The Art Is Here. The Art Is Here!

When I was a sophomore in college, I was a “student advisor” to six freshman. One was a photographer, one was an artist, one was a windsurfer who would become an ER doctor. I mean, these were three interesting, talented people. And as their advisor, I’d like to take credit for their accomplishments.

And then there were the other three who I must have completely ignored, though I would like to distract you from that fact. I vaguely remember that one may have been from Massachusetts. Please don’t ask me anything else about those three.

The artist, Makiko Ushiba, lived next door to me. She was from Tokyo and had a really distinctive style. She was also hilarious and could put away five plates of brunch at a time if the food was delicious enough. We became fast friends.

And though it was half my life ago, I remember when she drew an alligator for one of her art classes like it was yesterday. It was the most detailed alligator I had ever seen: a black and white drawing, but one which overflowed with personality.

Maki is an animal enthusiast. After I saw the invitations and decor she designed for her own wedding, which was elephant themed, I begged her to do mine. I wish I got married every day so I’d have an excuse to distribute more of ours, which had hand-drawn peacocks, also bursting with personality.

Maki has most recently been focused on designing and then giving birth to her own well-proportioned, aesthetically pleasing, and bursting-with-personality baby girl, who she cares for most of the time. However, she did take on a project for the blog.

I’m so excited to present the new banner.

It’s a Ushiba! Thank you, Maki.