Investing Feature this week:  One big problem for markets in 2010 is the removal of the central bank life support. Which in this case are the low interest rates implemented to help the economy recover. Eventually the interest rates will rise and the life support will be cut off. This piece was tones of fun for me to do, I felt like trying something different since it was the New Year. I’m really pleased I took the risk during a tight deadline to try something new.

This portrait is of rap artist RZA. The illustration is based on his days in the group Gravediggaz. The Gravediggaz was a group created by RZA and Prince Paul after the "Enter the Wu-Tang" Album, when some Wu-Tang members wanted to go start their own solo projects. Grave Diggaz represented my favorite era of hip-hop which was the early-mid 90's. Their style was a mix of dark, menacing and almost madman type lyrics. Rza's alter-ego in the group was The Rzarector. I wanted to create a portrait which showed his personality and style of his verses.

Here is two songs from the Gravediggaz (There is ALOT of swearing so if your not into that sort of thing, I suggest not clicking) "Detective Trip" and "Bang your Head"

Lastly, this image was for Kessels Kramer's New Tapestry project. The project was based of the Bayeux Tapestry which depicted major news events of 1066. The New Tapestry's aim was to focus on the events of today. The image I created was for the week 41 of last year. During that time it was announced that Obama had been awarded the Nobel Peace prize. Instead of illustrating various news around the page I made a decision to concentrate on one image. I wanted to emphasize the powerful yet solemn face of Obama.

Hellooooohhger! I mentioned that a couple weeks ago I went to Costa Rica for a week, here are some of the sketches that I did during the trip. Unfortunately me being the worst vacation packer ever, forgot to pack my watercolors and paints. So I only had my trusty Pentel ink brush and pen, which was fine by me. I don't usually take a lot of trips but many times I find it hard to balance sketching abroad and spending time with the people you’re with. I wonder how you fellow Ohgerians (yes I just made that up) balance this? I know it’s usually easier when your with a group of artists or by yourself but most of the time it’s not the case. Anyways here’s the sketches!