Read Write [Hand]: A Multi-Disciplinary Nick Cave Reader

Below is my illustration of Nick Cave that has been published in Read Write [Hand].

'Cinematic Imagination'

You can buy a digital copy of the book NOW here:

Silkworms Ink

Amazon

N.B. I will write more about the book when I've read it myself!

Top Drawer London

This morning my daily job hunt wasn't giving me much hope, but luckily I came across an ad for Top Drawer, and realised it was the last day. In a fit of spontaneity I got straight on the train and headed to Earls Court.



This year Top Drawer features over 700 british and international suppliers and designer makers. Being the first retail trade event of the year, it gives an insight into trends for the seasons ahead, as well as the newest product launches and cutting edge designs.

I knew shows like this existed, but for some reason I had never gone. I'm so glad I finally did, as it was absolutely amazing. I was overwhelmed by the amount of stands, but I proceeded to the beginning - the stationary and greetings cards. I had my notebook handy to make notes for general inspiration, but after noting a few designers down, I realised I was pretty much noting down every one. Yes, I was that inspired!
The children's and wellbeing sections were a lot smaller, I didn't bother spending as much time looking at the soft toys and candles, as lovely as they were. The gift section was my favourite.  I had seen a lot of it before, as I'm known for going into every single gift shop I come across, but the fact that it was all under one huge roof, was incredible. By the time I got to Fashion, my brain was about to explode...

Luckily, as most things were wholesale (or at least this is what I told myself) I couldn't spend any money, as you had to buy in bulk. Although this was a shame, considering how cheap things were, you realise how much of a mark up the shops put on things.

Today was definitely an eye opener for me, I want to be more involved in these shows in the future. Whether it be on my own stand, or a buyer going around choosing products for their shop - that must be an extremely hard job, considering the amount of choice!



Watch this video to get a better idea of what I'm yapping on about...

Flamingo Magazine issue #2

Here are some illustrations of mine published in the 2nd issue of Flamingo magazine.
I even made it into the O of the cover, which was a nice surprise!

Song Sparrow

Here is the A3 illustration I submitted for the Salon Hang at Long Live the Art School.
In fact I drew two different versions, one with black line twigs and one brown. I chose the black for the exhibition in the end.



Both illustrations are hand-drawn with pen and pencil on A3 320gsm handmade cotton rag paper.

The Menagerie

Last month myself and Sam popped to a small exhibition called The Menagerie - a group show of drawing and printwork by Fran Giffard, Izzie Klingels, Ella Johnston and Susie Wright.

All work was was inspired by nature (hence why I wanted to go) and there were some amazing examples of beautiful British illustration, by all four artists. I loved it all!
Some of the detail that has gone into these pencil sketches and prints are incredible, as an illustrator, this is something I definitely aspire to do!





The exhibition space itself was a little strange, and we did at times wonder if we were in the right place. It was in the basement of a hotel, in a dining hall! But nonetheless we had a quick wonder round the amazing work on the walls.

The exhibition is no longer on, however links to the artists websites are above.

Eat Me Magazine

Here are a couple of illustrations that I did for Eat Me Magazine's fifth issue, back in April.


The article was about the traditional English pub (Midsomer Murder's style) being taken over by young, kitsch-y, Cath Kidston wearing families.

Portfolio book & website launch!

Oh hello!

Look who I found round the corner from my graduate show gallery!

Safety in numbers

Set of four A3 hand rendered illustrations inspired by animal migration (more info to come). Originals being exhibited at 'No Added Sugar' Exhibition tomorrow and Wednesday! & postcard versions for sale in Something beginning with B online shop.

Autumn Fanzine

Last week I was given a one day brief to create a Fanzine on anything I wanted. I decided to go for an autumn theme as the day before I tad taken some photos of leaves which were the most amazing colours. I went through my box of stuff and dug out anything that was remotely autumny. I used a combination of illustrations and prints that I had already made but not used for anything, the photographs I took of leaves, and some images taken from an autumn issue of vogue. I liked the idea of bringing nature and fashion together.
I really enjoyed making it and was happy with what I made in a day. I have been making so many books lately but I was excited to make something with a theme and content to put inside. I am now thinking about making other issues for the other seasons!

London Art Bookfair & John Dilnot

Last week I went to the London Art Book Fair at the Whitechapel Gallery. I had been looking forward to it for a while and it didn't let me down! I really enjoyed it and felt like I could have spent forever there taking everything in. Upstairs was the best as that was where all the unique and handmade publications were, I didn't spend much money but could have easily! However I did write down a few names of books for my dissertation research.

My absolute favourite bookseller was Ruth Martin who made some amazing little books and products. The illustrations were adorable in themselves but the unconventional formats for her books were really clever, together with fun stories and jokes. Books about biscuits and sweets are always sure to be a winner! I really wanted to buy something from her but all I could afford was this card with a custard cream on it!

I then made my way to the Rebecca Hossack Gallery to see an exhibition by John Dilnot called Natural History. This was only a small exhibition but I absolutely loved it. He makes amazing 3D scenes in wooden boxes of birds and maps. They cost a fair amount each (thousands) but it's understandable given how much detail and depth there is to them.
My favourite boxes by him have real branches in them, where the birds sit, but i equally love the birds that fly over different maps. Who am I kidding, I love them all!

So altogether I highly inspiring day, so much so I felt a little sick (in a good way).

Living in the forest

I had a lovely time camping in the New Forest last month. The most nature-y holiday I've ever been on! Here are a few snaps.

I found being being amongst the nature really inspiring, so I did a few arty bits. The campsite was filled with chaffinches so using my British Birds book I painted one. I never seem to add much colour to my illustrations so it made a nice change. I also found an up-rooted tree that had shed all of it's bark, so I stole some for collages!