Monday, March 24, 2008

Maira Kalman, Mice and the Movie Star


Despite an ever present drizzle (I must remember not to complain however, as I am the one who chose to live in Portland), today was most sunny. I was on the front page of Etsy and read a most wonderful interview on Inspiration Boards with one of my most favorite illustrators, Maira Kalman.

My father first introduced me to Maira Kalman's work through her New York Times column. Her illustrations provide social commentary and speak to the mundane aspects of life which fleetingly take on great significance. I suppose I find her most inspiring as her illustrations are not comics nor cover designs nor pictures in a book but rather form a column, a consecutive series of thought meant to observe and comment, to titilate and anger, to provide a conscience and put forth an opinion.

And I found this painting entitled "Devasting: The Movie Star." (See her real identity revealed in the comments section thanks to a most observant reader!) It had fallen behind the bookshelf and forgotten about. Two others were found as well. I suppose having mice in my studio (the impetus behind the cleaning) has a sunny side as well.

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11 comments:

/// said...

OOOH I LOOOOOVE when you stumble across a painting you didn't realize you had! :)

And your words on my blog were just so sweet--- thank you so much, dear!

Mary-Laure said...

I love Maira Kalman too...

Your illustration is beautiful. It reminds me of an Irving Penn photograph I once saw.

Unknown said...

mary-laure, wonderful eye! you are indeed correct. the painting is based on irving penn's photo of his beautiful and very chic wife. i draw much of my inspiration from these old fashion photographs and many times use them as my models (someday maybe i will be able to afford my own models, but until then i make do....).

pve design said...

mad for Maira too.

Alex Whatton said...

Wow - hadn't heard of Maira Kalman...a new love!

Thank you!

Alex

tangobaby said...

I will look forward to learning more about Maria Kalman and following the links you've given.

BTW, I love your new masthead! It looks fantastic.

snowy652 said...

love the layout of your blog

blessings

Rosebud Collection said...

Beautiful job..Fashion is very interesting..Years ago, I took a course in Fashion Illustration..

Unknown said...

wonderful stuff...love your work..

Julz Nally said...

what a nice little discovery to find hidden! i love it. can't wait to see the others. thanks for the new blog to visit as well.

Distressing Delilah a.k.a. jenn said...

That is so elegant! I love it!