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...

Thursday & friday @ Open Studios

Made in Clerkenwell

2 buildings +100 designers = the ultimate shopping treat!

Today and tomorrow I am working at Craft Central to help at their winter open studios. Designer makers in both of the Clerkenwell buildings are opening their studio doors to the public.
A great change to pick up some lovely hand-crafted crimbo presents, as well as a lot of inspiration!

Click on the flyer for more info.

I'll blog as the event goes on, hopefully with some pics!

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!

Pulborough Brooks

Whilst at Glastonbury back in June, I signed up to become a member of the RSPB. It seemed like a good idea at the time, as they were offering a free 'great tits' t-shirt with every sign up.

Today I used my membership for the first time, and got free entry to Pulborough Brooks nature reserve. It was a lovely sunny day, and although I didn't see much nature apart from a few cows, it was nice go on a long walk and then put the calories back on in the cafe!

Power of Making

I know this exhibition is on until the new year, but I couldn't wait to go! Small, but packed with all sorts of mind blowing crafts. As per usual, my favourites tended to be anything that was tiny or detailed, or on a huge scale. A couple of examples...

I'd seen Dalton Ghetti's pencil tip art on blogs before, but seeing the tiny sculptures in real life was amazing. The patience and skill behind each piece is incredible, some pencils taking him years to sculpt. You can see his 'Alphabet' (top) in the exhibition, but for more go on his website.



Chistien Meindertsma's giant 'Arun Rug'

I won't give anything else away, as you NEED to go!

the London art book fair 2011

This weekend was the annual London art book fair, always a favourite event of mine, guaranteed to give me lots of inspiration and make me want to spend too much money.

This years favourites included book art from Andy Malone. I think he is a lecturer at one of the Kent UCA campuses (I should have talked to him really!) and the only examples I can find of his work are on the LMNOP shop website. He collects small observers books, mostly nature related, and cuts around the images on each page.

I haven't made any books for so long, having a few withdrawal symptoms!

One Week Boutique

Tonight myself and Michelle, went to the Private View of One Week Boutique, part of The London Design Festival. Only a small pop-up shop in Craft Central's showcase, but a few lovely things to look at/buy whilst eating sushi and drinking wine.
My two favourites of the boutique were jewellery from Anne Bowes. Beautiful, delicate necklaces with adorable charms such as acorns and scottie dogs - a hit with both me and Michelle!
As well as prints from textile designer Amy Hutchings. She had some lovely prints of boats, but I also love her birds and foxes. I wish I could have bought one.

graduation

This week I graduated! I am extremely happy to say I now have a First Class honours degree in Graphic Design. For something a little different I edited some of my favourite photos using Photoshop actions from WishWishWish.