JaMiE BaKeR: fallout

Here is a photo taken early in the morning, after a long trans-Pacific flight from San Francisco to Australia. This is the view of Sydney taken while on a connecting flight to the city of Adelaide, which is where I am right now. It took me around 21 hours of travel to get to this destination…

Lately I have been running around a lot traveling hither and thither. Last week was spent in New York City, visiting my pals Rhode and Dave. This photo shows us all sitting in central Park sketching the local scene, which happened to be teeming with eccentrics on that particular day, including a guy dressed as Batman riding around on a customised Bat Bicycle.

Recently, I posted a drawing I’d done for an art auction without giving any details, so here they are: On September 6th, PIXAR STUDIOS will host an auction of artwork done by 184 artists to raise money for the TOTOTO FOREST PROJECT; a foundation to protect urban forests in Japan. I wont attending because I will be in Australia, but my drawing will be representing me there. Others who can not attend (unfortunately tickets are required, and they sold out very quickly) can see the ART GALLERY on the official website. Additionally, ALL the art will be on display at the CARTOON ART MUSEUM between September 2008-March 2009, and a book of the artwork will be on sale. More info can be found at the OFFICIAL BLOG

Lately I have been running about, trying to finish off some artwork (both paying jobs and promises to friends) while simultaneously arranging some travel. I took a quick trip to LA a week or so ago, to celebrate longtime-pal Tony Stacchi’s birthday. Next up I will visit New York, to spend some quality time with my friends Dave and Rhode. After that, I have a longer trip back home to Australia to attend a family birthday, and also visit some friends down there who I haven’t seen in many years.

Due to the concurrent rise in Oil prices and the drop in the US dollar, the price of a airline ticket to Australia at LOW season is more than a HIGH season ticket was just a few years ago… about double. OUCH. That trip ALSO requires some shopping for camping equipment, as I will be going on a 5 day hike/camping trip through the bush with some old pals from my hometown… I haven’t been proper camping (as opposed to mere car camping) for many years, so I am very much looking forward to this trek, but hoping that my flabby body will be equal to the task of hauling a load of gear up hill and down dale for 5 days… we shall just have to wait and see….

One way or another, I should have some fun to write about soon; either FUN-fun, or horror-fun… because even the trips that go wrong are fun in the retelling!