Render Monsters & Camera Creatures

The reality is that if you're going to be locked into editing for months on end you're going to find a few distractions along the way. 

These all started out as random doodles of camera equipment that over the last few months turned into characters. I've been referring to them as "Render Monsters" and "Camera Creatures" ... can you tell there's been some downtime throughout the fine cut? 

While there was never a point to these, I used AI to texturize a few of my favourites and then organized them into a poster. I think I'm halfway to releasing a children's book.

I'd like to think the influences are somewhere between "Bump in the Night" meets "Food Fighters" meets "the Real Ghostbusters" cartoon. I would've bought these as action figures as a kid, and each one would've had a spring-loaded projectile.

So, that's where I'm at lol.

New Artwork at River Bee Books

In news that surprises no one, I have a real soft spot for unique, local businesses (particularly those in beautifully restored downtown buildings) who also happen to be supporters of my original "Hometown Series" in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Over the last few months I've delivered a collection of custom framed canvases to Bridget at River Bee Books with this shot overlooking the cliffs ending up in the new shop scheduled to open this spring. I do love a good bookstore, and can't wait to see all this hardwork come together for their grand opening. Check out those tin ceilings!

Fisher Building in Detroit, Michigan

Nicknamed "the Golden Tower" and "Detroit's largest art object", you need look no further than the Fisher Building for one of Detroit, Michigan's truly incredible landmark skyscrapers. Opened in 1928, the building was financed by the sale of the Fisher Body Company, the iconic automobile coachbuilder, to General Motors in 1926. 

As  a result of the Fisher Body Company becoming the in-house coachbuilding division of General Motors, the Fisher Building was built directly across the street from what was the General Motors World HQ at the time. That building has since been renamed Cadillac Place after GM moved to its new HQ into the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. 

Complete with granite, limestone, gold leaf, mosaic tiles, and several types of marble, the architectural embellishments of the Fisher Building don't go unnoticed. From the arched ceilings and massive pendant lights to the inlaid patterns on practically every surface, the Fisher Buidling boasts a next-level attention to detail. You'll also find the Fisher Theatre here, one of the oldest live theatre venues in Detroit.  

We saw a lot of memorable locations during our exploration of Detroit, but few wowed us quite like this. From the grand lobby to the surrounding walkways, we really couldn't stop staring. The Fisher Building is a testament to the grandiose architecture and impressive wealth that existed during Detroit's seemingly unstoppable boom in the early 20th century. 

Archival image of the Fisher Building in Detroit.