At OSU's Fine Arts Library

Color: How to Use It (with metal calipers), image by Bryan Loar

For the past couple of months, I've been volunteering at Ohio State University's Fine Arts Library (FIN).  I've been reviewing portfolios for collection development purposes. 

During that time I've come across some amazing books.  From a 1959 issue of Form magazine to an 1836 edition of Specimens of ancient furniture drawn from existing authorities, it has been an eye-opening experience to the wealth of materials held by FIN.

Columbus (OH) Arts Festival 2009

Jessica Stoddart, photo by Bryan Loar

I had the good fortune to go to the Columbus Arts Festival last Saturday. I was particularly surprised and delighted to see so many contemporary artists with strong illustrative sensibilities--this has rarely been the case in the past.

Jessica Stoddart's work pictured above, IMHO, wins best of show. Her unique art has such a wonderful design aesthetic, and the underlying architectural structures she builds into her works intrigues me.

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Mr. Hooper, photo by Bryan Loar

A close second is Mr. Hooper (aka Tim Hooper). Mr. Hooper is amazingly self-taught, and his current work is a mix of R. Crumb meets Mark Ryden.

Here are some other great artists

www.flickr.com/photos/bryanloar/tags/columbusartsfestival/show