Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to be the judge for the Illustration category at the recent Central Institute Graphic Design graduating show.  The group was called “Just Desserts“

photo of another judge, Brendan Hibbert & myself photographed by Campaign Brief.

grad show in progress

graduating class of 2011

There was a great deal of talent in the room.  I gave the illustration award to David Gillett as his portfolio was impressive, well presented and he had fine drawing skills which enabled him to mock up quite accurate concept drawings.  He also had abilities to transform those concept drawings to finished artworks in a variety of skillsets including illustrating and digital work.

It was a great night, I look forward to being involved again next year.

I’ve finished the book project that I’ve been working on.  Four long incredible months led to me creating the most amazing illustrations.  The book is going to put me on the map and take me to the next step of my career.  I think I’ve created about 100 new illustrations, I’ve lost track (in a good way!)  What I can say is that I had the pleasure of illustrating food, my girls have gone 3D and grown up.

It was such a wonderful experience and the first time I’ve worked with an art director (rather then an artist, company or band).  The process of that was very important and it was great to get feedback in the way I normally wouldn’t, it was very invaluable.

The first few days off after finishing the book are a bit hazy.  I wish I could tell you what I did, but I have no idea.  The past few weeks have been a whirwind of life, wedding things, entertaining a rapidly growing toddler (Eloise is now 20 months old!), and coping whilst Mr R has been working away with the army for a big event that was here in Perth called CHOGM.  He did lots of top secret things and was in the same room as the Queen and the Prime Minister.  I was so proud of him.

Feast Your Eyes exhibition opening night (my work is in the bottom right corner)

Juggling all that and the business is tiring work, especially as we are in peak shopping season.  I’ve got a number of new stockists of my products (will announce in the near future), have been finishing up some new products (will reveal soon) and I’ve been hard at work on so many other things.  I had initially planned to scale back the business for the rest of the year and get some much needed rest, but I’ve got a couple of projects still to finish up.  Plus three more markets.

I’ve had a great couple of weeks with a number of work experience students here on rotation from Central TAFE, various schools in Perth and I’m about to have a mentee from Curtin university thanks to AGDA.  Illustration is a very niche industry, and I like that I can assist those that are interested in the field or studying it.  They get a rare chance to see my studio and be part of my projects where possible.

Other good news is that I’m proud to reveal that I’m going to be judge for an upcoming event.  More on that later.

Speaking of projects this is a sneak peek of one that is so close to finishing.

I just have to tweak a few things and let myself escape into the painting for the ‘magic’ to happen.  I’m setting aside a number of hours tomorrow with some favourite CD’s to make it work.  I can’t wait to step back and see it finally finished.

I wish I could be around more, I’ve got so many things to talk about & new people that inspire me & images to post.  However this huge project has landed in my lap, and I’ve got research to do………

…. it involves christmas, a window and a knife.  I’ve had this idea for a very long time and was just awaiting for the right project to throw myself into and I’ve got an intense week of working day and night to make it happen.

Send any elves my way, I’ll put them to work!

*bespoke* magazine will be at Finders Keepers markets tomorrow.  The covers of all the zines have been printed out as A3 – doesn’t my cover above look amazing?!  One day I’ll make it to the market, but until then I’m happy for my work to be there in some way.

Whether you like his work or not, he’s an inspiration on what you can achieve with persistence and hard work.  A team of people to help me create my vision……. what an amazing dream.

I’ve created two artworks for an exhibition that opens tonight at Fremantle Arts Centre.

The theme was to create some artwork in response to “City Spaces”.  I opted for three words to describe my interpretation.  Busy, vibrant and opposites.  I tried to make these artworks a little looser then usual and just try to push myself out of my comfort zone.

EVENT DETAILS

Fremante Arts Centre 6pm – 10pm Saturday 15th October

then moving to

Hole In The Wall Gallery 16th – 23rd October.

“Under The Earth”

Mixed media on canvas

30.6cm x 41cm x 4cm

“Reaching For The Stars”

Mixed media on canvas

30.6cm x 41cm x 4cm

Recently myself and the wonderful Niina from Eeva Margita (who I can also thank for the amazing photos) participated in a unique event called Outskirts.  Spread throughout Northbridge in the back lanes and alleys, makers of many things were hidden selling their wares.

This was our stall.

I’ve been working really hard to make my stall a bit more unique.  We raided an amazing tip shop in Balcatta (thanks to Today Tonight) and found lots of wonderful vintage furniture that just needed a touch of love.  Mix that in with our handmade products, our stall looked great.

This is my part of the stall.  I’ve been experimenting with lots more handmade items to supplement my illustrations.  I had a go at some pencil jewellery, some rings, some ceramic pendants and giant bows.  I love the direction I’m going in, it is making me feel young and fresh.

Our main concept for the stall was a photobooth.  We created four masks (mine are the butterfly and owl, Niinas is the bear and fox) that people could wear in the photo or buy and make.  I’m insanely jealous of Niina’s masks, they are amazing.

We then painted this large backdrop of birch trees that people could sit in front of and get a pretty photo.  Niina created some great moustache props, and we’re expanding to more for our next event.  The photobooth was a hit.

I can’t wait for the next market.

I’m super nervous about this event coming up.  This is a group show that I’m in opening on the 23rd of September.

Title of work – “Like Breath on a cold winters night”
Size – 91cm x 91cm
Medium – Mixed Media on canvas

This artwork has been inspired by “Encounter” by Czeslaw Milosz and it tells multiple stories filled with layers, symbolism and meaning. Exploring notions of death, perspectives, time fractures and how two separate existences meet to bring a new reality into being. The landscape is eerily quiet, with signs of a past that can’t be forgotten trapped in the ice. Two animals stand side by side to comfort eachother. Each animal represents a person with significant importance to a personal family tale. It tells a story about a Russian resistance fighter (musk deer) rescuing a polish refugee (grey wolf) from the concentration camps during World War II and then falling in love. They came together during war to start a life of joy and fulfilment in which they would remain by each other’s side until the day they died. May the light continue to bring peace.

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Encounter
by Czeslaw Milosz

We were riding through frozen fields in a wagon at dawn.
A red wing rose in the darkness.

And suddenly a hare ran across the road.
One of us pointed to it with his hand.

That was long ago.  Today neither of them is alive,
Not the hare, nor the man who made the gesture.

O my love, where are they, where are they going
The flash of a hand, streak of movement, rustle of pebbles.
I ask not out of sorrow, but in wonder.

To celebrate an amazing week I’m giving away a $50 gift voucher to my shop.  Getting engaged, planning a wedding and finishing up on the book I’m illustrating means that I’m on top of the world.  I really want you to be too!

To enter -

• fan my page on facebook
• comment on facebook and let me know why you should win the gift voucher

simple!  For every time you link to my facebook page, you get another entry.  (plus, for those of you with business pages it helps me discover your page & have a chance to see what you might create!)  Make sure you link through facebook, or pop into the comments here so I can keep track of how many entries to put in for you.  Good luck!