Tuesday, 4 March 2014

The Imaginary Museum

The Imaginary Museum is an exhibition taking place this weekend as part of the 17th International Contemporary Artists Book Fair at the Tetley in Leeds.


The exhibition is a collection of limited edition postcards that all relate to the idea of museum and archive - including one of mine!  All selected postcards will be available to buy so that visitors can curate their own personal collection, creating an individual bookwork to take away.  So if you're free, it comes highly recommended as a wholesome weekend outing destination with over 50 stalls, exhibitions, talks and performances etc.. 

Watch this space for details of the exhibition touring to New York too... 

Saturday, 1 February 2014

Swedish commission...


Never posted about this, and I'm not sure why because I really enjoyed drawing the drawing!  It was a carefully composed collection of 1960's Scandinavian porcelain and household-y things, mainly inspired by the classic designs of Stig Lindberg.  Completed, like, a year ago!

The project continues to resonate with me, not only because of my affinity for functional yet beautiful everyday objects, but also because it was inspired by a desire to recognise all that's wonderful about making an effort to spend time with good friends, despite lifestyles that may be somewhat nomadic and temporary.  The repetition and durability of the original designs provide much-needed connotations of balance and stability in a contrasting world.  I also LOVED the required research. Had me unearthing all sorts of eggcup and salt shaker treasures :)

Above is the grateful recipient and said illustration.  And below, is a more recent drawing, for the same person, for his visitkort (I believe that's business card in Swedish..?!) 


Henrik is a talented multi-lingual writer, with interests ranging from literature and social issues through to technology and ice hockey.  Follow the details on the card for more information...

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

UPDATE: Knitting in Nottingham...

Here's a glance at the finished knit machine commission.  It's a terrible photo as I snapped it using a battered hand-me-down phone in a dark room after I'd already wrapped it in camera-repellent-shiny-reflective-clear-plasticky-stuff.  But it's an original not for reproduction.  And the recipients were "over the moon" with it in the flesh :) 
So yay and phew!


Friday, 15 November 2013

Recovery exhibition...

A collage and watercolour enhanced version of the below illustration is currently on display at the Institute of Mental Health in Nottingham.  It forms a teeny part of a fascinatingly eclectic exhibition organised by City Arts, on the theme of recovery.  This is a topical subject for me, especially in view of my current placement within a CMHT.
In keeping with my love of drawing things that have inherent connotations, the toolbox both represents the idea of needing assistance to facilitate the process or reach the destination, whilst also recognising that one size does not fit all - Our support mechanisms are entirely individual.  


The exhibition brochure can be found/downloaded etc. here. 

Thursday, 17 October 2013

Appreciated publicity...


Just a quick post to share that one of my lace machine drawings has popped up in the October edition of 'Choice' magazine.. with big thanks to Debbie Bryan :) See the image for a screenshot of the very page, which features work from the lovely Katie Almond too... 

Saturday, 5 October 2013

Knitting in Nottingham...

Spent a delightful afternoon last weekend at Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum, collecting photos and sketches as reference material for a recent commission.  See below for a selection of the snaps, and for a sneaky peek at the rough sketch.  Planning to incorporate a row of original windows into the illustration as these were a vital element in production, to allow as much light into the workshop as possible.  I'm also hoping to add in a glass globe (as can be seen in the sepia factory photo), which were part-filled with water and hung from the machines to diffuse the limited available light... a bit like a pre-electricity spotlight - Genius!