Artists

, ,

Feature :: Chef Charles Webb

, ,
Feature :: Chef Charles Webb

You just never know when and where you'll meet people. I met Chef Charles late last September and I have grown to respect his talent and craft with food. Actually, food would be an understatement. What I really mean is, this guy can cook. No, that doesn't sound just right either. ​

If you want attention to detail and a culinary experienced from a master chef, meet Charles.​

That's more like it. I caught up with Chef Charles (and Chef Rick) in a West Loop loft to capture the magic in the making. ​

I'm a sucker for his black truffle honey. I'd eat that on a piece of old lunch meat.​

,

Artists :: Diana Arand

,

Diana Arand is a totally rad Chicago local glass artist. She does these custom mosaic hand cut designs that are truly extraordinary. She's going to be at the One of a Kind Show in the Merchandise Mart December 6-9. She'll have some glass work on display to purchase as is, but will also be talking about her custom order pieces.

One day this summer we had tried to have a photo session. I'm pretty sure we could've achieved what we were trying to achieve in half the time it actually took us. Lots of side tracking and horsing around. Diana and I also work together in marketing for a tech company. I don't think it coincidental that our desks were not next to each other for a length of time.

Just a few of her artist session frames below. Go meet Diana Arand and visit her glasswork in person. She'll probably give you a free hug. Plus these images just don't do her work justice. [www.dianaarand.com]

,

Artists :: Katie Todd

,

A few years ago, I was at the Double Door in Chicago to catch a show with some friends. I had brought my new lens to just test out in low light. Katie Todd opened the show for the Damnwells and I immediately loved her sound. How did this sound come from such a tiny little lady?? I introduced myself to her after the show and we chatted for a few minutes and I said I'd send her a couple of the frames from the evening. I was lucky enough to develop a great relationship with Katie. She's one of the sweetest and kindest people I know. And the more and more I listened to her work, I grew so interested in her career as a music artist. She has an earthy and raw, but sweet sound which delicately graces over her piano. She frequents my playlists in the car and at the office.

We've worked on a few promo projects together, and even a few family sessions with Kelly and their daughter along the way. Great people often surround themselves with great people, and through Kelly and Katie, this is how I also met Dayna and Jason Abraham. [See their super cool backyard wedding here.]

This summer, Katie ran an amazingly successful Kickstarter campaign to get her newest album, Closer, recorded. It's so great to watch an independent artist grow. It's an honor that Katie's album cover includes an image we worked on together [actual album cover not designed by me]. 

So as I was eating pancakes and sitting at my desk this morning, and Katie Todd came over iTunes, I wanted to share this story. Check out some of the promo and family sessions I've worked on with Katie at LeRoy Oakes in St. Charles, IL.

Happy December 1!