Maira Kalman and “The Principles of Uncertainty”

My dear friend Jane is a graphic designer in Manhattan (and a very good one at that) and is always introducing me to the most amazing art/design/boutiques/etc. Well, one day we were strolling about Soho when we came across Maira Kalman’s book The Principles of Uncertainty. Jane insisted I buy it, promising I would be “obsessed.” Well, buy it I did and quite frankly, obsessed is an understatement. Kalman’s paintings are not only genius (bright, color saturated, whimsical), but the thoughts that are written beside them are nothing less than brilliant in their honesty. The woman is remarkable—what I would give to be such a talented artist and with such intellectual capacity and great wit! As for her background, Maira Kalman is an illustrator, author and designer and currently resides in Manhattan where she teaches graduate courses at the School of Visual Arts. She is also the NEO-trad’s imaginary best friend (“move over Jane Austen” is right). Oh and did we mention she likes people who like Matisse? Enough said. For a regular dose of Kalman check out her blog on The New York Times website.