I’m beginning 2013 with a new blog and a “new” illustration. I was going to post this one on Illustration Friday, but I finished it this morning and missed their cut off.  Every week they post a new theme and the most recent one was “new”, very appropriately.

This illustration was inspired by the feeling that I am currently living in “The Vintage Revolution”. Do you feel that way, or is it just me? There seems to be a widespread fascination with photos, furniture, cards, toys, clothing that are old, antique and I’m sorry but I hate this word, shabby looking. I’m seeing that there is a renewed sense of value for objects from the past, and a lot of people are cashing in on it.

In my opinion, this is a real-time example of that old proverb, “there is nothing new under the sun”. The new got old, but now the old is new again.

I have to admit, I’ve been sucked into the vortex of vintage too.  I love Instagram because it reminds me of old family albums. And I love vintage children’s book illustrations because I’m amazed at the time and skill that went into every detail. I’m also a HUGE fan of the tales of grannies and grandpas from the ‘good ol’ days’.

Yet still, there is a part of me that looks at this whole revolution with a bit of cynicism and humor. I can’t help but wonder:  one day, after I die, will someone dig up my old pillowcase, make it into a shirt and sell it online for $100? I hope not!