Catell Ronca made one of my favorite pieces in our upcoming Exquisite Book. I was over at her site the other day checking out her latest work when I noticed she had this little book for sale and so I quickly ordered it. It’s a double-sided accordion foldout illustration of a urban street scene. Lots of shoppers of all different ethnicities, wear colorful clothing, from Gucci to camo prints. All of the detailed patterns are there, the logos on a woman’s Louis Vuitton bag, the gorgeous African geometric design on a woman’s dress, the mermaid tattoos on a funny bald man wearing a tank. Behind them signs for phone cards, Halal butchers, and fast food restaurants decorate the white space in amazing vibrant colors. I love how alive this scene feels, reminding me what it’s like to walk around Brooklyn sometimes on a warm day when everyone’s outside. You can get a copy of this book here.

© Julia Rothman 2007