A Good Idea on Paper

Paper Jewellery

2010-06-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Lovely paper-ish things by MXM Jewelry

Of course I have to include the paper book pendants by The Black Spot Books

Stunning paper flowers by Blush Envy

Pretty paper earrings and necklace by Vector Cloud.

Amazing Books and Drawings

2010-04-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

Through his explorations of language Sam Winston creates sculpture, drawings and books that question our understanding of words, both as a carriers of messages and as information itself.

Sam Winston. My new favourite!

Lorraine Nam

2010-04-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

Lorraine emailed me this morning with some images of her lovely paper cuts. Take a look at Lorraine's blog here. Thank you Lorraine!

Wow!

2010-04-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

Beautiful paper sculptures by Anna-Wili Highfield.

Alicia Martín

2010-03-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

I just found this ingenious book scultpure by Spanish artist Alicia Martín, purely by chance. Right up my alley!

Blogging from the train

2010-02-22T10:29:00.001-08:00

Just testing. I've got a new phone, so I can start blogging during my hefty commute. Might need a bit of practice though!

In the mean time, meet my cat, olga.

Lampshades

2010-02-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

I have just added some of my hand made lampshades to my Etsy shop. I can make these in any size/fitting and in any design, colour, or using any quote. Sorry for all the shameless self promotion this weekend!

My new website has arrived!

2010-02-13T02:49:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time coming, but I have finally made myself a new website. Take a look here. What do you think? I'd love your feedback! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Karen OLeary

2010-02-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a few of these hand cut city maps and pen and ink drawings from Studio K, Karen's Etsy shop. Of course, I love the London one the most. So beautiful...

Fairy Rings and stuff.

2009-11-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

I know that everyone has posted about Amy Ross a million times, but I just really love her work. I first came across her work at the ArtStroll in Atlanta (which I highly recommend). I just thought I'd share a few more images. The Fairy Ring piece has always reminded me of Time Capsule by Alison Gill (below), which I saw at my favorite exhibition of all time, Dream Machines at the Camden Arts Centre.

Three Pictures I Would Love for Christmas.

2009-11-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

The Last Days of Disco by Hollis Thornton Brown available here.

12 London Shopfronts by Melody Seal available here.

Duck Magnolia by Amy Ross available here.

Mercedes Baliarda

2009-11-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

Mercedes Baliarda - They are Better Left Unspoken, Inkjet prints on tracing paper

Shinique Smith

2009-11-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

Oh dear, it's been rather a long time. I'm not sure where the past three months have gone. I am in the process of starting up a proper little business for myself. At the moment I'm designing a range of paper bridal bouquets with boutonnieres and various other things. So far I'm really pleased with the outcome, and excited about it. I'll be opening the shop soon!

In the mean time, I am only working three days a week (at my real job) at the moment, so I have much more time to be looking for cool stuff and putting it here for you to see. It's great to have more time to do my work and research. I feel like an artist again!

Today I have found this amazing mixed media installation by Shinique Smith. I am really into calligraphy at the moment (since buying this amazing book by Denise Lach), so I expect you'll be seeing a bit more of this kind of stuff over here from now on.

I'm pleased to be back!

I-wish-I-could-do-this calligraphy by Denise Lach

Lovely Etsy Things

2009-08-27T04:45:00.000-07:00

Royal Buffet Etsy Shop

Hilary Harnischfeger

2009-08-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

My new favourite artist. The work is made from paper, resin, ink, plaster and other bits and bobs. See more here.

Newspaper Flowers

2009-08-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

Five flower arrangements, all flowers made from newspaper stained with either blood, tea or coffee, by Jodie Carey.

More...

2009-08-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Pictograms - Warja Lavater
Fireworks - Mike Mills
Other Scenes - Curated by Aaron Rose
Rabbit and Turtle - Yukari Miyagi

Mexican Love Story - Holly Stevenson

Okay, I've been ploughing through the Nieves site and can't resist sharing some more spreads from the books they have on offer. I am ridiculously inspired right now. The most recent books I have made (not so recent) have all been in a similar, simple format and I love it! I have two so far and would like to make a whole pile of them. I have been a bit busy lately however, so I haven't been able to make much work, and this is why:

I haven't mentioned it yet, for fear of jinxing it (I'm not superstitious usually) but I have just bought a flat! A beautiful flat in the London commuter belt. It's great because I have always wanted to live in the countryside and this way I get the best of both worlds. We move in tomorrow so it's going to be a busy weekend. When I have it all sorted out I'll post some pictures.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

Rick Myers

2009-08-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

Bite Marks in Paper

A hand cut version of the booklet Studies for Words

You can find many more amazing artists' books and zines on the Nieves site. Nieves is an independent publishing house based in Zurich.

Paper:Tear, Fold, Rip, Crease, Cut

2009-08-04T05:18:00.000-07:00

Wow! Look at this amazing book available from the Black Dog Publishing website.

Paper: Tear, Fold, Rip, Crease, Cut shines a light on the beautiful world of paper art, fashion and design. From the traditional art of origami and paper cutting through to contemporary experiments in conceptual paper installations and modular folding, Paper celebrates one of the world’s oldest and most widely used materials in all its visual glory, providing an analogue remedy to the digital world.

Beauchamping

2009-08-04T04:41:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled over Beauchamping's Etsy Shop and I'm completely in love with it. I like Homestead the best - it's no secret I'm a bit of a homebody. I also stumbled over this little gem from Roll and Tumble Press. Shall I buy it?

Julene Harrison

2009-07-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

See more here.

Lizzie Thomas

2009-07-14T02:52:00.000-07:00

Hello! I have been away on holiday in France for a couple of weeks. I had such a lovely time that now I feel sad to be home and at work again. We ate osters at a beautful little town, spent lazy days on the beach and by the pool, made BBQs, watch sun sets, did body boarding. It was really wonderful. I might post some pictures over the coming week.

For now, take a look at the beautiful work of Lizzie Thomas.

See you soon!

Exquisite Landscapes

2009-06-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm very sorry to say that my blog has become a bit of a luxury way to spend my time recently, I just haven't had a minute to even read my favourite blogs let alone post on my own. Hopefully this will change soon, but somehow I doubt it. Anyway, here are a few of the latest images from my most recent project, Exquisite Landscapes. You can follow the progress of the project here, and see some more images on my website here. There will be some better images soon, but I'm no expert photographer, as you can probably tell.

I hope everyone is well and enjoying the summer weather.

Also, it's my first wedding anniversary today. I can't believe it's gone so fast. Time passes when you're having fun...

Helen Nehill

2009-06-05T03:28:00.001-07:00

See more of Helen's beautiful drawings and illusatrations here.

Thurle Wright

2009-05-21T03:12:00.000-07:00

website

New-ish Project

2009-05-15T06:53:00.001-07:00

If you get a minute you can follow the new-ish project Kasia and I are working on at our project blog here. It's basically a mapping project for the Living Landscapes conference at Aberystwyth University.

Please let me know what you think.

Valerie Jolly

2009-05-15T05:52:00.000-07:00

I cast objects in sticky wet tissue paper and when the paper dries, what I peel off carries the form and marks of the original, only it is colourless and weightless.

Take a look at more of Valerie's fascinating work here.

GAY = SIN

2009-05-12T05:55:00.000-07:00

GAY = SIN from Matthew Brown on Vimeo.

Paper House

2009-05-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

I received an email from my lovely friend Kas this morning showing my the progress she has made on a project we are doing together (I will post more about this later), and she mentioned Mandy Smith's wonderful paper house. Just wanted to show you!

Michelle Forsythe

2009-04-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

So much amazing work - go and see more here.

I'm feeling a bit quiet today.

Green Belgium - World Water Day

2009-04-22T02:51:00.000-07:00

I saw this on I believe in Advertising.

Keep Calm Gallery

2009-04-22T01:55:00.000-07:00

I know that everyone has probably seen these prints a million times, but today (after seeing new new print on Poppytalk) is the first time I've looked at the Keep Calm Gallery website and all the wonderful designs they have. I particularly like Fairy Ring because it reminds me of a peiece of work I saw in my favourite ever exhibition - Dream Machines at the Camden Arts Centre. I can't find the piece now, but I will look in the exhibition catalogue tonight and show it to you.

Lizzie Buckmaster Dove

2009-04-21T02:06:00.000-07:00

Through the simple act of curving sheets of paper, birds flutter across the page like musical notes. By carving out a silhouette of native fauna, gardening journals become like collections of pressed flowers... Book fetishists relish the romantic smell of decay that permeates any old bookstore, the musty scent of a forest floor. Paper has that wonderful quality of returning to nature over time. Buckmaster draws on this sense of nostalgia through her choice of materials.

- quote taken from here.

Sorry I haven't been around for a while. I'm not quite sure what has been wrong with me, but everytime I have looked at my blog I've thought "ugh". Hm... I'm over it now, maybe something to do with the glorious weather, and back with lots of new things to point you in the direction of.

Okay, I found some better eggs...

2009-04-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Jasperware eggFlashbunny
Shaker egg
Splashy Duck
Graffitti egg

... scrap my last post, I want all of these amazing eggs (they're all chocolate) from Artisan du Chocolat.

HAPPY EASTER!

2009-04-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

END THE LIES.

Jaq Belcher

2009-04-09T02:25:00.001-07:00

Website here.

I'm very much looking forward to my long Easter weekend. I hope everyone has a lovely time and eats lots of chocolate eggs. I'm hoping that someone (Stephy) buys me one of these.

Kate Dodd - Cut Series

2009-04-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

Much of my three dimensional work involves using linear elements and color to examine particular environments; my two-dimensional work deals with parallel issues. I construct drawings using photomontages of various sites as a base and back them with colored paper; the resulting surface creates a canvas I cut into and/or weave over. The space that the photographs depict is warped and altered by overlapping various views. Cutting away from the resulting image creates a cast shadow, or echo, of what is no longer there, enhanced by the glowing color reflected from the back of the drawing onto the wall.

Wow! Take a look at some more of Kate's lovely work here.

What did you Buy Today?

2009-04-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why I have never seen any of these zines before, but I love them. Cute drawings, pretty colours, PLUS - how interesting! Buy some zines here.

IOWA HAS LEGALISED SAME SEX MARRIAGE

2009-04-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

YAY! Congratulations Iowa!

Therefore, with respect to the subject and purposes of Iowa’s marriage
laws, we find that the plaintiffs are similarly situated compared to
heterosexual persons. Plaintiffs are in committed and loving relationships,
many raising families, just like heterosexual couples. Moreover, official
recognition of their status provides an institutional basis for defining their
fundamental relational rights and responsibilities, just as it does for
heterosexual couples. Society benefits, for example, from providing same sex
couples a stable framework within which to raise their children and the
power to make health care and end-of-life decisions for loved ones, just as it
does when that framework is provided for opposite-sex couples.

I got an award!

2009-04-03T04:24:00.003-07:00

Thank you very much Francesca - how lovely. This is the first one of these I've done. Okay, so, I have to tell you about seven things I love, easy:

1) Cuddles in pyjamas
2) Cupcakes, big cakes, chocolate, sweeties, anything sweet and edible with pretty decorations
3) Sitting in the park, all day, on a sunny day with a picnic and a book (preferably Mia Farlane's new book Footnotes to Sex)
4) Memories of Atlanta, and Atlanta itself
5) Planning my wedding - whether it ever actually happens or not
6) Going on holiday, for weekends away, day trips to new places, etc.
7) Surprises! (That includes getting presents.)

Okay - I'll pass this on to some of my favourite bloggers at the moment - Paper Schmaper always deserves a mention, Dottie Angel, Liivian Talossa, Drawings and Notes, Elle Teague, Little Paper Bird, and Postcards from Behind the Hedge and Beyond.

The Curiosity Boutique

2009-04-01T03:57:00.000-07:00

My current practice applies the theme of containers and safe passage to my paper based creations, like a message in a bottle they are delivered to the reader in the sealed form of the book, keeping them safe until they reach their destination and intended audience.

I love these pieces and the abstract stories they tell. Have a look at more here.

Awww! ♥

2009-03-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - Julia Pott Illustration

I am so in love with these characters that I bought this print from Julia's Etsy shop.

And look at this book!

And this tattoo.

Oh my gosh...

Joanna Kambourian

2009-03-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

So pretty! Check out more of Joanna's work here.

I'm tired today - roll on the weekend!

Lisa Kokin

2009-03-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

I am blissfully unaware of all the rules I am breaking as I go about my routine of sewing, stapling, riveting and otherwise reassembling objects to transform them into something readable.

Lisa's website has lots of lovely things to look at including books, installations, sculptures, and sewn found photos, not to mention the fact that her website design is so pretty. I particularly enjoy the book collages.

Yum!

2009-03-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

Have a lovely weekend everyone! It's still sunny and beautiful here, and I'm looking forward to a weekend of relaxation in the countryside.

2009-03-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Researchers see paper engineering as a metaphor for scientific principals; I see their inquiry as basis for artistic inspiration. In my studio I am a collaborator, explorer and inventor. I begin with a system of folding and at a particular moment the material takes over. Guided by wonder, my work is made because I cannot visualize its final realization; in this way I come to understanding through curiosity.

Quote and images taken from artist's website, here. I 've hardly even touched the surface of all the amazing work that can be found here. Piles and piles of stunning drawings, prints, videos, and sound pieces - paper lover's heaven!

Macy Chadwick

2009-03-18T07:18:00.001-07:00

Artist Statement
Macy Chadwick publishes artist’s books and limited-edition prints under the imprint In Cahoots Press in Oakland, California. Through her work she addresses themes of memory, personal communication and visual language systems. She is interested in the connection between people: interactions both verbal and non-verbal, shared experiences, and the urge to communicate clearly.

I have been away for too long! I had an amazing, if extremely exhausting, trip to New York and Washington D.C. I didn't even get to touch on the things I really wanted to see in NYC, so I will be heading back soon for a proper prowl around. Until then, back to work, London, and the beautiful sunshine we are having here.

Moleskine Reloaded

2009-03-06T05:26:00.000-08:00

I have just found this amazing tutorial for rebinding a Moleskine notebook. Check it out!

Tanya Hastings Gill

2009-03-06T04:34:00.000-08:00

I am slightly worried to admit to this, but as far as paper cuts go, I'm starting to get the too-much-of-a-good-thing feeling. However, I really like the simplicity of these paper cuts and the way the artist uses the shadows as a medium.

Off to New York tomorrow, very excited! Have a good week everyone!

Maggie Willman

2009-03-03T07:10:00.000-08:00

I mentioned last week that I had found something wonderful - I have been looking for a moment to share it with you ever since. I have been very busy, as usual, and next week I'm off the New York and Washington DC for the week, so I'll be pretty quiet then too. Anyway, on to what I have found - Maggie Willman! Her site is full of lovely books, drawings, collages, photographs, and installations. Like the ones above. Check out Maggie's site here.

Ooops....

2009-02-27T08:16:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I'm not posting about what I said I was going to post about in my last post (what a rubbish sentence that was). However, I just wanted to show you these photos of Stuart Semple's pink foamy smileys, 2000 of which floated over London on Wednesday. Semple said:

I just wanted to make a piece of work that could cheer people up a bit. I’ve had enough of the doom and gloom in the air and I wanted to show something completely positive floating up in the sky.

How lovely!

I'll be back

2009-02-25T05:39:00.000-08:00

Typewriter words confetti available from Dahlila. What a brilliant idea!

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I have been so busy at work that I haven't had a moment to post. I'll be back tomorrow with something very lovely indeed, though. Can't wait to show you what I've found this time! See you then.

Some new work...

2009-02-22T04:11:00.000-08:00

...of mine. It's now available in my shop and more detailed images on my website. What do you think?

Speaking of my website, I have updated it a bit. Please give me some feedback, I think it's urgent. :)

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend. x

A couple of things I'd like to share...

2009-02-20T03:53:00.000-08:00

Alison Pullen - I have fallen in love with these mixed media works on paper.

Alison paints a room using pages of interior design magazines. Finding a viewpoint which she finds interesting and challenging, she goes through hundreds of pages of these magazines, composing an abstract image based in light and darker tones from which she paints on top making the interpretation of the space becomes realistic. The ending result is a dominant image of the room but it coexists with a foundation, the photograph of a totally different room beneath, a technique she developed and mastered over several years.

- quote from Start Space website. Start Space is another brilliant shop on Columbia road. I went there last weekend, just as the flower market was closing up. I highly recommend it. I got a huge bouquet of lovely flowers for £10, and a mini cupcake from here. YUM!

Charley Harper - I have never come across these prints before, but I think they're stunning. The colours, the geometric shapes, and I never tire of the odd bird. Look at the owl in flight as part of the flock of birds. Ha! Love him! You can buy these prints at Elphick's, 160 Columbia Road, London.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

P.S. I have just updated my website, I know it looks like a template, and that the photos are awful, but what do you think? Can anyone give me the name of a not-too-expensive person who might do a little site for me?

Alexander Korzer-Robinson

2009-02-19T05:32:00.000-08:00

Amazing altered books by Alexander Korzer-Robinson.

For his artwork he utilizes antique and used materials, with the current focus on altered books.
Through the artistic treatment discarded or unused objects regain meaning in a new context. If there is such a thing as the dignity of an inanimate object, it is restored here through the transformation into a work of art.

Lizanne van Essen - White Books

2009-02-18T04:59:00.000-08:00

Lizanne van Essen has a lot of interesting work on her site. Of course my favourite are the white books. I will never tire of all-things-white. To me, there is nothing more aesthetically pleasing than a book full of white pages. Isn't it lovely how, even though the photographs are all of white objects, there are so many different colours.

The sculptural books evolved from a delight in pure form, with the play of light creating shadows and volume. I was also excited by the combination of delicate detail and strength, and of simplicity and complexity - also by the surprise element created when the flat book covers opened to reveal thrusting sculptural forms. Sometimes I like to combine images and words and colour, fracturing them with cuts, but at other times I like to emphasize the geometry and symmetry of abstract sculpture.

- Taken from artist's statement.

Kinetica Art Fair

2009-02-17T05:55:00.000-08:00

I recieved an email this morning from Spoonfed about a competition to win tickets to the Kinetica Art Fair at the Kinetica Museum in London from 28th Feb - 2nd March.

For the first time ever in the UK, a fair dedicated exclusively to kinetic art. Kinetica Art Fair features all manner of computerised, mechanical and robotic art contraptions, including pole-dancing robots, neon ladders and carnivorous lampshades... At Kinetica Art Fair you can expect to see weird and wonderful works by some of the world’s leading kinetic artists, including Chris Levine, Tim Lewis, Chris O'Shea and Daniel Chadwick.

It looks super cool! I'm off to try to win myself some tickets...

Lou Lou Loves Books

2009-02-17T03:59:00.000-08:00

I have just discovered this amazing site, home of Lou Lou Loves Books; a very talented book enthusiast, designer, and maker. The site design is gorgeous, very inspiring, as my site is looking a little worse for wear (that's another way to say really, really crap). Oh dear...

I really, really, can't BELIEVE I missed this...

2009-02-13T07:48:00.000-08:00

Gary Kachadourian's solo show at the Gormley gallery. Oh yes, I can... it's in Baltimore, Maryland. Darn it... the show finished in December.

The prints are all from 8.5″x11″ drawings that are scanned at 1200dpi and then converted to life size. The files that are used for the prints are TIFF BITMAPS at 200dpi. The largest sections are 170″x36″, trimmed and taped together.

I can think of at least a hundred things which I would like to print life size. I quite fancy doing the whole of the inside of my house and sticking it onto the ceilings. What about a roller coaster? Or an extra few of me, just hanging out? Or... got any good ones? Actually, this reminds me of a huge still life drawing I did at college. I miss so much of my old work which I was stupid enough not to document at the time. That would be my biggest tip for new artists and makers - PHOTOGRAPH EVERYTHING!

Oh yes, I found this over at Printeresting.

I have a hugely busy work-making weekend planned. Also, we're off the the wonderful Troubador for our romantic Valentine's evening, which will include food, wine, and good live music. I hope you all have a lovely time, whatever it is you're doing.

I love you more than __________.

2009-02-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

Paperwhite studio wants to depart from hte cliche Valentine's sentiment and find out the real things we use as a measuring stick for love.

ILoveyouMorethanBlank.com

The Wall Notebook

2009-02-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

I wish I had this notebook...

TBWA/Hakuhodo Offices

2009-02-12T07:28:00.001-08:00

... I wish I worked in this office...

Jessica Hiemstra-van der Horst

2009-02-12T07:24:00.000-08:00

... and I wish I had painted these paintings.

The Uniting American Families Act

2009-02-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

The Uniting American Families Act will be introduced in the House of Representatives tomorrow, Thursday, February 12, 2009, by Rep. Jerrold Nadler [NY-8]. If passed, this Act would immediately remedy one of the 1,138 federal rights denied same-sex couples: the right to sponsor a same-sex partner for immigration.

A national coalition of LGBT-rights groups, including Immigration Equality, Marriage Equality USA, Out4Immigration, Join the Impact, API Equality, and Love Exiles, is asking everyone to take a moment to call your representative in Washington to ask that they join Rep. Nadler as a co-sponsor of this bill.

There are two things you can do:

1) Contact your U.S. Representative (instructions below)

2) Tell your friends and family about yourself and ask them to call their representative

Sample email to friends and family

As you know, my partner and I cannot move back to the USA because I cannot sponsor him/her for a Green Card (Permanent Resident status) to legally stay in the USA. We would like the same opportunity as other couples to settle in USA if we want to, especially considering that all of my family and many friends live there.

Our relationship/ marriage is not recognized by the U.S. Federal Government for several purposes including immigration due to the DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) signed by Bill Clinton. This means that my partner cannot obtain US residency as my spouse which she/he could do without question if we were an opposite-sex couple.

The "Uniting American Families Act of 2009" does not propose to recognize same-sex marriage, but it is the best prospect we have for change in the immigration laws that will allow me to sponsor my long-term partner for permanent residency. This act contains several different provisions including changes to all references in immigration law to "husband or wife" to "spouse or partner".

Please help get this act passed by following the instructions below. Thank you for your efforts and please pass along this information to your friends and families too.

To Love in the USA

Happy Valentines Day,

Contacting your U.S. Rep

Find out who your representative is at http://www.congress merge.com/ onlinedb/ index.htm, then call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your U.S. Representative.

Tell your representative’s staff:

I am calling to ask Representative ____________ ____ to be an original cosponsor of the Uniting American Families Act of 2009. To co-sponsor, he/she must contact Rep. Jerrold Nadler who is the lead sponsor.

The U.S. government discriminates against gay and lesbian binational couples by not allowing us to sponsor our foreign-born life partners for immigration. Because of this, we face the terrible choice of long term separation from the person we love or leaving behind our country, families, jobs, communities, and friends.

As Americans, they should not have to choose between family and country.

Please ask Rep. ____________ _____ to co-sponsor the Uniting American Families Act of 2009 by reaching out to Rep. Nadler right away.

Immigration Equality: http://www.immigrat ionequality. org

Marriage Equality USA: http://www.marriage equality. org

Out4Immigration: http://www.out4immi gration.org

Love Exiles: http://www.loveexil es.org

Join the Impact: http://www.jointhei mpact.

La Pomme

2009-02-11T05:21:00.000-08:00

I have been admiring the textile work of Apol Lejano-Massebieau of La Pomme, I think, ever since I even knew Etsy existed. I have just come across La Pomme Stories which pleases me even more! I think the Your Own Pocket Fairy Tale book is out of this world! What a beautiful idea, so perfectly executed.

Craig Atkinson - Sketchbooks

2009-02-10T04:13:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry that I haven't posted for, well, at least a week. I have been looking guiltily at my blog every day and somehow just haven't had the time or energy to post. I've had a pretty nasty cold, but that's a rubbish excuse so... moving on...

Last week I received a lovely email from Ellie directing me towards Craig Atkinson's website. She said she thought that the sketchbooks would particularly appeal to me - which they do! Thank you very much for the link Ellie, it's greatly appreciated. I adore these delicate and quirky line drawings, and the way that the drawings from the previous pages bleed through.

I just want to take a moment out to say...

2009-01-30T06:34:00.000-08:00

I love you Stephanie, and I'm so proud of you and everything you have done . I believe in you, I know that you are, and will continue to be, great. You're the light of my life, the apple of my eye, and I will be by your side, through thick and thin, now and always. x

Wonderful Ribcage with Heart Valentine card from Less than Three's Etsy store.

Emma Hack Body Painting

2009-01-29T05:36:00.000-08:00

Emma's website here.

Robert Schmid

2009-01-28T04:02:00.000-08:00

"The paintings are acrylic on paper. They describe the processing of information from memory, sight, and sound in a non linear composition."

Robert Schmid

I spotted these stunning paintings at the wonderful Dear Ada.

Eric Staller - Light Drawings

2009-01-27T05:15:00.000-08:00

In the late 70's I created photographs: long time-exposures done at night in New York City.
While the camera was positioned on a tripod, with the lens opened for several minutes, I moved through urban spaces with a variety of light sources. These were exhibited and published world-wide. Cibachrome prints of these images are available through me.

My second favourite thing, next to books, is lighting. I have been working for a lighting design company for five months now. I always loved lighting design, and I had a funny feeling that I would end up working in the field. Now that I am, I am totally enthralled. My new series of paintings will be simple studies of lights. Hopefully I will get round to starting on them soon. I will put some of the drawings in my Etsy store soon.

J Carpenter

2009-01-23T05:31:00.000-08:00

I love these emboridery and text pieces by J Carpenter. Have a nice weekend!

Mia Pearlman

2009-01-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

MAELSTROM is a giant multilevel mobile, 12 feet in diameter and 11 feet high, with 6 independently rotating (360°) layers of cut paper. An upside-down whirlpool, it echoes both the East River currents and the cloud formations visible through the windows.

I wish I could see Mia Pearlman's work in person. I wish a lot of things actually...

Andrew Scott Ross

2009-01-21T04:14:00.000-08:00

Rocks and Rocks and Rocks is a mix of drawings and ephemeral sculptures, based on the institutionalization of human imagination used in forming culture and its institutions. This work is an attempt to reanimate the past to show different perspectives on antiquity and the flexibility of historical outcomes.

Nothing much to report today, I'm afraid. I'm still very busy at work and thinking about the paintings that I'm desperate to find the time to start on... sigh... I don't know when that will be. To make matters worse, I can't stop thinking about the box chocolate, peanuts, and raisins sitting by my desk. I. Will. Not. Eat. All. Of. Those.

Mary Temple

2009-01-20T04:24:00.000-08:00

I am completely inspired by Mary Temple's work, particularly the Paper Rooms series. Just to clarify, the shadows are painted. Aren't they beautiful?

I have been given the afternoon off work so I can go and enjoy the inauguration festivities. I can't wait! Have fun everyone!

Noriko Ambe

2009-01-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry I wasn't around much last week. I have been so so busy at work and, to my despair, haven't had any time to post. Anyway, I'm back with a real corker - these magical paper pieces by Noriko Ambe.

I also have lots of work in the pipeline, and I'm desperate to start painting again. The trouble is, the only space I have at the moment is in my bedroom, and we all know that bedroom + oil paint = a big fat mess, and everytime I get up to start working, it puts me off. Soon we will be moving into our own place, and I am going to insist upon a second bedroom to use as a studio. We'll see if that makes a difference to the amount of work I produce. Hm...

P.S. - Thank you for the places to see in NYC suggestions. Please keep 'em coming.

New York - Philadelphia - Washington DC

2009-01-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn Rooftops Skyline Shadow Box by Pepper Sprouts

I AM GOING TO NEW YORK!!! Steph has to go home to NY to take some kind of bar related exam (don't ask me!) and we decided that I would go too. I am so excited! We're going to spend a day or two with her family and then drive to Philadelphia and then Washington DC to visit some beloved friends. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give me some tips of places to go and things to see in NYC. I'm not interested in big art galleries and things... I want to see the real city - the cute shops, cafes, and backstreets. OH, and cupcake places. I'm eagerly awaiting your recommendations.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Between Two Women

2009-01-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

I am a member of a film rental service which posts films to my house for me to watch and then post back. It's a pretty rubbish service as I hardly ever receive the titles at the top of my priority list and frequently receive films which I don't remember putting on there. I watched one of these lucky (or not so lucky)-dip films last night, set in the late 1950's called Between Two Women, which is definitely the worst film I've ever seen, with the worst music, worst acting, worst story and everything else. It did, however, have the most fabulous wallpaper in every single scene. The layers and layers of delicious patterns and colours have sparked in me a love for all things 1950's.

Stuart Mugridge

2009-01-07T06:02:00.000-08:00

Plane - The Birmingham Series of books explores various notions of the space of a book. Using a simple aeroplane motif suspended between the pages of the book representing the flight of imagination, Plane describes the creative space present in a book.

Volume - The Birmingham Series of books explores various notions of the space of a book.
Between its covers and title pages Volume contains a pocket with a fold-out net or plan. The net is a scaled-down representation of the three-dimensional space between the pages. It is the physical space, or volume, that the book inhabits.

Enter a Cloud -Enter a Cloud is inspired by a poem of the same name by the late St Ives-based poet WS Graham. In his poem Graham uses the passage of the cloud across a clear blue West Penwith sky to describe a moment in time and a sense of place.
In my version of Enter a Cloud the cloud motif moves incrementally across the double-page spread from left to right above a horizon line.

On the title page the 'horizon line' is seen to be a scale of minutes, and so for each page turned the cloud moves in time as well as space to represent the chronological space of the book.

Corner- This bookwork uses the simple folio fold as an environment for sculptural investigation. Through the four cards (so far) in the set the fold becomes a space to cower in or to watch from as well as a corner to peek around and an edge to climb.

I remember seeing Stuart's work at the British Library during my MA. I fell in love with the simplicity of the work, and the self-referential methods he uses to deal with book structures. I couldn't help posting the descriptions of his recent work, which are taken directly from his website.

This really takes the biscuit!

2009-01-06T04:43:00.000-08:00

I came across the amazing Creature Mag today -

Creaturemag is an artist run ONLINE arts and culture magazine released sporadically... Creature encourages free thought/speech and enjoys receiving “stuff” that both inspires and displays an inventive application of the artists creativity. We are a magazine of folk sensibilities, we aim to develop and sustain a talented community of creative people... Basically we want to see talent, of the raw kind, primal and instinctive, where creation is a necessity. We want to be pleasured by something you took pleasure in creating, for in the simplest of terms it is self gratification that drives each of us to create. So succumb to the urge and discover the creature within... we don't bite, unless you are food!

I got a bargain!

2009-01-05T05:50:00.000-08:00

Rob Ryan does magic. Armed with a pair of scissors and an imagination informed by legends, he has transformed a stack of paper into a fable about a lonesome young man looking for meaning in his life. He wanders through page after page of intricately fashioned paper cut-outs, searching for his soulmate in a landscape of leaves, flowers and fountains in this beautifully designed art book.

Hello everyone, i hope you all had a lovely Christmas and new year. I had a nice peaceful time and I'm back at work now, reluctantly.

I had a browse around the charity shops over the holidays and bought every book I fancied. At the last minute, when I thought I had gone through all of them with a fine toothed comb, I found, tucked away in a corner, Rob Ryan's book This is for You for £1.50! I am thrilled because I love Rob Ryan's work and recently saw a show of his in Brighton where I was so sad to have to leave without any of the lovely items there were to buy. I was also the lucky Christmas recipient of lots of beautiful zines which Stephanie bought for me from Etsy - more about those later.

I was also given some money from my parents which I am using to go with Steph to visit her family and some friends in New York and Washington DC in March. I am a lucky girl!

Take a look at Rob Ryan's Etsy shop here, blog here, and website here.

Jen May

2008-12-24T03:31:00.000-08:00

I am completely and utterly head-over-heels in love with Jen May's drawing, sculptures, books and videos. Please, if there's a God, let me magically turn into Jen next year... just kidding, but her work is well and truly gorgeous, I'm sure you'll agree.

I think my new year's resolution this year will be to do a page of a sketchbook a day. That one is doomed to fail before it's even begun, but the intention was rather good. I think I might also try to do two or three in-depth posts a week, rather than a straggly one every day. We'll see about that one too...

This will probably be my last post for a week or so, although I will try to check back in. I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas. xxx

Something Colourful for a Grey Day

2008-12-23T04:23:00.000-08:00

Cartonlandia (acrylic, collage, and mixed media on cardboard) by Ana Serano

Ana Serrano is a first generation Mexican American born in Los Angeles in 1983. Inspired by both of the cultural contexts in her life, she creates work utilizing a variety of mediums including drawing, collage, sculpture, and motion. Her work bears reference to those in low socio-economic positions, with particular interest in their customs and beliefs, as well as the architecture, fashion, and informal economies, present within this segment of society. A current theme explored in her work is the socio-cultural aspects of drug trafficking, and the branding and acceptance of the drug lord lifestyle. She recently graduated from Art Center College of Design with honors, and currently resides in Los Angeles.

Take a look at Ana's blog for lots more paper based colourful-ness.

Yulia Brodskaya

2008-12-22T04:46:00.000-08:00

I’m constantly experimenting and evolving, always pushing my style in new
directions: my greatest passion is to explore the ways of combining illustration
and typography.

- quoted from website.

I hope that I will be able to keep posting occasionally over the Christmas period, but probably not as much as usual. I'll definitely be back tomorrow though... until then, I hope everyone is having fun (I'm at work, hm...).

Jonathan Callan

2008-12-18T04:40:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Callan’s fascination with materiality has manifested itself in dismembered books, texts, maps and photographs often choosing to work with objects and
images that in themselves are considered to have little or no inherent physicality.
He painstakingly amplifies the physical aspects of photographic emulsion, printed texts, printed colour plates and maps.

Callan takes that which is readable and comprehensible and turns it into something that appears to defy its form. The book becomes an object not to be read, but experienced - sometimes exploded into thousands of pieces and at other times twisted or pumped full of silicone.

The Dog Eared Touch

2008-12-17T02:38:00.000-08:00

I have long been fascinated by the marks left in books after they have been read and re-read - the scraps of paper left behind, finger prints, and folded corners. It is interesting that loving a book can ultimately destroy it. As a child I would shake old books to see what would come out of them, and I have made a number of small works investigating this too. So I find Selina Swayne's work The Dog Eared Touch really beautiful.

My work focuses on the details of design and putting a message in context, particularly in book design and taking typography into 3D. I am interested in what it means to be a graphic designer in the twenty-first century, where the boundaries of the discipline lie and how to cross them.

Thomas Allen

2008-12-16T07:40:00.000-08:00

Thomas Allen, in essence, is a still life artist who through a very creative process disrupts the stillness. By carefully selecting from primarily vintage paperback novels and science journals, he brings two-dimensional images forward into three dimensional space. With simple lightning and the use of simple tools (i.e., scissors and razor-sharp knives), figures are cut out, bent and juxtapose in ways that present the tension and dynamics of staged drama. Other techniques are applied in achieving a pure sense of humor that also defy the original use of these materials and their ultimate destiny of being read once and retiring for eternity on the nearest bookshelf.

It's the weekend! And it's raining...

2008-12-12T04:15:00.000-08:00

Antony Hart - Weather Report, series of 9 accurate rain drawings produced by placing letterpressed clouds, printed in watercolour on fences prior to rain.

AGGGGHHHH!!! I LOVE THESE! I want to start doing some more works on paper, intricate drawings, photocopies, etc. However, this weekend is going to be taken over with making Chrsitmas cards and presents (and a little touch of shopping). Have a good one!

Jacquline Rush Lee

2008-12-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

As an artist I am inspired by the materials, colors and forms that I find in my everyday environment. I am particularly drawn to objects that record physical processes or bear the imperfections and scars of life. Intuitively chosen, these objects suggest layered metaphors of knowledge and corporeality as an embodiment of the transitory nature of the body, thoughts, memories, or one’s life experiences.

Quote from website.

Steel and Dirt into Lace

2008-12-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

Read a New York Times article about Cal Lane and her beautiful work (above). It reminded me of Shelagh Wakeley's work (below), which I poured over during my university years.

Just quickly...

2008-12-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

... want to show you this amazing cut book by Clare Bryan.

Su Blackwell at the Long and Ryle gallery

2008-12-08T07:10:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that Su Blackwell currently has a show at the Long and Ryle gallery in London called To Take Us Lands Away, until December 20th. The new work looks spectacular, of course.

Su Blackwell graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2003. She makes intricate art-works from every-day objects, transforming clothes and books into fantastical three-dimensional forms. Using a scalpel she cuts and glues the pages of books to create miniature dioramas glowing with lights in wood and glass boxes, like Victorian relics found in a museum of intrigue.

She finds her books – or rather lets them find her – by trawling through second-hand book shops. She always reads the book first and this in turn inspires the work. Some of the books that come into the artist’s possession sit on her shelf for months and months. The books themselves, their histories and stories, also interest her. They hold in their pages a record of their past events, as physical objects; their damage, such as frays and stains, makes our relationship with the contents immediate and visceral, and in turn tells another story.

Bill Keaggy

2008-12-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! There is so much on this site of "visual indiscretions" that I don't even know where to start. Of course, I particularly like the bookmarks.

V & A Artists' Books Database

2008-12-04T05:14:00.000-08:00

Emissions -Katharine Meynell, Susan Johanknecht
Some Day - Sjoerd Hofstra, Hans Reichenbach
Dawn/Water -Bill Manhire, Andrew Drummond, Alan Loney
Mesmer: Stories of the Human Frame - Toni Dove

Between the Two - Helen Douglas
Little Museum - John Dilnut, Joe Dilnut

The new V & A database of artists' books provides information on the collection of artists' books held in the National Art Library and access to a Visual Database of a selection of artists' books in the collection.

They also provide information on the origins and development of artists' books, interviews with contemporary book artists, a bibliography for further reading, and weblinks to other sources of information (I stole most of that text straight from the website).

Some lovely Etsy zines...

2008-12-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

Slumgullion

Whimsiology sketchbook/zine by Whimsiology

Nothing Unrequited Here by Heather Bell

We Carry Each Other from Sprout Head

Words Dance from Verve Bath Press

The Regional Assembly of Text

2008-12-01T02:20:00.000-08:00

I love these quirky little books from The Regional Assembly of Text. They're only $6 - $10 each, so they would make a perfect stocking filler (for me, please).

Little Books: (n.) sometimes referred to as zines, these little books are imagined, conceived, designed, created, collaged, drawn, typed, etc. and then, self-published (usually with the help of a trusty photocopier). finally they are lovingly assembled and bound (commonly using staples) by the author.

wraps, [un]folding, collaboration, personal perspectives, layering and secrets

2008-11-28T04:01:00.000-08:00

Melanie Bush -

I came to book making as a means to communicate therapeutic stories for and about adopted children... Recently real life intervened and caused me to move away from the therapeutic and adoption books for the time being and towards books created more for simple exploration and communication. However, themes from the earlier books live on in my more recent work such as; wraps, [un]folding, collaboration, personal perspectives, layering and secrets.

Happy Thanksgiving Americans!

2008-11-27T04:01:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Truffles from Cupcakes in a Jar (Sigh, I swoon over the things in this shop, if only it was possible to have them delivered to England).
Thanksgiving paper bag photo journal - a + a Studio's Etsy shop
I will be celebrating with some American friends and my American partner here in London. I think my diet is going out of the window... for one night only! :)

JK Keller

2008-11-26T02:11:00.000-08:00

American Sign language MatchbooksPaulette (Folded) Typeface
Tantamount Series
Drawing
Insecurity Envelopes
Dirty Mousepads

The lovely Sarah of Visual Influence posted about JK Keller yesterday and I had to share some more of his quirky and experimental work.

Something fun today!

2008-11-25T02:47:00.000-08:00

In June, Stephanie and I had our civil partnership ceremony... we needed to do it quickly for visa reasons so we didn't make a big deal of it, although it was a very special day and we had a lovely little honeymoon in the New Forest. We were going to have a proper wedding day next summer but I think we have decided to spend the money on a special holiday. However, we have decided to announce our partnership with a lovely card and wedding favour. Whilst looking for ideas I came across Rebecca Thuss who is an award winning photo-stylist, a creative director, wedding designer and crafter. Her work has such a pretty, feminine and tactile aesthetic and I feel very inspired.

Dayanita Singh

2008-11-24T04:01:00.000-08:00

Dream Villa 28Dream Villa 36
Dream Villa 27
Dream Villa 20
Sent a Letter

I have just beeing doing a spot of research about the artists exhibiting at the forthcoming Indian Highway exhibition at the Serpentine (see previous post), and I am particularly stuck by the work of Dayanita Singh. Her work, which explores ideas of time, place, and observation, is deeply affecting and penetrative. I have been feeling annoyed lately with all the pretentious conversation which clouds and complicates the process of making a piece of work. I think Singh's work appeals to me because the outcome does not become irrelevant and frivolous, but are precious objects in their own right. This is an excellent article about the artist in The Telegraph, Caluctta, India.