This is a recent logo I developed for a friend’s fundraiser for kidney cancer research. They were looking for a logo that was a bit whimsical, and that might incorporate the subject matter.

Because I thought the kidney, in a stylized, but still relatively accurate way, could resemble a cloud, I decided to go with that imagery and incorporate stars, as they can be associated with concepts like magic, ideas, and wishing. So in the end, I think unless you are both particularly medically and visually inclined, the kidney reference is easy to overlook in this sky imagery. But it is there for those who find it – and even if you don’t, I think it still works as a logo.

Yesterday, my mom’s neighbor was walking by with his dog and she stopped him to help identify a few flowers for her. It was fascinating to hear him list off what flowers had just come up in her garden without missing a beat: variegated lamium, woodruff or galium odoratum, even a sprouting horse chestnut tree that a squirrel must have planted! This neighbor has a passion for gardening and is like an encyclopedia of knowledge.

In the past few years, I have been photographing more flowers and for the most part would not really be able to identify the variety. I think it would be interesting to learn.

The new Summer Ritter Sport flavours are out and they are so pretty!

Mercury was the latest stop on my Toronto coffee tour – I only have one more stamp to collect for my Disloyalty card before I get a free cup!

In the first of what might become many posts involving lists (yay!)…here today in the AyalahList (hope that’s not too pretentious) are the Top 5 Magazines that I’m excited about right now!

1. Dossier (Issue No.5 pictured) I have been following their blog for some time, and it is a great resource for what is going on in the NY art scene. Creative director Skye Parrott and editorial director Katherine Krause started the magazine in 2008 and opened a store in Brooklyn under the same name the following year. The magazine features work from many interesting contributors, many who happen to be friends of theirs, contains lots of photography, some interviews, and a little fiction and poetry.

The magazine, the shop, artist friends tote bag project (all sold out)…. the whole thing is pretty great. Now if only I could do this!

2. The Gentlewoman (Issue No.1 pictured) I have read at least a couple of really good interviews with Phoebe Philo and this magazine contains one of them. A mix of fashion and interviews with interesting women like architect Kazuyo Sejima, winemaker Sara Pérez, and gourmet ice cream maker Kitty Travers, to name a few. Definitely a good choice for learning about current inspirational women from around the world.

3. Monocle (Issue No. 32 pictured) Even though I might never understand their subscription plan, (10 issues for £75, or you can buy them in a store for £5 each…Hmm) I must admit that I still find each issue hard to resist. Thick like a text book, they are full of colourful illustrations, and cover all your international business, cultural, and design needs. With such international coverage and the inclusion of obscure (but interesting!) little facts, it truly does remind you that there is news anywhere you choose to look.

4. Bad Day (Issue No.7 pictured) When I first picked up a few issues (at Magic Pony and Delphic) I immediately recognized a number of their Friends and contributors. It’s like discovering some little Toronto secret. With a black raindrop logo you may have seen on tote bags around town, this Toronto-based quarterly arts and culture magazine features interviews with artists often by artists. In a previous post I had mentioned one of the local interviews, but they also feature international artists like Jason Schwartzman. It’s a good mix of people you may already know of, with more obscure or emerging artists. Pick up a copy if you’re into feeling in the know, or would just like to gain a little insight into artists’ work and process – the interviews often have a more personal or relaxed feel, than if they were being interviewed by some larger international publication.

5. Intermission (Issue No.1 picture borrowed from their site) This may not completely count, as I haven’t actually a copy of it yet. But this brand new Swedish magazine made the list because of the people – this issue features the likes of jewelery designer Pamela Love and the guy behind Band of Outsiders. I found out about this magazine from Opening Ceremony, which is featured in this opening issue. And they assure us that issue No.2 will contain some English translations. Something to look forward to!

For the past few years, I have been noticing (and tasting) lots of chocolate with sea salt. It’s an interesting trend. Sometimes it’s a nice hint, and other times it can be a bit strong. In general, I find that with chocolate and salt, I will only sample maybe one piece at a time, and it will last much longer than say, a lighter, sweeter chocolate. Which can be a good thing.

The brownies with sea salt at Ezra’s are amazing, and not too difficult to devour in one sitting, whereas a chocolate bar from Mast Brothers might allow for a few weeks of enjoyment and appreciation.

The chocolate pictured above is from Fine & Raw in Brooklyn. It was a gift from Karyn (thanks!) and it contains Himalayan sea salt.

Salt with caramel is another killer combination, and I have been meaning to pick up some of these salted butter caramels from Fouquet in Paris since forever – or at least 2006. I also would love to try these gray and smoked salt caramels from Fran’s in Seattle. They look amazing. Obviously I could go on and on about this topic. Have any favorites you’d like to share? Or combinations you’d like to try?

Flowers, paints, and an old copy of nico magazine.

Two of my favorite things, together, in an illustration for my new portfolio.

Click to see larger! Or visit the website!

Last week I stopped by Magic Pony to pick up the new issue of Toronto’s Bad Day magazine. It’s got a lot of great interviews, including one with Rita Liefhebber by Jeremy Laing. If you’re into the arts, it’s definitely worth a look.

And whenever I visit Magic Pony, I usually also stop by their Narwhal gallery a few doors down. Above are some pictures of their last exhibition – and tonight is the opening of a solo show by Lauchie Reid of Team Macho titled That Hideous Strength. If you’re in the area tonight check it out!

My latte art is getting so much better you guys. I call this cloud with snow – cute right?

In other art news, I’m working on some new print portfolio material – yay grid systems! Will share a new illustration on Friday – hopefully this will be more impressive than my latte art…