the prompt is ‘fly”

Like so many events during the pandemic, Bar Flies moved into a virtual space. For now, their usual live productions remain on hold. They ask participants to illustrate a true story, based on a prompt.

I’m invited, along with others, and the theme is…FLY! We can work classic comic style, in photography, embroidery or any other form of mixed media. It can run with all text or even be a collaboration with another. #SoOpenICanDoThis

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It’s July, I’m in Texas visiting mom, when I receive the invite. Oddly (or maybe naturally), I go to the family encyclopedia set of my childhood (…time flies or does it fly?). I pull the F, locate fly and make a copy of it. And I carry it ↑ with me as I fly back home, a few days later.

Back in Phoenix, I go into my studio, not having been in it for a few weeks. Looking out the door, to the side yard, I see a beautiful oriole. How long has he been there? He’s so still. #FlyNot

I gather a variety of material (cuz it’s all an experiment) and begin this illustrated study.
Truly, #OnTheFly.

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Oh…and here are design outtakes!
Thanks again, Amy!

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There are 8 participants → Go look!
For more info → Bar Flies.

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©2021 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY MONICA AISSA MARTINEZ

happy birthday jackalope ranch

Happy Birthday Phoenix New Times Culture Blog!

Claire Lawton at Jackalope Ranch asked if I’d be interested in designing a Jackalope sticker. If you participate in any part of the Phoenix arts scene, you probably know what Jackalope Ranch is.

If you don’t know…you’re not a Phoenician, not participating in the local arts, or you live under a rock…

It’s our very own Phoenix New Times, CULTURE BLOG…
Whether it’s funky Grand Avenue or swank Scottsdale — intellectual pursuits or after-dark diversions — bargains on vintage or the place to see cutting-edge contemporary art — creative pursuits in the suburbs or great architecture downtown, we’ll have it for you here.    –Jackalope Ranch @ Phxculture.com

Each month they ask a different artist to design a sticker. You can visit most any downtown art gallery or shop – and grab one…or two, for free. Today I want more than that…cause Jackalope celebrates a birthday, and the sticker design is my own.

….all in good fun…

The Jackalope is a mythical animal of North American folklore described as a jackrabbit with antelope horns or deer antlers and sometimes a pheasant’s tail (and often hind legs). The word “jackalope” is a portmanteau of “jackrabbit” and “antalope”, an archaic spelling of “antelope”. It is also known as Lepus temperamentalus.

You know I’m sharing process right? Here are a few stages of the design.

I think image #1 would have sufficed, considering it’s a small 3″ in diameter, circular sticker… but I want more. And I am enjoying the play of designing.

Too much….

Clean up backdrop, ground the jackalope, rearrange the paintbrushes in her hands and she is ready for the printer….

And because I  like to finish things I start, I complete the collage on paper and title it … Jackalope in the View Finder. A one of a kind.

Lepus Temperamentalus (Jackalope) In a View Finder
Mixed Media Collage
18 1/4 x 14 1/4

…Have a good one Lepus temperamentalus!

→Phxculture.com

→Today’s must see exhibits.

a character’s character.

Took a break today. Only drew for the amusement of it. No clear end in mind.

Scrap of paper, pencils, markers, scissors, adhesives, and collage bits from a 1915 book titled Character, How to Strengthen It. Book’s always amused me. I use it carefully, as it slowly dissapears. I settle into drawing a profile. Text determines direction in this case. I don’t have much room to work with and I like the set up of a small portrait. Small portraiture… usually means I’m going to play with human thoughts/emotions.

Been thinking about Character. You know…that thing we develop as we age. And saw Alice in Wonderland this weekend, queens make an impression. A play of both word and image, is how this drawing pans out.

I prefer the simplicity of the start. Too late to go back. Rework. Tighten up composition.

Title comes with end result, A Character’s Character. On days like this…I think it might be fun to illustrate children’s books.