or anytime!</span><br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/PumpkinSoup_zps1c23eeac.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/PumpkinSoup_zps1c23eeac.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Tomato, </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Turkey,</b><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and Pumpkin Soup</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Ingredients</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 to 1.5 lbs ground turkey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 – 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 – 14 oz cans (or 1 28oz can pumpkin puree</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 – 28 oz cans tomatoes (1 crushed and 1 diced)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 cups chicken broth (I used Swanson low sodium)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 large onion, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 large green pepper, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 poblano pepper, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cloves garlic, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.5 tsp coarse sea salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">.5 tsp</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> fennel seed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 to 2.5 tsp dried sage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tsp fresh ground black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">.5 tsp smoked chipotle pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">.5 tsp dried basil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">.5 tsp or a few dashes of liquid smoke</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 large bay leaf</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Directions</i></span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brown turkey in a large soup pot on medium heat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Transfer meat to a separate bowl and saute onion, diced green pepper, diced poblano pepper, and garlic until translucent and caramelized. Deglaze the pan with a little stock if necessary. (I like to use black coffee.) Reduce heat a little and reintroduce the turkey.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Add broth, tomatoes, pumpkin, and beans.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With a mortar and pestle, crush the coarse salt with the fennel seed until ground fine. Add the sage, black pepper, chipotle pepper, and basil; grind again. Add this mixture to the liquid with the bay leaf and liquid smoke.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Simmer on low heat for an hour or so, stirring occasionally, scraping the bottom and sides. The soup will be somewhat creamy.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Serve with some light cheese if you like, perhaps fresh grated Parmesan or a little fontina. Popcorn would make a fun side, but the soup is fine on its own. Leftover turkey could be used instead of ground turkey. Toss the meat in with the onions and pepper and make sure everything is warm and evenly seasoned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-58620790346916280442013-07-05T06:50:00.000-07:002013-07-05T06:50:09.286-07:00How Do You Measure A Year<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"What makes the difference between wishing and realizing our wishes? Lots of things, and it may take months or years for wish to come true, but it's far more likely to happen when you care so much about a wish that you'll do all you can to make it happen." - Fred Rogers</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For those who wonder why my posts have been so sparse in recent months, let this be the answer. Every day for the last 365 days I have shared a snapshot of creativity with the world. I've researched, sketched, and written a years worth of mini history lessons and posted them on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sinclairart" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, never missing a day. I amassed over 60 Photoshop files alone with this project, filled with drawings and factoids. Over these past twelve months, there have been times when I wanted to stop. I would have two or three other projects in the works, my day job stressing me out, but I kept going. As I look back on what some may not see as much of an accomplishment, I see just how far I've come. If there's one thing a year-long project will do, it's show you just what the word 'commitment' means in your life.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/MilestonesAllFinal_zpsfebb713a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/MilestonesAllFinal_zpsfebb713a.png" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>A Year of Art & Design History</i><br />Digital sketches © Rachael Sinclair</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Researching these people, objects, structures, and creations has taught me much about where we've been as inspired creatures and where we may go in the future. There has been beauty pulled from darkness and depression, invention pulled from necessity, and awe-struck breath pulled from the lungs of the world over the centuries. Art, music, literature, architecture, craft: these things give us the basic energy we need to soldier on. Without the creativity the arts bring us, we would not know the forms that lie waiting in a slab of marble, the colors hiding in an unpainted canvas, or the way a certain chord or line of prose can bring tears to our eyes.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/July29Stevens_zps6cf3e1ad.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/July29Stevens_zps6cf3e1ad.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The milestones as they appeared on my Facebook page.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's been an amazing journey into history and into my own determination. I've tried new styles and picked up a few bits of trivia. Pearl Buck said, "If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday." I encourage you to delve into the history of what inspires you. Learn the ins and outs, ups and downs. Strike up a kinship with the past and you will never spend another tomorrow alone.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-41979876582144598632013-06-11T08:30:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:30:19.958-07:00Idea Seeds: Lily of the Valley<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/IdeaSeedsSmall.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/IdeaSeedsSmall.jpg" /></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Consider
the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say
unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of
these.</i> -Luke 12:27</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/L_of_V_Wiki_zpse96048e4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/L_of_V_Wiki_zpse96048e4.png" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Photo sourced from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily_of_the_valley" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The
<b>Lily of the Valley</b> (<i>Convallaria majalis</i>) is the flower of the month of
May and this installments Idea Seed. It sports thick, striated leaves and soft, bell-shaped flowers
distributed on a swooping stem. A woodland plant in the cooler climates and mountains, the highly poisonous lily flowers in late spring. The flowers, white with a tinge of green, have a sweet smell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Christian tradition at times refers to the lily of the valley as Our Lady's tears or Mary's tears. This stems from the legend that the flower sprang from the Virgin's tears at the Crucifixion. It is a popular flower for weddings and has a symbolic meaning of sweetness, humility, and return to happiness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Are you inspired by the forms and colors of a certain flower? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The silky bells of the lily of the valley carry a delicate femininity</span>. They conjure the image of a fresh bouquet of wildflowers on an antique kitchen table, the promise of spring, and the song of birds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Flora and fauna have long been a source of inspirations for artists, musicians, and poets. The lily of the valley has an amazing combination of textures and colors. I encourage you to take heed of the flowers you encounter, stop and smell the roses as it were. What you find may bring you the next great masterwork.</span><br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/L_ot_V_1_zpsc728621b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/L_ot_V_1_zpsc728621b.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lily of the Valley</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original vector illustration © Rachael Sinclair</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Available for purchase <a href="http://society6.com/RachaelSinclair/Lily-of-the-Valley-RJp_Print" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-91707381926297726202013-06-04T19:52:00.000-07:002013-06-04T19:52:21.258-07:00Something for the Fans<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm a little bit of a nerd. Geek. Fangirl? I have lots of things that bring me joy and movies and television factor into that quite a bit. Hey, they're creative too! Recently, I've been trying to perfect a new digital drawing technique. It's been lots of fun and gave me a couple of great piece ripe for fan convention season. These pieces sprang from the desire to have something of my own for a few stars to sign at the upcoming <a href="http://fandomfest.com/en/" target="_blank">FandomFest</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">First up, we have the Man They Call Jayne. I wanted to portray <i>Firefly </i>and <i>Serenity</i>'s Jayne Cobb in startled readiness, but I wasn't finding the right image. What's a fangirl to do? Well, I made it up. With a lot of imagination and posing in the mirror, I finally had my Jayne, complete with damaged calm.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/JayneDrawing_zps294afd73.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/JayneDrawing_zps294afd73.png" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>The Man They Call Jayne</i><br />Original illustration © Rachael Sinclair</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />Next came the Enigmatic Dr. Scully. The <i>X-Files</i> has been a love of mine since the first episode in 1993. Scully's loyalty to her partner was admirable, even when she was jet lagged and covered in unknown substances.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/ScullyDrawing_zpsdc162ea5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/ScullyDrawing_zpsdc162ea5.png" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>The Enigmatic Dr. Scully</i><br />Original illustration © Rachael Sinclair</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Each of these pieces are available for purchase on my <a href="http://society6.com/RachaelSinclair" target="_blank">Society6 store</a>. The print quality is quite good and I've left great spaces for celebrity signatures. If you're off to a convention soon, I hope it's amazing. Just remember, everything you love, the things that influence you, they were once someone's simple idea. Go out and create. You never know where it will go!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-73083552325699301482013-02-27T07:20:00.000-08:002013-02-27T07:20:47.547-08:00Idea Seeds: Tractors<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/IdeaSeedsSmall.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/IdeaSeedsSmall.jpg" /></a>You can find them on the roads of rural America, often a line of traffic trailing. They're chugging along in the fields, left to rust next to old barns, and shined up for shows. They pull our parade floats and help plant, tend, and harvest not only our food, but our imagination. <b>Tractors</b>, especially 'vintage' tractors, are a wealth of nostalgia and design and that's why they're the feature of this Idea Seeds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some shallow research uncovers a vast world of color, design, and function. Tractors began as steam engines working in pairs. Now, a large piece of technologically advanced farm machinery can cost more than a house. These mainstays of the 'modern' farm are an indispensable part of crop production.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images sourced from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Johndeerem.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Since these implements took over where horses left off, there have been a large number of manufacturers. There aren't quite as many today as in years past, but that's what makes vintage tractors so much fun. The colors are varied and vibrant, the forms utilitarian, but geometric and beautiful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What do you think when you see an old tractor? Do you envision a farmer, perched familiarly atop the metal beast, the sun in his eyes, with a field of corn in his wake? Perhaps you see an easy-going farm dog napping in the shade of an old row-crop. Maybe you focus on the design of the machine, its lines and graphic quality. And it just could be that you see generations of history in every layer of peeling paint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I invite you to look into the world of farm machinery. Start with the old stuff (as it is oftentimes more visually pleasing) and settle in for quite a ride. You may not go over 20 miles an hour, but the inspiration you cultivate can certainly take you places.</span><br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/TractorIllus_zpsb48a0822.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/TractorIllus_zpsb48a0822.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Vintage Tractors</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original vector illustrations © Rachael Sinclair</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Available for purchase <a href="http://society6.com/RachaelSinclair" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-68522269669082471472013-02-13T08:12:00.000-08:002013-02-14T07:09:05.004-08:00Happy Valentine's DayI've never <i>loved</i> Valentine's Day, but I can't say I completely detest it. Who can resist chocolate, right?<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-62983703743985140982013-01-29T07:37:00.000-08:002013-01-29T07:37:50.318-08:00Pop Inspiration: FringeScience fiction isn't for everyone, but one thing's for sure, it's a wild ride. A few weeks ago, television viewers waved goodbye to the dimension/timeline-jumping fun that was <i>Fringe</i>. Not only did the writing tease the boundaries of science, but it challenged our feelings and how we connect with the people and world we love. <br />
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Among the relationships in <i>Fringe </i>I found particularly poignant was the relatively short-lived father/son bond between the former Observer September (now Donald) and Michael. The episode 'The Boy Must Live' gave us this amazingly deep, yet outwardly simple show of affection and communication between the two. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Boy Must Live</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">original illustration © Rachael Sinclair</span></span></div>
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I challenge you to find something inspirational in the immeasurable worlds of science fiction. One of the taglines for the show was "Imagine the Impossibilities". That's
what I like to take from science fiction; not a cold, sparse landscape
of scoured alien soil, but infinite worlds of beauty and constant
learning where the word 'impossible' isn't so limiting after all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-14974946412873882042012-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:002012-12-19T06:00:48.427-08:00Peace on Earth: Christmas 2012<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The holidays should be a time of peace, but often, they are merely a pregnant pause in the hectic and spiteful world. With the hardships in our lives today, it's difficult to be calm and quiet. There are those struggling with loss, pain, and joblessness. There are families and loved ones coping with tragedy and uncertainty. But the Lord has given us His peace and if we can let loose the dams in our hearts, the barriers of prejudice, if only for a moment, we can truly know that peace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wish for you a peaceful holiday full of love and kindness. God bless!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Wish of Peace</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">original vector illustration</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">© Rachael Sinclair</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-25135183970639846702012-12-06T07:32:00.001-08:002012-12-06T07:32:38.471-08:00Details Matter: Know Your Subject<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">'It has long been
an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely
the most important.' -Sherlock Holmes, <i>A Case of Identity</i></span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/SherlockIcons.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/SherlockIcons.png" width="238" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Design is an art, true, but design and art are not the same. In art, liberties can be taken, but in design, attention to detail is a must. And it could be said that too much research may never be enough. No matter the size of the client or job, a bit of sleuthing can make the difference between success and failure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In the late 90's, an ad campaign was launched by Quilted Northern tissue featuring cartoon women quilting. Though the intention was fine, the ladies were 'quilting' using knitting needles. This was a costly mistake, teasing the sensibilities of a large demographic: homemakers and housewives. The campaign was eventually revamped to show quilting instead of knitting, but the lesson wasn't a nice one to learn. This is where research could have saved them a lot of time and embarrassment. Knitting and quilting may both use needles, but that in no way means the two are interchangeable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Agencies and designers work with a lot of different clients. Though it may be familiar for you to work for a coffee shop if you love coffee and know a lot about it, it may not be a simple when the client deals in something outside your realm of expertise. Don't be afraid to take to the books, so to speak, and learn some things. Start by listening to your client, ask lots of questions. Dig deep and pay attention to the smallest of facts. This will not only make your design better, but can really help establish a trusting relationship.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Next, research every angle. If your client has something to do with music and you aren't a musician, give yourself a lesson in musical theory. Don't go by what you think may be okay, start out with a strong foundation and build your house there. You can have a design that's technically good, but if the base concept isn't sound, that design may end up on the scrap heap. And pay special attention to symbols and what they mean. A symbol or term may have a completely different meaning to one group than it does another.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Designers can be crunched for time more than we'd like, but our clients aren't always of a 'get it to me when you can' mentality themselves. If you've listened to your client, gotten to know them and their business, and done your research, what you deliver will be the cream of the crop. "Measure twice, cut once" as they say also applies to design. When you bring your client something that's thoroughly researched, it's easier to move forward without time-wasting error correction.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Jacks of All Trades, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">designers are detectives with sketchbooks</span></span>. Knowing a little something about a lot of subjects isn't only beneficial for a trivia buff or Jeopardy contestant. These days, when information is so readily available, there's no excuse for errors of continuity. Be respectful of your client and good things will happen. And remember, you can't quilt with knitting needles.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-7351362438792366482012-12-05T06:43:00.002-08:002012-12-05T06:43:37.799-08:00Kentucky Bourbon Balls<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bourbon is a Kentucky tradition and a source of Bluegrass pride. The bourbon ball candy has been around for generations, a potent truffle of liquor, nuts, and chocolate. These little bits of rich, fun goodness (just one of the many types of recipe featured below) would be great for a holiday gift or to serve at a party. Enjoy your treats responsibly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Kentucky Bourbon Balls</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">hand drawn recipe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">© Rachael Sinclair</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-73574569129197814962012-11-13T07:32:00.002-08:002012-11-13T07:32:36.702-08:00Birds of Kentucky: Eastern Wild Turkey<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/KentuckyBirds_Title.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 4em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/KentuckyBirds_Title.png" /></a>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The varied topography of Kentucky is home to a wide range of plants and wildlife. The feathered variety is no exception. I love wild birds; they're fascinating and all so different. They have been a great inspiration to creatives for eons, not just for their form and color, but for their personalities, songs, and symbolism. In these posts (I hope to do a series) I will introduce you to some of Kentucky's native birds with some facts and a special illustration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As Thanksgiving approaches, our minds may conjure up the image of Tom Turkey, the jovial nodding character from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kentucky is home to the Eastern subspecies of Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris), a large, imposing bird. Though most turkeys prepared for the holiday are the domesticated variety, bred from a Mexican turkey subspecies long ago, there's no denying the commanding presence of the wild turkey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This bird can reach 4 feet tall and males can weigh up to 30 pounds. Their body feathers are warm brownish gray and the males have red and blue featherless skin on their heads. Males also have red waddles at the throat and base of the neck. The tail feathers, a fan of mahogany and cinnamon, are tipped with a chestnut color, thus differentiating them from the other subspecies of wild turkey.</span><br />
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<td style="width: 125px;">Habitat</td>
<td style="width: 125px;">Diet</td>
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<td style="width: 125px;">Conservation Status</td>
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<td><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/KB_Turkey_Conserv.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: .5em; margin-right: .5em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/KB_Turkey_Conserv.png" /></a>
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<td style="width: 125px;"><i>Open Woodland</i></td>
<td style="width: 125px;"><i>Omnivore</i></td>
<td style="width: 125px;"><i>Ground</i></td>
<td style="width: 125px;"><i>Least Concern</i></td>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the Bluegrass, wild turkeys can be found in open forests and farmland near wooded areas. They may come out to feed in fields, especially in the late summer and fall after the crops have been harvested. They're a foraging species, feeding on nuts, seeds, berries, insects, and even small reptiles. They make their nests on the ground, in shallow dirt craters protected by forest vegetation. Hens lay an average of 10-14 eggs with the young (called poults) leaving the nest mere days after hatching.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Though some may feel they have a face only a turkey mother could love, wild turkeys are strong, majestic birds in their own right. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Native Americans, especially eastern tribes, favored the turkey as a food source, eating not only the meat, but the eggs. The feathers often made their way into ritual dress and equipment.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> So steeped in tradition was the turkey even in the infancy of the United States, Benjamin Franklin theorized it may be more fit than the Bald Eagle for the national bird. In a letter to his daughter, Franklin called the turkey a "Bird of Courage".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This Thanksgiving, as you gather with your loved ones, pay mind to the turkey. The turkey has been a source of nourishment and conviviality for thousands of years. May the blessing of food, warmth, health, and family be with you this holiday season!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Sources: <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wild_Turkey/id" target="_blank">Cornell Lab of Ornithology</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_turkey" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-78262897981286241492012-10-31T07:47:00.000-07:002012-10-31T07:47:19.794-07:00Pop Inspiration: White Zombie<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>With these zombie eyes, he rendered her powerless. With this zombie grip, he made her perform his every desire!</i><br /><br />Released
in 1932, the film <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Zombie_%28film%29" target="_blank"><i>White Zombie</i></a> is considered the first feature-length
zombie film. It starred Bela Lugosi, fresh off his unforgettable role in
<i> Dracula</i>. He played a sinister witch doctor, 'Murder' Legendre, the vile
owner of a zombie-staffed sugar mill in Haiti. Though it doesn't
command the adoration of Dracula or Frankenstein, there's something
enchanting (pun perhaps intended) about this film.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />The posters
and promotional items for the film give us a wealth of fun design. Take
the colors for instance. In the pieces featured here, we see a
period-perfect palm green, fading to a jade. On the opposite of the
spectrum, we have a rusted red, a rich earthy tone. Perhaps subconsciously, these colors can transport us to the film's setting in
the tropical world of Haiti in the 1930's.<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />Typefaces are
predominately san serif, chunky and 'modern' in most cases. The titles
are in a similar design, but tremulously edged, to give the words more
intrigue and almost tribal mystery. The imagery shifts from graphically
altered monotone photographs to posterized features and faces, sure to
unsettle the nerves. These posters hearken to a time of minimal color
usage and bold graphics<i>.</i></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>White Zombie</i> is a wealth of nostalgia, a
transportation to the world of roaring Hollywood studios and 'monsters'
more famous than the actors who played them. The story, the setting,
the crackling audio, it's quite fantastic. With a short running time, it's great for wiling away a little over an hour. </span>H<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">ave a Happy Halloween and watch out for zombies!</span><br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/WZ_LegendreSugar-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/WZ_LegendreSugar-1.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Legendre Sugar</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Original lineart label</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">© Rachael Sinclair</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-86980407863214099402012-10-29T08:42:00.000-07:002012-10-29T08:42:14.904-07:00Happy Birthday Bob<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BobRossKawaii.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BobRossKawaii.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Kawaii Bob Ross<br />original vector art<br />©Rachael Sinclair</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Happy birthday Bob Ross, who would have been 70 years old today. </i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-88261988631221299282012-10-02T07:20:00.000-07:002012-10-02T07:20:51.819-07:00Color Flavor: Jay Feather and Sorghum<div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BJF_So_Ex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BJF_So_Ex.jpg" /></span></a><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/ColorFlavor80.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/ColorFlavor80.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Autumn blows in on the backs of leaves to the calls of the garrulous blue jay. The electric blue feathers stand out against the contrasting golden leaves. Kitchens are thick with the smells of apple pies and pumpkin bread. On foggy mornings, warm biscuits aren't the same without a creamy spread of butter and sorghum. The rich, warm gold of this special syrup from the south paired with the near-holographic blue of a shed jay feather is the perfect combination to welcome the closeness of the season.</span><span id="goog_1875995018" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><span id="goog_1875995019" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BJF_S_deansDenim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BJF_S_deansDenim.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BJF_S_Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BJF_S_Room.jpg" width="174" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sampling the darkest tones from the jay feather, we come up with a slightly greenish blue deepened with gray. This color is a little rustic and very natural. In design, the color is great for use on backgrounds (as it is fairly easy on the eyes) and in themes that call for a 'rugged' feel. See the theoretical logo for Dean & Sons Custom Denim. Here, the blue is married with a vellum neutral and the syrup umber. The tones separate well and accent each other perfectly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the home, jay feather and sorghum are a recipe for cozy with a touch of class. The colors are rich and deep, but not shocking or heavy. Here, the walls and ceiling are painted in the jay feather color (Behr Kingfisher 520F-7). The window seat inset is in a slightly lighter hue (Shale Gray 540F-4) and the neutral is a cooler cream (Windsong 390C-3). To warm things up, the upholstery and accents come in unadulterated burnt umber and gold. Throw in a rich, warm oriental rug and you're set for a little reading in the afternoon sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jay feather and sorghum are colors of nature in transition. Summer is giving way to autumn's bounty. The jay calls in the blazing trees and the cane is cooked down into semi-liquid gold. If you're in the market for 'country' with a touch of elegance, give these hues a try! </span><br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BJF_S_Pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/BJF_S_Pattern.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Patterns can be found <a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/pattern/210503/X-cape_the_Dark" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/pattern/150115/Hellboy_in_Instanbul" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/pattern/1006541/Vintage_Rose" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/palette/1271762/Kentucky_Club?widths=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Kentucky_Club" src="http://www.colourlovers.com/images/badges/pw/1271/1271762_Kentucky_Club.png" style="border: 0 none; height: 120px; width: 240px;" /></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 10px;"><a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/color" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 10px;" target="_blank">Color</a> by <a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 10px;" target="_blank">COLOURlovers</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">P.S. If you'd like a good cookie recipe using sorghum, check out the chewy ginger cookies on my past post <a href="http://thejellybeantree.blogspot.com/2010/12/palette-cleanser-holiday-cookie-recipes.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I mention molasses in the recipe, but I always use good Kentucky sorghum.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-10304991079768315692012-09-28T07:27:00.000-07:002012-09-28T07:27:13.336-07:00Cleland's Harsh Words<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today, I wish a happy birthday to someone who passed before my time but has had a great impact on me. I covered him in a <a href="http://thejellybeantree.blogspot.com/2011/05/thomas-maitland-cleland.html" target="_blank">Cultivators of Inspiration post</a> a while ago, so this should come as no surprise. On this day in 1880, Thomas Maitland Cleland was born. He went on to be one of the foremost designers and illustrators of the early 20th century. I have a large collection of his work, including his writing. In celebration of his 132 birthday, I share with you the final bits of an address he gave to the American Institute of Graphic Arts in New York on February 5th, 1940, bound and published as <i>Harsh Words</i> by T.M. Cleland. The world is always changing, but some things hold true from generation to generation. Hard work and effort will always be an integral part of success.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Excerpt 1.</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But of all the perils that lie in wait
for adolescent artists there is none more seductive than the
bewildering array of ologies and isms that leer and beckon to him at
every crossroad of his journey. Just as isms and ologies have taken
the place, in social and political life, of right and wrong; so have
they become the accepted terms of the arts. In fact, nonsense is now
so universally the language of art that it is nearly hopeless to try
to make oneself understood in any other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Brood mare to all of these
extravagancies—and I have lived to see many of them come and go—is
that one which achieves the super absurdity of calling itself
“modernism”; and none has been expounded and exploited in more
contradictory and antic ways. To deliberately call oneself “modern”
is no less ludicrous than something an old Danish friend told me
years ago about a line in one of the books of a very prolific writer
of historical romances in his country. In a tale with a medieval
setting this writer had one of his knights in armour cry out to
another: “We men of the middle ages never take insults, etc.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Embraced with fanatic enthusiasm by
many architects and designers is the current quackery called
“Functionalism.” It, in common with its many predecessors, offers
a new gospel for the regeneration of our aesthetic world by
restricting all design to the function of its object or its
materials. Like the new religions and philosophies that have paraded
in and out of our social history for countless generations, it
purports to be an original concept. It has brought to us such
gladsome gifts as concrete boxes with holes in them for buildings,
chairs of bent pipe with no hind legs, glass fireplaces, beds of
cement blocks joined by structural steel, the queer agglomeration of
unsightly edifices we call the World’s Fair and many other
specimens of stark and forbidding claptrap. Unless all signs are
misleading me, it is another mass vulgarity like the age of golden
oak and mission furniture, even now on its way to the junk pile or
the attic, perhaps to be someday rediscovered there and dragged out
by future generations in search of quaintness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It seams to me, ladies and gentlemen,
that <i>all</i> art was <i>modern</i> when it was made, and still is
if it is suitable to life as we now live it; and I look in vain for
any applied art worthy the name that was not also, in some sense
functional. From the buttresses of a gothic cathedral to the gayest
Chippendale chair one finds, upon analysis, a perfect work of
engineering perfectly adapted to its purpose. If this were not so,
these things would hardly have endured for so long a time. So that
common regard for function when has always been the basic principle
of first-rate design, assumes the impressive aspect of a religion,
with high priests and ritual, by the simple addition of an “ism.”
As students and beginners in search of truth, we are today being
pushed and pulled about by no end of such bogus preachments—familiar
faces with false whiskers—old and common principles dolled up with
new names and often used to account for incompetence and laziness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Excerpt 2.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With my younger colleagues still in
mind, I ought to say something of the practical problems that we
encounter in professing and practicing one or other of the graphic
arts. We are, or should be, if we are really artists, more concerned
with what we give to our art that with what we get out of it. But we
have to live—or think we do—and to do that by the practice of art
is certainly no easier now than it ever was. If anything, it’s a
little harder. Beyond that inner satisfaction with what we can
give—and there is only a little of that and at rare intervals—the
only two things to be got <i>out</i> of art are money and fame; and I
daresay there are few of us who would not welcome a little of both.
But we must compete today with a great many of those who work for
nothing else; and who, under the banner of one or another of these
isms of which I’ve been prating, can concentrate upon that unique
objective unhampered by any serious interest in art itself. They are
devotees of success, like their commercial brethren, and by means of
the same promotional paraphernalia they succeed so well that one is
tempted at times to believe that the only living art is the art of
self promotion.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another curious development of these
times is the classification of artists according to political
ideology. We hear now of “left wing” artists. As nearly as I can
discover, these are to be recognized by their contempt for any sort
of craftsmanship and a peculiar inability to keep their drawings
clean. They make penury—the unhappy lot of nearly all artists—a
pious virtue, and they are not infrequently big with pretension to
being the only serious interpreters of life and truth. These are
balanced on the other end of the political see-saw by a school of
“economic royalists” who have made of art a commercial
opportunity. As Industrial Designers with large staffs and control
boards and troops of indefatigable press agents, they have welded art
and commerce so successfully that it is nearly impossible to tell
them apart. Somewhere between the two is the artist: and he is as
often as not a forgotten man. Not quite poor enough to be picturesque
or heartrending, just well enough off to keep his collar and his
drawings clean, he must nevertheless spend an exorbitant part of his
life and energies in worrying about bills.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And now to stop the clamor of the
butcher, the baker et al, to whom must we sell our graphic arts? For
the most part, I suppose, it will be to publishers, industrialists
and advertising agents. The publisher is a pretty decent sort, on the
whole, but if he is a book publisher, he can generally be recognized
as such by the fact of having very little money to spend on art. In
my own experience, the most generous and appreciative customer for
our wares has been the industrialist. What you do for him can often
increase his profit very materially, and he is not slow to recognize
that fact.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The advertising agent, speaking very
generally and with the particular exception of one very dear friend
in mind, deals largely in what might be called scientifically
organized fraud. I am aware that to say this now is to risk being
called a “communist transmission belt”—whatever that may be. It
has even been suggested that by these animadversions upon
advertising, I am biting the hand that fed me; but I suggest that I
am biting the hand that I have fed until I am fed up on feeding it.
It may be that you will find, as I sometimes have, in the ranks of
these shock troops of deception, sympathetic and amiable client for
your work who can deal differently with artists than they deal with
the public—but not very often. Each of them employs what is called
an Art Director whose importance is derived, not so much from art as
from the financial size and number of advertising accounts towards
which he directs it. It is his duty to furnish you with what he calls
“ideas,” upon the theory that an artist is not mentally up to
having any of his own. Ten to one he will end by altering your
drawing to give it the “wallop” thought to be essential to all
advertising. A public already groggy and half blind from the
incessant battering of advertisements with a punch, will hardly
notice the difference.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“To think at all,” say the Spanish
philosopher, Ortega Y Gasset, “is to exaggerate.” A careful
measurement of anatomical detail in the drawings and sculptures of
Michelangelo will reveal startling exaggerations of fact, but these
enlargements upon fact are but his medium for truthful expression. He
gives us the figure of a man or woman more essentially true than
could be made by any anatomist with micrometer calipers. So, I humbly
pray, ladies and gentlemen, that you will apply no instruments of
precision to my words—they are the best I could find in this
emergency for saying what I believe to be true. If you think me
guilty of exaggeration, the foregoing remarks are my only defense.
But if you accuse me of being facetious, I will tell you that I have
never been more serious in my life. </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-64861190153557659852012-08-29T08:43:00.000-07:002012-08-29T08:43:25.223-07:00The Science of Good Design<br />
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Science! Art and science may seem like strage bedfellows, but the pairing flourished in the middle of the 20th century. Engineering and science, chemistry and space travel, these things helped make the 50's and 60's a roaring 'technological' age. Advertisers and designers were used to spread the good word of science and gone were the days of art used only for anatomy illustrations and concept work.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/Science_Chemistry.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/Science_Chemistry.png" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chemheritage/" target="_blank">The Chemical Heritage Foundation</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Following in the footsteps of design contemporaries, the people who worked on advertising and product design and promotion for Martin, Packard-Bell, Dupont, and Avco (to name a few) knew the sciences were tailor-made for the modernistic style of the day. In spite of the rigid nature of science and engineering, the designers felt freedom to be a bit more abstract. This helped, to a point, to demystify the sciences.</span><br />
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Let's take a look at this Porter Chemcraft chemistry set from 1958. This set is most indicative of the graphic style of mid-century modern. We see the use of black and white with the addition of bright, unadulterated red. The images are crisp and simplistic. On the inside, close attention is paid to continuity, with each item carefully designed to fit within the overall look. This set wasn't intimidating, it was friendly. A child could be at once in awe of science and eager to learn. How fantastic are these colors!</div>
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If we look at the eight samples of advertising below, we see the same use of bright color, oftentimes just one color with black and white much like the Chemcraft set. The illustrations are almost abstract in their simplicity and placement. The ads (all found <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bustbright/sets/72157612943324998/" target="_blank">here</a> on the photostream of bustbright) are attention-grabbing, the text clean and 'futuristic'.</div>
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I adore the design of this era and when you add science, well, I love it even more. It's no surprise designers remain inspired by the work of those who, at the time, were on the cutting edge of what was to come. The next time you need some a little boost in the creative engine, try seeing things scientifically. Inspiration is everywhere, much like that thing we call oxygen. Breathe deep!</div>
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I took this opportunity to marry design, science, and one of my favorite things on earth, coffee. Invented in 1941 by a scientist, Dr. Peter Schlumbohm PhD, the <a href="http://chemexcoffeemaker.com/" target="_blank">Chemex</a> coffeemaker uses the proven methods of chemistry to brew a simple, but absolutely perfect cup of coffee. This poster features the squat copy text that's prevalent on pieces from the mid-century. The word 'Chemex' was hand done in a playful style, something also common to 50's and 60's design.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Scientifically the Best!</i><br />Original vector art<br />Rachael Sinclair</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-91175643496959955822012-08-21T06:59:00.000-07:002012-08-21T06:59:53.642-07:00Great Art Teachers<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/Cultivators.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/Cultivators.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Creative people can find inspiration anywhere. A song, a smell, a leaf on the breeze, all of these things can spur someone to get creative. When the impetus hits, you create. But what about those times when being creative is expected on cue? Counter intuitively, school can be crippling for creativity, especially the college classes of an art major. For this installment of Cultivators of Inspiration, I'd like to share with you how I found spark in the dark thanks to someone incredibly special.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/SHBirds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/SHBirds.jpg" width="156" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">My piece, <i>A Fine Autumnal Day<br /> </i>wouldn't be the same without<br />Sr. Diane's nurturing of my love<br />for color and nature.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">A professor of mine, Sr. Diane Taylor, recently celebrated 45 years of service to my university. As I made my way through the tumultuous years of college, she kept me on track when the rails were broken and the bridge was out. When creativity was expected every day, she helped me look in unexpected places. Whether it was schooling me in the finer points of color theory or teaching me to keep the solder neat on stained glass, she wasn't just a teacher, she was a master and we were the apprentices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Part of being a success at anything is knowing how to help others succeed. Sr. Diane was especially good at sensing her students' capabilities. She knew what you could do, how well you could do it, and if you didn't push the limit, she firmly but kindly suggested you push harder. She was a great listener and knew how to be silent long enough for you to work out the solution on your own. You would learn how to make amazing messes but also how to clean them up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">It's one thing to be a creative person, to make a life for yourself with your art; it's another thing to be a creative person who helps create other artists. One of the most difficult things about teaching artists is dealing with their odd natures and varying skills. It's like teaching a room full of students in ten different languages. To harness the chaos long enough to not only instruct the student factually but help them hone their varied skills is the mark of a true educator.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Inspiration isn't always the otherworldly things of sweeping landscapes and thunderous symphonies. It doesn't always come though the photographer's lens or the painter's brush. Sometimes inspiration is sculpted by a master of a different kind. Great teachers are sculptors, but great art teachers are extremely rare. If you, as a creative, have known a teacher like mine, you understand. My portfolio is </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">her</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"> portfolio. I thank you Momma D for helping to make me what I am today. When times are tough, knowing you believed in me keeps me going.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">This piece was done in </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Sr. Diane's stained glass class.</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-21909693616912356222012-07-25T08:05:00.001-07:002012-11-13T07:16:24.976-08:00My Old Kentucky Home<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
When I started this blog, one of my first posts was about <a href="http://thejellybeantree.blogspot.com/2010/08/do-you-have-prince-albert-in-can-im.html" target="_blank">collecting vintage tins</a>. Among the tins I've accumulated is a weathered beauty for Kentucky Club pipe tobacco. I <i>adore </i>this tin. The imagery is wonderful, and the colors, wow. I've always wanted to do a homage to my state, incorporating the things that make Kentucky what it is. I did this poster using the tobacco tin colors, featuring a number of Kentucky icons. You'll find the state bird and flower, an alert thoroughbred in racing gear, a bourbon barrel, basketball, coal miner's helmet, a Kentucky long rifle, and lastly, a Gibson mandolin (the one used by the father of Bluegrass music, Bill Monroe). The word Kentucky was hand done for a more rustic feel and it's surrounded by 15 stars as Kentucky was the 15th state added to the union.</div>
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I love the Bluegrass. I love the people, the culture, the heritage, and the natural beauty. This poster is my love letter to my Old Kentucky Home and is likely not the last.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My Old Kentucky Home</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">© Rachael Sinclair</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-30610657690263497462012-07-12T06:12:00.000-07:002012-07-12T06:12:55.484-07:00Awards Aren't Everything: Working Through Discouragement<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i>"There are two things that I want you to make up your minds to: first, that you are going to have a good time as long as you live - I have no use for the sour-faced man - and next, that you are going to do something worthwhile, that you are going to work hard and do the things you set out to do." -Theodore Roosevelt, 1898</i><br />
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Being creative is difficult sometimes. It's not always masterpieces and accolades. But being a successful artist, designer, writer, musician, or actor isn't just about the praise. It's not easy to ignore the noise about awards and such. The quest for 'fame' can put a serious dent in your self confidence and can ultimately stunt your development in your field.</div>
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Our world is all about the next big thing, the next meme, the next billion in profit. Tastes and styles are constantly shifting. As artists, we may produce amazing work, but if we don't have the right connections or timing, our efforts may be trampled by the herd. The internet has opened many doors of possibility, but those doors are covered in cobwebs of doubt and intimidation. One may see the sheer volume of amazing talent out there and just refuse to try. We can't be discouraged. We must decide what we truly want and why. Would we rather have thousands of pats on the back for something we're not completely proud of or be pleased, deep down, by a project no matter how much stir it causes.<br />
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Creativity isn't just a job, it's a part of us. Above all, we must remember to have fun, to enjoy what we do. That can be extremely difficult when our efforts to be noticed go unfulfilled. We must remember that we are unique. Others may be similar, but they don't have the experiences or history we have. When you're feeling ignored, make a list of your accomplishments. You may find you've had more success than you remember. Do something that makes you happy. If you're a designer who's sick of being in front of the computer, take a sketchbook to a comfortable chair and draw what pops into your head. If, as a musician, the songs you've been playing are only making you more frustrated, dig up a song that never fails to bring a smile.<br />
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Awards and praise are nice, but that sort of thing is usually fleeting. Yes, having an award on your resume can help you get a job or gig, but the true test of success is longevity and genuinely loving what you do. It's better to prove the ability to follow through with something worthwhile than to come up with a lucky break. Awards can be very political and aren't always the best indication of talent. Hone your skills, do your best, and have fun. If accolades come, good for you! If they don't, it doesn't mean you've failed. Follow your passion with fervor and happiness will tag along!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-43004089166844281462012-07-03T07:09:00.001-07:002012-07-11T10:16:09.875-07:00The American Flag: An Infographic<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">"You're the emblem of the land I love. The home of the free and the brave."-George M. Cohan</span></blockquote>
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The flag of the United States is a beautiful and inspiring thing. On a clear day, against a pale blue sky, the stars and stripes cuts a very regal silhouette. It has deep roots, roots that intertwine with those of its people. From the first pennant of independence to the reverently folded flag of respect for a fallen soldier, our flag is indeed a grand old flag. I wish you a happy and safe Independence Day!</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-33501421734259088702012-06-21T07:29:00.005-07:002012-06-21T07:29:52.865-07:00Color Flavor: Honeysuckle<div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/HoneysuckleEx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/HoneysuckleEx.jpg" /></a><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/ColorFlavor80.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/ColorFlavor80.jpg" /></a>It's a popular fragrance for soaps and lotions and in the spring and summer, it sweetens the breeze and entices the bees. Honeysuckle comes in tame and wild varieties and doesn't just smell good, it's a great source for color inspiration. This vine can be considered a pest if not controlled, but if you've walked by a bank of it after a rain, you know the scent is like none other. If you stop to study further, you'll notice tones from smooth butter to lively magenta and all tones in between.</div>
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In design, these colors are a dream for something fresh or feminine. A bakery or candy shop would be a fitting use for the buttery yellow and zing of fuchsia and tart green. The brightness of these hues would also do well in the branding for a specialty children's store.</div>
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Home is for comfort and these warm tones do just that, comfort us in the arms of a summer day. Use a lighter honeysuckle yellow for the walls. Here, I've used Behr's Manila Tint (310A-3) with a more intense hue for accents (Flame Yellow: 360B-6). Splash around the greens and purple (Brook Trout: 110E-2) to bring attention to certain areas. Warm wood would further brighten the feeling where a contrasting use of cool metal would bring balance.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Honeysuckle yellow is a color that can almost instantly trigger a perfumed memory. The scent alone is a beautiful thing, but the kaleidoscope of colors in the bloom of a honeysuckle are just as amazing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/HoneysucklePatterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/HoneysucklePatterns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Patterns can be found <a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/pattern/338454/Buttercups" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/pattern/106319/Lemon_Drops" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/pattern/2628559/Honeysuckle_Clan" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/palette/2235031/Honeysuckle_Sunshine?widths=1" target="_blank"><img alt="Honeysuckle_Sunshine" src="http://www.colourlovers.com/images/badges/pw/2235/2235031_Honeysuckle_Sunshine.png" style="border: 0 none; height: 120px; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 10px;"><a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/color" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 10px;" target="_blank">Color</a> by <a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 10px;" target="_blank">COLOURlovers</a></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-76425329459945258192012-06-13T06:20:00.000-07:002012-06-13T06:20:56.156-07:00Chase Away the Creative Blues<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i>"Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way." -Edward de Bono</i></div>
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One of the pitfalls of creativity is the shin-cracking stumble of being uninspired. How many times have you had a really productive streak and then nothing? If you're anything like me, ignoring your creative dry spell is harder than ignoring a giant spider crawling across your face. So, how does one remedy the drought? There are many ways to tempt your spark back out into the daylight. Generally, people have to find their own cure, but here are a few suggestions.</div>
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<b><span id="goog_1988073737"></span><span id="goog_1988073738"></span>Escape</b></div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/CreativeSlumpEscape.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/CreativeSlumpEscape.png" /></a>Whether you have a regular '9 to 5' or work from home, it's easy to get into the routine of bottom in chair, eyes on the computer. Though this is fine when all your cylinders are firing, but if you've run out of ideas, it's time to go idea shopping. The trip doesn't have to be lengthy or really have purpose. Put on your walking shoes and stroll around the neighborhood. Visit a green space or if that's not your style, sit at a coffee shop or bookstore. Whatever you do, distance yourself from your usual working area, enjoy some peace, and observe life around you. The kick-start you need may be in the colors of a pretty day or the smile of a stranger.</div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/CreativeSlumpHattrick.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/CreativeSlumpHattrick.png" /></a><b>Hat Trick</b></div>
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I've used this method many times in the past. Write some random words on slips of paper and place them in a bowl or basket. Draw out a word; ready, set, create! Ignition may not be immediate, but when it comes, you'll be back to normal in no time. Sometimes, the brain needs a hard restart. When you're hung up on something or just lacking drive, forcing your mind to think the unexpected can really help.</div>
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<b>Shuffle</b></div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/CreativeSlumpShuffle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 3em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/CreativeSlumpShuffle.png" /></a>In the same vein as 'random word in a hat' is the shuffle. So many of us employ a steady set of skills in our field. Some of us code websites all day while some toil over layouts and illustrations. Sometimes, when our usual work bores us into stagnation, we need to shuffle to something unusual. How about getting creative in the kitchen? Find a recipe and make something. Interested in gardening? Get a new potted plant. Do a word puzzle or play a game. People have a plethora of skills, we just don't use them all in one day. Skills need a break just like pulled muscles.</div>
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<b>Unwind</b></div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/CreativeSlumpUnwind.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/CreativeSlumpUnwind.png" /></a>Being uninspired, though seemingly monotonous, is something that can push your stress level to critical. Escaping to different surroundings may help in some respects, but remember, there are a lot of parts to the machine that is you. It's important to do diagnostics on everything. Have you laughed today? Has something made you feel like a child again recently? Cutting loose and being silly is great medicine. Shaking the snowglobe of your mind with a little laughter can really help things settle more clearly.</div>
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Creative silence can be deafening. It's important to keep perspective and not let the blank page get you down. Success and refreshment is never far. The trick is to not be dissuaded by the time it takes to get back on track.
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076001287200758169.post-56549736416518584152012-06-06T07:07:00.000-07:002012-06-06T07:07:34.428-07:00Idea Seeds: the Olympics<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/IdeaSeedsSmall.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/IdeaSeedsSmall.jpg" /></a>They are a symbol of peace, civilization, and excellence. The Olympics are the pinnacle of society; athletes from all over the globe participating in friendly competition, living together in a 'village'. This show of goodwill and skill is also an inspiration to artists and why the <b>Olympic Games</b> star in this Idea Seeds post.</div>
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Athletics is akin to art in sculpting and grace. From the balance of a gymnast to the lines of a diver; the chiseled beauty of an eventing warm blood to the blurring colors of racing oval, the games are stuffed with creative energy.</div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/OlympicPosters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/OlympicPosters.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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The Olympic games boast a number of year-specific creative items. The medals themselves are sculpted especially for each Olympiad. The opening and closing ceremonies are a spectacle of dance, music, and color. Posters have long been a way for artists and designers to show their tribute and skill. You see in this collection a sampling of some of the best Olympic and Olympic-related from the first half of the 20th century.</div>
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The games of the XXX Olympiad will take place in London this year. There's no better time to enjoy the events how you may and be spurred to create. I created this piece to reflect the depth and movement of the games. The stylized rings are like sails moving us forward while echoing back to remind us of how far we've come. The motto is <i>Citius, Altius, Fortius</i> (Faster, Higher, Stronger) and it gives us the fire to keep going, to keep achieving things we didn't think possible. How can you be better today?</div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/OlympicOriginalPoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/x_1013_x/BlogStuff/OlympicOriginalPoster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Faster, Higher, Stronger</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original vector art</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">© Rachael Sinclair, 2012</span></div>
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