Nick Dewar:: 1973-2010

Renowned illustrator Nick Dewar died just this week at the age of 37. His artwork graced a plethora of magazines and publications, including the cover of The Devil Wears Prada.

Born in Scotland and spent his childhood growing up in a small fishing town on the East Coast, he then went on to attend art school in Glasgow. He lived in Prague, London, New York and a sheep farm in Cumbria. He recently moved from New York to Southern California, where he no longer had to bathe in his kitchen. Nick Dewar is known, and will be remembered, as one of the best illustrators of our time.

Design* Sponge were privy to his home mid-2009.
Visit Nick Dewar's site to experience more of his brilliance.

Sunshine Blogging

I'm sitting by the window with the sunlight streaming through. The windows may be dirty but the sun knows it's way by rote. Some asked for proof that Spring is coming. Packing its bags from one part of the world, to wing into our part of the world. If this sunshine isn't enough, I don't know what is. But here you have a list that I am busy compiling:

- the birds are singing

- the cherry blossoms are starting
- the camellias are still blooming
- the magnolias are on their way in
- shy jonquils and daffodils are making an entrance
- I can stand to be oustide for longer, even hanging the clothes out is becoming more bearable
- the sun is hanging out with us longer

I found these books on my recent sojourn. They were 20 cents a pop, part of that haul. I didn't take them all, I didn't want to be greedy, but the illos are so very good. And the content? Timeless.

Let's Find Out About Spring - Martha & Charles Sharp, illustrated by Laszlo Roth (published 1963).

Here, let's take a peek together, shall we?

'When is spring? Spring is when it's warm enough to put away winter coats and hats and ...go out in lighter clothes.

Spring is when you can ride bicycles, go skating and play ball.'

Hey - it sounds pretty good to me.

Have you noticed any seasonal changes in your 'hood? What are they?