My Little CrockPot of News and Thoughts

There is nothing more freeing than a dance of Thanksgiving. And here's a song of Thanksgiving to accompany the Holiday: Sufjan Stevens- Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing Happy Thanksgiving everyone. click on the image to see a larger size

Here are a few character designs from this past week. The description I was given was that the caveman should look helpless without looking like "the missing link". I started with the brown head on the right side and moved out from there. When it was all said and done I was happy with what I had down on paper, but alas, they were all rejected for another reason. However, there is a silver lining in this story because I get to share them here.

It has been several weeks since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, devastating New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Though thousands upon thousands answered the call for help donating their time, supplies, and money, the need is still great. To help out the children affected by the hurricane, your pal, Mo Willems, award winning author, illustrator, and animator, has gathered a bunch of friends together and organized an online auction to run between November 15-25. Mo writes:

The need is clear and ongoing, and, as a native New Orleanian, it strikes quite close to home. So, I’ve asked a group of friends who happen to be renowned children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Television Creators to join me in auctioning off original art, signed books, and signed memorabilia to benefit the Foundations for Recovery, a Louisiana based group that has organized funds for children and education affected by the Hurricane.

The list of contributors is an absolute wonderland of animation, illustration, and literary talent. Artists include Brad Bird, Dave Barry, Tony Diterlizzi, Pete Docter, Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, Andrew Stanton... and the list goes on and on and on. Mo himself will be auctioning some SHEEP IN THE BIG CITY stuff and an original drawing from DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! Christmas is just around the corner and not only will the artist/reader/human being in your family love something from one of these great artist, you'll be helping the children affected by this disaster. Mark your calendars, get your credit cards in hand, and get bidding!

Here are a couple of illustrations that I did for fun this weekend. There is just something about apes... they always make me laugh... in a good way. Though I know things have been pretty quiet around the Crockpot as of late, they will probably stay that way for a bit longer. From guests and holiday shopping, to work and peronal projects that I have put off for far to long, I will have a full plate for a little while. I'll still update as regularly as I can... but should I miss a few days or weeks here and there, fear not, I am not dead... though it's always a good idea to check the local obituaries. While I'm away, here are a few awesome links for you to check out: Joel Trussell's scribbledumpster blog: http://joeltrussell.blogspot.com/ Gene Blakefield's blog: http://geenpool.blogspot.com/ Amid Amidi's Cartoon Modern: http://cartoonmodern.blogsome.com/ Anders Nyberg: http://www.andersnyberg.se/ click on images to see a larger size.

This weekend Amanda and I packed up and headed home for an overdue family visit. Shortly after we arrived, my Mom presented me with this fantastic find. It's an original double page advertisment from the September 30, 1946 issue of LIFE Magazine. The advertisment is to promote Walt Disney's first live action (it also had animated scenes) film, Song of the South. Needless to say I was speechless; I was holding a piece of animation history. The ad reads as follows: "What this new Disney musical drama is like: For the first time Walt Disney turns his talents to the creation of a romantic live-action picture. Photographed in Technicolor, it is a wonderfully heart-warming musical drama of the Old South. You'll meet new stars- Bobby Driscoll, Luana Patten, James Baskett and a host of others- you'll hear 10 new song hits, including 'Everybody's Got a Laughing Place.' Delightfully woven into the real-life story are the famous tales of Uncle Remus-told in typical Disney fashion. These are among the funniest episodes ever to appear on a screen- thanks to your new friends, Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox, and Br'er Bear. 'Song of the South is an unforgettably heart-warming picture you'll want to see as soon as it arrives. WORLD PREMIERE, in the home of the original UNCLE REMUS, Atlanta, Georgia, and BROADWAY PREMIERE, this Fall. NATION-WIDE PRESENTATION early in 1947. Released through RKO Radio Pictures." As always, click on the images to see a larger size.