February Feature: Tim Wistrom | Painter

I stumbled upon this next fascinating artist at an artshow in Seattle. I was so awestruck by his paintings that I bought a pack of postcards on the spot and proceeded to send these oddly imaginative and imaginatively odd images out to my friends. The juxtaposition of nature and landmarks amidst a serene yet apocalyptic scene is both thought-provoking and strange. It's not clear whether I'm meant to be reflecting on climate change, nature's ability to adapt, the end times, or simply craving a Dick's hamburger and frappachino.

Self-taught, he's become a master at surrealism, and is apparently known as "the artist that paints Seattle underwater." Although typically not my style, there's something about his work that is undeniably unique and makes it difficult to look away. I enjoyed reading through the artwork titles and descriptions on his Etsy page to gain a better understanding of the meaning.

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Considering a world gone by and a world yet to be, 

- SJW

February Feature: Shannon Loys | Designer

Shannon Loys is not only a kind and likeable human being, she's creative as can be. Overlapping at Seattle Rep, I slowly discovered her niche craft in designing beautiful show posters for local theaters. She's singlehandedly made her mark on Seattle's non-profit scene...pun intended :)

Most of her work will force a double take, often starting with a minimalist image to draw the viewer in, then visually pairing it with another theme or important motif from the play - always with a simple straightforward color pallete. I'd love to know what her process is. Does she always read the play first? Does she look at other posters or book covers? Does she do it freehand and then transfer to the computer? Whatever the method, she does it consistently well!

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Upstaging everyone else,

- SJW

February Feature: Fiona Woodcock | Illustrator

In one of my many trips to the library, I encountered the books "Look" and "Hello" by Fiona Woodcock featuring clever visual wordplay with bright whimsical drawings. Since then, I've stalked her online presence, including her participation in this unique and creative fundraiser and this recent interview about her new book project, "The Snow Dragon." She has a very playful approach to drawing and uses children's blo pens, rubber stamps, and cutting stenciles to achieve her lively characters and lovely typography. Take a L O O K for yourself :)

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Hard to chOOse a favorite!

- SJW 

February Feature: Feliz Celiz | Jewelry Maker

Every year I use the month of February as a springboard into blogging again and highlight creatives & entrepreneurs through my February Features series. It's nearing the end of February, and I realized I better get on it. Thank goodness it's a leap year!

First up is Feliz Celiz, a happy little corner of the Etsy internet. This Seattle acquanitance of mine launched her shop of colorful pom pom and dazzling tassel earrings in 2019. They are such a chic and fun accessory!

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Best of all, half of every purchase goes toward supporting newly arrived immigrants! Like her tagline says "Fun for you. Fresh Start for immigrants."

I'm spreading the message and sharing her suggestions of how to support people who are fleeing violence and persecution:

- Educate yourself on the rights of refugees and immigrants

- Support local resettlement agencies that are serving newcomers (World Reliefe, International Rescue Committee, to name a few)

- Volunteer in an Engligh classroom as a local community college

- Donate to the aforementioned organizations

- Teach others about what you've learned

Little bundles of color,

- SJW