A New Life (Growing Up Show)

"A New Life" - 2009

I spend my childhood nestled safely in a beautiful log home in the Canadian wilderness on a farm where my family raised cattle. This painting features myself, moving to "the city" to learn illustration. Although I was surrounded by more people and buildings than ever before in my life, I felt alone and like I didn't belong to this new culture. The unnatural buildings were beautiful, cold and flat but also produced this grand allure of a new life and fresh start. While I was excited for the change, there was a fear in me of this new place so great that I could hardly figure out how to take the correct bus home from college my first day.

To see this paintings progress, please visit this link.

Paint Palette Pal

I found this rather friendly creature inhabiting my paint palette yesterday. He was born rather by accident, as many wonderful things are.

Still working on projects for the Royal Alberta Museum (an educational book about Peru, a trail map for their Wild Alberta Gallery and possible talks of a mural) as well as for the Grow Up Show. Finished the city scene but must wait until light to photograph it. I'm really not looking forward to scanning the sucker then tiling it (what work!).

Bra Store Happy (Growing Up Show)

This painting is part of the Growing Up Art Show this September in Edmonton. Being a very personal collection of my own "growing up experiences", this is a stylized version of myself trying on my first bra. I was one of those pre-teen girls who wanted to wear bras, shave my legs and wear make up before my parents deemed it appropriate (they were most likely right). So when the time finally came to purchase my first bra I cherished the experience through my embarrassment.

See more posts on the Growing Up Show here, here & here.

Happy Belated New Years!

A few animals for a trail map I'm currently working on:
* all of these animals are native to where I'm from: Alberta, Canada.

2009 is the first year since I was too young to be able to keep and write in a journal that I did not make any New Years resolutions. I love the zeal of a fresh start and the chance to improve my habits and feel a bit off balance not having made a single one. In my post-college life I usually resolve to up my running routine, to eat extra carefully or to concentrate more on marketing my business or creating more personal artwork. With a baby on the way I wasn't sure I could make a promise to myself for an entire year with so many big unknowns in my future... However, I can't stand not making a couple so even though I'm 20 days late here is a list of some new directions I'd like my life to take this year:

• Enjoy each moment
• Embrace calm instead of stress
• Make my marriage & family my top priority

The list is simple, ridiculously hard to follow and yet is the best list I've ever decided to follow. Good Luck to everyone out there trying their best to keep their resolutions!

Holidays are Bliss!

I spent an entire two weeks during the holiday season without working on a single piece of art and so the only new piece of evidence that I'm still around, creating, is a little photo I'd like to share. (18 weeks along - our little baby who's sex I will keep a secret from the blogging world in case my mom gets the chance to read this post)

Merry Christmas and Happy 2009!

Merry Christmas fellow bloggers and blog readers. Here's an older Christmas image for you to enjoy. I'll be back on the blog sometime in the new year and until then may you all be blessed with warmth, good health and fantastic memories to enjoy.

* sorry about the wordmark... it's the only way I'm allowed to show many of my older images (where the copyright is not in mine).

Winner of the 200th Post Giveaway!

Congratulations to Reg Silva, an illustrator/graphic designer from Manila in the Philippines - she's the winner of a set of 5 prints for my 200th post celebration! Thank you to everyone who entered, it was so fun to read the many comments you left me. For those of you who are wondering how I picked Reg's name I wrote out all of your names on pieces of paper and drew it out of a container.

Expectant (Growing Up Show)

My goal for an upcoming art show at the University of Alberta Hospital's McMullen Art Gallery was to finish one painting each month starting in September. I've been falling behind on this goal which makes me sad as I don't know how much time there will be for painting once my own little one arrives. The impending shift in my career both scares me and thrills me as I make the transition from full time freelance illustrator to full time mom with part time painting ambitions. Perhaps this painting reflects some of my current hopeful feelings about the change and in the mean time I hope to kick my painting up a notch and get caught up!

For those of you who have not yet had the chance to enter for a set of 5 prints by yours truly (to celebratae 200 blog posts) you still can. The contest ends on Wednesday the 17th of December.

* In background of photo is the first painting I worked on for the show - still waiting to be finished.

200th POST - Print Giveaway

It's been almost two years since I started my blog with an article about leaving my place of employment. This post marks my 200th article and to celebrate and thank the many readers who stop by and leave comments I'm giving away an entire set prints (by yours truly). There are five in the set and they measure 10 x 13". Switch them up as the years pass, give some away or frame them. They are all individually cello packaged and signed by yours truly.

Enter from anywhere in the world (I'll priority post if the winner is Canadian or will arrange meet/pick up if you live in Edmonton, Alberta to make it a Christmas Present). All you need to do is leave a comment in this post. I'll randomly draw a name from the comments listed on Wednesday, December 17th and then contact the winner for their mailing address.

If you are interested in purchasing a print you may do so in my etsy store. All prints are all currently 50% off ($10 each plus shipping for a limited time only).

Switching It Up

Last year was my first year as a freelancer. I spent a good portion of that year wondering if I'd always be hoping the next phone call would be from a client that had more than $50 and wildly inventing ways in which I could try to sell my art work. Many days were spent preparing for and being at local events where I sold merchandise I had created that ranged from woodburnt art earrings to prints and cards. The hardest part of that year was not the worry that I had made the wrong decision but rather was in making the decision to quit my full time job in the first place. I knew in my heart for years that each day I went into work I was in the wrong place and I struggled to understand why my dream job wasn't turning out like I had always hoped it would be.

Perhaps the expectations and dreams of fresh eyed students entering the work force should be given a more realistic perspective? Most likely though, I think the beautiful passion and hope that I was granted via my parents and the instructors I studied under at school are to blame for me not throwing in the towel when I felt illustration was a ridiculous industry. Students entering the work force this year will need a healthy dose of optimism in the face of our global economic downward slope so that no matter how long they are forced to sit in the moonlight working and gathering overtime hours under employers who give care only about their bottom line will still make it through and not trade in their diplomas for something that seems more promising.

But here I am, not even two years later, swamped in work that I feel so blessed to be a part of that I could cry with happiness and managing to make money in the process. Sure, I've traded in a few benefits - maternity leave (in Canada, this is a full year), a steady pay check and co-workers but my list of newly acquired benefits would make that list seem quite silly now... anyone else feel the same way?

As this is my 199 post my next post will be a "giveaway" post - so stay tuned!

Growing Up Art Show 2

Each month I meet and sketch with the other two artists involved in an art show at the University of Alberta Hospital (McMullen Gallery) as we discuss our experiences of growing up. Because being pregnant is such an important theme in my life right now it's the one thing I ended up sketching during our meeting. Because I can't get myself to paint any more on my last painting I'm going to move on to the next one and leave that one to "season" itself for awhile. Here's my next sketch for the show:

On a side note, I'm doing an interesting project with the Royal Alberta Museum again. Can't wait to show you some of the funky characters I'm designing...

Growing Up Art Show

I may have mentioned earlier that I'm busy creating art for an upcoming art show in 2009 with the theme being growing up. I don't think there's been a time in my entire life where I've felt like I've had to grow up more than since I found out the big news (see previous post) but it's been fun meeting with the other very talented ladies involved in the show: Amanda Woodward and Davey Thompson and discussing how we've grown up in our lives and that the process never seems to stop.

I've only nailed down one sketch which I've started painting. Here's the painting as it stands thus far (it's about me moving to the city when I was 17 - feeling so out of place and in wonder yet scared out of my mind) -

Expectations

I simply cannot contain the news any longer: I'm expecting a little on this May! This is certainly another reason why I have not been posting in the last month. In fact, it's been quite hard to do anything other than sleep, eat and feel sick during my first trimester (I'm three months today). I'm so glad I'm part of the blogging community and that I've been exposed to many of the illustrator parents out there that seem to be able to "do it all". While I adore where my career has been heading since I went freelance nearly two years ago, I'm also excited to let it slow down while my life shifts to new priorities. Thanks to everyone who's followed my blog these last two years!

The big update!

To start off this "big update", here is a collection of Christmas cards I did last year for the Royal Alberta Museum (their mascot is a mammoth and the museum is stationed on a long hill, pictured in the painting). They are up for sale in the museum gift shop as a set if any there are any local readers interested in purchasing the set.

- SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL OF THE NEW CRAZY IMAGES! -

It's been quite the summer! My big project with Alberta Learning is being wrapped up this week, giant files transferred and details checked over to make sure everything is just so. I've never been such a large part of the creative on a project of this scale - people helped turn my drawings into vector characters that are to be animated and turned into an interactive game for grade eight social studies students across Alberta.

I'm so happy to announce that I'll be back posting regularly on my blog - it's been over a month since my last post - something I have not skipped out on since creating my blog two years ago. I will not be able to post any images from it until the Alberta Learning team has published it to the web, which will not be for many months. I'll keep you posted! Until then here's a few reject drawings:







Things that happened over the summer -
1) I was commissioned to do a children's book for a publisher in the UK. A wonderfully complex pop-up about a garage and it's mechanic, cars and trucks. Unfortunately the project was put on hold 3/4 of the way to the end of the project which was a blessing as well as a disappointment (I had taken on too many projects and was quite exhausted). I have attached one of the character designs I created for the main character (Bumper), which later changed to a different model of car. After I get word from my agent about posting more images I'll let you know!

2) I did a marvelously complex vector illustration for a forestry company called Millar Western (a local Alberta company) and adored doing all of the little animals in the picture - here's a sample - I highly suggest you click on it to see the details:


3) Here's some images from a grade 3 math text book I worked on as well -






Thanks to those who are by blog "followers" now too!

Still Here

Just a small note to say that I have not forgotten about you little blog. It's just that I'm quite overbooked, creating work that I cannot publish online right now and I've no spare moment to create something just to keep this going.

I'm teaching again in the fall at MacEwan College and would love to include samples of illustrators around the world who use acrylic paint (especially a wash style) or mixed media for my presentation to the students. I will credit you with your name and website so please email me if you're interested! artist[@]crystaldriedger.com

Hope to have something to show soon!

Paper Quilt Project needs more artists

Remember the Paper Quilt project that I worked on last year? It's creator is looking for a hand full of artists to complete the quilt. A few artists backed out on their promise to create a piece and it would be so nice to see it completed. Looking to create something for a charity that would be oodles of fun?... Here's the scoop:

The Paper Quilt Project was a year long project that allowed artists from 32 different countries to come together and share their lives, their culture and their art with one another. Each artist was invited to participate because of their individual artistic style, but most importantly because of their strong desire to help make a difference.

Each month 12 new artists created a collage interpreting the project's theme, "A Day in my Life," and gave us a glimpse into their world. Every collage from each month will soon be sewn together to create 12 amazing and unique individual paper quilts. And later each paper quilt will be auctioned off or donated to charity in order to raise money for a cause that matters most to the artists.

Auction dates and charity information will be provided in the near future. Please check the blog for updates.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER:

My name is Dawbis and I am an artist / environmentalist with a lot of paper scraps lying around the house. I am not a non-profit, but just one girl running the Paper Quilt Project in hopes of making a difference in the world, now matter how small or big. My initial thought for this project was to help raise funds for an environmental organization, however I am leaving it up to the artists to decide in the end which charity to support.

Looking for Replacements

The Paper Quilt Project is now looking for 21 new artists to replace those artists who unfortunately could not complete their collages for the project.

If you are interested in being a participant of the project, please email Dawbis at paperquiltproject@gmail.com for more information.

Please include the following in your email:

1. Name
2. Location
3. Website
4. Short Bio / Personal Statement

Thank you for your interest!

Oh do Grow Up!

To start my post here's my flickr favorites.

In Alberta, Canada, where I am currently living and blogging, the world has become chilly. Frost has killed the cucumber plants and has changed the lush green of my mom's tomato leaves into brown and curled crisps. While I may have to bundle up for morning walks I am finding that my new confinement gives me more of a willingness to start new projects and embark on some new creative adventures, one of which I know is participating in a group art show that about growing up with friends (and local artists) Amanda, Davey and Carla. The best part about this show thus far has been chatting about our growing up and looking in depth at my own experiences to see how they've shaped who I am. The show isn't until late 2009 but I'll keep you updated as I start painting this month.

Does anyone have any good growing up stories? One week from today I'll draw a name from those who respond to this question and will mail the best story a secret prize (this may include a print... card package...). Make sure I have a way of contacting you.

Here's some pictures taken on or near my parents farm this weekend, where I grew up.

New addition to the studio...

So I haven't been much of a blogger lately and I'm quite ok with this decision. I feel that summer time should be dedicated to long walks and gardening (or whatever may be your pleasure)... besides... I got a dog. My husband and I rescued Leppard from SCARS (second chance animal rescue society) last Saturday.

She's been so good and patient with my cat, Monte, and is learning when I need to work in high gear (no playing with her ball while I'm working, etc) and when it's time to go hog wild in the back yard. It's been wonderful to have an excuse to go for long walks - I feel that she's my new gym pass and I've never had more motivation to keep up with my running and to enjoy the outdoors, something I haven't been able to convince my cat to do yet.

Oh! And I almost forgot - I was awarded an "I love your blog" award by Chrissy Fanslau. Thanks Chrissy. It's so nice to know that people read and love my blog, even when it gets neglected.

Here's the 7 people I shall pass the award to:
Gina, Elizabeth, Heather, Abigail, Rachelle, Paige, Jannie

While I have a list of dozens of illustrators blogs that I visit on at least a weekly basis, these blogs are beautiful, honest and addictive (be warned!)

Vector Trials

I told you a couple months ago about a big project I'm working on. I had to do a vector test to give the client an idea of the level of realism/stylization that they could expect. The first is from a photo of myself and the second from a drawing I did of one of the characters. Because the project has evolved so much I feel safe showing you some of the preliminary work. I'll show you lots more once the project has been published but until then... here's a teaser.

click on images to see in detail

No time like a deadline

This may be a dreadfully silly post but I'm swamped. I'm right at this moment only a few hours away from a flood of tears due to exhaustion and stress and thought there would be no better place to admit it than this. Honestly I debated if I should post about this for many days now because I fear the bad karma of venting about having too much illustration work (it does sound quite like a terrible complaint, doesn't it?) but have decided that I need to. I've received many emails from illustrators just starting out and it's not fair to them to leave out pieces about the business that can be frustrating and hard (it's just like me to hand out rose coloured glasses).

As a freelancer I always feel like I'm on a roller coaster. One day I'll be chugging along uphill rather slowly, enjoying my climb but wondering if I'll ever get somewhere and then before I know it I'll be speeding along in a loop ready to puke my guts out and crying for the ride to stop.

I am thankful everyday for having work even when I'm ready to cry and I am thankful also because I can see that this push has helped improve my skills and has allowed me to live my dream that much more. Still, when weeks on end my days stretch on through the hours of 8am - 2am (ahem... or later the last couple days) I have these horrid thoughts of giving it all up and becoming a monk.

What I'd LOVE to know is if any of my readers have gone through what I have. Is anyone else out there taking a wee break out of their busy day to read my blog? Have I officially scared off several potential young illustrators? Or did the inevitable happen - someone wants to digitally slap me in the face for complaining about having too much work? Let's hear your comments.