Earlier this year, I met the charming illustrator Jonathan Suavé through Life Drawing.  In a bid to quench his wanderlust, Jon travelled half the world before landing himself in Melbourne.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get to hang out much before he had to fly home to France.  But in the time I got to know him, I came to admire his openness, approachability and zest for life.

Before his departure, we agreed to do an art trade. He gave me this adorable illustration.  It depicts a rather distraught me in Melbourne, trying desperately to reign him in as the winds blow him back to France.  In return, I drew a parting gift for him to let him know that I, and all his Melbournian buddies, will never be far away. In my piece, he’s riding on a bicycle in the sky, as I trail along beside him in my airborne rowboat.  (A rowboat that looks like a bathtub. Err.)

Bon courage, Monsieur Suavé! And perhaps our paths shall cross again.

Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Nguyen.