December 16, 2007
Illustration Sunday: Snowstorm Edition
Though Old Man Winter may be a cruel master, we here at Torontoist enjoy a good snowstorm every once in a while. When visiting the corner store becomes a Herculean task, wading through thigh-high drifts, it’s a good day to stay indoors.
Let’s just hope we don’t have to call in the army, as Mel did during the Blizzard of 1999. That was like, so totally embarrassing. Until the storm breaks, there’s not much to do but party like it’s 1999!
Illustration by Kevin McBride.
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Woodbine Station was a madhouse tonight. The subway couldn't get up the hill through the snow outside of Vic Park, so all Westbound service was cancelled at Woodbine, and they had shuttle buses. However, the people getting off the trains FAR FAR F A R outweighed both the amount of buses they had to transport them AND the space Woodbine station has for people to stand and wait. So there was a crowd of more than a 100 people at any given time standing in the street, from at least 4pm to 8:30pm.
Crazy.
I think it's cool that you guys let third-graders do illustrations for the site.
And post comments, too.
ah, good one.: - )
Am I the only one in the city who didn't think the snow was so bad?
I guess I need to know what exactly one looks for in an illustrator then. What exactly was it about this person's work that was better or caught your eye as opposed to another illustrator? I know you can't explain "tastes". I'm not trying to be mean, I'm sure Kevin is a nice guy and all, I just want to understand it.
I went to his site, his photos are good. I'm just curious in what led you to decide on this particular illustrator.
To me, they are crudely drawn (at best) and look like very little thought was put into them...but that's just my opinion (I assume we're still allowed those here). I'm not saying you should ditch him as illustrator, I'm simply curious as to what it is about his work in particular.
And really, Eric, it's great of you to defend his work, maybe you could explain it.
re; rek. I was out in it walking around with my dog (she loves it), and aside from a slight wind-chill, it was quite peaceful and pretty out (with an occasional snow-blower or plow).
WannaB - Of course you are entitled to your opinion, and I'd guess that there are others out there who agree with you. However, I have found the response to my Illustration Sunday column to be quite positive, so it seems to me that there are readers who enjoy what I do.
Rek - I love a good blizzard - great excuse to stay in watching movies and get down with a little Playstation.
Staying in doesn't count Kevin! I went shopping for presents on Bloor West and it wasn't that bad.
I didn't think it was that bad. It's definitely been way colder other days, and temperatures are what really get me. But I still don't like walking in snow when I need to get somewhere.
The TTC was still retarded, though. Waiting almost half an hour for a midday streetcar and then short-turning the first car I get on? Priceless Toronto.
I LOVE Kevin's Illustration Sundays...I think they're the posts I look forward to most each week. Don't listen to the haters, Kevin. :)
I think this one suffers a bit, at least technically, from being done in Paint (that's what it looks like?). Usually Kevin's illustrations, as I remember them from past weeks, are hand-drawn, and they're really enjoyable. He's got a good energy and style I like. I would say, though, I don't see why Torontoist can't shake it up and solicit different illustrators ... maybe two drawings, then, per week, or just trade every other week. It doesn't have to be a "one-man" feature.
Carrie: Thanks for the insight. Yes, that's it, I'm just a hater, how could I possibly criticize something or try to understand it more? it was totally personal. I apologize. I have nothing better to do than try to crush the esteem of illustrators.
Kevin: You seem to take criticism well, I'm not trying to say you're a talentless hack. Just because I don't like or get something doesn't mean it's not good.
I figured my comment would be taken wrong by at least one your "fans" and I WAS looking for something other than, "I love them, don't listen to the haters". I was just curious what the appeal was to those who do like them...maybe I might uunderstand, or what's the word...ah yes, "APPRECIATE" it more. But, seeing as how I don't get it, I must be a hater. So, that's it, you either get it or you don't? Art is now black and white?
So far, Gloria has given me the best insight.
And Kevin, I DO like your photos on your website. I'm not implying a lack of talent.
And if Torontoist can criticize other writers (ie. Rosie DiManno, and no, I'm NOT defending her)...I don't think it's a bad thing if we do voice some contrary opininions here...or is there another website for the so-called "haters"?
(a term I cannot stand).
Pretend I said nothing.
Holy shit, relax...it was in jest (hence the smiley face). I was merely expressing my appreciation to Kevin.
Regarding why I like the illustrations, they're witty, relevant to current events and loosely drawn, yet coherent. I like that they're not perfect.
Stop being a hater, everybody.
Sorry, didn't mean to over-react, just can't stand that phrase.
: - )
And yes, the illustrations do have a certain charm in their imperfection...if that what the artist is going for...cool.
Carrie - Great description, you nailed it! I'm calling you next time I have to write an artist statement.