limited edition

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

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!

"Hello Owl" by Kareena Zerefos.

Kareena Zerefos is an incredibly talented artist & illustrator from Sydney. She has exhibited in a number of group shows this year, and her work has been appearing all over the place! She is responsible for the stunning artwork on the Sparkadia album covers, and many of you would have seen her work featured throughout Yen Magazine's Issue 31. (We also mentioned Kareena's work when we posted about the Grrrls exhibition at aMBUSH Gallery in February.) Kareena's first solo show opens next week, and she has taken a little time out from drawing to answer some of our questions, so read on!

MTV Gallery flyer - an exhibition of illustrative works by Kareena Zerefos.

I 1. Firstly, congratulations on your first solo exhibition! How are you feeling about the show?

KZ Thank you! Very excited and extremely nervous, I’m just not sure what to expect. I kind of feel like a teenager putting on a party, I’m like 'will anyone show up?' and 'how do I get enough drinks?'. More seriously, I'm pretty happy with my new pieces and its going to be great seeing peoples responses to them.

Sparkadia Animals album cover by Kareena Zerefos.

I 2. I'm sure many of our readers would absolutely love to earn a living as an artist/illustrator. What path did you follow to get to this point your career?

KZ I always wanted to be an artist, but never thought I'd be able to make a living from it, so I took design at the College of Fine Arts – I thought being a designer seemed more viable. Then I worked as a graphic designer, and dabbled in web design, while I continued to draw and develop my style on the side. It's only been the last few months that I've been lucky enough to be able to drop the job, with enough freelance and commission work to keep me fed and the bills paid.

"His Name Was Sebastien" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 3. Do you think it's a difficult industry in which to carve your own niche, or do you find that agents/galleries/publications are receptive to new talent & ideas?

KZ It is a difficult industry, but I think if you just go with your own ideas and style and really put it out there, you then find that people are always looking for someone fresh.

"Hot Air Balloon" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 4. You have a drawing style that I personally adore, and it is quite recognisable. Have you always used this approach, or did you develop this style through experimentation over time?

KZ My style has very much evolved, and it still is evolving. I originally worked in a way that was based on graphic design techniques and was often finishing my pieces off digitally... but I then found that I wanted my pieces to stay away from the computer, so I started working with different media – particularly letraset, ink and even tea, as well as my favourite pencils, gouache and felt tips.

"Bumblebee Girl" by Kareena Zerefos for the Jeremyville Sketchel project.

I 5. How did you find exhibiting earlier this year in the Grrrls group exhibition (aMBUSH Gallery, Waterloo)?

KZ It was great to exhibit along side so many fabulous female artists. Our styles, materials and techniques were all so varied, but it came together really well.

"Girl with Mouse" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 6. Have you been to any recent exhibitions that you've just loved?

KZ To be honest, I feel like I haven't left my studio for a long time now. So the last show I went to that I loved was Kids Today at MTV.

"Portrait" and "Little Boy Daydreaming" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 7. From what I've seen, your artworks seem to be based on very personal themes. Your approach seems subtle & emotional. What inspires you to create these works?

KZ I work with themes of isolation and escapism – I guess essentially this is inspired by living in my own little dream world, and that feeling of loneliness and the desire to be somewhere else, that a lot of people relate to. I mostly use images of children and their imaginations to depict this, and look at old photographs, film and children’s books to draw inspiration.

"Across the Board" and "Element Bluebird" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 8. Do you have any favourites, or new works you’re particularly excited about?

KZ I'm excited about quite a few of my new pieces, I've been drawing quite a few pictures of children with their animal friends and have also done a series of bumblebee children, which have a really nice bittersweet feeling about them.

Sparkadia Postcards album cover by Kareena Zerefos.

I 9. Do you like to collaborate with visual artists & other creatives? (I love the new Sparkadia album cover – how did this come about?)

KZ I do! I've recently collaborated with fashion designers, eve and sera from sewn, creating a delicate repeat pattern for their next spring/summer range; as well as sparkadia, with their album, singles and ep artwork; and I just finished up some pieces yesterday working with the mambo goddess designers.

... and thank you! I met Alex years ago at a BBQ and have worked with the band ever since; the Lion illustration came about after Alex and I discussed 'Sparkadia' as being a place or another fantasy world and the lion is the king of the jungle. It is also a reference to the last track on the album, Sleeping Lion, which is one of my favourites.

Kareena Zerefos web site screenshot.

I 10. Do people discover your artworks through your web site (www.kareenazerefos.com) & online "Corner Store", or do you see the site as a resource for people who already know & love your work?

KZ I'd like to think that its for both, I try to keep my site updated with new work and a bit of a news blog so people can come back and see what has been happening.

"They Defeat The Mean Giants" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 11. What are some of your career highlights so far?

KZ This year has been quite exciting in terms of 'highlights' - I quit my job to be an artist full time; I've exhibited work amongst amazing local and international artists at Curvy, Kids Today and Grrrls; and I have just over a week left until my first solo show!

Exhibition of artwork by Kareena Zerefos.

I 12. Where are you headed artistically in the future?

KZ Doing more of what I'm doing now, continuing to develop my style and hopefully have solo shows in other cities later in the year.

Kareena Zerefos.

I Thank you so much Kareena, and all the best for the exhibition next week - I'm really looking forward to the opening night! For those of you in Sydney, get along to MTV Gallery in East Sydney (4-16 Yurong St) on Tuesday night, 3.6.2008! The opening is from 6pm - 9pm, and there will be an acoustic performance by Alex Burnett from Sparkadia. If you can't make it to the opening, the exhibition continues until 10.6.2008.

Hip? Young? Feisty? Yes? Then Young Lovers will be the perfect fit. Whether you're hanging out in Newtown or New York, you're sure to stand out from the crowd in one of these spunky screen printed tees. Pictured top left is "Pirate King" (AUD $59) with the "Young Lovers" signature print (AUD $59) right next door.

The Sydney label has recently released its highly anticipated third collection, titled "Midnight Twilight". The bold new prints "celebrate the madness of midnight love and all that surrounds it. It is for the sleepless ones who dare to not follow. It is the Young Lovers who will take over the city by night." A few neon colours should help out there - pictured above are "Guns&Arms" (left AUD $59) and "Murdermouse" (right, AUD $59).

I'm wondering which of these two tees is the scariest? The title of the daytime soap "Young & Restless" (left, AUD $59) or the razor sharp teeth of "Vampire Hounds" (right, AUD $59)? (I must admit now to having purchased the Young & Restless cookbook... and I was rather dissappointed to find that it lacked the drama of both the TV show and the t-shirt.)

This design has to be my favourite from the new range - a highly decorative traditional frame borders an image depicting a black cat eating licorice at midnight... (AUD $59) Below are "Lovers" (left, AUD $50) and "Dancing Shoes" (right, AUD $59). You'll be looking sharp in those!

Young Lovers tees are produced in strictly limited editions of 100. They are available in both guys & girls styles but you'd better be getting a move on as a couple of styles (not shown here) have already sold out. You can purchase tees directly from the Young Lovers web site at www.younglovers.com.au, or seek them out at the following stockists:

NSW: Beautiful on the Inside (Surry Hills), Roof on Fire (Paddington), Mint (Manly).
VIC: Kids in Berlin
QLD: Violent Green

Melbourne designer Shannon Lamden has been hard at work making lots of new goodies to fill her Etsy store. New fabrics, art prints, too-cute softies, and decorative fabric hoops to brighten up your walls... The colourful & light-hearted "Wanna Play" limited edition digital print is pictured above (US $12). Who wouldn't want to venture outside into this garden?

Shannon has introduced linen prints to her crafty fabric lineup. These can be mounted on canvas & hung or framed, or even sewn into a quilt as a decorative panel. "In The Garden" features a sweet & smiling, vegie lovin' couple holding hands in their vegie garden. It is available in red (above, US $22), black, blue & green and measures 22cm x 30cm.

Aunty Cookie Fabric Softies! Look how gorgeous these girls are - each clutching her three pet owls! Shannon has brought her illustrated characters to life (with the help of a little softie stuffing & ribbons). The Cookie character is hand screen printed onto cotton drill, and backed with printed fabric - some spotted, some vintage. At US $18 each and approx. 22cm in height, they are perfect for little hands to hang onto.

Shannon is well known for her limited edition hand screen printed fabrics, and pictured above is one of her new prints, "Home Sweet Home" in teal & olive on birch linen (above, US $18). This print is also available in either mustard or cherry printed onto chocolate brown linen.

An ideal way to display these funky fabrics is in a fabric hoop. The simple, round shapes look great hung in small groups & the tiny weight of each frame makes them ideal for renters & those who hesitate to put too many holes & hooks in the wall. You can purchase combinations of three fabric hoops for US $36 from www.auntycookie.etsy.com

I know I've told you where to find Aunty Cookie products before, but in case you'd like a reminder, stockists include: Patchwork on Central Park, Arthurs Circus, Cocoon, Meet me at Mikes, Duckcloth, One Small Room and of course Aunty Cookie at Etsy. For snippets of what goes on behind the scenes, & updates which are always entertaining, check out Shannon's blog at www.auntycookie.com.

Mizuko and Hanako art prints by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

Opening tomorrow night at Paper Shadow Gallery is "Perpetual Kagemi", an exhibition of works by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS). Luke has spent the last few years travelling between San Francisco, California & Melbourne and sees this exhibition as a chance to showcase his original works in acrylic & graphite on wood, ink sketches & digital artworks in his home town.

The opening night will be filled with art, live painting, music, drinks & Crumpler giveaways, so if you're in Melbourne, head to Paper Shadow Gallery at 34 Franklin St, Melbourne (within Miss Libertine). The opening begins at 7pm on Friday 4th April, and the exhibition continues on Saturday 5th.

Travel To Mirai art print and Contemplation (acrylic & graphite on birchwood) by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

Luke's work is synonymous with stunningly beautiful and whimsical depictions of the female form. His use of vibrant colours, fluid linework & careful composition & design give these works a distinctive style which has caught the eye of many local & international reviewers (as well as some big brand names).

Original acrylic artworks by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

"Perpetual Kagemi" is an exploration of femininity in a traditional and modern context with an Asian twist. The term "Kagemi" means to "look at each other" and it specifically refers to traditional Japanese arranged marriages (Omiai). During the ritual, Kagemi refers to a "hidden look" - a sneak peak at a potential bride. Today Japanese Omiai is becoming replaced by "love match" marriages. In this context, the Kagemi would not be a quick peek but a continuous viewing of women. Perpetual Kagemi explores changing attitudes, old traditions and female beauty.

Nito and Mai art prints by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

Luke has adapted his style for multiple applications. In addition to original artworks & limited edition prints, you can also purchase "Skaffnets" (magnets), skatedecks and vinyl adhesives through the SKAFFS web site. Vinyl toys are also in production!
His work is also available to purchase through the following Australian stockists:
Villain Store (Brunswick, VIC)
Robio Store (Fitzroy, VIC)
Nice Produce (Online store featuring Melbourne artists)
Lost At E Minor (Online)
(International stockists are listed at www.skaffs.com.)

Art prints by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

"The Sea Rests, She Waits" is the current collection of swimmingly beautiful necklaces, pendants & earrings by Psychoglam. These jewellery designs are a peaceful reflection on the beauty and unpredictability of the sea. I think my favourite is the "All Alone Necklace" pictured above (Long AUD $130, Short AUD $110). I love the way in which the three skeleton shells hang together, amongst pearls, crystals & bone pieces - as if they've been swept together by the sea itself... perhaps entangled in a chain of silver seaweed.

Designer Emma Hyatt describes her inspirations as "a mixture of the lush bushland surrounding her, and the high fashion she adores". The contrast of natural elements and more traditionally glamourous crystals & pearls set the tone for her unique range. For the "Sweet Escape" pieces - Earrings (above, AUD $70) and Pendant (below, AUD $70) - Emma has added delicate cream cotton crocheted flower resting on a metal ring as the focus.

Emma creates each piece by hand in her studio in Invermay (which is just North of Ballarat in Victoria). She creates two collections per year, each with its own distinct theme. The Sea Rests, She Waits is delicate & romantic, with a hint of mystique. In "Hidden Pearl" (below left, AUD $110) the movement of the wearer reveals glimpses of the glowing creamy rough pearls amid the draped curtains of silver chain. "First Kiss Necklace" (below right, AUD $80) brings together many of elements in this collection with long sweeps of chain leading to a beautiful cluster of pearl and bone.

The "High Tide Pearl Earrings" (below, AUD $70) offer something more structured. A single pearl has been placed in the centre of the design, from which small lengths of chain cascade down. The "My Heart is Yours Necklace" (at bottom, AUD $90) is something special - a strictly limited edition piece featuring a vintage glass chandelier heart resting on a skeleton shell surrounded by pearls, swarovski crystals and tiny metal flowers.

This 2008 collection follows on from Emma's 2007 sell-out "Romance in the Moonlight" range. Her style also lends itself perfectly to bridal applications - if you are planning a wedding, Emma can create custom jewellery for you & your bridesmaids. Psychoglam is stocked in boutiques across Australia and each piece is also available to purchase online at www.psychoglam.com. Stockists include:

Online: www.letsshop.com.au, www.stylehunter.com.au, www.stylefile.com.au, www.ku-ture.com
VIC: Boutique 251 (Ashburton), Boxsta (Geelong), Brown Bag (Elsternwick), Cactus Jam (Port Melbourne), City Limitz (Mildura), Cocopink (Ballarat), Crimson Phoenix (South Melbourne), Lion in Love (Hawthorn), Mikaila (Brunswick), Oscar Calvo (Collingwood), Pen Haligons (Echuca), Qushi (Geelong), Rhubarb (Torquay), Tesori-Bellini (Brunswick), Wen & Where (Ballarat)
NSW: Blaise (Newcastle)
WA: Basement (Perth), Saints (Subiaco), Soul Sisters (Fremantle)
QLD: Boxsta Noosa (Noosa Heads)
NT: Epiphany (Darwin)

This will be an exhibition not to be missed (if you're in Sydney, that is)... Not for profit online publication [weAREtheIMAGEmakers] is presenting an all girl exhibition with a crazy talented line up of female Australian artists. Hailing from all corners of the country, participating artists include:

• akina (lang leav) - www.akina.com.au
• andrea innocent - www.otoshimono.org
• brooke bobridge - www.brookebobridge.com
• eugenia tsimiklis - www.emikli.com
• kareena zerefos - www.kareenazerefos.com
• lillian piri - www.littlegalaxie.com
• love ariel - www.loveariel.com
• melissa stringer - www.myspace.com/girliepains
• mini graff - www.minigraff.com
• nanami cowdroy - www.nthread.net
• rebecca wetzler - www.rebeccawetzler.com
• smitten by stephanie - www.smittenbystephanie.com
• team kitten - www.teamkitten.com

I'm sure that list of talent you might wish you possess is motivation enough - but just in case you need some inspiration, I've included a selection of works that I adore from just a few grrrly girls below...

These subtle and moving limited edition art prints are by Kareena Zerefos. Each print is AUD $185 and available from Kareena's "corner store". Above left is "Owl" and right, "Alex from Patras". "Owl" is also available as an A2 poster (printed on 100% recycled paper) for AUD $12. I'm very much looking forward to seeing Kareena's exhibition pieces!

The dreamy coloured pencil work of Lilly Piri is very well known & so beautiful. The artworks pictured above are "Off To See The World" (left) and "Relocation" (right).
A miniature print of "Relocation" (7.5" x 9"), is available from the Thumbtack Press for US $19.99. It is one of 25 different works which are for sale in this format. Gift cards, button sets, original artworks, postcards and the limited edition "silent water zine" (featuring 10 previously unpublished drawings by Lilly Piri and her husband, Heiko) are also all available through Lilly Piri's online store.

The distinctive, graphic & very lovely artworks below are by artist Brooke Bobridge. Having grown up in Perth, she's lived in Singapore, Nairobi, London & Edinburgh and currently calls Melbourne home. Brooke is inspired by big cities and travelling, and draws from Asian influences in her work. She is always exploring new designs and ideas for her hand-screenprinted works. Limited edition prints of her work are available from a number of online stores including one of our local favourites Moose: Art for Living - and her label, nightsidedown is coming soon!

The artwork above is "Lanterns 2007", and below, "Darjeeling 2007". I especially love the colour palettes Brooke has used in these two. The soft grey tones, reds & purples contrast beautifully with the crisp white elements. mmmm....wintery!

The Grrrls exhibition opens at 6pm this Friday evening (8.2.2008) at aMBUSH Gallery in Waterloo. It continues until Sunday 24.2.2008, with gallery opening hours of 12pm - 5pm, Wednesday through to Saturday. Special thanks to Liss for drawing my attention to this exhibition through her beautiful blog, Daydream Lily.

I'm sure many of you are familiar with the friendly face of Aunty Cookie (as seen on her blog, www.auntycookie.com). Aunty Cookie is in fact Melbourne designer Shannon Lamden, who specialises in fabric design and illustration. Her product range includes hand-printed fabrics, bags, softies, original drawings, one of a kind fabric bunting and limited edition fabric craft panels.

The versatile fabric Craft Panels measure 75cm x 75cm and feature various character poses and squares of patterns - perfect for quilting, appliques and a multitude of crafty projects just waiting to leap out of your imagination. The fabric is a 200gsm cotton drill and has been hand screen printed using environmentally friendly inks. I love Shannon's distinctive drawing style & the expression on her characters' faces. The simplified lines work so well with the patterned areas (which are also picked up in the funky outfits worn by the cookie people).

Originally available in black on white or cherry on white, the Craft Panels are also now available in a blue colourway. Each panel is US $28, and as Shannon says, "This Crafters Panel is limited edition so what are you waiting for?".

If you're looking to make a larger piece, there are another two eye-catching prints currently available for purchase by the metre. (These are sold per 50cm/20" length for US $15. Fabric measures approx. 750mm wide, with the printed area measuring 700mm wide.) Pictured above is "Trinkets" which is available in fire engine red on white or light grey on white. "Butterflies" is pictured below, and is available in black on white or light grey on white. I love the subtlety of the grey prints, but I also love the contrast in the black & red... I just can't decide which is my favourite! Once again, these prints are limited edition & really something special.

As well as being stocked at Patchwork on Central Park, Arthurs Circus, Cocoon, Meet me at Mikes, Duckcloth and One Small Room, Aunty Cookie has clocked up over 500 sales through her Etsy store! No doubt, many of you have you have taken to the sewing machine with your own length of Aunty Cookie fabric - let us know if you've made something you'd like to show off!

P.S. I'm also looking forward to seeing Shannon's new designs which will be released in March - stay tuned for more!

FREEBIES FOR INDIES! On offer this month is a wonderful selection of goodies from Magic Jelly - our first Indie Art & Design Giveaway. Thanks to Karena for donating the products pictured above: "Floyd's Epiphany" Limited Edition Mixed Media Print, "Stuff No. 1" Limited Edition Print, "Magic Jellies" and "Heart Attack" Hand Printed Gift Cards, Coaster featuring "Sunday Morning" and a set of matching Magnet, Badge and Keyring in a brand new design!

To enter the Indie Giveaway, all you need to do is register as an Indie Art & Design user. All registered Indies will automatically be entered into the draw. At the end of October, (on Halloween!) we'll draw one lucky name from a hat - a pointy black one perhaps... We'll then email the winner to ask for a postal address & the Magic Jelly prize pack will be posted off to its new home. (All Australian and overseas Indies are eligible.)

Let your friends know & good luck to you all!