art + illustration

In just over a week, Gerard Smith - "the guy in the art store" and author of The Weekend Artist will be demonstrating some of his acrylic painting projects for all to see... If you're a Sydneysider looking to liven up your lounge room wall, come along & meet Gerard in person. He really is hilarious, so the afternoon demo is sure to be as entertaining as it is educational! Details are as follows:

Oxford Art Supplies and Books
145 Victoria Ave,
Chatswood, 2067.
phone: 02 9417 8572
Saturday 30th August, 2-3pm
FREE!

"Drape It In Sound" is a one night exhibition celebrating the rich textile culture of Brunswick (Melbourne). It will be held tomorrow night (Wednesday, 31.7.2008) and will showcase a diverse collection of local artists who have created works using many different materials & techniques - costumes, felting, screen printig, embroidery, silk painting, photography & installation. indie art & design fave Nicole Tattersall will be exhibiting works based on new illustrations & made from 95% recycled materials. (Nicole also launched her blog not too long ago at http://nicoletattersall.blogspot.com)

If you'd like to see a variety of creative approaches to using textiles in art, make your way to The Spot, 133 Sydney St, Brunswick, from 7pm - 10pm. (There will be a glass of bubbly waiting for you at the door...)
ONE NIGHT ONLY!

We first discovered Sydney-based artist & designer Claire Suzy Stannard when she exhibited her contemporary jewellery & accessories at Hope Street Markets back in May. We were impressed then, and we're thrilled now to announce that Claire is having a solo exhibition titled 'Version 1' at Gallery Adagio (Glebe) in September. indie art & design is proudly sponsoring 'Version 1' & looking forward to posting an artist feature closer to the date!

Claire Suzy Stannard has always been fascinated with the flawlessness of geometric art & the purity of the etherial Platonic Form, eternal & beyond the reach of the mundane world of error and compromise. Her recent work explores the ideals of balance and symmetry in modern design. Displayed in 2- and 3-dimensions, Claire's work uses a variety of media including wood, perspex & recycled materials (commonly created then discarded by modern society) to create sculptures & wall-pieces that invite the viewer to partake of the geometric aesthetic.

The result is a playful exploration that resembles part 70s sci-fi movie set, brutalist forms from the old soviet block and some 1950s modernism for good measure.

'Version 1' opens on Friday 19th September, from 6pm - 9pm & continues until 6th October at:

Gallery Adagio
91 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW, 2009.
ph. 02 9552 2833

We're already looking forward to the opening! (These images look fantastic, so I can't wait to see more of Claire's work on show...)

Midnight Morning - a limited and handcrafted publication combining the distinct work of Haline Ly, Matt Huynh and Will Loeng.

TONIGHT is the launch of exciting new book + exhibition "Midnight Morning". We first discovered the talented Matt Huynh & his alter ego STiKMAN Comics through the Hope Street Markets back in June 2007. I love his experimental graphic novels - he has produced sooo many great artworks (which have appeared on all sorts of things - from clothing & magazines to tattoos & vinyl toys), and is also represented by the Jacky Winter Group. Matt has collaborated with fellow members of the Popperbox collective of Sydney-based artists, Haline Ly and Will Loeng, to produce a new & never-before-seen illustration series celebrating shared experiences of love and devastation.

"Good Things Only" by Haline Ly, from handcrafted publication Midnight Morning

"Midnight Morning represents the fruition of a long standing personal ambition to work alongside two of my favourite artists on a fiercely independent, self-initiated project. My admiration for both Haline Ly and Will Loeng's insightful work has only intensified since my exposure to their profound artistic ethos has guided this exploration of affirming themes, new techniques and illustrative styles beyond my individual reach." - Matt Huynh.

"Rorschach" by Will Loeng, from handcrafted publication Midnight Morning

I'm really looking forward to seeing more work by Haline Ly and Will Loeng... Haline was born in Suresnes in France and migrated to Australia in 1986. Her work is full of colour, characters & critters and she also sells selected artworks, toys & badges through her online store www.claretduskymoonpie.com.

Will has taken part in collaborative exhibitions including From Here, Sincerely (2007), Extra Cheeese (2007), Copy Cats 2 (2007) and Fields of Conversation (2007). He is inspired by the delicacy of Art Nouveau and his works have also appeared in shop windows and interiors, magazines, websites, clothing, posters and an upcoming album cover. (For which band, I wonder?...)

"Wardrobe" by Matt Huynh, from handcrafted publication Midnight Morning

The Midnight Morning book is also available from www.popperbox.com/midnightmorning for AUD $40. It features a hand-pressed dust jacket cover, 15 mini-posters, measures 280x280mm and is beautifully printed onto 325gsm paper stock.

To commemorate the release of the book, Midnight Morning will be launched with a concurrent show at Rococo Productions' warehouse exhibition space. For one night only, original artwork from the book wil be displayed and will be available for sale alongside a selection of the artists' other artwork, books & prints. All three artists will be there to meet us fans, discuss their work & sign editions of the book.

"Confetti" by Haline Ly, from handcrafted publication Midnight Morning

If you are in Sydney, you'll be wanting to make tracks to the Midnight Morning Book Launch and Exhibition - tonight! Details are as follows:

6pm - 9pm
Thursday 17th July 2008
12 O'Connell St, Newtown
Admission is free & refreshments & music provided!

"Spin" by Matt Huynh, from handcrafted publication Midnight Morning

We're very excited to spill the beans on a brand new fashion mag about to launch right here in Australia! Peppermint Magazine is all about "fashion for a better-looking world". Fair trade, organic, vintage, sustainable, locally produced, recycled, responsibly-made or environmentally-friendly: it's all a step in the do-good direction... Peppermint Magazine is on a mission to bring you both local & international fashion, footwear, jewellery, art, design & culture - as long as it's fresh, cool and green!

Each issue, one of our very own feature interviews will be printed on those peppermint-flavoured recycled pages!! It probably won't actually be flavoured but it will be a free quarterly publication & we'll tell you much more when the first issue launches later this month... Right now, however, you're invited to enter Peppermint Magazine's ECO-ART competition. A different eco-art theme will be announced each issue and THEME ONE is: "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, one finds it attached to the rest of the world".

The top three entries will be printed in the next issue and the winners also receive some cool prizes including organic tees from Kowtow (NZ), clothing from Fully Stoked and bags & badges from Ooid (NZ)! Entries need to measure 260mm x 400mm vertical at 300dpi & the deadline for theme one is Monday 14th July. For more details, visit www.peppermintmag.com and stay tuned for more minty goodness!

Local Perth designers will be making their mark this year with the launch of two exciting new designer markets: Made On The Left (which is on this weekend!), and Perth Upmarket (being held in September).

The lineup for both markets is looking great - there is a long list of designers who will have stalls this Saturday (12.7.2008) at Made On The Left and the lineup for Perth Upmarket is growing every day it seems!

Enthusiasm for handmade crafts & locally designed products is bubbling over in Perth. There are already lots of gorgeous retail boutiques, but up until now there has been a distinct lack of markets specifically for designers' products. It looks will be following hot on the heels of established design markets in other states such as Hope Street Markets (Sydney) & Rose Street Artists Market (Melbourne).

"I Dream of Boab Trees Three" by Dara Clemens, one of the driving forces behind Made On The Left

To get a feel for the market mood in Perth, I quizzed a selection of organisers & stallholders... I asked DARA CLEMENS (of Made On The Left):
"Made On The Left was founded by a number of Perth designers. How did you find each other & what motivated you to to launch the Made On The Left market?"

"The Made on the Left committee is made up of Sarah, Jacquie, Ali J, Rosanna and myself. We met on the Perth forum thread at Etsy.com and setting up a designer art and craft market along with a complimentary website came up in conversation. To make a long story short we came together to make it happen!

"Open Mines", a triptych by Dara Clemens depicting the open cut mines that are spreading like wild fire throughout WA. Each canvas measures 255×255mm and the work will be availble at Made On The Left Market for AUD $200.

Between the 5 of us we have an amazing variety of skills and have managed to do everything from the press releases (5 different local papers and hopefully a few state ones this week), poster design (Ali J and Jacquie for graphic and Jacquie put the whole thing together), administration (forms, liaison with venue etc) and promotional distribution (leg work around town plus a whole lot of emailing).

Our motivation...I guess we all feel that Perth desperately needs more avenues in which local designers, artists and crafters can display and sell their wares. And that it would be great to have a website that brought together information from around WA, an easy link between sellers and those interested in buying either as an individual or retail."

Limited edition bibs by Oli B Designs, who will have a stall at Perth Upmarket. (AUD $14.95 each)

JUSTINE BARSLEY is responsible for launching Perth Upmarket. The Market will make its debut on Sunday September 14th at the Perth Town Hall. She is looking forward to making it a regular event, so Perth shoppers are in for a treat! (You can also keep up-to-date with Upmarket happenings at their blog). Justine is also the talented work-at-home-mum behind the label Oli B Designs & makes limited edition kids wear such as the funky little bibs pictured above. I asked Justine:
"Having moved to Perth just 2 years ago, what do you think is unique about the Perth design scene? How will this be reflected in the Perth Upmarket?"

"Having only moved to Perth two years ago I have found that there are lots of creative people, but they can be a bit hard to find. What I think is unique about Perth is the diverse mix of creative people and the openness of designers to work together. Whilst there are a few quality annual events, Perth has lacked a quality market where designers can showcase their designs on a regular basis and encourage repeat business. Perth Upmarket will bring Perth's talented artists, craftspeople, designers, stylists and gourmets all under one roof."

Felt Skull Hairclips by The Tiny Little Girl (label of Perth designer Beth Wachla). Beth will have a stall at Made On The Left Market.

I also asked a few of the stallholders, "What are you most looking forward to with the launch of the new markets?"
BETH WACHLA who creates the friendly, creepy faces above & below for her label The Tiny Little Girl answered:

"I'm most looking forward to meeting fellow indie designers and sharing our hard work with the lovely people of Perth. I think the markets are a sign that Perth is moving forward in having our own identity on the Australian art scene, and that’s a really great thing."

Felt Skull Pin Cushions by The Tiny Little Girl.

You simply can't go past felt skulls when they're this cute - I feel like jumping on a flight just to grab one for myself next weekend! I'm sure there will be many, many to choose from, but my favourites from the photos above would have to be the orange skull with white moustache hairclip and the blue pin cushion with the white sad face skull. Which ones do you like the best?

Owl & Kittie Cushions by Lisa Max, (AUD $20 each). Lisa will have a stall at both Made On The Left and Perth Upmarket.

LISA MAX is a designer who will have a stall at both upcoming designer markets in Perth. She makes the gorgeous animal cushions pictured above, and answered my question as follows:

"Everything! Designing and selling things is a completely new experience for me and I am not quite sure what I'm doing yet... I'm very much looking forward to meeting other designers and craftsters to see how they work and hear about their ideas and experiences."

1" Badges by Ali J Art, (AUD $3.50 each). Ali will have a stall at both Made On The Left and Perth Upmarket.

ALI J (Alicia Rosam) is a freelance illustrator. She creates products based on her gorgeous & very distinctive illustrations of characters with red rosy cheeks & wild crazy hair. She answered my question as follows:

"This is such a difficult question as I don't have enough fingers to contain my excitement at being able to display my work at these new events. I think what I am most looking forward to is meeting new people and finding some subjects who I can use in future illustrations. I am also looking forward to being inspired and challenged by fellow designers and proud to see how much of the public will come out and support independent handmade design."

Pocket Mirrors by Ali J Art, (AUD $8 each).

Felt Skull Badges by The Tiny Little Girl. I thought these guys should have the last laugh...

Mr Panda children's wall art by Look at the Wall

These gorgeous creations are by Melbourne designer Monique Gaspar. She recently launched her label, Look at the Wall, after she was inspired to decorate the walls of her own boy's rooms. She's always loved craft, but working full time as a medical imaging technologist (taking X-rays), she struggled to find enough time. This project, however, expanded quickly into a home-based business which currently offers 10 limited edition designs - each one handmade from a different selection of papers so you know it's unique!

Children's wall art by Look at the Wall

Monique chooses from a vast array of different papers such as handmade and processed papers, magazines, recycled, maps & more... (If anyone wants to find a home for their scrap papers, Monique can put them to good use!)

Cheeky Monkey children's wall art by Look at the Wall

Monique is very flexible, and is more than happy to work with a specific colour scheme or customise an artwork with a child's name. I'm rather taken with the idea of a series of the same design - each one with different details and colour schemes. You can see above how good the different "Cheeky Monkey" designs would look hanging together.

Squirrel children's wall art by Look at the Wall

Look at the Wall collages measure 30 x 30 x 1.2cm and come with a protective polyurethane matte varnish and a sawtooth hanger ready to be hung on your wall. They will surely delight little minds with colours, textures & happy animal friends. Each step of the process has been handmade with love - from initial drawing, to cutting & sanding the wood, then choosing & cutting the paper designs and assembling the collage. Monique likens choosing the complimenting colours to picking out clothes, and considers this the hardest part - not all colours go together!

Cats on a Fence & Hungry Hippos children's wall art by Look at the Wall

Each children's wall art collage is available for AUD $120, from the
Look at the Wall web site, and from the following stockists:

VIC: My Poppet (Caulfield South), 1001 Things for Kids (Carlton North)
NSW: Fragile (Bondi Junction)
SA: One Small Room (Croydon)
ONLINE: Kids Gift List, Wallspace, Urban Child, Beyond Pink and Blue, Beautifly, Shophouse, Giggle Smile Designs, Rosie Pose, Lala Baby, Chic Kids, Mini Echo

[weAREtheIMAGEmakers] is a not for profit online publication which promotes australian artists, illustrators, designers and photographers. The site was launched in 2005 & since then, a new issue has been published online every couple of months, each featuring interviews with some of Australia's most talented artists and photographers. The first official WATIM event was last year's 12x12 exhibition at Sydney's aMBUSH gallery and the time has come for a sequel! (WATIM also held the Grrrls group show which we posted about back in February and have supported many others.)

Artwork by James Hancock, exhibitor in the 12x12 exhibition presented by [weAREtheIMAGEmakers]

12x12 is back with a fresh new line-up of artists from all over the country, and WATIM is taking this visual treat to audiences in both Sydney & Melbourne. As you'll probably have gathered by now, 12 Australian artists were invited to participate, exhibiting 12 artworks created on 12"x12" canvasses. I'm looking forward to seeing the result - it promises to be impressive!

Artwork by ghostpatrol, exhibitor in the 12x12 exhibition presented by [weAREtheIMAGEmakers]

The 12 participating artists are from all around Australia...

apeseven - www.apeseven.com (Sydney)
ghostpatrol - www.ghostpatrol.net (Melbourne)
jae copp - www.soopkichn.com (Gold Coast)
james hancock - www.jamesgulliverhancock.com (Sydney)
jeremyville - www.jeremyville.com (Sydney)
junior - www.flickr.com/photos/juniorland (Melbourne)
luke feldman - www.skaffs.com {Melbourne)
miso - www.cityofreubens.com (Melbourne)
paul meates - www.wasnotme.com (Perth)
plump oyster- www.plumpoyster.com (Brisbane)
sam smith - www.blackbookno1.com (Gold Coast)
smc[3] - www.myspace.com/smc333 (Sydney)

Artwork by apeseven, exhibitor in the 12x12 exhibition presented by [weAREtheIMAGEmakers]

Both Liss of Daydream Lily & Julia of Studio Home Creative posted about miso's amazing work last week. I can't wait to see what she'll be exhibiting at 12x12... and I don't have to wait long at all! 12x12 opens tonight at aMBUSH gallery just one suburb away in Waterloo.

Artwork by jae copp, exhibitor in the 12x12 exhibition presented by [weAREtheIMAGEmakers]

Opening night in Sydney is Friday 20.6.2008, from 6pm - 9pm at aMBUSH gallery with the exhibition continuing until Saturday 5.7.2008. 12x12 then travels to Melbourne to open at no vacancy gallery on Friday 18.7.2008 (6pm - 9pm) and continues until Friday 25.7.2008.

Opening in Melbourne on Thursday night is a new group exhibition... and a new gallery! To celebrate the opening of brand new artist space, Gorker Gallery, the 40 Thieves exhibition will fill the walls with a collection of 15x15inch artworks by some of the best leading international street and fine artists.

40 Thieves has been curated by Timba of Wooden Toy Quarterly and Nate Holmes Trapnell of The Southpaw. The artist lineup is impressive - the 40 thieves include some indie art & design favourites which you're sure to recognise...

"Gisele" limited edition print by MyCharlieGirl (Melbourne artist Bec Winnel)

Featured Thief 1: Bec Winnel
We've recently seen the work of MyCharlieGirl popping up in publications all over the place! Melbourne artist Bec Winnel creates delicate & incredibly beautiful artworks by combining her natural talent for sketching with digital work in Photoshop. She has created a distinctive style which I love, & one of her new works is pictured above. "Gisele" is a limited edition Giclee print & is availble for US $35 from the MyCharlieGirl Etsy store.

"Red Riding Hood" by Akina (Sydney artist Lang Leav)

Featured Thief 2: Akina
I really admire Lang Leav & her label Akina, and "Red Riding Hood" (pictured above) is one of my favourites from her "Villains". Each of her artworks is accompanied by a familiar tale with a twist...

The 40 Thieves exhibition opens Thursday evening 6-9pm (19.6.2008).
The show continues until Wednesday 3.7.2008. Gorker Gallery opening hours are: 11am - 7pm Tuesday - Sunday, and the gallery is located at 395 Gore St (corner of Gore St & Kerr St), Fitzroy, 3065. Phone 03 9416 5111.
If you're in Melbourne, make sure to get along!

3D gift cards with 3D glasses by innocentgirl (Andrea Innocent), available from Yradier

This month, we're thrilled to be offering up some fabulous finds from the new Yradier online store! Paloma Cole, who launched Yradier earlier this year, has chosen three very different products from Australian designers for one lucky indie to win. These are:

3D gift cards with 3D glasses by innocentgirl (Andrea Innocent), available from Yradier

Paloma Cole is a photography student at the Queensland College of Art and is surrounded by amazing artists on a daily basis! She launched the Yradier online store with the aim of featuring original artworks by emerging Brisbane artists. She also stocks jewellery, homewares and stationery by small Australian designers, and a small selection of quirky, hard to find goods from overseas... and GUESS WHAT? From now until the end of June, indie art & design readers can save 10% on purchases at Yradier! Simply enter the top secret discount code: indieness on the checkout page. Thank you Paloma!

Red Cup Studs by Trove Designs, available from Yradier

The store itself is slick & sleek! The photos are a treat & you can go straight to Australian products, or to the Brooch section (a Yradier specialty) to find some truly unique items. You'll also find original artworks including some intense acrylic paintings by Luke Kidd, as well as photographic prints by Paloma herself.

Small Rectangular Tokyo Handmade Wooden Photography Brooches by Jen Hall, available from Yradier

I was rather intrigued by the name "Yradier", and Paloma explained that it is actually the name of the composer who wrote the song 'La Paloma' - AND she also likes the way it looks when written! (By the way, it is pronounced 'irre-dear'.)

Large Rectangular Tokyo Handmade Wooden Photography Brooches by Jen Hall, available from Yradier

To enter the draw, all you need to do is suggest an Australian label/artist/designer you'd like to see stocked on Yradier's virtual shelves! Just comment on this post with your suggestion. (A one-word answer is enough, though if you know of a web site for your suggested label, please include it so we can all take a peek!) Entries close on June 30, 2008 and we'll draw a name at random & annouce the winner in the following week. (Oh, and make sure to visit http://yradier.bigcartel.com to check that your suggestion isn't already in the lineup!) I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas...

Leave a comment - we'd love to hear from you!