Basil ATB
Art, essay

Drawing: Basil

Greetings from the U.S.! We're back after a four-year stint in Fiji. I was compelled to draw the basil sitting on my kitchen counter today. I'd already removed the big leaves for recent dinners, and just a few buds are left. I wanted to capture the plant in this moment, as it pushes new shoots… Continue reading Drawing: Basil

Jolene Levuka ATB
Adventure, Art, dogs

Drawing: Jolene at Levuka, Fiji

This drawing is a scene from our trip to Levuka a couple weeks ago. Our Fijian sausage dog, Jolene, is standing in the grass on top of a hill overlooking the ocean, just outside the historic port town. Watch my short travel video on Levuka here.

Hagia Sophia ATB
Adventure, Art, essay, Products

Postcard: Istanbul

The Hagia Sophia (Illustration by Aileen Torres-Bennett) I took my first big trip by myself just before my 25th birthday. It was a trip to Turkey. I was living in New York City at the time, and I had friends who were well traveled. They inspired me to get out and explore the world. I… Continue reading Postcard: Istanbul

House of the Rising Sun ATB
Art, Music

Press Play: House of the Rising Sun

Illustration by Aileen Torres-Bennett "The House of the Rising Sun" is one of my favorite traditional folk songs. It's a dark tale of remorse, with a catchy melody. The most popular version is the one by The Animals from the '60s. My version is more stripped down. I tried to give it a haunting quality… Continue reading Press Play: House of the Rising Sun

We Will Get By Aileen Torres-Bennett
Art

We Will Get By

I hope all of you are doing well, given the circumstances. Even all the way out here in Fiji, the coronavirus has arrived. The capital city, Suva, is in lockdown, and there is a curfew. But things are good overall. It's a time of togetherness at home, creativity, reflection and, as always, gratitude. Funny story:… Continue reading We Will Get By