Democracy For The Cartoons

This Blog Is Moving!

2012-01-17T15:08:00.000-08:00

To This New Location at my new website drewchristie.com. I started this blog on July 13th, 2006 while I was living in Olympia, WA and attending The Evergreen State College. I had just figured out how to make animations by hand and paint them individually and shoot them under the camera. This image I posted of the fish was the first on my blog. It was from my animation "How to Bring Democracy to the Fish". It shall now be the last post. Come check out my new website for more art and animations.

President of the Bird Club

2011-12-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

Done on an antique album of empty frames given to me by my Godmother. Made the night before the last lunar eclipse until 2014. Sadly, the cloud and fog cover was too thick when I looked this morning. But I could see the faintest of amber glows coming from one sector of the western sky.

Song of the Spindle Trailer for Sundance Film Festival 2012

2011-12-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

Seattle Folk Festival 2011 Animated Promo

2011-12-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

I did this animated commercial for the 2011 Seattle Folk Festival presented by Hearth Music. It features the music of Bryan John Appleby. The amazing song is called the Lake and I used the last 40 some seconds of it. I love the Cello!

Some Crazy Magic: Meeting Harry Smith

2011-11-30T12:08:00.000-08:00

My New animation based around a story told to me by John Cohen when I interviewed him with Greg Vandy. From wikipedia: Harry Everett Smith (May 29 , 1923, Portland, Oregon – November 27, 1991, New York City) was an American archivist, ethnomusicologist, student of anthropology, record collector, experimental filmmaker, artist, bohemian and mystic. People who know his work as a filmmaker are often unfamiliar with his 1952 Anthology of American Folk Music, while folk music enthusiasts often do not know he was acclaimed as being "the greatest living magician" according to filmmaker, Kenneth Anger.

New Animation screening tonight at The Tribute to Harry Smith Show

2011-11-25T14:38:00.000-08:00

Come on Down tot he Columbia City Theater at 8:00 pm. I will also be playing some music with my Cousin Kevin Murphy. Get tickets here in advance.

I'm Gonna be on the Radio Tonight!

2011-11-23T13:10:00.000-08:00

So Listen in to KEXP 90.3 at 7:30 and you'll hear me playing banjo and guitar with my cousin Kevin Murphy of the Moondoggies! We will be co hosting the second half of the show (The Roadhouse) with Greg and playing tunes from the Anthology of American Folk Music. All in honor of the great Harry Smith. In addition to that, Friday night we will also be playing at the Harry Smith Tribute concert at Columbia City Theater where I will also be screening my newest animation pertaining to Harry. Get advance tickets here.

Strange Americans, my new book

2011-11-09T19:08:00.001-08:00

70 pages. First edition is only 40 books. Each copy is signed and numbered by me. 20 bucks each. I will be selling them at Short Run this Saturday at the Vera Project at Seattle Center. Photo by Amanda Moore.

Framed Pictures made on Halloween

2011-11-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

All of these pictures were done on Halloween night. Thanks to my Godmother Diane for giving me the book with all these empty frames in it.

Manzanita

2011-10-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Sepia Ink from Daniel Smith.

Museum of Alligatorid Crocodylians

2011-10-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Finally got to do my first intaglio etching! Been wanting to do one for many years. Love the way the excess ink looks. Couldn't find an etching press to use anywhere accept in the Utrecht store.

Edgar Allan Poe Jack O' Lantern

2011-10-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Did this one in record time. Notice the ravens on either side of his head. Made some really good pumpkin seeds too: paprika, old bay and salt.

Aquatic & Semi-Aquatic Mammal Skulls

2011-10-06T13:24:00.001-07:00

Inspired by the great whale museum in Friday Harbor, WA.

Goodbye Bert Jansch

2011-10-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

Tonight we must say goodbye to Bert Jansch, the man who got me interested in British Isle folk. I just played Blackwaterside on the guitar in his honor. Probably the best guitarist I have ever heard on record. Highly recommend LA Turnaround. Produced by Michael Nesmith with great pedal steel by him. Sad day indeed.

Elwood Snock & The Land of Lo-Fi!

2011-10-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

My friends in the Bay area have gotten a whizbang website together pertaining to their Michael Hurley documentary Elwood Snock & The Land of Lo-Fi, which I created many an animated scene for. Before you can all see the movie, they are raising money to pay for the rights to music in the film, so head on over there and sponsor a song!

Interview with me on the Atlantic's website

2011-10-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

They have Song of the Spindle up on their video area of the site along with a short interview with me. Read it here.

Check out the Vimeo blog

2011-10-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Because they have a post on my animations- read it here.

My Animation for Electric Literature's One Sentence Animations

2011-10-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Commissioned by Electric Literature for their one sentence animation series. The story is called The Reader by Nathan Englander. Michael Guggino did the music.

Robert Walser Linocut (two block print)

2011-09-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

I was deeply inspired by the Quay Brothers film Insitute Benjamenta or This Dream People Call Human Life. It was based on the 1909 book Jakob Von Gunten by the Swiss author Robert Walser. From Wikipedia: A characteristic of Walser's texts is a playful serenity behind which hide existential fears. Today, Walser's texts, completely re-edited since the 1970s, are regarded as among the most important writings of literary modernism. Walser was only rediscovered in the 1970s, even though very famous German writers such as Christian Morgenstern, Franz Kafka, Walter Benjamin, and Hermann Hesse were among his great admirers. Since then, almost all his writings have become accessible through an extensive republication of his entire body of work. He lived in a mental institution for many years and on the 25th of December 1956 he was found, dead of a heart attack, in a field of snow near the asylum.

Important Individuals in the History Of The Mandolin #5: David Grisman

2011-08-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

I first came across David Grisman when I heard Old & In The Way (Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements, and David Grisman's early 70's bluegrass band) my senior year in high school. I especially loved his mandolin playing on Wild Horses.

Nautical Knots and Magnifying Glass

2011-08-24T09:59:00.001-07:00

The Crab Fisherman's Daughter

2011-08-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

New and Improved. My ode to crabs. Shot in La Conner, Washington.

Artist Portrait of John Cohen Up at American Standard Time

2011-08-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

I directed this video and interview with the legendary musicologist, photographer, filmmaker and musician, John Cohen for American Standard Time. There are two nice big posts up on him over there, so check em' out. Produced by Greg Vandy and shot by Kent Colony. Kent and I wanted the look of it to be visually reminiscent of John's films, in particular, The End Of An Old Song and The High Lonesome Sound, so we made it black and white. Within the next couple of months there will be a follow up to it in animation form!

TMWSTMWSL featured on both Cartoon Brew and Drawn

2011-08-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

I am very proud about this because, in my opinion, they are the two best animation/illustration related blogs on the internet.

Arnold Palmer

2011-07-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

Whale On A Crabshell

2011-07-30T21:01:00.001-07:00

Crabshell found at Discovery Park Beach. Great animation to watch with crabs in it: Svankmajer's Historia Naturae.

The Incorrect Way To Measure A Lobster

2011-07-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Iceboating, 1952

2011-07-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

Maine Lobsterman

2011-07-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Man Who Shot The Man Who Shot Lincoln playing at Anthology Film Archives and 92Y Tribeca

2011-07-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

It already played at Anthology Film Archives on July 3rd- but its coming back again! If you cant make it to New York I have posted the entire movie here.
Wednesday, July 20th 2011
Time: 6:00pm
City: New York
Venue: NewFilmmakers @ Anthology Film Archives
Address: 32 Second Avenue
more info here: http://www.filmandscissors.com/

Fire, Fire, I Heard The Cry Opening at 4 Culture's e4c Gallery on Thursday, July 7th 6-8 pm

2011-07-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a link. Come on by if you want!

Astoria (a book)

2011-06-30T14:38:00.001-07:00

Song Of The Spindle (a new animation)

2011-06-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Trestle

2011-06-26T09:19:00.001-07:00

The Merchant & The Fiddler in Hell (A Russian Folk Tale)

2011-06-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

This is an actual illustrated book I am working on. Although, it may end up being called The Fiddler In Hell.

Important Individuals in the History Of The Mandolin #4: Lloyd Loar

2011-06-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

This is the man behind the famous Gibson "Lloyd Loar" mandolins. Brought to public attention by Mr. Bill Monroe playing one for most of his career. A Lloyd Loar now goes for approximately $250,000.00 US. A longer and more in depth post on this should be up over at Greg Vandy's blog American Standard Time soon.

Garnet, Montana

2011-06-14T20:46:00.001-07:00

The best ghost town I have ever been to. My Mom and Kent and I were there in June and it was snowing.

Birds of the North Cascades

2011-05-31T21:54:00.001-07:00

Inspired by the wildlife identification wall at Rasar State Park.

History Is Us Wins Best In Show at MOHAI's First Ever History Is____Film Contest

2011-05-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Seattle's Museum of History and Industry put on a great contest that was right up my alley. Obviously, I had to leave out a million important events and cultures throughout human history, so for that I am sad. The amazing music was composed, performed and recorded by the great new American composer Spencer Thun. The event was really fun and I got to drink beer (that was served from a tugboat!) in a museum after closing! Thanks to Helen Divjak at MOHAI for conceiving the idea. I can't wait to see the museum's new home on South Lake Union- in the old armory.

Woman With Guitar #3

2011-04-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

My Animations playing at the Rendezvous in Belltown on Friday, April 22nd

2011-04-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

My animations will be playing in between Le Sang Song and Case Studies this Friday night at 10:00 pm. Jesse Lortz did the awesome poster.

Woman With Guitar #2 in Color

2011-04-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Woman With Guitar #2

2011-04-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

Woman With Guitar #1

2011-04-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

Before The Spanish Guitar But After The Cittern

2011-04-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

In the early 19th century, the terz guitar was so popular that the majority of duets published called for the primary guitar one part as terz guitar with one normal second guitar. This is usually indicated by the notation "tierce" or various other spellings. In Vienna, the terz guitar was especially popular, and in fact many original editions of duets from Vienna in this time period do not specify "terz", but the guitar parts are often in different keys off by a third (for example guitar 1 is 3 sharps / A major and guitar 2 is no sharps / C major), which is an indication of terz guitar being required. So common was the terz guitar for ensembles, that it was assumed.

C.F. Martin, Luthier

2011-04-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

From wikipedia:
Christian Frederick Martin, Sr. (German: Christian Friedrich Martin I.; January 31, 1796 – February 16, 1873) was a luthier who specialized in guitars.
Born in Markneukirchen, Germany to a family of cabinet makers, Martin became an apprentice of the guitar maker Johann Georg Stauffer of Vienna, Austria.[1]
As a result of a dispute between the Cabinet Makers Guild, of which Martin was a member, and the Violin Makers Guild, Martin moved to the United States in 1833. On arriving in New York City , he set up shop at 196 Hudson Street on the Lower West Side. Martin’s first workshop housed a small production setup in the back room, and a retail music store up front. This shop was the forerunner of C. F. Martin & Company, which is still family-owned and operated, whose current CEO is CF Martin's great-great-great grandson, CF Martin IV as of 2007.

Important Individuals in the History of the Mandolin #3 Yank Rachell

2011-03-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

From Bluesworld: James "Yank" Rachell (mandolin, guitar, vocals - 87 years old) was one of the few blues musicians to play mandolin as a primary instrument . Blues mandolinists are not exactly commonplace and because he was also largely self-taught, his music was even more unique and a testament to his prowess as an instrumentalist. He was born in 1910 on a farm outside of Brownsville, Tennessee. How Rachell chose the mandolin is a classic blues story. Rachell's mother had given him, then eight, a young pig to be raised for butchering that fall. One day he was walking down the road and saw a neighbor playing a mandolin on his front porch. He loved the sound and was determined to get the mandolin. Rachell asked how much he wanted for the instrument, and the man said five dollars. He didn't have the money so he offered to trade the pig for the instrument. When Rachell went home his mother was very upset. He recalled her saying "Next fall when we're all eating pork, you can eat that mandolin". It turns out he didn't have to eat the mandolin. Rachell taught himself to play the mandolin and soon was making a living as a musician. Soon Rachell met Hambone Willie Newbern (recorded the first version of the blues classic Rollin' and Tumblin in 1929), who became his mentor. The two performed in and around Brownsville at house parties and fish fries. It was at one of these parties that Rachell first met and played with Sleepy John Estes (whom Rachell played and remained friends with until Estes' death in 1977).

Important Individuals in the History of the Mandolin #2 Bill Monroe

2011-03-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the great book Can't You Hear Me Callin- the life of Bill Monroe, Father of Bluegrass by Richard D. Smith. While I agree with Sam Mghee that "bluegrass is just old time music played too fast", I really enjoy Monroe's bluesy mandolin style especially on the tracks Tennessee Blues, Rotation Blues, Heavy Traffic Ahead, Muleskinner Blues, The Blue Yodels, and Wayfaring Stranger. This is due to the fact that Monroe, at a young age played with and was inspired by a Kentucky blues musician named Arnold Schultz who played the guitar and the fiddle. Sadly, Schultz was never recorded. Monroe is also responsible for the enormous popularity of the F Style mandolin.

Orville Gibson (the first of my new series: Important Individuals in the History of the Mandolin) 3"x4"

2011-03-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Engraved in Resingrave- printed with Speedball Ink on old book pages
Orville Gibson is responsible for the flatback mandolin- as opposed to the Neapolitan style "potato bug" or "bowl back" that was prevalent in the 19th century and came to America from Italy. From Mandolin Cafe: "Orville Gibson was apparently obsessed with ornamentation, particularly the scroll. He also emphasized the importance of machines in precision manufacture. His personal hallmark, included as an inlay on many of his early instruments, was an occult star-and-crescent." I find this last tidbit of information very interesting because Lloyd Loar, the famous Gibson luthier was a himself a theosophist...strange
From Wikipedia:
Orville H. Gibson (1856, Chateaugay, New York - August 21, 1918, Ogdensburg, New York) was a luthier who founded the Gibson Guitar Corporation in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1902, makers of guitars, mandolins and other instruments.
Gibson began in 1894 in his home workshop in Kalamazoo, Michigan. With no formal training, Orville created an entirely new style of mandolin and guitar, with tops carved and arched like the top of a violin. His creations were so different that he was granted a patent on his design.[1] More important, they were louder and more durable than contemporary fretted instruments,(4)and musicians soon demanded more than he was able to build in his one-man shop.
On the strength of Orville Gibson's ideas, five Kalamazoo businessmen formed the Gibson Mandolin Guitar Mfg. Co., Ltd., in 1902. Within a short period after the company was started, the board passed a motion that "Orville H. Gibson be paid only for the actual time he works for the Company." After that time, there is no clear indication whether he worked there full-time, or as a consultant. Orville Gibson was considered a bit eccentric and there has been some question over the years as to whether or not he suffered from some sort of mental illness.

Go to Pike Street Press

2011-03-06T08:59:00.001-08:00

A bunch of my linocut prints are up in the Pike Street Press (at Alaskan Way and Pike). From their website: Pike Street Press is a custom Letterpress Studio and Retail store/gallery located in Seattle below Pike Place Market. The Gallery showcases local letterpress artists,we host everything from prints and broadsides to cards and mixed printed ephemera. Feel free to head over and purchase away! Thanks to Sean for taking this picture with his iphone!

Sam Ku West

2011-02-27T09:00:00.001-08:00

From holywarbles: 'Sam Ku was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1907, becoming a professional musician when he joined Irene West's troupe of touring musicians and dancers in 1926. Initially he was known as Sam Ku, Jr. but soon adopted the professional name of Sam Ku West. Often he would be billed as the 'Kreisler of the steel guitar' [referring to the famous violinist]. This title was given to him by Prince George of England who saw him play in Singapore in 1926.

Krakatoa The Raven Flies Tonight

2011-02-25T21:39:00.001-08:00

Oil Cans!

2011-02-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

Set in 1880's Boston, this gritty novel follows a family of Irish immigrants as they try to navigate the workplace and a new country. Similar in some respects to Upton Sinclair's 1906 masterpiece The Jungle. Regarded by many people as the best book of the 1980's.

Which Side Are You On?

2011-02-21T10:52:00.001-08:00

In honor of the Wisconsin state workers and everyone protesting the villain Scott Walker (the Governor not the singer and Jacques Brel interpreter) and the Republican state legislature. Here is a great story on who is funding Walker's efforts to destroy the state worker's collective bargaining rights.
Pictured above is former Wisconsin Governor, Senator and Progressive Party presidential candidate Robert M. "Fighting Bob" La Follette. He was an opponent of railroad trusts, bossism, World War I, and the League of Nations. According to wikipedia: A 1982 survey asking historians to rank the "ten greatest Senators in the nation's history" based on "accomplishments in office" and "long range impact on American history," placed La Follette first, tied with Henry Clay.

The Banjo Boys

2011-02-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

Set in early 1950's Vermont. Two brothers learn how to build banjos from their eccentric old neighbor. However, when their abusive father finds out about their activities he threatens to destroy everything they've been working for. This book won the National Book Award. Suggested soundtrack: anything by The New Lost City Ramblers.

Color Blotch: A Psychadelic Novel

2011-02-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

Color Blotch was written in 1967 while I was living on a community farm north of San Francisco. It was written in an experimental style and was described by the Atlantic Monthly as "having the same effect as taking mushrooms, LSD, marijuana, coca cola and a burrito all at once." The novel follows the journey of an unnamed narrator who meanders through life, not being able to communicate effectively with anyone. One woman understands him and they end up leaving earth together on a ship after an enormous earthquake. A good soundtrack for this book would be The 5,000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion by the Incredible String Band.

The Cooper's Daughter

2011-02-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

Set in a small village in early twentieth century Yorkshire, England. A cooper is someone who makes wooden casks, kegs, buckets, barrels and things of that nature. When the cooper's son dies in World War I, he must teach his reluctant daughter in the family trade. A generational story similar in many respects to On The Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin and a little bit of Knut Hamsun's Growth of the Soil. A good soundtrack for reading this book would be Hark! The Village Wait by Steeleye Span or anything by Martin Carthy.

The New Smash Hit Romantic Novel set in Dust Bowl era Eastern Washington: Good Evenin'

2011-02-17T14:31:00.001-08:00

Bud and Gertrude have both outlived their spouses and are drawn to eachother. However, their sons are competitors in local business and this causes great strain within the families. This heartbreaking romance was given a rave review by Michiko Kakutani in the New York Times. She said "Christie limns out the heart from these hard scrabble westerners and limns an incredibly moving cover for the book-which actually limns out the entire book."

Bruno Schulz Linocut Portrait (two-block print)

2011-02-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

Bruno Schulz was a Jewish artist and writer who lived in what is now Ukraine but what was at the time Poland. During Nazi occupation, Schulz was protected by a nazi officer who admired his drawings. To get back at this officer, another Nazi named Karl Gunther shot and killed Schulz. Like many people, I found out about Bruno Schulz from the exquisite 1986 animation Street of Crocodiles by the Brothers Quay. I read Street of Crocodiles (Cinnamon Shops) and am planning on reading Under The Sign of The Hourglass. Schulz was an amazing stylist with words and imagery and should be more well known today for his drawings and particularly his writing.

Pyotr Stolypin

2011-02-08T19:24:00.001-08:00

Pyotr Arkadyevich Stolypin was the third Prime Minister of Imperial Russia. He enacted the agrarian reforms and was opposed to Rasputin. He was assassinated at the Kiev Opera House in 1911 and there are some conspiracy theories involving his death. One book I read purported he was a double agent.

The New Smash Hit Children's Book about the inner workings of the 19th Century Prussian Munitions Sales Industry: The Baron Had No Choice

2011-02-07T17:24:00.001-08:00

I started this blog 5 or more years ago to post my book covers I had come up with for non existent books. I am continuing this tradition.

Before the Revolution

2011-02-06T15:08:00.001-08:00

The Reluctant General

2011-02-02T10:09:00.000-08:00

Daniel Webster

2011-01-10T11:50:00.001-08:00

Cousin of Noah Webster whose picture I came across while reading a biography of Andrew Jackson. This Webster was a Whig, an opponent of Jackson, a pro Bank, pro shipping, conservative and avowed elitist.

Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire

2010-12-31T09:24:00.001-08:00

Inspired by a book given to me by my lovely mother.

Honest Abe

2010-12-30T11:01:00.001-08:00

Inspired by the deguerreotype of the young Lincoln that presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin was mocked for having remarked looked "sexy".

Noah Webster

2010-12-22T09:39:00.000-08:00

Inspired by a Christmas book I got from my sweetheart on Noah Webster, an American lexicographer, textbook pioneer, English spelling reformer, political writer, editor, and prolific author. He has been called the "Father of American Scholarship and Education" and well known for the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

I'm on Art Zone again!

2010-12-21T20:53:00.000-08:00

Seattle Channel Video can be played in Flash Player 9 and up

This time I was profiled by Matt McNaghten.

Jim Fisk

2010-12-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia:
Fisk was born in the hamlet of Pownal, Vermont in the township of Bennington on April Fool's Day. After a brief period in school, he ran away in 1850 and joined Van Amberg's Mammoth Circus & Menagerie. Later, he became a hotel waiter, and finally adopted the business of his father, a peddler. He applied what he learned in the circus to his peddling and grew his father's business. He then became a salesman for Jordan Marsh, a Boston dry goods firm. A failure as a salesman, he was sent to Washington, D.C., in 1861 to sell textiles to the government. By his shrewd dealing in army contracts during the Civil War, and, by some accounts, cotton smuggling across enemy lines (in which he enlisted the help of his father), he accumulated considerable wealth, which he soon lost in speculation.

Sombrero and Blanket

2010-12-17T06:45:00.001-08:00

Carson Robison

2010-12-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

One of the grandfathers of American Country music, Carson Robison started out as a trick whistler who could whistle two tunes at one time. He went on to make the landmark recording of "The Wreck of the Old '97" b/w "Prisoner's Song" (1924), widely regarded as country music's first million-seller. There is a great article on him in the September issue of my favorite magazine, the Old Time Herald.

Down The Volga

2010-12-15T06:48:00.001-08:00

Deus ex Machina

2010-12-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

Go Bernie!

2010-12-10T15:06:00.000-08:00

Yes, that charmingly disheveled U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, the Independent Socialist of Vermont is leading a one man filibuster against the odious and Dickensian Obama-GOP tax cut deal. He has been going strong since 10 am eastern time. Watch live footage here or here. Here is his website if you want to give him a donation or ask him a question.

Key Players in the JFK Mafia Hit (18" x 24")

2010-12-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the amazing new(ish) book Ultimate Sacrifice. I have read many books on the JFK assassination, including Six Seconds in Dallas and Jim Mars' Crossfire: The Plot That Killed Kennedy. This book is the best and most comprehensive in terms of background involving Cuba and the Mafia, mainly because of the wealth of documents that were only declassified within the last 10 years. It basically posits the theory that three southern mafia bosses infiltrated the Kennedy brothers plot to overthrow the Castro regime in Cuba. Once involved in this plan, these Mafia bosses used their usual hit tactics: moving vehicle, a communist patsy, and CIA/FBI connections to secure a government cover-up-therefore keeping there own nefarious, clandestine plans secret by way of a sort of governmental blackmail/embarrassment. I can't recommend the book enough.

Soundtrack is Son House performing his salute President Kennedy.

Rosebush Shed

2010-12-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

Two Ethiopian Beers

2010-12-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Consumed with our dinner at Mesob on Cherry at the back in the bar.

New Animation for the Books live at Neumos, Dec. 4th

2010-11-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

STG presents The Books | December 4 | Neumos from STG Presents on Vimeo.

This was done by myself and Amanda Moore for STG presents. The whole thing is based on the poster designed and illustrated by the talented Amanda Moore.

Saddles

2010-11-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

Albert In The Hay

2010-11-11T12:47:00.000-08:00

Engraved on a piece of maple given to me by the great Carl Montford of the Montford Press. I engraved a second block for the clouds and the white of his shirt- but it didnt look right. Perhaps I will try it again with a different white ink.

The Singing Cowboy

2010-10-29T12:40:00.001-07:00

3" x 4". Paper is from an old book called Good News, Bad News, Agnews given to me by the lovely Irene and Dave Weinmann.

Mine Rescue Worker with Canary

2010-10-28T12:32:00.001-07:00

Soundtrack provided by the uncomparable Mike Seeger from his 1966 Folkways album Tipple, Loom & Rail. The song is called Miner's Blues and was originally recorded by the Great Frank Hutchison on September 11th, 19 and 28 for the Okeh record label. Album given to me by Davey O'Houlihan.

The Merchant's Funeral

2010-10-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

Three inches by Four inches.

Russian Fiddler

2010-10-12T06:55:00.001-07:00

His fiddle is made from a mule skull.

Woodcutting with new tools

2010-10-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

I just got my new tools from McClain's and some resingrave given to me by Russ Weicking for learning how to woodcut. Russ also let me try out his tools last weekend so I knew which ones I liked. Thanks again Russ! The Spitstickers are my favorite. The amount of detail you can get is amazing compared with the linoleum. I am going to illustrate a Russian Folk Tale as my first experiment in wood engraving.

Empress of the North Official Video

2010-10-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

I made this animation for the Moondoggies for their song Empress of the North. The album is called Tidelands and comes out October 13th.
If anyone is interested, I am selling individual frames from the animation- each one is hand watercolored. Thanks go to everyone who helped out- Amanda Moore, Adam Powers, Kent Colony, and my parents Brian and Laurel Christie!

The Man Who Shot The Man Who Shot Lincoln at Local Sightings

2010-10-01T09:21:00.003-07:00

My animation will be playing OCTOBER 2, SATURDAY AT 7PM at the Northwest Film Forum with a bunch of other animations. You can order tickets in advance here.

The Man Who Invented The Swivel Chair

2010-09-30T11:59:00.001-07:00

That's right, Thomas Jefferson invented the swivel chair and a pasta making machine as well as improving the patent on an early document copying contraption.

November

2010-09-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

My contribution to the Rain City Engravers 2011 Calendar. Printed with the help of Russ Weicking & Laura Fox, proprietors of Mallemok Press. It was printed on a Vandercook which, many years ago printed newspapers. Thanks again guys!
Soundtrack provided by the great Larry Hanks singing an ancient cautionary tale called Tobacco.

Pick Up The New Yeti

2010-09-05T11:07:00.001-07:00

I contributed a linocut illustration of the late, great poet, publisher and Fugs co-founder Tuli Kupferberg. Every issue of Yeti has been amazing and this one (#9) is no exception. It features a great interview with Alasdair Roberts, Bruce Conner, Indian music scholar VAK Ranga Rao, Maryanne Amacher, hilarious etched comics and a great soundtrack/cd comp with Rev. Lonnie Farris and an outtake from the debut album from the the late, great Bobby Charles

Check Out the Sept. Issue of Seattle Magazine

2010-08-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Cuz I'm in it! You can buy it at the store or read it here. These were two of the pictures not used by the magazine. Photos were taken by the amazing printmaker and wet plate photographer Daniel Carrillo. Here is his camera Daisy:

House Of David Jazz Band: Playing Jazz to Reunite The Lost Tribes of Israel

2010-08-27T08:43:00.001-07:00

House of David was (still is?) a religious commune located in Benton Harbor, Michigan. It was founded by King Ben Purnell and his wife Mary with about 200 followers in 1903. King Ben claimed to be Jesus Christ's younger brother and the Seventh Messenger from God. To join the sect, you had to give over all your possessions to King Ben and renounce alcohol, tobacco, meat, violence, shaving, hair cutting and sex. But King Ben could have sex with your wife and your daughter when she turned 14. This last part is what brought King Ben down. He was brought up on charges and forced to hide in the underground caverns beneath one of his mansions. He was eventually caught in his bed with some under aged girls. He died before his trail concluded.

House of David at one time operated and owned a zoo, the largest fruit market in the world, farms, their own island, a hospital, factories, an Oldsmobile dealership, a theme park, a night club and a motor inn to name a few. They invented the waffle cone, the first cross-propeller system for cruise ships, powdered space meals for NASA, and the first bowling alley Pinnsetter. However, House of David is more famous for it's baseball team (see this old Sports Illustrated article), which traveled around and even hired ringers like Babe Ruth and Satchel Paige, who of course, had to wear fake beards and wigs so as not to give away their ringer status.

But most interestingly, House of David had a top notch Jazz Band, that's how I found out about them. I was perusing a Jazz book I had found and saw an entire band of bearded guys. No known recordings of them exist, but a song called House of David Blues does. Some members even made their own instruments! Here is a great article with photos and video and here is the House of David Museum website, lest you think I made all this up.

Riverboat Gamblers Bound To Lose

2010-08-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

Born in Ohio in 1829, George Devol ran away from home and hired on as a cabin boy on a riverboat heading south. At the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846, Devol took a steamboat to the Rio Grande to join the American troops in battle. However, while on the ship, an older gambler taught young George how to cheat at cards. Instead of going into battle with the American troops George ended up making $2,700 off of them and returned to New Orleans with his winnings.

In fights, Devol preferred headbutting, however, he kept a pistol called Betsy Jane for backup.
Devol's servant, Pinckney Pinchback learned his employer's tricks and became so good at gambling and winning, he quit his employ with Devol, entered politics and was elected Governor of Louisiana and in so doing, became the first non-white Governor in U.S. History.
Devol died penniless in Arkansas in 1903.
Soundtrack provided by The Holy Modal Rounders, Bound To Lose (taken from the old tune Walking Boss).

Fiddlemaking with Homemade Tools

2010-08-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

King of the Ozarks

2010-07-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

Tall Timber

2010-07-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

About 7 inches wide and about 18 or so inches tall. Tall Timber is a song by Bill Monroe and a prominent Bluegrass band from Washington State which you can hear on Voyager Recordings. Visually inspired by the Ralph W. Andrews book Timber.

John and Estella Andrews in Monte Cristo, circa 1930

2010-07-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a photograph in the book Monte Cristo by Philip R. Woodhouse. The book was recently given to me by Ed Miller and it is a fantastic account of the town-plus its got a ton of great drawings, maps and photographs.

The Church of St. Antoine, B.C.

2010-07-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Coins

2010-07-07T19:34:00.001-07:00

Knutsen's Harp Guitars

2010-06-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Chris Knutsen was a harp guitar, harp mandolin, ukulele, and steel guitar maker in Port Townsend, WA between the years of 1887 and 1900. He was at the forefront of harp guitar making at that time and later became a pioneer in Hawaiian steel guitars, even influencing Weissenborn and his design of Hawaiin guitars(famously played by Fahey and Bob Brozman as well as others with deep pockets). While in Port Townsend, the lovely and talented Amanda Moore found a little pamphlet on Mr. Knutsen for me- she already knew of my abiding love and respect for harp guitars- but little did we know harp ukuleles and harp mandolins were being made by Mr. Knutsen as well. Soundtrack is Bob Brozman doing New Vine Street Blues from Hello Central...Give me Dr. Jazz (1985)- an album that features a harp guitar prominently on it's cover.