Evan Hecox

I’ve been admiring the work of Evan Hecox for about fifteen years. I grew up glued to skateboard magazines and a craving for west coast graphic artists. Evan Hecox and Twist (Barry McGee) just blew me away — I was completely in awe of their aesthetic. It is because of those two guys that I now live as a creative professional. What a pleasure it is to see their work continue to improve, particularly that of Hecox.

I was reminded of Hecox this evening so I decided to poke around the internet to see what he’s been up to lately. He’s still plugging away, producing wonderful work. It’s Friday, so you might like to take your time with a few links this morning…

+ www.flickr.com
+ www.vimeo.com
+ www.arkitip.com
+ www.artnet.com

Harry Callahan & The Institute of Design

I have reserved every book on Harry Callahan available from the Chicago Public Library. Lately I’ve really been into the Institute of Design photographers, i.e. Callahan, Siskind, Siegel. There is one book (an incredible piece of work) that the CPL doesn’t have for some reason. That book is, Aaron Siskind and Louis Sullivan: The Institute of Design Photo Section Project by Jeffrey Plank. I have ordered it through Powell’s bookstore here in Chicago (not to be mistaken with Powell’s of Portland). I am planning on running around town photographing what remains of Louis Sullivan’s work, in order to provide a 21st century survey — and to see all of his glorious buildings in person. I will provide images as they are created.

+ www.5B4.com

Pony Corner Clamps

I ordered a box full of Pony corner clamps last week. These little guys will help me square up a bunch of frames for a show I’ll be hanging in March. I love the double slotted spline joint. I make my frames with a subtle inward bevel on the front face of the frame. The contrasting spline joinery not only makes them solid, but looks good too.

I prefer walnut, but I’ve got a bunch of premium pine lying around from a recently completed project. I think I’ll make a few in each type of wood. I intend to matte 8×8 inch photos with liberal white-space provided by creamy white museum board. A medium blonde Golden Oak or deep dark English Chestnut stain will do the trick. I will post some photos of the finished projects once they’re ready.

Leaf Bird

I love this song by Leaf Bird. I went to high school with Tyler and Lola at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. It’s easy to spend more than a few hours looping their MySpace playlist.

They’ve got a record coming out soon. You can keep your eye out for shows and the record release by visiting their MySpace or Facebook page.

Really beautiful work!

+ www.myspace.com
+ www.facebook.com
+ www.youtube.com

School of Art

I want to go to there.

Mark Steinmetz Interview

There’s a nice interview given by Mark Steinmentz over at Conscientious — Jörg Colberg’s daily page.

+ www.marksteinmetz.net
+ www.jmcolberg.com

Micah Lidberg

Micah Lidberg is an American illustrator living on the East coast. As you can see, he is a remarkably skilled draftsman.

He has a handful of things available for purchase via the store on his website. The two scarves he made for Hugo & Marie are especially awesome. Hopefully he’ll offer more prints in the near future!

+ www.micahlidberg.com