Note: Weekly peace images are displayed (as a unit) under the “52 Weeks of Peace” tab above, where there is also a more detailed description of the series.
Every seven years, designer Stefan Sagmeister closes his New York studio for a year-long sabbatical to refresh their creative outlook. He explains the often overlooked value of time off and shows the innovative projects inspired by his time in Bali.
His talk is insightful, enjoyable and worth watching – though for some reason the video wouldn’t embed, so here’s the link:
Now, my thoughts: In theory, it makes sense. But there’s that pesky element of economic feasibility and other practicalities / responsibilities.
I did take my own sabbatical at one time – 6 months in a beautiful place, devoted to pursuing other aspects of my creativity. It was a time when I felt I could do it, based on a relatively lesser amount of responsibility – ie;, no children yet. It was a fantastic gift, a treasured, productive time.
As downright appealing as it is, a sabbatical like this would be much more difficult to orchestrate now. And as such – for those who can’t up and go to Bali – it’s important to be able to find and nurture places of growth and inspiration right from where you are.
Art & beauty can speak volumes… This is the most powerful, moving piece of sand animation I have ever seen.
Note: Weekly peace images are displayed (as a unit) under the “52 Weeks of Peace” tab above, where there is also a more detailed description of the series.
Kentucky artist Charlie Kratzer transformed his basement using $10 worth of Sharpie markers. Now that’s creative!
Note: Weekly peace images are displayed (as a unit) under the “52 Weeks of Peace” tab above, where there is also a more detailed description of the series.
Brooklyn Book Festival
It was a full weekend here on the east coast, with book signings at the Princeton Children’s Book Festival and the Brooklyn Book Festival. Towns don’t get much prettier than Princeton, and we had spectacular September weather for Sunday’s fair in Brooklyn, Both events were well attended and allowed we author/illustrator types another opportunity to meet and mingle with book lovers of all ages. Oh, and to sell some books too!
This coming weekend, on Saturday the 19th, I’ll be at the Town Book Store in Westfield, a charming shop that happens to be celebrating it’s 75th year of business. The Town Book Store is one of the last remaining independent bookstores in New Jersey. Both of my books – A Book of Fairies and The Book of Mermaids – will be available for signing that day. If you’re in the area between 2 and 4 pm, please stop in!
In anticipation of the Westfield event, a local paper, the Westfield Leader, wrote up a wonderful article (saxton fairytales combine magical words and art) on my children’s books. And this morning I learned that A Book of Fairies has been featured as an anticipated bestseller by CBC (the Children’s Book Council), along with another great new book by my publisher (Shenanigan Books) called Star of the Show. Congratulations to Shenanigan!
You can keep up with newsy book-related items by checking in on the News tab at patriciasaxton.wordpress.com. I know the fairies enjoy the attention. : )
Generally speaking, I’ve always found italic fonts a bit frustrating … the fluid nature one expects from “script” doesn’t always translate well as type – the letters carry too much “sameness”, which has a tendency to then smother the feeling of a natural script, losing vibrancy and becoming dully predictable. This is certainly why there’s been an onslaught of “handwritten” script fonts in recent years – but I’ll get into those later.
For the time being, there remains a time and place for a nice, classic italic font, and while none of these made my previous “10 Indispendable Fonts” list, they’re definitely worthy of note.
Note: Weekly peace images are displayed (as a unit) under the “52 Weeks of Peace” tab above, where there is also a more detailed description of the series.
Week 2: September 7 . 2009
Note: Weekly peace images are also displayed (as a unit) under the “52 Weeks of Peace” tab above, where there is also a more detailed description of the series.
