Above is a brand new illustration in my Desert Gang series celebrating Mother’s Day desert style.
A whimsical example of Modern cartooning: Destination Earth
Petroleum industry and anti-communist propaganda aside, the 1956 industrial cartoon Destination Earth produced by John Sutherland is a whimsical example of Mid-Century Modern cartooning and space age illustrative stylings. Directed by Carl Urbano and designed by Tom Oreb and Victor Haboush, this 13-minute clip is a fascinating view of the future from the past, gushing with irony and humor like oil from a Texas drill rig.
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Celebrating Earth Day with The Desert Gang
What are you doing for Earth Day? What can you do every day to be a little kinder to the planet? Here’s a little inspiration from the Desert Gang.
Tropical and Space Age at the Same Time
The above original illustrations are from my Mid-Century Modern Entertainment series. These particular designs were inspired by a scene from the 1964 movie “Campeón del Barrio” (Neighborhood Champion) starring Sonia Lopez. This popular Mexican singer of the 1960s was famous for her tropical-themed songs. Below is a clip of the floor show scene from the movie in which Ms. Lopez sings “Castigo” accompanied by fancifully costumed dancers that look both tropical and space age at the same time!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from The Desert Gang
Even the desert has a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow, as the Desert Gang kicks up their heels to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
300 Bowl Building and Modernism Week
To celebrate Modernism Week (even though I’m not able to take in Palm Springs’ famous festivities this year), I give you an original illustration of mine inspired by the 300 Bowl Building in Phoenix. The words “bowling alley” do not do justice to the soaring lines of this Googie-style building at Christown Mall. More appropriately, the steeply pitched twin roofs make this a veritable “bowling palace!” It’s a classic, and one of not many remaining examples of this fun and funky architectural style in the Valley of the Sun. For those of you lucky enough to be in Palm Springs Feb. 14-24, Happy Modernism Week!
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Desert Gang
Above is an illustration in my Desert Gang series celebrating the holidays desert style. Surprisingly, wildlife abounds on the desert trails in the Phoenix area, and this series pays homage to the creatures I come across while out hiking. The lovebirds — inspired by the flock of wild lovebirds I hear in my neighborhood every day — are a fitting addition to the lineup of characters for Valentine’s Day. The Vespa-riding rabbit couple was inspired by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the 1953 classic romance “Roman Holiday.” See the trailer here: