We All Scream!!

 Hand Painted Sign, HWY 321, NC 2014 © jwl

Today the weather has put East Tennessee down in the Teen Temps. I know that a lot of the country gets colder than that for longer than a few days. Now that I have been reacclimated to the Southern Weather, I hate the cold even more than ever.

What better time to think of warmer times, ice cream & art made from art!

Cone, HWY 13, WI 2009 © jwl

What I mean is that I love Hand Painted Signs. When someone needs to advertise or convey a message to a lot of people in a very simple way, paint a picture. Painting & Drawing have been a part of human existence before we wrote words, why stop now? I feel an obligation to use my creative communication tool to document other attempts at communication, especially when they are on the edge of Simple & Beautiful.

Portrait #11

Cortney Heimerl, Milwaukee 2009 © jwl

Cortney Heimerl, of the Handmade Nation fame, stopped in for a visit today. I've known Cortney for a long time now, and I am quite fond of her. I never had any siblings as a kid, but in her I feel like I have a little sister. I can't explain why, just is.

It's always a treat to see Cortney and I owe her a BLT next time, thanks girl.

Portrait(s) #5

Faythe Levine, Milwaukee 2008 © jwl

I pulled and prodded, texted my thumb off and finally got Faythe to come by for a visit. The Handmade Nation book tour has her all over the place and I am sure that the film will get her out of the house quite a bit as well. It was a real treat to have one of my favorite people and an inspiration to us all sitting for a portrait. She was uncomfortable and I was giddy like a schoolboy, but in the end we have made some fun images.

This new project has become very exciting for me. As simple as it is, it is very fulfilling and socially redeeming in its way.

Handmade Nation

I am a bit behind the tide I am sure, but I just wanted to express my admiration and pride for Cortney Heimerl and Faythe Levine and the work they did on their Handmade Nation book and film project. They have been truly busting their asses and deserve respect and attention for what they have accomplished.

I missed the book release on Saturday due to work, but they were sweet enough to bring me a copy (that night no less). I have yet to digest the thing, but from what I see, there is no question why they are on the 3rd pressing and selling out.

Check it out for yourself @ http://indiecraftdocumentary.blogspot.com