david suzuki

david suzuki
Originally uploaded by happy d.

illo friday: hero
click image for a bigger version

i'm not sure if people outside of canada know who david suzuki is, but to me he is a hero.

a celebrated scientist, he used his charisma to bring science into the homes of canadians via TV (his 'nature of things' is the longest running TV show in north america!).

these days he is actively speaking and writing on environmental issues that urge canadians to try to reflect on the damage that consumer-heavy lifestyles are having on our environment. his optimism level must be so high; to continue to speak, write and research on environmental issues and solutions despite the apathy around him.

to read more on dr. suzuki visit:
www.davidsuzuki.org and take the nature challenge!

the grand finale for pride week in toronto was the pride parade this past sunday. 1 million people came out to cheer and support and despite the huge turnout there were no violent incidences. take that mr. harper.

oh ya, the rolled up culottes are not a fashion statement. it was 33 deg! oh! and neil i still have your batch of polaroid film...4 sets ... which i still haven't sent to you. sorry. tohoho

i've been drawing a lot of personified animals lately. my transport turtles are an extension of my spectacled turtle character that i drew when i first got a computer back in '96 - back when i thought ms paint was really cool.

i'll post my aquasize loving platypus soon.

illo-friday topic: black and white

i think that mortification alters your perception of reality - at least temporarily. i went blading by the lakeshore, after not blading for over 1 year, on new inline skates. i only had one minor spill to my name after blading around richmond and vancouver for years. today, however, i took the worst tumble of my life.

when i was recounting my fall to a friend over the phone i told her that i took a bad fall infront a big group of people, to which my friend who i was blading with corrected by saying, 'one person'. one person!? i was certain that there was a big group of people walking along the trail in the opposite direction. i also thought that they all gasped loudly as i yelped before hitting the concrete.

oh well minor details; i'm just lucky that it was my knee pad and wrist pads that were totally gashed and not my knees and palms. i survived this scrape with one cut on the inside of my index knuckle and some bruises (don't you just love puns?). no big patches of peeled skin or bits of gravel lodged into flesh - phewf.

summer

summer
Originally uploaded by happy d.

it's amazing how much illustration friday has grown! when i first participated in illustration friday, despite submitting my link really late i was still just #43. now, however, i am submission #284! pretty crazy, but i think the number of submissions is a testament to the success of this project!

click on the image for a bigger view!

and a five, six, seven, eight!

mad hot ballroom is one of the best documentaries i've ever watched. the film follows several fifth grade kids in the new york public school system who must take part in a 10 week ballroom dancing class. unwillingness and reluctance (i don't wanna look into a girl's eyes!) turns to determination and enthusiasm as the promising dancers in each of the classes get picked to represent the schools in a dance competition. so many of these kids went from awkward and clumsy to smooth, sharp (and i must dare say) sexy.

the kids are mature enough to discuss serious topics but haven't inherited the self-consciousness that high-school and puberty bring. their conversations are candid and very funny. i laughed, cried and cheered - such an endearing movie!

digital_aibo

digital_aibo
Originally uploaded by happy d.

illo friday topic: digital

glorious, hot summer thank you for finally coming to toronto. i've missed you and it's been quite a while since you were here.

it's so nice that i can sit on the patio or balcony outside well after the sun has gone down and not have to wear a cardigan. it's so nice that all my cold drinks get covered in condensation making it look like something out of a pop drink ad.

it's just so damn nice! i think i really do well in 27-32 degree celsius temperatures.