April showers

Inspired by lovely watercolour-y textures I found on Pinterest (see my likes..), I decided to paint some overlapping droplets.  Was nearly April at the time.  So here they are photographed as caught in the sun - Sunshine and showers.  A cathartic exercise to suit my mood.  Raindroplets.  Yes.  Tears?  No. 

Paperclips and pins...

Here's a selection of illustrations I recently completed for Parragon, of objects on my desk, drawn from it. Might not seem an overly exciting brief, but there was something satisfying about drawing these oft-used but under-appreciated things. Particularly enjoyed the paperclip :)

Will post more once I learn where they are going to feature...

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... 

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...

Cat-a-doodle...

Just because..

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!

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.