Nutcrackers. And no, I'm not referring to a group of angry feminists...

So, the holidays came and went. Not to mention, along with it my svelte figure thanks to an overload of holiday eating. But, thats neither here nor there. The holidays bring with them a lot of traditions that we all participate in, even if we're not sure why or where they came from. I have always wondered about how certain things become synonymous with a holiday or event.

My mom has an army of nutcrackers lined up on the mantle above the fireplace every Christmas. I have no idea of their origin or why my mother loves them so, but I do know they have been the staple of our fireplace decoration for as long as I can remember. The history of the nutcracker is a mystery to me, and so is how they became attached to Christmas. I'm sure I will be compelled to research them later, but for now, I just like to ponder about them. Have you ever really looked at a nutcracker? Yes, I know you've seen one, but I'm talking about actually looked at one without all your preconceptions. I don't know about you, but if you ask me, they are extremely goofy looking. Crazy 1970's Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka hairdo, teeth that would give a dentist nightmares, and not to mention those mustaches. Ok, well maybe those mustaches are pretty cool. Do you think anyone actually uses nutcrackers for what they're actually supposed to be used for? They seem more an aesthetic since I have never seen anyone actually use one. I guess one wouldn't need to since you can buy already shelled nuts. Unless, the nut factories employ thousands of these nutcrackers to shell all the nuts they sell. That could be a definite possibility. A little food for thought.

"Her Majesties Secret Service"

watercolor on watercolor paper

Ripoff or Sign of the Times?

So I realize it has been quite some time since I last posted anything, my apologies. My website and school have been monopolizing my life as of lately. But, on that note, my website is about halfway done and I hope to have it up and running soon. Now, onto today's topic at hand.

I walked into Wal-Mart today in search of new PEZ. I can always count on them for their reliable selection of new stock and am rarely disappointed. Today was no different, they had a large selection of new ones, but I couldn't help but be disappointed. I noticed that they have changed their packaging into a smaller more compact version. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for new package design but I can't tell if I'm feeling this. The new version is about one third of the size and comes with one less candy pack. Now while the packaging itself doesn't bother me that much, it does bother me that it costs the same price as the larger versions that come with three candy packs. I can't help but feel a little cheated. Then again that seems to be the way of the world these days. Portions go down while prices go way up. Ripoff or sign of the times?

Since we're already on the topic, I thought I'd put up a little preview of what I am currently working on. I'm doing a series of Christmas dispensers for my advertising illustration class. Here he is, in all his glory, Santa Claus.

Two Halves Make a Hole

It's kind of weird to think about. When you're 21, you should be the one moving out, not your father. A month ago, he was offered a job in good old Huntsville, Alabama, smack dab in the middle of the heartland of the South. Last week, after much debating, he packed up all his belongings and left. It wasn't a bitter goodbye, but it didn't make it any easier. I guess this is how parents feel when their kids leave home to start a new life. You do your best to raise them right, and the next minute, they're gone. Half of me realizes that this is just a part of life and the other half still feels like something is missing. In the end, you can't help but feel a little lost.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about other things that have been lost. A long time ago, before the golden age of computers, before the plethora of free font websites and even Photoshop, when someone wanted text they had to draw it and paint it themselves. Billboards, signs, advertisements, you name it, all done by hand. Over the years hand done lettering has become a lost art form and it's definitely a shame. It has inspired me to rekindle my love of typography by doing it the old fashion way.

Watercolor and Ink on Watercolor paper