You could think of Field Notes as my “blog” of observations. Periodically peek into my sketchbook, eavesdrop on my conversations, get a glimpse of my projects — and lens on life in Silicon Valley. 

Helen turns 30 , Megan turns 60 (2017, 2019)
Projects Lisa Van Dusen Projects Lisa Van Dusen

Helen turns 30 , Megan turns 60 (2017, 2019)

In 2019, my sister, Katy “commissioned” me (for free, mind you) to create a deck of cards for her daughter and my niece, Helen, in honor of her 30th birthday. I had created such a deck for a friend’s birthday in 2017 by crowdsourcing answers to the question “What I love about …” by asking friends at her birthday party. For Helen, we got fancy and created a google survey inviting friends, relatives, former teachers and colleagues to share qualities they love about her, along with any associated visual images that came to mind. I synthesized this into a deck of 30+ original watercolor drawings. Helen and my friend Megan both cherish (their word) this little portable pick-me-up and reminder of why they are uniquely wonderful. 

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