News Flashes from Our Members

5th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

PITTSBURGH SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS NEWS AND EVENTS

www.pittsburghillustrators.org April, 2009

My Spot by Anni Matsick News Flashes From Our Members The picture Five Years On adventure!) Mark got a few journal cov- is bright as ers and feature articles for which Cathy Here’s an update on the busy lives of PSInside wrote his bios. They both got to work on Mark and Cathy Klingler since Mark celebrates the massive renovation of Dinosaur Hall appeared on the front page of PSInside’s its five-year at the museum - Mark doing art, Cathy first online issue, April 2004. anniversary working on the interactives. online! Five years ago, life for the Klinglers High-profile work together on internation- as a creative duo was interesting We’re end- ally recognized projects. What could enough. They had just come off of the ing one be more fun for a creative couple? Any incredibly fun year that was Pittsburgh’s successful exhibition and are well into of you who have heard of Olivia have DinoMite Days, in which they got to paint plans for the next big one for 2009. probably already figured out the answer two dinosaurs. What could be next? We’ve established a mentor program, to that question. The best joint project Well, Mark got invited to put together a redesigned our website and gained that the Klinglers have ever embarked solo show for the scientific powerhouse five new members. Details on all are in upon. The best artistic subject Mark will AAAS, also known as the American this issue. ever draw. The best topic on which Cathy Association for the Advancement of will ever do a Web site (she’s only saying Here’s a chance to test your knowl- Science, in Washington, D.C., for which “ghee, gheeeee” right now but the pho- edge of newsletter history. Cathy wrote all the exhibit text. Cathy got tos make for a nice start). to work on the redesign for the Can you name all editors to date? PSI Web site, on which Mark “Yes everyone waxes poetic about See if you know the answers to all obviously appears. (By the their angelic children,” Cathy says. three questions: way, have any of you gone “And ‘had a kid’ is an easy out for through every single the ‘what’s changed in the past 1. Who offered a way to move from portfolio on the five years’ question. But the printed format to online pdf to save site to see point is to realize that when postage? the work of you’re someone who’s your fellow 2. Who came up with the name gotta create, the product members? “PSInside”? isn’t limited to a can- It’s quite an vas, or a dinosaur, or 3. Who designed the header? whatever. Five years ago, our joy in work- Answers appear below. ing together was plenty. Five years on, our joy is now Editors: Rick Antolic, Mark Brewer, in waiting for the Vince Dorse, Anni Matsick day when we can help Olivia put Questions 1, 2 & 3: Ron Magnes her little pen to paper and say, ‘See what I did!’ Together.”

We’ll look forward to having Olivia on our pages Editor: Anni Matsick Design/Production: Ron Magnes one day as a member!

All images within this publication are copyrighted by the artists and may not be used without their written permission.

continued on page 2 1 NEWS FLASHES continued

Apple in the Big Apple suggestions the children gave him. The the classroom. He worked with students artwork was given to them. “It was a in Technical Communication (Techcomm) big hit,” James summarizes. “I also was and Biomedical Engineering classes on allowed to paint on the walls with spray the topic of creating visual narratives paint beforehand, which made the whole derived experience worth it for me.” from com- plex data. The festival was presented through The pur- the Learning Lamp , a non-profit agency pose of the based in Johnstown that aims to pro- lectures vide children throughout west central was to Pennsylvania with high quality supple- inspire bet- mental programs, and Scholastic, Inc.. ter editing and cre- John Ritter gave #1 Ranked Engineering ative sales- a presentation of manship his work at the School Welcomes with the Apple store in Illustrator’s Input written word in the Techcomm classes, Soho (Manhattan) Fred Carlson spends three-day resi- and better observation and understand- on March 30. On dency at Rose-Hulman IT ing of living forms through visual journal- hand was Jake ism in the Bio Engineering classes. Thomas, PSI member and Brooklyn Students transplant who was the featured guest at Rose- “It was actually interesting talking about at PSI’s first Hulman my work from the perspective of an “Speaking of Institute of overall communicator rather than being Illustration” event Technology focused on the hows of artistic technique. last year. The talk in Terre- was part of an in Haute, A lot of the students’ questions related store presentation Indiana to visual editing, which translates in their series titled “Made recently lives as being merciless with their own on a Mac”. enjoyed a written editing.” visit from one – Fred Carlson More can be of PSI’s most seen at: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/ active mem- j8UeioflZw_/Apple+Store+Soho+Welcom bers, Fred es+John+Ritter Carlson. Top photo: John Ritter at the Apple Store (Photo by One of them Will Ragozzino/Getty Images) was his son, Bottom photo: Jake Thomas and friend Emily Campanale in the audience Rick, who is a sophomore mechanical Kids Take Home engineering major. The exhibit in their Moench Hall, “Science and Technology Custom Art! Illustrated: An Examination of Visual James Elston participated in a Communication,” is a retrospective of The three-day residency took place April Children’s Book Festival in Johnstown Fred’s work highlighting many of his 1-3 and was hosted by curator Steve career accomplishments dealing with Letsinger, whose thematic arrange- scientific, medical, corporate, and natural ment of the work allowed the talks to subjects. He presented a slideshow of fit efficiently into their class structure of his work and conducted gallery walk- 50-minute blocks. A stipend was pro- throughs in addition to spending time in vided courtesy of the Lawley Trust. Rose- Hulman recently celebrated the tenth year in a row being voted #1 Engineering school in the US from US News and World Report college rankings.

James at his easel surrounded by appreciative A feature currently appears on the Rose- attendees Hulman website at: http://www.rose- in March, where he was a featured hulman.edu/news/articles/carlson_ Illustrator. He talked about Illustration artexpo.htm and animation, demonstrated charac- Photos by Tim Ekl, reporter for the college’s ter design and drew pictures based on newspaper, The Rose Thorn

continued on page 3 2 NEWS FLASHES continued

LUX Magazine Features unique three-season crafts school offers students, working with contributions of both week-long residency and weekend old dishes and pottery from the neighbor- PSI Members classes in a diverse array of media on a hood. The building is a treasure and will Supportive of the local art scene, LUX 150-acre wooded setting. An open house no doubt continue to generate new and Magazine is a stylish, fresh publication will be held 10-5, Saturday, May 16. A exciting creativity from “the Rocks.” that has already honed in on three PSI pdf of their catalog and full details are at: members. Most recently, Ilene Winn- www.touchstonecrafts.com Lederer is featured in the March issue. Generous four page spreads in past Anni Matsick will hold a workshop July Personals issues are devoted to Wayno and Nathan 27-31 at the C. Barton McCann School Cheryl Johnson called Father Mazur. They can be seen along with the of Art in Petersburg. For high school Ryan’s Community Center and spoke entire magazines online at the links below: ages and above, the course will be an to James Critchfield about the results introduction to illustrating for children. A of her spring cleaning. “I had over Wayno: pages 36-43, October 2008: pre-course in creative writing is offered 200 VHS children’s movies that my http://issuu.com/luxmagazine/docs/ the week prior for those who wish to own kids collected over the years. luxoctober illustrate their own material. The summer He said he’d love to have them school, established in 2007, combines Nathan Mazur: pages 64-69, 72-73, Winter either for the community center or modern studio facilities and an outdoor, 2009 : their library,” she relates. If you have http://issuu.com/luxmagazine/docs/ wooded setting where imaginations similar items to donate call James at luxwinter can soar. An open house will be held 412-771-3052 x321. The center is 2-7 pm, Friday, May 8. Full info at: http: located at 420 Chartiers Avenue in Ilene Winn-Lederer: pages 37-40, //www.mccannart.org/ McKees Rocks. March 2009: http://www.luxmagz.com/lux_home.html March business One of the publisher’s intentions is to point meeting Report out some of the out of ordinary things Last month’s business around Pittsburgh that readers might not meeting was held at Father already know about. Even the ads seem Ryan’s Community Center located in to work toward that goal. This is a very McKees Rocks with approximately 25 entertaining publication, worth perusal! attending.PSI members were given a tour that was visually stimulating with Need a specific color palette, or a new color combo for your kitchen? colorful walls and inviting studio set ups. Summer School Offerings Check this out! Ron Thurston will present a watercolor Music, fine art, theater and ceramic stu- http://tv.adobe.com/#vi+f1495v1625 workshop August 16-22 at Touchstone dios occupy the old renovated furniture store located at 420 Chartiers Avenue. Center for Crafts in Farmington. Also, try the “eyeballing game” Members viewed a mosaic mural covering “Watercolor: A Painting Adventure” will http://woodgears.ca/eyeball/ encourage students to combine spon- an inside wall, the result of an art project taneity with a few basic techniques. The that included a number of high school art

It’s really fun to click the “send” box each first involvement was to enter a couple of month when a fresh issue is ready to shows and then I had the good fortune Volunteer distribute. With a super designer like Ron to be included in the extravaganza we Spotlight Magnes packaging it I feel like I’m deliv- refer to as “Recast.” Other members had ering gifts! PSInside, an online exclusive been helpful in delivery and pickup of for members, is one of our best perks. my entries (the most memorable being a two point car trunk exchange that took My personal mission for the newsletter place after midnight under street lights in Anni Matsick is to showcase on a monthly basis the Editor, PSInside (June 2008 – present) Oakland and Squirrel Hill) and I wanted superior level and variety of talent within to find a way to give back. When there Putting the organization and promote all that PSI was a lapse in editors Rick Antolic, together has to offer. I’m still in the process of dis- then acting editor, asked if I’d like to fill each covering those things, and sorting it so the slot. Since then I’ve enjoyed getting that the information is handy. issue of acquainted with many of you through the PSInside Fred Carlson’s recruiting outreach is brief notes exchanged with submissions. If I lived closer, I’d take advantage of the makes me what effectively drew me to be a member meetings, socials, speaker events, etc., feel like an of PSI. I attended Fred’s talk on regional art associations at ICON3, The Illustration that sound so attractive. art direc- Conference, in Philly and saw the advan- tor with an Please continue to submit your news, tages of joining. I live in State College ideas and artwork! The newsletter shows unlimited but my roots are in western PA and I am our collective strength and at five years budget! still within the membership radius. My continues to grow.

3 INTERVIEW

Was there a significant turn- to start a small Flash animation side busi- In Touch with... ing point or detour in your ness called Animare Studios. Q: career? We’re working on something now that GEORGEGEORGE I’ve been through many detours we’re pretty excited about and are hop- over the years freelancing, but ing that it will put us in a good place A: I can probably point to three down the road. turning points that were pretty significant. SCHILLSCHILL From what illustration The first was getting a card contract in It’s impossible to read George’s 1981. That came about when I was work- assignment did you learn cartoons without wanting to share Q: the most about yourself? ing on the board at American Greetings them with everyone you know. He in Cleveland, and was just married. It was actually my very first and Ron Magnes have made that My wife’s brother was terminally ill and magazine job, an illustration for easier with their animated site at: we headed back to Pittsburgh every A: Pittsburgh magazine that was weekend to be with him and decided http://www.animarestudios.com printing a story about then Mayor Pete we should move back to be closer. Flaherty and County Commissioner Tom Here, George relaxes from his har- Unfortunately, nothing came from my job Foerster. I asked what they were looking search in Pittsburgh, since I was by then ried schedule of thinking up all that for, and the art director suggested han- pretty much pigeonholed as a greet- dling it as a full-page comic strip since I funny stuff and gives us an idea of ing card artist. That, and my knowledge had a knack for caricatures, and to write what led to his success. about typefaces was pretty much limited it myself. It was a lot of fun and I knew to the goofy at that point that I would always like to press type we include my own point of view as much as used on HiBrow possible with my work. cards. My wife suggested I ask What’s the one aspect of for a contract, illustration that most inspires but that seemed Q: or motivates you? impossible, Early on, I thought it was pretty since I was at cool to have anything published AG less than that was seen by thousands of two years. (I A: people as opposed to having work in a also did a six gallery, seen by a few. Now that it’s my month stint as livelihood, I feel fortunate and don’t take an art director it for granted, especially when I see all or something the scary talent out there. My motivation at an agency would be three young kids with overbites in Charleston, and now three college tuitions. West Virginia, hated it, and What was the most construc- AG was kind tive criticism that you ever enough to Q: received? take me back.) Anyway, six I can’t point to one specific months after instance, but there are several returning, I A: friends that I’ll run my stuff past How would you describe decided to just march into my boss’s for their input when I get off track. It’s your personality and life- office, blurt it out, and surprisingly he always good to have another set of eyes Q: style? said yes. of those you respect. I live the life of a rock star and The second was ten years later when What advice would you offer have a very active imagina- my freelance work was virtually disap- to those who admire your work A: tion. Okay, so I trash my family pearing due to the economy, agency Q: and want to learn from you? room instead of hotel rooms. I’m pretty mergers and the like. I found a rep, got The business has changed so much a homebody that works all the more serious with promotion, and things much over the years, I don’t time. My typical day is up at 4:30 in the began to happen again. I also taught at think what worked for me would morning, work on greeting cards until 10: the Art Institute of Pittsburgh for a short A: fly today. I do think the one constant is 30 or so, take a break to do other things, time during that period, but was getting that it’s up to you to make things happen. then work on any freelance or projects I burned out and left deciding to focus on I’ve lost my touch, but when I was start- may have from 12:30 until 4:30, when I my illustration. ing out I was pretty hungry for work, and start dinner. I may work a bit in the eve- almost became a nuisance to art direc- nings as well, usually doodling out ideas The third is the present. Around two tors. I think the only reason they finally for cards. years ago Ron Magnes and I hooked up

continued on page 5 4 INTERVIEW continued

gave me jobs was so I would stop calling What do you enjoy reading? them while they were in meetings. Q: I’m more of an Internet skim- Join the I think it’s also important to know and mer, reading anything related accept your strengths and weaknesses, to art and business. I really Congregation! which will help with finding your niche. A: like portal sites, such as the For example, starting out, I was trying Drudge Report. I also try to keep up with to sell a more representational style and pop culture, which helps with greeting struggled to draw hands with fingers cards and writing card gags. As far as that didn’t look like link sausages. There books, I sort of got hooked on detective/ was no way I was ever going to compete crime mysteries, probably because my doing that. dad read them and tossed them my way after he was through. After he passed Now I purposely draw hands with fingers away, I ended up with all of them. that look like link sausages. What one thing would you Also, immerse yourself in both the artistic like to learn to do? and business sides of illustration and Q: learn as much as you can. I would like to learn Flash, at least well enough to help take Lastly, practice, practice, practice. A: the load off Ron with our more Does the artwork that you simple animations. Ron’s spitting out his do for yourself differ from the coffee about now. Last-Friday-of-the-month gatherings, beginning 8 pm with FREE appetizers Q: artwork that you do for your Share an interesting work clients? If so, how? related anecdote about Let’s meet and talk shop in a warm, Q: a tight deadline, dream inviting atmosphere, where the beer is I do my personal work in brewed on the premises! Free parking! spurts, and the best way to assignment, or favorite art director. A: describe it is greeting card There were two art direc- type of art and humor on large pieces The Church Brew Works tors, Martine Sheon and Rick 3525 Liberty Ave, Strip District of wood. Many of the ideas are rejected A: Horton, who became mentors gags. of sorts when I was starting out. Both Pittsburgh’s Finest Brew Pub–Since 1996 What do art directors like worked at the same design firm and were about your work? the first to use my work, which gave me Q: the confidence to give illustration a shot. With my greeting cards, work- Martine was a real character, a French ing a range of styles and writ- woman who always spoke her mind. She PEGS 12th EDITION! A: ing gags for the alternative detested slick work and would publish humor markets fits their needs, and mine my rough sketches over my finished ren- The Graphic as well, since I get bored easily doing derings. At the time I couldn’t figure that Artists Guild the same thing over and over. Along with out. But it stuck with me, where I now do Pricing & Ethical that, I enjoy reading a brief and coming many of my cards directly on my Wacom Guidelines up with concepts, which ADs often call tablet to keep the spontaneity. Rick was Handbook is the on me to do. my Mr. Miyagi. He was a quiet guy who ultimate refer- spoke in bits and pieces, but what he ence book for Working fast hasn’t hurt, either, and I pur- said always carried a lot of weight with design and illus- posely came up with both painted and me. tration profes- digital techniques that allow me to get sionals. my work out. More about George can be found at: http://www.georgeschill.com Read more at: Who or what has been the www.gag.org biggest influence on your Q: work? Guy Billout, R O Blechman, Brad Holland and George PSI Webboard A: Booth. Have art related questions or comments? Share them at PSI’s online forum: http://groups.google.com/group/ psiblog?pli=1

5 FEATURE

RIGHT NOW! Opening March 25, 2009

The reception at the Nutting Gallery was a big success! We thank Robert Villamagna, and the West Liberty State College staff for providing a wonderful reception table. Our PSI eight foot wide banner hangs in the lobby of the media arts building and directed lots of atten- tion to the gallery location down the hallway.

Reception attendees from the exhibition list included James Elston, John Ritter, Fred Carlson, Oksana Popovich, Judy Lauso, Fred Baxter, Jen Scanlon, Gina Antognoli Scanlon, Taylor Callery, Yelena Lamm, George Schill, Vince Ornato, Anne Trimble and Jack Puglisi. This represents 14 of our 33 exhibitors, a very impressive total considering the distance and the weeknight timetable. Many spouses and significant others and children were present too, as well as the faculty of the media arts departments and other faculty from the school. The questions the students presented were very good and there was plenty of time for inquiring students to meet the artists. WLSC is paying a $300 stipend to PSI for showing there, which will go toward our annual expenses. John Ritter gave a talk on April 8 to enthusiastic listeners.

An article appeared in The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register’s TGIF sup- plement featuring several pieces by Fred Carlson. A quote from Robert Villamagna states, “Computers have had a dramatic affect on contemporary illustration, and most illustration today is created digitally. However, traditional illustration techniques are still popular and this exhibition will show a variety of media and techniques.”

PSI thanks Fred Carlson for being the driving force behind this successful show.

Check out James Elston’s opening night photos. For automated show hit the Carousel or Slideshow icon at bottom: http://gallery.me.com/rpmart#100017

6 FEATURE continued

encourage art students to look at illustra- PSI Scholarship tion as a viable career direction, even those artists who consider themselves as Awards Community fine artists.

College of Vince Ornato comments: When jurying Allegheny County a student art exhibit, there are no losers as long as each artist made an honest effort at creating something new based PSI jurors Rhonda Libbey, Kathy on their personal thought process. My Rooney and Vince Ornato made their way of deciding which piece is better choices during CCAC’s annual student art show and presented awards at a noon ceremony on March 30.

The Third Place winner Von Weber with “Von Krishna” Pittsburgh Society of have pride in their work. I saw a lot of Illustrators potential in the work I juried at CCAC and provides if I could say one thing to the students it schol- would be: have courage. arship awards to First Place: $150 Pittsburgh Teresa Herman Teacher and student show organizer Paul Jay and sur- Title: Faces of Summer than others mostly involves determining rounding “Strawberries” the degree of originality the idea pos- area art sesses coupled with the technical ability students Second Place: $125 used to carry this forward. Albert Einstein who dem- Vanessa Chalfant said, ‘”Imagination is more important than onstrate Title: Thom Yorke knowledge,” as it is here, but a superb exception- Third Place: $75 al poten- First Place winner, “Faces of Summer Von Weber ‘Strawberries’” tial and Title: Von Krishna commit- ment to become established illustrators. Honorable Mention: $50 All possible applicants are encouraged Marquis Clancy to apply but priority is given to support Title: Figure Drawing-Untitled those who are not yet established in their fields and who are undertaking programs of study which will advance their artistic development and who are pursu- ing career paths that can lead them to become established illustrators. Kathy Rooney talking design

Rhonda Libbey comments: There are idea can fall short because the technical several factors that I consider when jury- dexterity needed to execute it is not in ing artwork. How well the piece commu- the artist’s possession. Ultimately, it is the nicates its form that the idea takes wherein lies the message art. It is in this formation, which brings without a the piece from a thought to a physical written ex- thing, wherein the quality is found. plana- Marquis Clancy with Honorable Mention Award winner tion is crit- Kathy Rooney comments: There were ical. After many pieces of work in your exhibit that that I think Thank you for choosing my straw I found impressive. However, I would like berry painting for first place in the about to see more artwork presented, especial- - CCAC student art show. I greatly craftsman- ly related to illustration, and especially appreciate this honor and will ship of the self-started artwork where the artist might piece and experiment in doing something different always remember your generosity. its presen- other than class assignments. Try using –Teresa Herman tation. It is your imagination and tell a story with your important artwork – that is what illustration is. We that one at Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators try to Second Place winner, “Thom Yorke” should

7 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fission of Form Reminder The mentor’s responsibilities are to: Carnegie Celebrates For the 20 PSI artists in “Fission of Form”, the Arts your work is due at Panza Gallery by 1. Be available for a reasonable num- September 10-12 Saturday, April 18. This is for photo docu- ber of requests during the trial. The 2009 annual Carnegie Arts & mentation deadlines and for preparations 2. Establish with the participating Heritage Festival, featuring Music on for matting and framing with a consistent member a working schedule. If a Main Street is coming up again this look. Please call Mark Panza directly to workable schedule can not be estab- fall and you are invited to be a part of make sure he or his staff is there if out- lished the mentor can decline the the Creative Marketplace. The festival, side of their scheduled hours posted on request. held in Carnegie, features three days their website. We are looking forward to a of excellent live music, performing and terrific show and catalog and a high pro- 3. Keep to the established schedule visual arts, ethnic and traditional foods, a file presentation of illustration originals to as much as possible. children’s area and much more. new market niches. 4. Follow through to the completion of the project. The Creative Marketplace will be cen- DO NOT frame or mat trally located in the heart of the festival. your pieces, just attach Similar to last year, artists will be housed works on supporting The participant’s responsibilities under a large tent on Main Street. New board and flap ade- are to: this year, all crafters will also be housed quately for protection. in a large tent, eliminating the need for Designate live area by corner crops if 1. Contact the mentor and establish a working schedule. individual canopies. As many artists and necessary so Mark’s matting staff will crafters as possible will be included know your preference. 3. Have a concept and goal in mind and everyone, even those with a small when contacting the mentor. Mark Panza 412.821.0959 amount of work, will have the chance to [email protected] 2. Keep to the agreed schedule. exhibit and sell their wares and make www.panzagallery.com connections with the large and diverse 4. Initiate a personal project, not a festival audience. The festival will be PSI Mentoring commissioned project. heavily promoted in the months preced- ing the event in local print, TV and radio Program media. The organizers anticipate continu- Members must make Mentor Member List ing growth and some unique additions contact by May 15 this year. John Blumen One of PSI’s purposes is to help mem- 412-381-1030 bers enhance their careers and develop [email protected] Get your application their talents. This is accomplished by the in early– space is Mark Brewer limited. sharing of information within a support- 412-915-3287 ive community. To further this goal, PSI [email protected] is establishing its new Mentor Program, available all PSI members. Fred Carlson The guidelines for the Creative 412-856-0982 Marketplace are as follows: Those members who feel they would [email protected] benefit from having a one-on-one dia- Artists may offer any medium, but some logue with a mentor member can simply Rhonda Libbey live merchandise must also be offered chose one from the Mentor Member List 412-821-0651 (i.e., you may offer commissioned work [email protected] and contact them directly. To participate, for exhibit, but you must also have work for sale) a member can call a mentor of their George Schill choice listed below from now through 724-327-8492 Artist’s works for display and sale must be May 15. If this program is successful, [email protected] originated or created by the artist and not another sign-up will be offered later this created from a commercial kit or pattern. year. Phil Wilson 412-343-9568 Crafts must be items that are at least 50% [email protected] The method of mentoring will be deter- handmade and are not mass-produced. mined by the mentor’s own work process Ilene Winn-Lederer and available time. A mentor can decline For an application form and complete 412-421-8668 or postpone a request if it’s not conve- 412-657-3607 (cell) information: www.carnegieartsandherita nient to the mentor’s work schedule. The [email protected] ge.com length and depth of the mentoring will be determined by the mentor. The mentoring can be ended by either party, at any time.

continued on page 9 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS continued

New Members Affiliate Members: To RIGHT NOW! Full Members: Kim Kerr Exhibitors 6 River Road Michael From show coordinator Fred Carlson PO Box 63 Andrulonis Sewickley, PA 15143 We thank Robert Villamagna, and the 217 Burdine Avenue #2 412-741-3656 West Liberty State staff for providing Pittsburgh, PA (w/fax) a wonderful exhibition opportunity. 15227 412-741-7720 (h) 412-668-0340 (h) Thanks to all PSI members who par- Email 412-508-5804 (w) ticipated! Website Email Takedown and return opportunities Website Kim is a graduate of AIP, class of 1982, APRIL 20: Monday morning 9-11 am and has 20 years freelance experience. Mike has run Andru Design since 2003 at the Nutting Gallery: She was recommended by Rose Gauss and received a MarCom award for maga- and Cheryl Johnson. The show will be removed from the zine design. He has been in the field for walls and packaged. Anyone who 25 years and has done numerous book Her book, The Raindrops’ Adventure, wants to help (all the packing is there covers. Mike is interested in volunteering can be seen at jacketflap.com and at the gallery) please meet us there graphic design support for PSI projects. amazon.com. Her other clients include by 9am. Anyone can come and take Wendy’s and Wick Landscape. their work directly from the gallery at Evette Gabriel this time. 216 Oneida Street, Rio Roye You can also authorize someone to Apt 2 768 Thornwick Drive take your work. Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh, PA 15243 If you are running a little late 15211 412-267-3974 (h) but expect to be there shortly 412-48-3636 (h) 412-708-0918 (w) after 11am call my cel (412) 724-462-8775 (c) Email 398-3289 and we’ll keep Email your work at the offices until Website you arrive. A Pittsburgh native, Evette is a 2005 Volunteers bring some extra bubble graduate of Savannah College of Art Rio was the recipient of a large schol- wrap, markers, and tape if you can to and Design. She has worked for the arship offer to attend AIP after a jury speed up the process. Pittsburgh Tribune Review as an editorial including Fred Carlson and Mark illustrator and is a winner of the Keystone Brewer cited his work from among doz- APRIL 21: Tuesday daytime you can ens of applicants from western PA high make arrangement with me to stop Press Awards Distinguished Visual (2006). She is currently working for the schools. He is a student at USC High by my studio in Monroeville and take School. your work directly from my van. Call National Network of Digital Schools as me at (412) 856-0982 to let me know lead artist for their K-4 curriculum devel- when you’ll arrive. If you think this is opment, doing character design and PSI Website the time you want to get your work let children’s book illustration. Evette was Update me know asap! recruited by Fred Carlson. Members are excited and eager to hear when APRIL 21: Tuesday evening meeting Katherine the new website will at John Blumen’s, this is your last be complete and where to submit new chance to pick up work from me. I will Hallberg 122 Race Street image samples. For now, everyone will be at the meeting by around 7:30 with have to sit tight until the site is up and the work in my van. Pittsburgh, PA 15218 running. After that, an announcement will I am planning on holding on to 412-849-9658 appear in the newsletter and in an email alert. Matsick, Schill, Ritter, Elston’s work Email (the latter two if they need assistance Website The designer is Shanna Blasingame of with this) but I will not be responsible Hot Designs. Shanna created sites for for anyone else’s work so if you can’t John Manders and Mark Brewer. Mark get to one of these times please des- Katherine is a 2008 CMU grad and has will have copies of the new design to ignate someone from the group to do been featured in the Illustrators of the hand out at the next business meeting on so for you. Future 2005 competition. She works for a April 21. Shanna’s work can be seen at: local product design company. Katherine For updated directions http://www.hotdesigns1.com has volunteered for the social and schol- to Nutting Gallery: arship committees. PSI member Zack Beresh, who is a pro- [email protected] fessional web designer, has volunteered

continued on page 10 9 ANNOUNCEMENTS continued

his time to be PSI’s new computer “guru” contain lead puts the seller or lender at as the thrift industry. You can watch once the new website has been complet- risk of a $100,000 fine for each violation my speech on vintage books at: http: ed by Hot Designs. When we’re ready to (plus jail time and forfeiture of assets for //amendthecpsia.com/2009/04/rally-clip- update our member portfolio images and repeated or egregious violations). carol-baicker-mckee-childrens-author/. make other changes Zack will be the one If you’d like to join the fight to save old in charge, taking over Cathy Klingler’s Not surprisingly, this has put our literary books, you can learn more about the law position. We extend our appreciation to heritage in extreme danger: many librar- and who to contact at: http://pghpictur Cathy for doing an excellent job on main- ies are removing these older books from ebook.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/you- taining the site. their shelves (and some have discarded gotta-read-this/ and through my blog: them), thrift stores have mostly put them www.doodlesandnoodles.blogspot.com. out for the trash, and other used book- Membership List Updated sellers like Half Price Books have ware- The list of PSI members and their contact housed the older books or shifted them information has been updated with many to their collectible areas (where they New and improved changes made. If you’d like to receive it undoubtedly will cost more). If the law creative art buyers list! in a pdf file please email your request to is unchanged, we will likely lose much PSI Membership Chairman Jim Mellett at: of the 20th century children’s literature [email protected] – and an awful lot of beautiful illustration Only to PSI members! – in the next few years. Although clas- The New 1984: sic favorites have usually been reprinted The 2009 database is The Banning since 1984 and will survive in newer, less available for only 10 cents of Vintage nice editions, most older kids’ books are per peel-and-stick label! not in print in any form and the major- Custom searches allow you to Children’s Books ity are sufficiently obscure or still under purchase specific company types, by Carol Baicker-McKee copyright so they haven’t even been job titles, specialties and locations. preserved electronically by organizations It’s quick, easy and affordable. In late January, I came across a mention of like Project Gutenberg. a new law on a craft blog I read occasion- Contact Gina Antognoli Scanlon ally and almost immediately found myself The saddest thing is that even the books at: [email protected] to discuss caught up a fight to save vintage children’s that contain lead pose little to no risk to your promotional needs books from needless destruction. children. Ink soaks into the substrates of book paper and does not come off The Consumer Product Safety on hands. It doesn’t even leach out by Improvement Act (CPSIA), which went saliva; the only way a child can absorb Business Meeting into effect on February 10th, imposes any lead is to actually eat the book. On new strict limits on lead and phthalates the other hand, children will be harmed in all products for children 12 and under, by the loss of these old books, estimated Come Out, Get including books. It is retroactive and to be in the tens of millions of copies in mandates repeated, expensive destruc- libraries and several times that many Involved, Be Inspired! tive testing to prove that products are overall. lead-free. April 21 Business Meeting There are several other ways illustrators 7:30 pm at John Blumen’s Studio Although “ordinary” children’s books are affected by this law. It applies to wall (i.e., books that contain no metal, plas- art, so after next February when destruc- Last chance to pick up work from tic or electronics and are intended for tive testing becomes mandatory, it will RIGHT NOW! show. reading rather than play) published no longer be possible to sell any one-of- after 1984 were granted a last minute a-kind artwork intended for children. The To Blumen studio from downtown law also affects all non-book new printed Pittsburgh: Take Liberty Bridge to the exemption from testing and certifica- tunnels. Take Liberty Tunnel to West tion, vintage children’s books weren’t so materials meant for children, such as Liberty Avenue. At top of hill turn left lucky. Because printing inks sometimes greeting cards, posters, wrapping paper, at Saturn dealer on to Pioneer Avenue. contained small amounts of lead before school decorations, etc. and costs for Turn right on to Fordham Street. 539 is 1985, the Consumer Product Safety producing and selling these items may the only house with a tree planted in Commission classified older books as increase tremendously, thereby reduc- the sidewalk. Enter door on right. “banned hazardous waste” pending fur- ing the markets for them. Finally, many ther study, and Commissioner Moore has new books are still affected, as discount specifically recommended that they tested retailers like Wal-Mart and Target require (not feasible – testing is expensive and $6.00 for the first testing and certification for all kids’ prod- destructive), sequestered, or destroyed pin and $4.00 for until a final decision is made about how ucts including books, and novelty books, each additional to handle them. Although it’s legal to books-plus, and certain other formats pin. Checks should be made sell books that are of sufficient age and must still be tested and certified. out to Jim Mellett, value that they wouldn’t be used by a On April 1st, I joined hundreds of oth- or contact Jim at child, selling (including at yard sales or ers at the Capitol in Washington to urge a meeting and on ebay), giving away, or lending (as Congress to repeal or amend this over- pay cash. through a library) older books that aren’t reaching law that threatens many safe rare collectibles and which turn out to and useful children’s products as well

10 QUESTION OTM

the illustration department and my Fred Carlson: “Over the past five What has changed life. He brought with him the opportunity years, I’ve seen PSI continuing to solidify of the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators. and build up the illustration world for in your life over It seemed to be perfect timing, being Pittsburgh area illustrators. Not that more the past five years, that I was a native of Pittsburgh. When work per se is originating in this market I finished school and returned to (it is likely not increasing locally) but our including what has Pittsburgh, I met with Fred to sign up for national presence, and our members’ a membership. Without Fred I would have goals of penetrating national market PSI done for you; never had the pleasure to meet another niches, continues to grow and our web- opportunities pro- PSI member, John Ritter. site tracks on all the illustration search engines very high, benefiting all of us. John opened my eyes to a whole new People seem to be getting fair rates and vided, friendships world of what illustration can mean...he a low rate of unethical business practice is the one who showed me the light, lol : forged, etc.? or abuse is being reported and this is ) He has been a constant inspiration in another benefit of the information sharing my life and development over the past going on within PSI. Ilene Winn-Lederer: “A look back at five years...thanks, John!! Without John’s the last five years reveals a great per- introduction, I never would have had the My PSI friendships have deepened sonal and professional milestone with opportunity to meet Jacob Thomas. remarkably, both with long time asso- the release of my new book, Between ciates and newer members, and the Jacob was the first of John’s ‘Speaking of Heaven & Earth, scheduled for mid- smoothness of the activity at the upper Illustration’ sessions held at AIR (Artists September of this year. Having been levels in the group leadership is very Image Resource) here in Pittsburgh. His active in PSI since its inception ten years encouraging and rewarding. This means story and works inspired a new direc- ago, I can attest that the intensity of our that our organization is not dependent on tion in my thoughts about contemporary connections to each other, to new mem- personalities to thrive, and that we have illustration. I reached out to Jacob shortly bers and to the industry remain just as an encouraging, growing future ahead of after his presentation asking for some potent as ever! The opportunity to show us. I think we’ve been able to stay true advice and feedback to some of my regularly in different venues and the to our mission statement during a time works. His first response was so encour- group’s ongoing awareness of industry of amazing growth in our numbers and aging and positive that it made me hun- developments have been valuable assets technical change in our field and this has gry for more, lol :) For over six months to that consistency.” and will continue to serve us well in the now I have found in him a great friend next years. Wayno: “I started painting again after and mentor to my work and my life. I am many years of working digitally, and have forever grateful to have these individu- The mentorship program recently pro- staged three one-man art shows. I’ve als in my life as friends and mentors. posed by VP John Blumen is a striking joined the board of directors of a new Without PSI, none of these things could idea and will continue to grow our talent non-profit organization (The ToonSeum) have been possible. It has given me the that want to get better and prosper in this and have met many fascinating and tal- opportunity to chase down the dream, demanding field. I cannot think of anoth- ented people who appreciate cartoon art. making it a reality.” er illustration society nationally that can I’ve met and collaborated with many of get out of the fog and think so clearly “The most significant my heroes. Cheryl Ceol: about the future of member benefits and change in my life has been my change what they really mean to an organiza- Each year I appreciate my very support- in belief that there is unlimited potential tion.” ive wife and treasure my close friends for artists. There always was opportunity, more and more. I’ve become more con- but in a way, it’s validated and nurtured nected via online social networking, and through the people of PSI. I’m not fully I’ve smoked about three cigars a year.” active yet in my career, but I’m getting Thanks to Cathy Klingler for there and knowing that PSI exists as a this month’s question. Got a Joe Winkler: “Artistically, I continue to wellspring of talent and positive energy be inspired by a wide range of traditional good question for an upcom- greases the gears of success. I’ve work from both the illustration and fine-art ing issue? Please submit to: attended a few meetings, though not realms. Not the least of which has been regularly. But always feel admiration and [email protected] at the PSI shows. Especially the Recast warmth from everyone there.” show. That was amazing. Personally, I was a single loser five years ago. Now John Ritter: “The biggest change in I’m an engaged loser. Professionally, it’s my life over the past five years is the just too damn depressing to talk about.” transition from working in an urban east end loft studio to a cabin in the woods Taylor Callery: “I was in my senior near our home in Ligonier. Ted Kazinski year at the College for Creative Studies would be proud.” when Fred Carlson stepped into

11 BEHIND THE BRUSH

A Look at What PSI-ers are Douglas Webster “This piece was completed for the new is excited about Children’s Hospital,” Mark Bender Working on This Month rejoining PSI and reports. “It was used for the cover of their sends these snap- Promises magazine. The art director was Ilene Winn-Lederer created this Jewish shots of himself at Susan Limoncelli (my favorite) and the New Year card for the Hadassah work on the paint- wonderfully creative client who always Organization in New York City. The image ing, “Angels on lets me run with my ideas was Ellen depicts a shofar, or ram’s horn, that is tra- Assignment.” It’s Mazo.” The original art was purchased ditionally sounded at this time. Inside the for a September by the James Gallery for placement in horn is a verse from the special blessing gallery show in the new hospital. recited for this time-honored event. Wheeling, WV.

Ilene’s new Here is the link for viewing Kathy book, Between Rooney’s newly finished Empire City Heaven & Casino map: http://www.krooney.net/ Earth, is empire.html scheduled for release in mid- “Here is a pencil sketch I did recently September. for the Bradford Exchange as a design You can see for a proposed Looney Tunes ‘character tree’ tabletop sculpture,” Phil Wilson a preview “The Woods,” by , was advises. “I had done one previously for Taylor Callery on page 2 of inspired by an article written about real- a similar Disney ‘character tree’ piece. Pomegranate’s istic assessments on where we are now The main problem in designing this was online (the economy), and what is to come. catalog: http:// the compositional problems of making lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/pomegranate/cata- the characters fit into a basic tree shape log-2009fallbook.pdf while keeping their size relationships and personalities and attitudes ‘in-character’ Oksana Popovich sent this watercolor with one another!! Tricky, but fun none- illustration done for a story written by her theless!!” brother-in-law.

George Schill created this image, “Homes on the Range,” as third in a series of ads for Sensus Metering Systems.

continued on page 13 12 BEHIND THE BRUSH continued

Here’s a comics page from NORTH, Here is a goblin scout, one of four imag- Joe a new visitors’ guide to the North Side es done by Rhonda Libbey for AEG’s Winkler illustrated by Wayno, published by the game “Legend of the Five Rings”. sent “Two ToonSeum. on Top,” a 5x7 oil he completed in a day, after being inspired by the work on the Website

www.dailypaintworks.com. John Ritter created this image for New Yorker magazine showing David Here are de Rothschild in the process of creat- two illustra- ing a boat made entirely of recyclables tions John in order to make a trip to the Eastern Hinderliter did Garbage Patch, a twelve thousand acre recently for Dirt region of floating plastic trash. Rag magazine.

He also sent this illustration of a new band, Ralph Carney’s Serious Jass Projekt and adds, “Ralph is a friend This retro old skool illustration by Rich of mine and Rogowski appeared on a Tucson Roller has played Derby poster for a “bout.” with the B-52s and Tom Waits, among many other credits.”

Cheryl Ceol was commissioned by a Fox Chapel resident to paint “Riley,” a pinscher and German shepherd mix. It’s Ron Thurston is mostly known for water- 16x20, acrylic on canvas. color but says he does, on occasion, “go over to the ‘dark side’ (digital).” For this event invitation art an old black and white was provided by the client. Ron simulated the oil on canvas look using Photoshop filters.

continued on page 14 13 BEHIND THE BRUSH continued

Here’s the portrait of the brother of the John Manders is working on paintings girl shown in last issue, both done in pas- for a story about a cat who lived in a cof- tel by Christine Swann. feehouse in Venice circa 1890. For scen- ery reference, he relied on John Singer Sargent who stayed there for a time. John did these color studies of Sargent’s Venice paintings.

Here are sketches and the finished painting of Guiseppe Verdi (and Nini the cat) entering the coffeehouse.

“Butterknife” is a new acrylic and ink work by Thomas Hunt. Gallery exhi- bitions of the piece will follow in the Pittsburgh area. Thomas is looking for galleries to host artwork.

Here’s another new piece by Craig Jennion entitled “Fire Dragon Princess,” soon to be on Picture-Book.com.