On the Road to Literacy

This piece  for American Educator accompanies a story about the magazine’s archive to supporting research-based reading instruction. It was fun to work with a very straight-forward  concept, On the Road to Literacy. This is the publication of the AFT, the largest teacher’s union in the US. I have many friends who’re public school teachers, including my girlfriend of 8 years. It is nice to know this magazine will be delivered to their mailboxes, and that I can connect with them through my artwork.

Given that we’ve been living through a pandemic, this has been a very challenging year for educators. Living with a teacher, I see firsthand how dedicated they are, and how hard they work. To all my teacher friends, I salute you, and wish you a relaxing and peaceful summer. You deserve it!

Here are sketches I submitted for this assignment:

 

Special thanks to art director, Jennifer Berney, for this super-fun assignment!

Joe Rogan

This guy may just look like typical musclehead from California, but looks can be deceiving. With a simple podcast, and an ocean full of curiosity, Joe Rogan has pioneered the art of long-form conversation. Joe is also known as an amazing standup comedian, martial arts expert, and UFC fight commentator. But for my money, his greatest contribution to society is showing us the value of a good deep-dive conversation.

 

Signed prints are available here, in my Etsy shop.

You can check out my collection of map portraits here! 

Dr. Cornel West

He is a philosopher who understands the topography of art, spirituality, and politics. From Sacramento, California, the one and only Dr. Cornel West. As we live through so much societal unrest, he offers compelling views on race, class, and other structural issues which we must address (to make America a better place). 

Signed prints are available here, in my Etsy shop.

(25% of proceeds will be donated to Black Lives Matter)

Please check out my collection of map drawings on my website!

Louisa May Alcott

Concord, Massachusetts was was home to respected American writers like Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne. Not to be left out is this beloved author, who knew a thing or two about Little Women, Louisa May Alcott. 

 

Tom Waits

It's interesting how certain musicians we discover in our youth help shape our world view. I stumbled upon one such artist as a senior in college, Tom Waits. With his entirely unique approach to songwriting, this singer effortlessly channels downtrodden characters, like hobos, carnival barkers, and junkyard dogs. His attention to those fringe dwellers in society helps to confirm the humanity in all of us. Thanks to this artist, who was born in Pomona, California, for reminding us that everyone has a good story to tell.

Signed prints of this portrait are available Here, in my Etsy shop! 

Nathaniel Hawthorne

 

As we live through this pandemic, I’ve been reading a lot of nonfiction, but also finding escapism through classic literature. One particular story which was assigned way back in high school English class, Young Goodman Brown, has always stuck with me. Having recently reread it, this devilish tale still spooks the hell out of me. The author is the descendant of a judge who presided in the Salem Witch Trials. With that kind of family lineage, no wonder his writing is so vivid and haunting.

Signed prints of this portrait are are available here, in my Etsy shop! 

Elvis Presley

Just looking at pictures of a young Elvis Presley, it’s easy to understand why he found such meteoric success. This native of Tupelo, Mississippi exuded an aura which has yet to be duplicated. While drawing this legend, I found myself continuously mimicking his distinct southern drawl. He sadly lost his way in life, but his early contributions to rock and roll will reverberate forever. 

Signed prints of this piece are available here (in my Etsy Shop)! 

Martin Luther King Jr.

When people of color are continuously let down by our justice, healthcare, and economic systems, frustrations bubble up to the surface. Martin Luther King Jr.  summed it  up best, ‘A riot is the language of the unheard.’

Signed prints of this piece are available here. 

(25% of each sale will be donated to Black Lives Matter.)