You could think of Field Notes as my “blog” of observations. Periodically peek into my sketchbook, eavesdrop on my conversations, get a glimpse of my projects — and lens on life in Silicon Valley.
Filter by: Projects, Actually in Silicon Valley or Interviews
Roaring 20’s Grand Reopening Party Promos (2021)
As people were emerging from their COVID-19 cocoons in the summer and early fall of 2021, the Woman’s Club of Palo Alto wanted to create energy and anticipation for their “grand reopening” with a roaring 20s party. This series offered a playful way to entice members to a festive, yet safe in-person gathering. The event was a huge success.
Call of the Valley: The Enduring Lure of Sonoma (2019)
In 2019, documentary film producer Julie Morrison reached out when she realized that there were a number of necessary visuals for her film which she had no way to represent. I sprang into action creating maps of tribal groups, a cartoon about the decimation of phylloxera, and a likeness of J. Hunter Thompson, collaborating closely with Julie to fill some visual gaps caused by copyright constraints, missing historical records and other limitations. To learn more about this project, visit Call of the Valley: The Enduring Lure of Sonoma.
Helen turns 30 , Megan turns 60 (2017, 2019)
In 2019, my sister, Katy “commissioned” me (for free, mind you) to create a deck of cards for her daughter and my niece, Helen, in honor of her 30th birthday. I had created such a deck for a friend’s birthday in 2017 by crowdsourcing answers to the question “What I love about …” by asking friends at her birthday party. For Helen, we got fancy and created a google survey inviting friends, relatives, former teachers and colleagues to share qualities they love about her, along with any associated visual images that came to mind. I synthesized this into a deck of 30+ original watercolor drawings. Helen and my friend Megan both cherish (their word) this little portable pick-me-up and reminder of why they are uniquely wonderful.
Why Not NOT Drive?: An Empowering Guide to Letting Go of the Wheel (2018)
Many of us have been there with a loved one when it seems like time for them to hang up their car keys. That time came with my mom in 2018, then newly 90. My sisters and I were at our wits end and wanted to find a way using visuals and humor to give her motivation and agency in making the transition from driving herself to the joys of getting around through other means. Ask me how it all worked out.
My TEDx Talk on “The Joys of Otherhood” (2017)
Actually, in Silicon Valley, some people check the "other" box on standardized forms. Maybe the category on those dreaded forms that confounds you is ethnicity or gender or even age (you might feel like a different age than you technically are.) For me, that category is "occupation" or "profession". I just don't fit into any of the standard options. Pretty much ever. My 2017 TEDx talk on the The “Joys of Otherhood” is about just that.
Wands + Fetishes (2016-present)
This wand making thing all started in the fall of 2016 when I was about to leave for a political canvassing trip. I found a dried plant that looked like a wand and my traveling companions and I made a collective wish for a smooth trip. We forgot to wish for the main event—that our candidate would win the election. After election day, I began to make wands of all kinds from sticks and remnants of various kinds—bits of ribbon, feathers, an orphaned earring—anything I could find. Some people knit. I like to make wands and fetishes. I have made fertility fetishes for a long time which have had a good track record. I regard wands as a beautiful and intriguing object that can also be an instrument for the recipient’s intentions. My one request is that people remember to WISH BIG.
Transparency + Overcombing
My first political act of the 2016 election season was to create a drawing for an “Election Collection” featured at the big box stores nationwide. Back in February, when the notion of Trump as a serious candidate was still far-fetched, I drew a picture of Trump’s hair. My ace greeting card maker/marketer friend, Lynn Felter of Across the Line submitted our card for consideration with the caption, “We Shall Overcomb” and it was actually selected for distribution as part of an Election Collection. I suggested that they change the background from red to blue when I reviewed the artists’ proof. They did.
A Lantern of Firflies: An Illustrated Treasury of Tales of Adventure, Discovery, and Magic (2015)
826michigan's 2015 student publication, which features twenty Huron High ninth-graders and class of second-grade students from Mitchell Elementary. The students produced the collection of bedtime stories—they wrote the stories that they wish they'd had when they were younger. Each of the stories has been thoughtfully illustrated, with input from the student writers, by a different artist, including Caldecott winners. Available for purchase here.
Objects & Oddities (2014)
Fresh pen and watercolor illustrations by Lisa Van Dusen accompany Laurie Hunter's poetic words full of memories, objects and oddities from nature and the made world. And there's room at the back for the reader to capture his or her own memories, observations and oddities. Objects & Oddities sparks joy. Available for purchase here.