Italian born, Ontario based artist Toni Hamel describes her work as “an illustrated commentary on human frailties”. Working with oil and latex on canvas as her preferred medium, Hamel’s subdued illustrations draw from her personal experience and observations of life in Canada. In her most recent series, “Land of Id”, she makes subtle commentary about how we treat and misuse our environment and the effects of our actions. The series portrays both good and bad interactions such as deforestation, narwhal hunting, and Arbour Day, a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. Hamel reiterates her point of view through the use of satire and symbolism, as in her portrait of a gray whale branded with the Seaworld park logo. By presenting images with a light temperament, she hopes her work might positively inspire a change in our behavior.
The illustrations of 
Following the release of his Fantagraphics book with portraits of all 44 U.S. presidents, illustrator Drew Friedman brings his satirical, “warts-and-all” style to Ohio State University’s Friends of the Libraries Gallery at Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. In addition to his book illustrations, the exhibition also features his other presidential-themed works over the years, like the magazine cover above.
When asked about his venture from comic illustration to his more abstract and surreal illustration, artist