if each,
when —
speak soft
and
desire more.

I’ve got something in the next issue of Materiel, in March… this was something I was working on for it, but not using, but I still like it. Yep.

Just added the remaining available prints from the Mind/Spirit exhibition last year – available in the Forest Shop.

If you live in New York, I highly recommend going by Adam Baumgold’s second location to see Elvis Studio: Toy Sculptures, showing now until March 20. If you know me, you understand that Elvis Studio (Swiss artists Xavier Robel and Helge Reumann) are collaboratively, and individually, some of my most favorite artists. Just about four years ago I was so excited to have them contribute the cover for The Drama Issue Seven, and accompanying the interview inside were images of handmade toys that the two had made. They were fascinating, but only existed as photos for me, until finally seeing them in person at this show! Each toy is made by hand, is functional (they move, collapse, fold, etc.), and have beautiful silkscreened packaging. There are also several works on paper to view as well (image above as example). Beautiful, intricate, outstanding work.

If you can’t make it, take a look at most of the show’s work here, and images from their previous 2007 show here.

These Friends opens this Friday, at This in Los Angeles. I contributed a large cut out piece, which took me forever. More details here. Updated flyer below!

Moving into the new studio has afforded me the room to feel comfortable looking for an intern! I’m looking for someone willing to come in once a week and do some real work. Graphic design experience totally necessary, especially for web. You should have a laptop. You will be paid.

Email studio@thisisforest.com if you are interested.

I’m just as nervous as you are.

Did a little reorganizing of the site today, including a new The Drama section. Take a look, and download each issue in its entirety.

Happy to have Saelee in town for her opening this weekend at Jonathan Levine Gallery! Should not be missed.

Infinite Roots
Jan 16–Feb 13, 2010
Opening Reception Jan 16, 7pm–9pm

Jonathan Levine Gallery
529 West 20th St, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10011

As appropriate, fell pretty behind on the blog. The end of the year was busy (reading A Song of Ice and Fire, visiting friends and family, getting sick, a little work, etc.)! But happy for a new year, and new things to come. I spent last week moving into a new studio space in The Pencil Factory, shared with the wonderful Gilbert Ford. I’ll post some photos once it’s all set up.

Grateful to be part of this amazing group show at THIS, featuring so many friends, and run by one of the best, Justin Van Hoy, as well as Dan, Jeremy & Claire, and Aaron. Can’t beat that.

Is it too late to post my favorite albums of 2009? Probably.

There have been many blog posts and opinions about the festival, so I’ll keep mine short and personal. I thought it was great. I’ve done enough similar events to have little expectations going in (not to sound too depressing), but I ended the day feeling very positive and inspired by the community. I’m lucky enough to already know a handful of people here, and while the majority of sellers were comics-oriented, I felt the more graphic work (myself, Mike, and new friends Corraini (more on them below)) fit right in. Dan and Gabe did a great job for a first-time event, and next year can only get better. Some things I got:

Finally caught up on Brian Ralph’s Daybreak series, published by Bodega, with volumes two and three. I’ve also been waiting to pick up The Simpsons’ Treehouse of Horror, which is pretty phenomenal. A 7″ and zine by Chris Diken and Uninhabitable Mansions (not pictured but also acquired: amazing custom yard stick). An older but great zine by Jillian Tamaki. New “magazine” by C.F. called City Hunter. Dispersal by Mollie Goldstrom. Postcard from Matt Leines. Cold Heat Special 3 LTD by Dash Shaw and Frank Santoro, and an amazing zine also by Dash.

The highlight of the day for me was discovering the Italian publisher Corraini and their bi-monthly magazine Un Sedicesimo. So much so that I bought the entire set. Each issue is just 16 pages, featuring one individual. It’s simple, beautiful, and extremely well done. Highly recommended.