Yesterday Blackie and Charlotte finally caught up with their old friend Lulu, through the wonders of Cat-Skype. Here’s Lulu relaxing in the Santa Fe home she shares with Jill—artist, owl-handler, and my good pal.

That’s one of Jill’s wonderful birdcage art pieces, and a recent portrait she drew of Lulu with geraniums. And there’s Louise Brooks, for whom Lulu was named—two style icons sporting the same smart bob.

Just a few days ago I heard that some of Jill’s illustrations are included in a new book, INX Battle Lines: Three Decades of Political Art. Here are two of her featured images—as powerful and fresh as the day that she drew them, I’d say.

I love that the same mind and hand that creates magical little scenes inside Mexican birdcages can also draw beautiful pet portraits, gritty political art, Galactic Goddess Girls, comics, and more. But then, that’s Jill Karla Schwarz—one of the most versatile and gifted artists I know.

At the start of the week (especially following a weekend where we’ve lost a whole bleepin’ hour), I can use some extra inspiration. So here’s to the people (and pets) that inspire and delight us—whether they’re creative types like Jill, style icons like Lulu, leaders, teachers, or what-have-you. —Or just great friends.

Special Note

The book, INX Battle Lines, was edited by another colleague and friend, Martin Kozlowski—not only an INX artist, but its art director, too, for a lot of those 30 years. Martin also co-authored the coolest gift I put under the tree this past Christmas, the fabulous and funny 2012 Doomsday Planner.

I haven’t gotten my hands on a copy of this new book yet, but I will. I got to see the INX 20 year retrospective exhibition when I still lived back East, and it was amazing. Not just lots of great, thought-provoking, Op-Ed imagery, but a visual reference to all the major issues, figures and events that left their mark during those two decades. I can’t wait to see what those talented INX artists have created in the ten years since.