Projects


THE ART OF TEE

IN CELEBRATION OF 25 YEARS of SCREENPRINT DESIGN and ARTWORK for MAJOR SURF INDUSTRY BRANDS,BJELLAND DESIGN IS PROUD to PRESENT: THE ART OF TEE. A RETROSPECTIVE COMPILIATION of WORK by SOCAL ARTIST and DESIGNER THOMAS BJELLAND.

I’m fortunate to have a fair amount of talent for both artwork and design (which are very different disciplines) that many talented creatives may have one or the other to great degree, but not necessarily both. Having the opportunity to collaborate with many talented and insightful individuals and brands enhanced my drive and passion to produce a body of creative work which might not otherwise have seen light-of-day, and for that–A Big MAHALO all-around.” Thomas Bjelland

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A book cover with an image of a wave in the ocean.

THE ART OF TEE CONSISTS OF TWO BOOKS:

  1. THE ART OF TEE

 [PROVENANCE – COFFEE TABLE]

  • ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
  • DESIGN and ART RETROSPECTIVE

102 [FULL COLOR] PAGES with JACKET COVER and 2C SILKSCREEN SLIPCASE COVER

10” x 9.625” HARDCOVER

WRITTEN, DESIGNED and PRODUCED in

CALIFORNIA, USA by THOMAS BJELLAND

©BJELLAND DESIGN

A book cover with several different designs of surf boards.
THE DISAPPEARING SANDS

HAVING ENJOYED A SOCAL BASED OCEAN-CENTRIC SURF LIFESTYLE for half-a-century (age
10-63) this creatively motivated “Elder Statesman” is in a serious funk. The consistent–with slight
variations–of weather and swell patterns that produced season-after-season of quality surf conditions for decades have all
but abandoned the scene; along with a good portion of the physical and mental well-being (not to mention F-U-N!)
afforded from regular immersion in the surf–sadly disappearing along with the proper sand allotment affecting a good
majority of local breaks.

TRAVEL, PERSONAL ANECDOTE, FUN and ADVENTURE documented over the years are
presented; essay and argument involve uncovering the reason(s) for the drastic “changes” affecting “Quality of Surf”
issues are put forth (Just don’t call it Climate Change!). Insightful observation from daily absorption provides
“Weather/Waterman” point of view as alternative to “Political/Status Quo” confluence viewpoint–for fun(!) and expansion of
tolerance towards others.

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156+ (CURRENT DRAFT) PAGES with CUSTOM JACKET/SLEEVE COVER • 7.75 x 9.125” DELUXE PAPERBACK
PHOTOGRAPHY, ILLUSTRATION, WRITTEN, DESIGNED and PRODUCED in CALIFORNIA, USA by THOMAS
BJELLAND ©BJELLAND DESIGN

SHIBADUDE

PHOTOGRAPHY (pre-digital!), ILLUSTRATION, ART, DESIGN and ESSAY

DOCUMENTATION OF: “A QUIET SUBURBAN LIFE” of ONE AMERICAN

SHIBA-INU and FAMILY in COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA.

Meet Genichi, the first-born of three brothers (Genji & Genzo), the stubbornest little dude to walk the neigborhood sidewalks of Mesa Verde ever! Super-smart, loyal, ever-fluffy, super-cute (still playin’ that card at sixteen-and-a-half!) and FEARLESS! Not a fox. Not a puppy. He’s SHIBADUDE! Gen loves his “Mom,” his “Brother” (the boy), and lets them have certain privileges regarding his “personal space.” Me–he just tolerates! And I couldn’t love him more…

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A book cover with a dog on it.

40 FULL COLOR PAGES (in 20 Spreads) with 2C SLIPCASE COVER and HANGING SCROLL PULL-OUT COLLECTORS ITEM

10” x 9.625” HEAVY-BOND COVER

PHOTOGRAPHY, WRITTEN, ILLUSTRATED,

DESIGNED and PRODUCED in CALIFORNIA, USA by THOMAS BJELLAND

©BJELLAND DESIGN

A man with a smile on his face.

DEMENTIA MOM

A S0-CAL CREATIVE DOCUMENTS THE TREACHEROUS TWISTS AND TURNS THAT ARISE when a parent (Mom) of a Boomer Generation family suffering with Alzheimer’s Presenile Dementia–as many of this age group are dealing with nowadays–struggles to cope with new memory and cognitive skill challenges. Sibling (brotherly) angst abounds when opposing character is exposed to levels heretofore never experienced when sorting out how to help Mom–who being of stubborn proclivities–refuses ever to admit there’s anything wrong–memory or otherwise (and stop trying to constantly trip-her-up–as you will be accused of shortly!).

PRESENTED IN A UNIQUE FORMAT that includes design, illustration and photography to visually enhance the sometimes humorous, sometimes painful, but most often perplexing situations imparted within the insightful text in this latest work: Dementia Mom. Observations on related family “fun” include cultural, spiritual, and life altering events–including The Big D (Divorce!)–and are made personal with the aim of universally resonating with readers all the more.

DEMENTIA MOM

A S0-CAL CREATIVE DOCUMENTS THE TREACHEROUS TWISTS AND TURNS THAT ARISE when a parent (Mom) of a Boomer Generation family suffering with Alzheimer’s Presenile Dementia–as many of this age group are dealing with nowadays–struggles to cope with new memory and cognitive skill challenges. Sibling (brotherly) angst abounds when opposing character is exposed to levels heretofore never experienced when sorting out how to help Mom–who being of stubborn proclivities–refuses ever to admit there’s anything wrong–memory or otherwise (and stop trying to constantly trip-her-up–as you will be accused of shortly!).


PRESENTED IN A UNIQUE FORMAT that includes design, illustration and photography to visually enhance the sometimes humorous, sometimes painful, but most often perplexing situations imparted within the insightful text in this latest work: Dementia Mom. Observations on related family “fun” include cultural, spiritual, and life altering events–including The Big D (Divorce!)–and are made personal with the aim of universally resonating with readers all the more.

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176+ PAGES with 2C FOIL and BLIND EMBOSS KRAFT SLIPCASE • 5.5” x 8” DELUXE PAPERBACK *PHOTOGRAPHY, WRITTEN, ILLUSTRATED, DESIGNED and PRODUCED in CALIFORNIA, USA by THOMAS BJELLAND ©BJELLAND DESIGN *Selected Photography

A book cover with two boys and the title of it.

164+ PAGES • 5.5” x 8” PAPERBACK

*PHOTOGRAPHY, WRITTEN, ILLUSTRATED, DESIGNED and PRODUCED in CALIFORNIA, USA by THOMAS BJELLAND

©BJELLAND DESIGN *Selected Photography

A page from the book, " the ranch ".
A page from the book, " a family portrait ".
DUMB NORWEGIAN (& THE ASIAN PERSUASION)

Svenson and Bjelland present an original format and take on: Dating After Fifty.

Sometimes humorous, sometimes painful–but most often a combination of confounding blunder and bewildering discontent.

Unique illustration compliments the insightful text throughout to make this a must read for (mature!) singles in pursuit of coupling–or happily coupled folks who might enjoy a bit of freudenschade.

Cultural differences observations provide engaging dissertation; and if there’re any ladies out there who might be wondering: Just what’s up with the male libido–here is your guide. (Good Luck!)

DUMB NORWEGIAN (& THE ASIAN PERSUASION)

Svenson and Bjelland present an original format and take on: Dating After Fifty Sometimes humorous, sometimes painful–but most often a combination of confounding blunder and bewildering discontent. Unique illustration compliments the insightful text throughout to make this a must read for (mature!) singles in pursuit of coupling–or happily coupled folks who might enjoy a bit of freudenschade. Cultural differences observations provide engaging dissertation; and if there’re any ladies out there who might be wondering: Just what’s up with the male libido–here is your guide. (Good Luck!)
DUMB NORWEGIAN (& THE ASIAN PERSUASION)

Svenson and Bjelland present an original format and take on: Dating After Fifty.

Sometimes humorous, sometimes painful–but most often a combination of confounding blunder and bewildering discontent.

Unique illustration compliments the insightful text throughout to make this a must read for (mature!) singles in pursuit of coupling–or happily coupled folks who might enjoy a bit of freudenschade.

Cultural differences observations provide engaging dissertation; and if there’re any ladies out there who might be wondering: Just what’s up with the male libido–here is your guide. (Good Luck!)

A black background with some white writing on it

click logo to return to home page

168+ [B/W] PAGES [35+ ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS] with 1C and BLIND EMBOSS KRAFT SLIPCASE • 5.5” x 8” DELUXE EMBOSSED PAPERBACK WRITTEN, ILLUSTRATED, DESIGNED and PRODUCED in CALIFORNIA, USA by THOMAS BJELLAND ©BJELLAND DESIGN

THE CELIBATE MAN


ILLUSTRATED ESSAYS: “NOTES FROM THE FIELD” SEMI-AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL and/or SEMI-ANECDOTAL (with a SEMI-STIFFY!) ACCOUNTING of POST-DIVORCE DATING (AFTER FIFTY!) from a MALE PERSPECTIVE Original Black & White Illustrations accompany the text, (a sort of “adult”-nod hinting towards the immense popularity of Graphic Novels and Manga for youth) and are offered here for the perusal of “mature” audience. Marriage, fatherhood, and ultimately divorce, were the set-up for SoCal author Thor Svenson to enter the wacky world of dating after fifty. Not much–except everything has changed! Need a little solace or perhaps enjoy a bit of Freudenschade? Dive-Right-In!
THE CELIBATE MAN

ILLUSTRATED ESSAYS:

“NOTES from the FIELD”

SEMI-AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL and/or SEMI-ANECDOTAL (with a SEMI-STIFFY!) ACCOUNTING of POST-DIVORCE DATING [AFTER FIFTY(!)] from a MALE PERSPECTIVE

Original Black & White Illustrations accompany the text, (a sort of “adult”-nod hinting towards the immense popularity of Graphic Novels and Manga for youth) and are offered here for the perusal of “mature” audience. Marriage, fatherhood, and ultimately divorce were the set-up for SoCal Artist and Creative Thomas B to enter the wacky world of dating after fifty. Not much–except everything has changed! Need a little solace or perhaps enjoy a bit of Freudenschade? Dive-Right-In! 

A black background with some white writing on it

click logo to return to home page

A series of black and white pages with various images.

153+ [B/W] PAGES [35+ ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS] with 1C and BLIND EMBOSS KRAFT SLIPCASE • 5.5” x 8” PAPERBACK

ILLUSTRATED, DESIGNED and PRODUCED in CALIFORNIA, USA by THOMAS BJELLAND ©BJELLAND DESIGN