Mr Mark Mottershead's Blog

A Teaser

2011-11-22T20:59:00.003Z

A work in progress image for my Yakuza print series.

An Update Is Pending

2011-11-10T20:52:00.002Z

I was about to post about all the good stuff I've been
up to lately but my computer is being iffy.

So I have to fiddle, fondle and caress my computer back to life.

Update

2011-11-10T20:31:00.015Z

Hello

I've been a bit lax of late on this online mind-map of mine.

So this may be a slightly long saga ...
Feel free to have a biscuit & brew break by all means.

My Commission For Preston Museum.

Finally finished this,
it went very smoothly without a problem and was paid!

The boy's and girls at Revolution Studios are turning it all
into an animation as I speak so here is a few images to tide you over.

OWT

Next up was a drawing for OWT's zine.
the theme was "Chance" which was really nice and open ended.

I settled on something apocalyptic,
a Mayan Calender with a couple frantically finishing themselves
off before the end of the world.
Whilst wearing bespoke Mayan head wear.

Manchester and Salford Illustrated

I was really lucky to get into this as all I sent them was a rough,
I then had (due to other drawing commitments) two hours to get it done and sent off.

I'm quite pleased with the finished work,
it's available to buy from here along with some of Manchester's best illustrators prints too.

Spiel Magazine

This was for the last issue,
the first image I drew wasn't really good enough for the article,
so I had to rush this one.

Why do you get many deadlines all at once?!

After a little siesta form drawing and doodling I've decided to concentrated on some more personal imagery.

Firstly a series of prints dedicated to the Yakuza.
Whom stylistically I feel in love with ten or so years ago from watching Takeshi Kitano's
violent gangster films.

Also I managed to land an (unpaid) job drawing on a window in Manchester's
trendy Northern Quarter.

I will keep you all updated, as and when.

MASI Submission

2011-10-17T16:59:00.003+01:00

Finally finished this.

It's for Manchester And Salford Illustrated

Only 50 illustrators got through and luckily I was one of them.

It's a charity event so send some love.

Secret Project

2011-09-25T21:18:00.003+01:00

As I am mega skint at the minute and it's my

Nana's birthday coming up.

I thought I would draw a picture of her and Granddad

(who has passed) for a bespoke birthday present.

It was very difficult as the photograph didn't have

much detail and was pretty washed out.

(I may add colour - not decided as of yet.)

Hope she is pleased.

Finished Piece For Peculiar Bliss

2011-09-23T23:02:00.003+01:00

Peculiar Bliss

The theme is Creatures.

May have used a Spicerism™ here.

The jury is out whether this will be used or not.

It was fun to do.

A Little Something I've been Working On

2011-09-15T00:32:00.002+01:00

Today (the 14th) was my birthday.

I did a little drawing.

This is for a free competition & the theme is "Creatures."

Here is a teaser...

A Little Progress To Be Had

2011-09-09T21:23:00.002+01:00

Still working through my commission.

More updates and another piece of my work in the 310 Collective

OWT Magazine (Love & Hate) Update

2011-09-06T09:20:00.004+01:00

First time I've had my work in printed form

outside of university.

You can buy this for the princely sum of £6.00

right here.

Front cover(s) by DR.ME

Sneaky Peek Three

2011-09-03T00:04:00.004+01:00

I managed to land myself a paid commission

which has left me full of smiles.

Here is a sneaky peek of the project,

the image is not finished so be kind!

Some updates are due on the OWT zine which

features a few images of my work and the

Spiel magazine images in their full glory.

Coming soon!

Wacom Inkling

2011-08-30T11:53:00.003+01:00

If this is as good as it promises it

will be frankly, so so awesome for me.

Sneaky Peek Two

2011-08-29T06:47:00.001+01:00

A second image in the series...

Sneaky Peek

2011-08-24T21:32:00.001+01:00

An image for Spiel Magazine's upcoming issue Zero.

Keep those peeper's peeled folks!

Poster Design

2011-08-18T01:00:00.004+01:00

A poster/flyer design I submitted for a new

bi monthly night at the Common Bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter.

Quite a few good illustrators/graphic designers have submitted work

as well so the jury's out at the minute,

we find out who got the gig in a week or so...

OWT Magazine (Love & Hate)

2011-08-12T21:32:00.002+01:00

I was lucky enough to have my cockerels

printed in OWT's monthly magazine/zine.

They are in two separate zines,

one on love and one on hate.

You can buy them here at six Sterling a pop.

Can You Tell What It Is Yet?

2011-08-07T23:59:00.003+01:00

A work in progress for OWT's monthly zine.

I've omitted the juicy bits.

It's called Sacred Space and the theme is on "chance."

I've also managed to secure two editorial/magazine illustrations,

an album cover for a pop singer and another zine scribble.

Random Imagry

2011-08-02T00:12:00.003+01:00

Post Graduate Flux

2011-08-01T17:19:00.009+01:00

Hello.

It's been a while,

and I've been very busy.

Well I've finished university and now I have

been rudely thrust in to the creative world.

As of the beginning of July me and a few peers

have got a studio space in Manchester's Awol Studios.

So after signing the business paper's we are effectively

a proper collective.

Safety in numbers...

It is a great space, big enough for all of us, so we are not sitting in each

others laps (gyrating) and filled will light from two massive windows.

It is in an old cotton mill from Manchester's illustrious industrial age.

At the minute we are still decorating and moving furniture in.

It is quite difficult as we all live quite far from the complex, so it is slow going.

Our blog/website is here 310 with sporadic updates as we go along.

The collective name is 310.

Firstly due to the fact that it is our actual studio name,

it is simple and has a few connotations, mainly in the Bible.

Corinthians

"like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation,

and someone else is building upon it.

Let each one take care how he builds upon it."

Thessalonians

"If a man will not work, he shall not eat."

Quite apt.

I managed recently to get a piece of work published in a magazine

called Peculiar Bliss.

The theme was Past Time.

Website is here Peculiar Bliss

I did something quite different to what I usually create,

but something I wanted to do through university but couldn't

due to the restrictions placed on me through the tutors, stress

and time.

I am very pleased with it as I feel it will is the beginning of a new style for

me and I plan on doing a series of these images based on a theme or text.

Hopefully I should have another image printed in another magazine by the end of the week...

I have a fledgling website found on the Cargo Collective, here: Canhoto

I don't have enough money to make it a .com just yet but it will be done very soon.

I've kept it very simple and easy to navigate.

Advice garnered from my trip to Faber & Faber many moons ago.

I will keep this updated on a regular basis from now on.

Guinness

2011-06-03T12:44:00.002+01:00

"Good things come to those who wait."

Currently finishing the final weeks of university

and so currently quite busy,

still been drawing (most are on Twitter/Twitpic)

Going to get my head around building a website

and I've started sending mailers to clients.

Also started getting images done for various

competitions and online galleries.

Going to revamp this blog soon in line

with my new website so stay tuned.

Photography Tests Of Wooden Figures

2011-05-16T00:32:00.003+01:00

Spent thirty minutes shooting these.

A few shots need to be retaken,

it was a good experience as I've never done

anything like this before.

Love Cream Magazine

2011-05-16T00:23:00.005+01:00

Me and a few fellow friends have created

a newspaper/zine based on Kurt Russell.

It is for sale,

buy it!

Here is my image.

And this one that was a bit of fun...

Mini Gallery Show For The Box-Tickers

2011-05-16T00:13:00.002+01:00

Done and dusted.

Three years of blood, sweat and tears condensed in to

not even a metre squared.

Can't wait for the final show.

Hopes And Fears

2011-05-11T20:19:00.003+01:00

Hopes And Fears

“If you drop a pebble in the water, the waves just go on forever...”

A nice sample/quote from an electronic song I own and love.

Kind of sums up how I feel when attempting to divine my future in this (fickle) creative industry.It's not a negative nor a positive thought.

It is simply a fact.

You start something with a thought, the thought become reality through kinetic actions. Then you have repercussions, with every action there is a reaction.

You make a choice and then you have to follow it through to the end, especially if you are a tenacious, stubborn fellow such as myself...

I begun this journey after finishing my GNVQ (or whatever it is called now)

in Art & Design, even after two years I wasn't exactly sure of myself and what or even where I wanted to go from there.

I guess I picked illustration because drawing is the major discipline in which this

style of art is cemented.

I feel it's the foundation of the house of illustration.

And since I can remember I’ve always been drawn to drawing so it was simply making that inky choice.

So I began this three year journey of self exploration.

There have been highs and lows but I guess with anything you are passionate about and which you love dearly this is part and parcel of the emotional roller coaster.

I mean you have paid the money to go on it so you might as well enjoy the highs and lows.

The anticipation of the ride before you, clunking slowly upwards to that big, first, exciting hill. Seeing the world spread out before you from a thousand feet in the air like a deity and then speeding and spiralling downwards. G-forces crushing you to your seat in pitch blackness in that tunnel called despair. Then back up again.

As I said highs and lows.

Now after it's finished the roller coaster clinks and clunks to it's inevitable end and all that’s left is the exhilaration left resonating within you. The excitement that you felt and the secret happiness that it's over for now.

But you really want to have another go, but maybe on that other ride over there? The one that's shiny red with the loops and the bigger drops and twice as fast...

So now I catch my breath and trudge towards the next exciting ride.

Do you want me to tell you about it, my avid reader?

I plan on doing another degree. My Masters to be exact. I've always said to my tutors that sometimes on this degree I’ve felt like a tiger trapped in a cage. Tigers like to explore, laze in the sun and go about their own business with a flick of the tail and purr in their throat.

It's not their fault there is a cage there, their the kindly keepers. Rather it's an institutional affair.

Men (and women in this politically correct world ) with clip boards ticking boxes making sure everything is above board and prim and proper.

Art isn't like that. It's a bit like an explosion, you can control it to a point but it still might go bang in you're face.

Where was I?

Ah yes, the Masters degree.

I do feel that it will be extremely beneficial to me. Due to the amount of control I will have on what direction I will be able to go in, I mean a tiger that has total control tends to be a happy tiger (purr).

But I digress what’s for tea? What prey will I be hunting tonight? What tasty morsel will I be feasting on?

Two styles that have come naturally over the past three years. Firstly the digital, tightly drawn style with print based flourishes thrown in (for taste and garnish) and the big meaty, primal slabs of wood I have been drawing on. I have no particular qualms in having two distinct styles because I know they overlap and act as catalysts to each other. On my next degree I will (hopefully) have two more years to experiment and tweak my practice. Also I plan on free-lancing in the industry from when I finish the illustration degree, it also happens to be one of the main box ticking you have to do on the Masters.

Hark! What is that I hear a-yonder? A box being ticked! I will take my clip board and do my little pinstripe dance!!

Since coming back from London where I pimped my wears and had a brief affair with the industry, I believe...No, I know that I have a place in the creative world, all I need to do is find a suitable place to pitch my tent and not get bent over and raped in the dark dark nights (mouse!). Hopefully after a while the tent will become a lodge and then a flat, a house and maybe if I'm lucky a mansion.

I know that brick walls will allow my bottom to be sparred from unscrupulous fat-cats but until then I will have to be dexterous and flexible to keep that virgin territory pristine and holy.

And keep my reputation.

After the Master's?

Not sure, a rough idea but for now I need to be organic and flexible.

Amen.

A Pagan Update

2011-04-15T21:58:00.006+01:00

Got some more work done on these beasties,
won't be able to do 'ought on them for a week
due to university being closed for Easter.

They are nearly done!

A Trip To London Part 1

2011-04-14T21:52:00.021+01:00

A few weeks ago me and a few of my fellow class-mates
(plus tutor) went down to the capital for a flying visit.

Filled with adventure, criminal concentration and plenty of ale
this was a story to be told.

We all arrived in London scattered like bread crumbs in
Trafalgar Square but proceeded to meet up and go to an
agency near Fulham Broadway Tube Station.
I can't remember off the top of my head what it was called but
I will edit this post when I get the information.

I have to admit except for the odd agent within the comfy confines
our studio, this first meeting filled me with dread.
But they easily quashed this by buying a few beers..
and being top-notch people.

As it got to my turn (second to last, uugh) they were quite
upbeat about my work and the intricate nature of it.
Being from a design based background I could tell that they
struggled to see the applications for my work within their sphere.

This could be taken as a negative but I see it as a positive,
now I know if I go down this avenue to fill my portfolio with
my work in context.

This is something that was repeated throughout the journey.

After a few beers in the pub and a few more in the hotel it was
time to rest my weary head (in a cramped three bedroomed room,
that was only clearly meant for one bed...)

On the second day we were up and meandering across London to
get to Faber And Faber to talk to Donna Payne and her team on
getting our work published on book covers.

It was quite informal but set in a highly professional atmosphere.
As Donna talked about how they get from an authors idea to
published book it was clear that a lot of work and thought goes
in to the finished book.
Starting with meetings, with the board discussing what artists
to use to whittling it down to one.
Then sending them an outline of the requirements needed.
After that lots of dialogue between the art director and artist
until a rough concept is born.
Then this is passed to the author to o.k, if not the artist has to tweak
his/her idea until it fits.
Also if font is needed the artist has to provide this as well, a bigger
head-ache but a bigger pay-check.

As Donna opened her mail for that day she went through the pro's
and con's of each letter/postcard she got.
She admitted that she (and other) art directors don't get enough
time to open fiddly ornate letters/boxes and much prefer a few
pieces of selected work with clear contact details such as an email
and a clear and concise website.
These would then be filed/bookmarked away for later use.

Again as they went through my work it was mentioned that for me
to get my work in to context.
If they can see the applications there and then it is more likely
that you will get the job in the end.
And that means money.

Faber And Faber's website.

Then after a bite to eat we headed in to Shoreditch to the Big Orange
Illustration studio to talk Robin Heighway-Bury, Ulla Puggaard and
Paul Davis to talk about how to become a professional in this fickle
business.

Basically it boils down to:
1 Most of us won't make it.
2 Work hard at promoting yourself.
3 Persevere.
4 Take the money!

Ulla talked about the pro's and con's of having an agent.
You get work but with a bite taken out of it,
but you can get quite steady work if your style is in vogue.

Robin lamented the fact it is a difficult medium to work in,
only 10% of us will "make it" - surely fire and brimstone stuff
but well needed.
Being in university's soft warm all encompassing womb makes
you forget about the outside world.
Robin's words were akin to skinny dipping in the Antarctic after getting out of bed.

Paul Davis was a hoot.
He was the one who told us to take the money.

Funny how I write this around Easter
- bit like sage words off the Three Kings.

Also sharing the studio was the Association Of Illustrators.
This was more the business side of the game, tips on how
not to get ripped off and what support they offer the "fresh meat."

.Whimper.

Ulla Puggaard
Robin Heighway-Bury
Paul Davis
The AOI

Then we had a little time spare so I ended up dragging everyone
around a few galleries.

First stop was Nobrow, which was a teeny-tiny shop populated
with amazing magazines and nic-naks.
Nobrow

Then across the road to the Pure Evil Gallery which had an awesome
amount of prints scattered about from many a fine graffiti/artist.
They were getting ready for a new show, which I will post something on
soon, but for a small place they have a good amount of quality prints.
Pure Evil Gallery

Then it was on to Black Rat Projects where the current exhibition
artist is Brian Adam Douglas (Elbow-Toe) who is based is Brooklyn.
His work is awesome up close, not paintings as such but collages of
coloured paper.
Black Rat Projects

Then the final gallery-come-shop was Le Gun's place of residence.
I've always been a fan of theirs so I knew I was in for a treat.
And it was, whole rooms decorated with crude sprawling drawings
and ink with plenty of free Bare Bones newspapers to take away.
Le Gun

Right that is part one done & dusted.

Part two includes a twisted night-time beer-o-art-fest
and a really good portfolio visit in the British Library.

Update

2011-04-08T21:51:00.002+01:00

Soon.

Four Very Different Videos.

2011-03-31T23:17:00.003+01:00

EINE - GREATEST from Colin M Day on Vimeo.

Dan Witz - What the %$#@? : San Francisco 2011 from Colin M Day on Vimeo.

The Belle of the Brawl - Jesse hazelip from Colin M Day on Vimeo.

MARS1 & DOZE GREEN from Colin M Day on Vimeo.

All from Colin M Day's Vimeo channel.

I feel it gives a little inkling into the duel purposes of Art.

On one hand they are beautiful,
the second they have a deeper meaning.

The later can be over looked in this throw-away
visual lifestyle we have become accustomed to.

I seem to be constantly drawn to American illustration,

graffiti and Art.

I believe the care-free attitude and less design based

(unlike British illustration) work is refreshing and inspiring for me.

I feel that is has a huge impact on the wood-based medium I am

currently exploring.

...And busy were the bee's...

2011-03-28T01:06:00.006+01:00

Busy, busy, busy.

Also been busy screen printing and gathering reference
for my Lovecraftian illustrations.

*EDIT*

Due to the unfathomable amount of joy I encountered letting my

conciousness stream on to this figure (to begin with) I have shelved

the H.P Lovecraft re-imaginings for a later (Stygian) date after I finish

this degree. Then I can fully realize the dark, disturbing worlds that

Lovecraft's work evokes within me.

I am quite sad in letting this go for the moment but I feel that this new

emerging style and fresh medium has refreshed and reinvigorated me

creatively.

Little Update

2011-03-09T00:32:00.007Z

Hello.
I have been lost in the wilderness of art.
Within this forest I found the tree that fell to earth
with no-one around to hear it.

It's coming to the end of the course now and I
think me temporarily reverting back to childish
imagery is good for me as it has injected a little fun
in to my practice.

Just ink and pen.
Brushes and water.

Currently building a wooded man to adorn with
my scribbles.

More updates to follow.

This is the start something of something new and profound

within my practice.

Slight Hiatus

2011-02-24T17:45:00.003Z

Getting shit done.

But I'll leave you with this,
as everyone is scared of raccoons with massive balls, right?

New Work (WIP)

2011-02-12T20:29:00.005Z

For a collaborative 'zine/magazine that
a few from our class have been pondering
for a very long while.

The theme we have given ourselves is
"Dreams & Fears."

It is a very open brief.
Me likes this.

Update due shortly...
But here's a sneaky peek.

Helping Out At The Common

2011-02-12T19:53:00.010Z

Matt Saunders

Kristyna Baczynski

Lord Whitney

Fon/The Pern

Me and fellow class-mate and some-time buddy Chris (heh)
helped out two rather fantastic illustrators for their
collaborative show at the bar The Common in
Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Website here.

Artist's exhibiting are:
Matt Saunders: Rabbit Portal
Kristyna Baczynski: Ponder, Oh Sir!
Amy Lord & Rebekah Whitney: Lord Whitney
Fon/The Pern: The Pern

I took some very rubbish photographs but a few came out ok.
I plan on going back for some of that truly nice chilli they make
so an update may be in order...

I not really a social person to be fair, but I found this very elating.
I made a few new friends and helped out on a project that was
very different in both scale and style from my usual comfort zone.

It has given me a little hope for the future and given me more confidence
and ideas, so a big thank you is in order Thank you!
I never did get a free vodka though...

A 'Zine Fair

2011-02-12T19:30:00.007Z

Apple Strudel

The Owl And The Pussycat

The Shrieking Violet

Went to a zine fair today in The Art Corner,
Fallowfield in good 'ol Blighty.
Website here.

A fellow class-mate (Jane) had some of her work for sale,
her blogs are here, and here.

I felt compelled through the power of free cake (yum)
and sheer awesomeness to purchase a few of these slightly
twee comic/zines.

In going to this little fair I am even more determined to realize

my short term goal of publishing a newspaper filled with mine and

possibly others art work as self promotion.

Random Images

2011-02-12T19:24:00.005Z

All found on Trendland
A hubbub of fashionable imagery.

Top to bottom:
Vladislav Erko,
Magada Antoniuk,
Hiroshi Tanabe.

Update

2011-02-08T21:25:00.001Z

It's due shortly I promise.
New work and something I've helping with.

I'll leave you with this awesome video.
(I want the Devil's bike)

How Ink Is Made

2011-01-25T20:45:00.002Z

I have got a few posts in the works,
but for now another video that is surprisingly absorbing...

Gareth Pugh 2011

2011-01-23T15:26:00.002Z

GARETH PUGH PITTI 2011 - FILM BY RUTH HOGBEN from SHOWstudio on Vimeo.

Religious iconography from Gareth Pugh,

I feel that this ties in well with what I remember from

the H.P Lovecraft books I've read.

Although different from the illustrations that have been

done previously this is dark enough to work with in the

context of the tales with an important modern, contemporary twist.

Musings From Syd Mead

2011-01-20T00:38:00.000Z

2019: A Future Imagined from Flat-12 on Vimeo.

Visual Futurist Syd Mead ("Blade Runner," "Aliens," "Tron")
reflects upon the nature of creativity and how it drives the future.
Photographed in P2 High Definition, this featurette provides insight
into the fascinating mind of one of the most influential artists of modern
cinema and automotive design.

Pimping Myself Out

2011-01-15T13:04:00.004Z

Decided to try and enter one of
my designs/drawings/doodles
on Threadless.

If you like my work please vote
here only takes a second.

One Step Backwards, Two Steps Forward...

2011-01-11T22:48:00.001Z

Ghost In The Shell: Masamune Shirow

Domu (The Dreams Of Children): Katsuhiro Otomo

AD Police: Tony Takezaki

Ranma 1/2: Rumiko Takahashi

Street Fighter: Masaomi Kanzaki

Akira: Katsuhio Otomo

Iron Fist Chinmi: Takeshi Maekawa

Gunsmith Cats: Kenichi Sonoda

New year, new decade.
Time to look back a little...

I partially blame Carman/Richardson for this.

I was taught to draw mainly from my grand-dad as a nipper
and as I grew up I started playing computer games and
watching adult movies (not the mucky ones) I loved the
posters/covers and animations and the cartoons/comics
and every bloody visual thing that was thrown at me.

These images are circa 1994/1998 when I was obsessed by
Japanese Manga and Anime.
At the end of the 1990's my infatuation ended, although I do read
the odd comic and watch the infrequent cartoon it's a far cry from
"back in the day."

Although I do have the sneaky suspicion that a lasting impression
has been left on me and my work.

Parra

2011-01-06T00:22:00.008Z

Para on BigActive
Studio Visit on Fecalface

Again another post I forgot to do
all them years ago...

Really like his colour palettes and the use of
black backgrounds.

Also if you are wondering why his work looks
familiar (classmates) it's because I've got one of
his rather spiffingly awesome t-shirts.

*Edit*

Just bought another from his store: Rockwell

On another note this is something I've wanted to

for a while.

Creating t-shirts for sale would be a dream of mine.

Hopefully in the future I will try and do this.

Ogasa Shin

2011-01-05T23:51:00.006Z

Ogasa Shin's Website

Very intense black and white imagery.
Texture and subtle blurring,
amazing touches of detail...

Not much known about this illustrator
and no new work for a few years.

Found this work in a random folder
on my computer from 2 years ago,
so it's been a long time coming!

Illustrated Music Videos #2

2011-01-02T17:04:00.005Z

Because music and art are pretty much the same, right?

Barnaby Ward.

2011-01-01T23:15:00.005Z

Barnaby's Website: Somefield

I do rather like Barnaby's work.

It is also nice to know that most of his work is digital,
as "he works primarily on a computer as he finds this to be the neatest,
easiest and least stressful way to draw". Amen

Barnaby ward has a wife, some cats, and a website.
He lives on a small island and spends far too much
money on gas and too little time at the beach.

Happy Holiday's

2010-12-22T20:21:00.001Z

Written by Neil Gaiman,
animated by 39 Degrees North.

39 Degrees North: Christmas Card 2010 from 39 Degrees North on Vimeo.

PDP Postcards

2010-12-20T17:50:00.002Z

Finally arrived.
Two weeks ordered from
Overnight Prints in Germany.

Very pleased with the quality.

Deadline Day An Update

2010-12-15T22:01:00.005Z

The first of a few crippling deadlines at university.

Here is the images (except for some doodles)
that I will be pinning to my little space in the
exhibition.

A few look really good at A3 whereas a few others
need a little work...
It is nice to see them physically rather than on a
screen.

In the future I intend to print them out periodically
in order to gauge if they work or not in their intended
format.

Folio Society Competition Brief

2010-12-07T21:27:00.006Z

Much more work needed, but work in progress...

For the novel "The Outsider" by Albert Camus.

From the revered Dystopian Cookbook;
"Meursault Fruitcake."

1 part existentialism,
2 parts loneliness,
1 part honesty,
2 parts lust,
1 cup of sea water,
sprinkle of gunpowder.

Baked in the Mediterranean at gas mark 12
until lucid.

If you have trouble getting the cake to rise add the following;
Joy Division, The Smiths, Johnny Cash and Nick Cave.

Illustrated Music Videos

2010-11-20T19:01:00.004Z

The Japanese Popstars Feat. Green Velvet - Let Go from David Wilson Creative on Vimeo.

Benga — Baltimore Clap from Tempa on Vimeo.

Hermanos Inglesos feat. MeMe - Wanderland from Kristof Luyckx on Vimeo.

Wanderland has to be my favourite.
So so well made and frankly fucking good.

Taken from Beautiful/Decay

Interview With Joshua Petker

2010-11-15T20:47:00.010Z

Joshua's Website

: How do you approach a new piece, whether this is a personal one or a commissioned one?

It really depends.

I often start two or three paintings at the same time all
going in similar but different directions.
And, whichever one unfolds the best is the one that
I continue with.

I always start with a human face.
Everything else happens after that.

: How has digital media effected you and your work?

I don't pre-manipulate anything in Photoshop or anything if that's
what you mean.

But, I do use all of the social networking sites almost daily and
exposure of my work on the internet has led to people in all
parts of the world being able to see some of what I do and that has
been fun.

But, the internet has been around since I started working as
an artist. The first group show I was ever a part of was at
Roq La Rue Gallery in Seattle and I connected with RLR
by sending images of my paintings through the email.

I do want to say however, that seeing a painting on-line
is not the same thing as seeing art in person.

Nothing can replace the experience of seeing art in person.
But, the internet has been a great starting point for me.

: Who or what currently inspires you artistically?

Right now I am really interested in the idea of balance and I am
really inspired by the many things we all have to balance in our
lives.

The balance between life and art,
the balance of human consciousness to our significance
in the universe, the balance between lust and love,
the balance between optimism and reality, etc.

I am very interested in these thoughts right now and am
inspired to paint new works around these ideas.

: Any tips on networking in the art world?

I haven't been very good at networking honestly.
But, I am making a stronger effort to network going forward.
Really, the only thing you can do and should do to network as
an artist is to read as much as you can, see as much as you can,
hang around with artists, and doors will open.

Stay engaged.

Travel.

See and try to understand everything you see.

: How did you go about getting your art in galleries?

This is a work in progress for me.
But, essentially, the same answer from above can apply here.
Go to openings, be seen at shows, find a gallery that fits your aesthetic
and or interest and become a presence there.

If it is a good fit odds are a door will open in time.

Be patient.

: Top three tips?

1. It is important to understand art outside of your comfort zone.
Strive for that.

2. Never stop working. Never stop reading. Never stop making art.

3. Don't become an artist trying to be famous or rich.
It may or may not happen.
Your love should be art not attention or success.

A Little Progress

2010-11-03T23:04:00.004Z

Ok this project is a labour of love for me.

Many many hours spent drawing digitally,
suffering from "bleeding eyes" syndrome due
to bright Mac screens and excessive use of the zoom function.

It's deadline day tomorrow and this is what I have to show
my tutor, Mr Murray...

I would say in all honesty that the Jimi Hendrix poster
is about 80% done, the Talking Heads one is 60% done and
the Nirvana image is 70% done.

Luckily we have until the end of the semester to actually finish the project, this deadline is a kick up the arse to get something physical done.

These bad boys are massive files (due to me saving them at 500dpi @ A3)
so-much-so they stuffed my computer.
I can imagine him now all content, sat back in a recliner picking his teeth
with my ram after this hearty meal.

Images from the ISS

2010-11-02T19:02:00.002Z

Breath-taking.

Taken from The Space Fellowship.

Qu'est-ce que c'est?

2010-11-02T00:25:00.004Z

fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa better

A little progress.
Poster two, Talking Heads.

Also some very overdue posts are needed
on my uni work.

To come soon.

Diego Lorenzini Correa

2010-11-01T10:27:00.004Z

Saw this and thought of you. An artist / illustrator from Chile, it is his mix of the observed and the invented, the real and cartooned which I think is intriguing flipping between these two worlds and the place they collide in the middle. I found the work on a Gallery site that I hope to go to in Berlin called Das Direktorenhaus. Read more here. I imagine your degree show looking like this - a bit rough around the edges and presented full of musings from your head.

Tron: Legacy

2010-10-26T18:52:00.004+01:00

Think I just came in my pants...

Will Sweeney The Parachute Ending

2010-10-26T13:16:00.003+01:00

Will Sweeney The Parachute Ending from Big Active on Vimeo.

Will Sweeney and Steve Scott’s promo for Birdy Nam Nam’s “The Parachute Ending” has made the final selection for the Guggenheim Museum’s, YouTube Play biennial of creative video. The inaugural event showcases the most innovative online video from around the world and the judges including Stefan Sagmeister, Darren Aronofsky, Takeshi Murakami and Laurie Anderson had their work cut out going through the 23,300 submissions to produce a final selection of just 20.

Good as this is a worthy winner.

Saw his work a few years ago in Dazed and Confused,
on an LSD article.

Nice to see he is still going (there is hope for all of us).

And a new animation for Nokia...

Will Sweeney Nokia Green Room from Big Active on Vimeo.

Big Active Blog here

Matt Furie & The Return Of The Quack

2010-10-19T13:47:00.005+01:00

After living in peace for 10 years in the quiet town of Pondland, Ducky returns to Songbird Kingdom to find it overrun with radioactive junk food and twisted mutants. With help from his flying friend Lazerduck, Ducky attempts to stop the unwelcome baddies and return peace to his once beautiful home town. The leader of the bad guys, Governor Cheeseburger, is behind the whole mess and will not rest until the rebel duck is stopped!

How can you not be moved by such an epic tale of injustice?

Play the game here (bonus level).

Return of the Quack

His site is found here: mattfurie

Okami

2010-10-17T23:24:00.004+01:00

I've not included much (if any) computer game
art on this blog, here is a rather special one.

I find a good game can be as mesmerising as a good book
when done well.

The 600 Years By Macula

2010-10-15T23:17:00.003+01:00

The 600 Years from the macula on Vimeo.

A very impressive piece of technology & art coming together.

Mapping during 600 years anniversary of the astrological tower
clock situated at Old Town Square in centre of Prague.

Mapping by Macula, Lukáš Duběda,
Michal Kotek.

music: data-live
photos & video: Michal Ureš
teaser audio: Hecq -Typho

Website found here: Macula

Getting There (music poster)

2010-10-14T23:29:00.007+01:00

Some tightening of the lines and a good deal
of floundering on the composition is due.

Splash of texture and colour from some proper darn
printing (love the smell of the printing room),
and the Jimi Hendrix poster (just one "m" there James)
will be done.

1 down 3 to go...

A Few More Shows To Go And See. *

2010-10-13T22:15:00.001+01:00

Bill Carman's Blog

*Again provided you live in America...

Bill Carman has a new show in the Basement Art Gallery in Boise, Idaho.
Website here: Basement Art Gallery

He also has done the new poster for Spectrum 18

Amazon Link

Also in the pipe-line he has a new show in NY coming up, so keep checking his blog as he updates it regularly with new work.

A Few Shows To Go And See. *

2010-10-07T21:27:00.009+01:00

* Provided you live in America...

John Jude Palencar has a couple of shows coming up in November.

The third annual IlluXCon symposium will take place in Altoona, PA on November 11-14, 2010.

As the only convention exclusively dedicated to fantastic art, IlluXCon welcomes artists, students, collectors, and fans to a four-day celebration of the field.

IlluXCon features the largest gathering of fantastic art and artists in the world. The 2010 show will feature nearly 60 artists in the main exhibition, with many more included in the IlluXCon Showcase. Several hundred original paintings and drawings will be on display at the show, along with demonstrations, lectures, round tables, art director portfolio reviews, and a live bronze pour.

In addition, IlluXCon 3 will also feature a special exhibition culled from the forthcoming Vanguard book A CENTURY OF DRAGONS. DRAGONS will feature the 100 best contemporary dragon paintings and artists, and roughly 1/4 of those original works will be on display at the show.

Website: IlluXCon

Group Exhibition: Gallery Nucleus, Los Angeles, California

AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS: A TRIBUTE TO THE WRITINGS OF LOVECRAFT
October 16, 2010 - November 8, 2010
Opening Reception / Oct 16, 7:00PM - 11:00PM

So much of existence is beyond the realm of common understanding and perhaps it is best that it remains so. The writings of H.P. Lovecraft explore this realm of incomprehensible existence and most often the terror that accompanies. For often, the concepts that are most horrific to us are those things outside of our understanding.

With much of his most notable work written during the last decade of his life, H.P. Lovecraft's reputation has grown substantially after his death and he is now considered one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century.

Website: Nucleus

Can't beat a bit of tentacle weirdness from Lovecraft.

Image By Cyril Van Der Haegen

Jimmi Hendrix Album Cover

2010-10-07T21:13:00.004+01:00

A little excerpt from my image.

Just to prove to my tutors that I am actually doing
something at home rather than in the "studio.".

Archigram Archival Project

2010-10-03T23:02:00.006+01:00

Archigram

The Archigram Archival Project is run by a team from EXP, the Research Centre for Experimental Practice at the University of Westminster and was funded by a Resource Enhancement Grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Collaborative help was kindly provided by the surviving members of Archigram or their heirs who retain copyright of all images.

The extraordinary influence of the mainly unbuilt 1961-1974 architectural group Archigram is internationally acknowledged.

Exhibitions of their work have been touring major institutions worldwide since 1992, they were awarded the RIBA Gold Medal in 2002, and they are recognised influences on many of the world's greatest contemporary architects and buildings. Yet the bulk of their visionary work has to date remained difficult to access, largely stored in domestic conditions or temporary storage.

In collaboration with the remaining members of Archigram or their heirs, and funded by a £304,000 grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, a team from the University of Westminster has formed an online, searchable database of all the available works of Archigram for study by architectural specialists and the general public.

Time To Take Things Seriously.

2010-09-30T20:38:00.001+01:00

Save The Arts (Arse).

2010-09-28T01:49:00.001+01:00

Morgan Morgans Date With Destiny

2010-09-26T22:11:00.001+01:00

Completely fallen in love with both videos.

Green Eyed Monster.

2010-09-26T21:26:00.003+01:00

During the week we (our illustrious illustration) class was asked to pick a piece of work that makes us envious.

In terms of sheer awe, the technical aspect or simply the close interaction/relation the piece of work gives you.

I could of chosen a piece of superb draughtsmanship by artists/illustrators such as Goya, Mucha, or the “stars” of 50s illustration (Rockwell, Fuchs etc...) that graced every American household in magazines, adverts and the like or modern day contemporaries such as Maya Hayuk, Seb Jarnot, Dave Mckean, Bill Carman, J J Palencar or even Joshua Petker etc etc...

To me inspiration (that 'ol green eyed monster) is like a many faceted prism sat rotating in my mind on a fancy pedestal (much like Diamonds are Forever intro, yes with scantily clad ladies gyrating endlessly...)

Instead I am going to buck the trend and pick the artist and fashion designer Issey Miyake and this piece I scanned about four years ago.

The reason I admire his piece of work is simply the subversion and twisting of the human form, warping our perception of the figure.

In making use of wire (an inorganic compound) and marrying it to a strong dynamic (Bushido) pose echoes Giacometti but with the foundations of Japanese heritage and mythology.

The wire “smoke” emanating from the figures head adds a sense of etherealism and otherworldliness, which inadvertently links to me being a big fan of Akira Kurosawa's films.

This ever-changing prism in my head holds thousands upon thousands of fractured inspirational images/thoughts/sounds/words yet is linked by a beam of light, a firing of synapses (if you will).

If I didn't enjoy Kurosawa's films or Giacometti's spindly figures my love of Miyake's fashionable figures wouldn't happen.

Squarepusher presents - Shobaleader One: d'Demonstrator

2010-09-02T12:41:00.001+01:00

Darkness

Figures

Neon

Squarepusher presents - Shobaleader One - d'Demonstrator from Warp Records on Vimeo.

Tetsuya Ishida

2010-09-02T00:57:00.004+01:00

Pink Tentacle
Toxel

I will do a write up soon on this guy.

For now all I will say is - amazing.

Automobiles

2010-07-30T23:18:00.007+01:00

BMW Painted By Andy Warhol

BMW Painted By Roy Lichtenstein

BMW Painted By Alexander Calder

BMW Painted By Jeff Koons

Slightly garish but ultimately endearing,
reminds me of when I was a child using felt tip pens
and paint to colour-in my toy cars.

Retro Posters

2010-07-30T13:59:00.004+01:00

Taken from The Inspiration Blog

A Story in Sand

2010-07-11T21:52:00.001+01:00

Kseniya Simonova - Sand Animation

Interview with John Jude Palencar

2010-07-07T12:00:00.009+01:00

John's Website

Q:When you first started out in the industry what mistakes did you make?

I don't know if these were legitimate mistakes - I signed contracts that I should have not signed or at least should have altered them in some way.
My thinking was - that this was a building block in my career... "to get my foot in the door" so to speak.

In some cases I worked for a lesser fee than I was worth.
Other times ... That I didn't try to push my ideas more, rather than accept what they ( the client) were proposing.

Hindsight can be a deadly thing for both your present and future career - it can be a mind-trap. You have to move on and work to the next step. Think of it as evolving adaptation to your present career situation.

My professional career started out when I was nineteen years old. I had already been selling paintings since I was fifteen. I freelanced for both regional and national clients while I attended art school.

However this early work was a bit commercial for my taste, although there were a few good editorial assignments sprinkled in there during that time. I continued to build my portfolio for the NY book market and received my first assignment from Bantam Books when I was a senior at the Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, Ohio.
They saw my paintings at the Society of Illustrators Student Competiton.
Eventually two clients became four, then six and I've continued to freelance to the present.

Q: When working with a client, how difficult is it to keep a sense of yourself in the piece of work?

Currently I have a lot of freedom, so clients come to me for my visual approach.

You have to develop a signature style.

The one thing that bothers me is repeating myself too much.
After working years in the biz and creating hundreds of covers and other images, there is a tendency for clients to request similar concepts or approaches that you have created for past book covers.

I'm also guilty of becoming too complacent in regard to inventing new motifs or creative new approaches etc...
So I have consciously or unconsciously created similar looking book covers.
Every once in a while I have to to slap myself around creatively so that I don't "borrow" from past covers. In certain cases, some novels are not imaginative and are cliche's in and of themselves.

So it is hard to extend an original visual statement into something extraordinary when the writing and plot is average or sub-par.

Every once in a while I'll have a nice refreshing visual breakthrough with a good novel, art director, editor or publisher.

That makes this business worthwhile.

Good writing equals good visuals, it's that simple.

Q: How important is narrative in your work?

Not all that important.

In fact I really dislike work that is overly narrative.
My least successful pieces have been narrative in nature.
In my more succesful work and what I strive for is symbol and archetype.

Narrative for me is just visual storytelling and does not have the mystery or visual power that a symbolic or even allegorical approach has.

The "Hitchcock" approach is what I call it; not knowing what's turning the doorknob or what the shadow moving is in the thin slice of light at the bottom of the door.

To me the unknown is more intriguing than the known.
The narrative approach tells the viewer what they are seeing, where as the symbolic approach suggests interpretation, interaction and meaning on a personal experiential level.

I'd rather create questions in my work than answers.
Both narrative and symbolic paths are valid, but for me, I'll choose the enigmatic road.

Q: Top three tips?

Create with quality.

Create with passion.

Create with mystery.

Interview with Bill Carman

2010-07-05T10:55:00.011+01:00

Bill's Blog

: How do you think Illustration has changed since you graduated?

This is a gigantic question. The digital world has opened so many new avenues. But also as times change attitudes change. Illustration has been embraced, or at least accepted, by many venues previously closed to it.

Galleries is the obvious example. But the list could go on with things like toys, movies, video games etc.. Probably the biggest thing is the attitude of illustrators and others toward illustration.

The illustration umbrella has grown to global proportions.

: What is your view on using digital media in Illustration and Fine Art?

It really comes down to attitude.

It's a natural tool for illustration considering the final product is print or digital. "Fine Art" has more to do with materiality. The computer certainly can be used as a tool but consideration would need to be given to its physical form. Certainly there are applications specifically in the forms of video and digital printmaking, among others.

Really, digital is the tool bridging to our future. There will always be the human need for materiality but we are headed toward even more tech times and the computer is just the beginning.

: How important is "style" in the real world?

Style is a bad word.

In the context that most students understand it, it becomes something to reach for. If one pursues a style it's the easiest road to mimicry or even worse theft.
Learn to draw and to think.

Expand your horizons, fill your head and draw draw draw.

Did I mention draw?
Draw from life.
If you do enough work eventually a voice develops.
Style sneaks up on the diligent.
Every illustrator and artist has a number of pieces in them that must be done before that authentic voice starts to reveal itself. It may be 1,000 or 100,000. But it's developing a passion for the process, and not anticipation of the product, that will lead to a personal voice or "style".

To finally answer the question, it is very important to have recognizable work. You have to stand out from all the other visual chatter out there but do it by being honest and authentic.

:When talking to a client what are your "do's" and "don'ts?"

Be confident, respectful and professional.
Don't oversell yourself.
If you can't do it don't pretend that you can.
Ask thoughtful questions.

: How does your work differ when having to do a gallery show, when compared to, say, an editorial?

Gallery work is a dialogue between myself and the piece.
It may start with an idea but the idea is always fluid and things change with every mark that I make.
An idea may start from something as simple as the surface upon which I'm working.

With an illustration the client must become part of that dialogue.
The end must be considered and not be a total surprise.
Don't get me wrong, there can be small surprises along the way during the process (depending on the art director) but the process must be more rigid.
There can be great satisfaction in both ways of working.
Solving a problem visually is still very enjoyable and challenging.

:Top three tips?

-Become aware and adapt

-Work hard enough and long enough that work becomes passion.

Draw.
Sounds simple but equate what you do to say a concert pianist or athlete.
How often do you think a concert pianist practices?
Every day 8-10 hours is a good guess.
What about an olympic or pro athlete?

If you want to be the best you have to work at least as hard as the best.

-Take risks. Don't just do what others are doing.

Interview with Eric Fortune

2010-06-27T00:18:00.009+01:00

Eric Fortune.com
Eric's Blog

: Everyone has being saying illustration is dying since it's
hay day in the 40's and 50's but were still here, why do you think that is?

There are still jobs to be illustrated. The commercial world is saturated with them.

But the budgets aren’t what they use to be. As for publishing ie books /magazines there are not as many illustrations “super stars” ie Wyeth, Rockwell etc.

Some people will settle for a quick photoshop filtered piece of art and pay next to nothing rather than pay more and get an outstanding piece of work.

It seems there are more and more illustration students graduating every year.

Yet, it’s as competitive as ever, perhaps more so and only a handful of people graduating will actually become professional illustrators.

Or at least that’s how it appears to be.

: Composition seems to be a big aspect in your work,
how do you approach that (bleak) blank canvas?

Thumbnails and sketches. I try to work out all the compositional issues at a small scale. And fill in the details after everything “feels right”.

: I find music to be central to giving me the energy and drive to create a piece of art work, is this true for you and what are your favourite bands?

I’ve noticed there are certain types of audio that don’t mix well at certain points of creating a piece of art.

Audio books, npr, etc don’t mix in the beginning stages because I’m figuring stuff out. Once everything is figured out I kind of go into auto pilot.

Music is good at any stage but everything gets old after a while and it’s good to switch up.

I like a lot of hip hop and r&b Wu Tang, Outkast, Mos Def, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott are a few. 80’s music is great

: What piece of work are you most proud of and why?

I don’t think I have one. My paintings from the passed year and a half feel pretty good. Some of my faves are “Beyond the Past” , “Apart from Falling” , “Allure”, “Languish” Not sure why.

There’s a certain mood that was captured.

: How important is it to get an agent?

An agent can be very beneficial. Promoting yourself is just as important as building up your portfolio and it takes a lot of time and energy.

Agents can help with this.

Though they are not necessary.

Sometimes pooling energy and money with other artists can be just as good.

: What compromises have to be made when selling your work?

Since entering into the gallery scene I’ve dropped the price on my work.

But it was a necessary to help sell the work and start to build up my collector base.

Prices still aren’t where I would like them but they are rising slowly.

Which is fine by me. I don’t want to be a flash in the pan. I’d rather pinch pennies now in hopes that I’ll be able to produce what I want with decent prices a few years down the road.

: Top three tips for the budding artist?

Worth ethic is mandatory.

Work on your portfolio.

Always quality over quantity.

Work on promoting yourself. And learn to live within your means. You never know when you’re going to have a dry spell. So always have a decent cushion of funds to get you through a dry spell.

Interview with Molly Crabapple

2010-06-22T21:35:00.006+01:00

Molly Crabapple's Website
Dr Sketchy's Anti - Art School

: When did you know, without a doubt that you would make Art your profession?

Well, I decided to go to art school in when I was a high school sophomore, essentially because it gave me free range to deliberately fail all my math classes. Since I was 10 or 11, I had known I was either going to be a visual artist or a writer. Did a high school novel, realized it was dreadful, and, post slumming around Europe, realized I could turn a buck drawing things.

: When did you know you had "made it big time?"

Big time eh? I keep having these points when I think I've made it "big time" and I'm totally set. A day later, the euphoria wears off and I'm back to the grind.

:What inspires you to create the images you draw?

Performer girls with cotton candy hair, iron determination, and blisters hid by swarovski studded heels.

: What do you think the difference's are between Fine Art and Illustration
in relation to your work and from what you've seen in the industry?

Fine art. in the industry sense, is illustration where you have to please one client- the gallery. Fine art calls for people to be much more rigid and repetitive than illustration does. For many people, it becomes the process of creating increasingly polished versions of your best painting until you die.

: You seem to have many things going on at once,
like Dr Stetchy's/Editorials/Exhibitions,
how difficult is it to manage all this and have a social life at the same time?

I love my work, and am lucky enough to have a brilliant assistant, Melissa Dowell, who makes my fever-schemes actually come true. I really cherish my time with my close friends and make it a priority to see them.

: How difficult is it to be an Illustrator in today's current climate?

Editorial illustrators are having a hard go of it because so much print media is dying. While blogs and internet news sources are replacing print media, the speed at which online news is churned out makes it almost impossible for it to be accompanied by loving gouache paintings. I'm lucky enough to have carved a rather odd niche for myself that keeps me fed, but many people in the industry are suffering

: Three top tips for a budding Illustrator/Fine Artist?

Work hard. Make friends. Don't give up.

: How do you see yourself progressing in 5 years time?

Man, I can never answer this question! So I always say... "Sketchy's in Antarctica!"

Some Nice Animations

2010-06-20T22:57:00.003+01:00

Piece of Cake from Eliza Ivanova on Vimeo.

Out Of A Forest from Tobias Gundorff Boesen on Vimeo.

Agamemnon Counterpart from Michael Robinson on Vimeo.

Robert Williams, American Artist and "Illustrator."

2010-06-19T11:44:00.005+01:00

Robert Williams Website

Juxtapoz Magazine

Nice interview from Juxtapoz Magazine
founder Robert Williams.

Another interview, more thoughts and feelings and
focus on his new show.

Blockhead - Music Scene

2010-06-16T21:31:00.003+01:00

One of the most impressive and original
animations I have seen in a while.

"The Music Scene" from Anthony Francisco Schepperd on Vimeo.

Taken from NinjaTune.com

And a nice funky music edit
by Hexstatic.

Hexstatic present - Trailer Trax video mix from Solid Steel on Vimeo.

RSA - Making Business Fun

2010-05-29T00:46:00.003+01:00

Thoughts for my summer project...

AOI Transport London Cycle Brief

2010-05-17T16:20:00.002+01:00

DONE

AOI Transport for London

2010-05-15T21:37:00.002+01:00

Here is a quick work
in progress shot.

One of two or three bikers,
very rough.

Music Videos

2010-05-08T22:08:00.008+01:00

Massive Attack - Girl I love You

Not the official video, not exactly sure who did it.
BUT
I feel it captures the essence of the song very well.

Orbital - The Box

I'm a big fan of stop motion videos.
This is very dystopian.
Right up my street.

Subtle - Swan Meat

A definite nod to 40's animation,
very dark but has character.

Björk - Wanderlust (2D Version)

Bjork's video has style.
Enough said.

I have always secretly wanted to make music
videos.

I don't tend to be directly influenced by Illustrators.
Even though I'm a student of the subject.
I try and be far reaching as possible,
there is so much out there to look at and interact with.

Imagine it like neurons firing blindly in between
synapses.

Music plays an important part it my art, without it
I doubt I could draw.
At all.

I am a very intensive person when I engage
in something.

100% or nothing.

Apparently I have an A2 personality type,
which means I am slightly less likely to suffer
from a heart attack than an A1, which is nice.

When I am creating something when I reach a certain
point in the piece, I need a break.
I close my eyes and clean my artistic palette with some music.
I need to do this - it's very important.
If I didn't I would go mad.
(It's a sliding scale...)

I am quite sure that this infuriates my tutors
(both past and present)
I have always worked in these "bursts."
When I come back to the image I know where to
go from there.

Almost like getting lost in the car,
stopping to look in the A-Z,
looking up and seeing a familiar landmark.
You wouldn't of seen it if you didn't stop
and took a minute to look in the A-Z.

"Seeing the wood for the trees"

Anyway enough drivel from me.

Noh Plays

2010-05-02T23:43:00.003+01:00

Very beautiful, and incredibly engaging.
Story telling at it's finest.

Well worth watching, another good play is
Tamasaburo "Orochi" (Great Serpent).

Random Images 2

2010-05-02T17:20:00.004+01:00

It is the end of the educational year,
so my mind is else where.

Here is a tiny selection of images.

The Mighty Boosh & The Crack Fox

2010-04-10T22:53:00.002+01:00

The perils of London explained...

Marco Zamora & Derek Albeck

2010-04-07T21:16:00.006+01:00

Marco Zamora

Derek Albeck

Quite funky and very awsome.

Shamelessly taken from Fecalface.

Dock Ellis and the LSD No-No

2010-04-04T00:24:00.002+01:00

Dock Ellis and the LSD No-No

Taken once again from the Beautiful/Decay blog

If you haven’t heard the tale of Dock Ellis throwing a no-hitter under the influence of LSD,
then you my friend are about to have your socks blown right off.
Story goes, Ellis was visiting friends in Los Angeles under the
impression he had the day off and went ahead and dropped some tabs
and started to chill.
Just so happens that Ellis had slept through an entire day,
and luckily a friend told him he had to pitch against the Padres that night,
so Ellis boarded a flight back and threw a no-hitter despite not being able
to feel the ball or clearly see the batter or catcher.
Talk about performance enhancing drugs!
Well No Mas and artist James Blagden have teamed up to present an awesome
animated retelling of Dock Ellis’ legendary LSD no-hitter.
Enjoy!!

Logorama

2010-04-02T12:20:00.000+01:00

Very witty and a very funny parody of consumer culture.

Iskra Print

2010-03-30T00:25:00.004+01:00

Iskra Print Collective

"The Russian word "iskra" translates as "the vital spark," symbolizing the inner spiritual spark that ignites change.

The Iskra Print Collective is a nonprofit community space dedicated to the practice, understanding, and appreciation of the printmaking arts. The studio collaborates with artists on small- and large-scale printing projects and engages the broader creative community by hosting open-house exhibitions and educational and informative workshops. Iskra believes in the power of print to communicate, influence, and inspire.

Michael Jager, JDK's creative director, had always wanted to establish a space for the designers to experiment with the art of screen-printing. Michael and Leo Listi worked together to create an educational screen-printing studio as an extension of the Sanctuary Artsite (a nonprofit art gallery curated by JDK employees). The studio started out with used equipment and a limited budget but has now grown into a thriving entity, churning out posters and T-shirts created by everyone interested in learning and volunteering their time to further the collective's goals."

My Desk & Current(ish) Work

2010-03-24T23:14:00.008Z

I have recently been decorating in my
little studio space.

This is some work from the last project.
From roughs to the screenprints.

Visual Kinetics

2010-03-21T16:58:00.010Z

Visual lines.
Connections and abstractions.

Speed, movement and colour.
Infinate space filled with shape.

Black and white make pillow talk,
whilst angular jutting arcs strut
stamping their feet drawing your
eye.

A look outside from within one's
own perception.

A seemingly endless, sprawling labyrinth.
A generic hero – a “super-man,” who lives in a world that no longer needs him.
A world of technological achievement and wonder where man can be everywhere at once.
A crisis of purpose and identity.
A loss of significance in the face of modernity.

Do I dare
Disturb the universe?
In a minute there is time
For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.

For I have known them all already, known them all –
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;
I know the voices dying with a dying fall
Beneath the music from a farther room.
So how should I presume?

- From T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”

Khoda

2010-03-20T10:56:00.004Z

Khoda from Reza Dolatabadi on Vimeo.

Shamelessly taken from the Beautiful/Decay Blog.

What if you watch a film and whenever you pause it, you face a painting? This idea inspired Reza Dolatabadi to make Khoda. Over 6000 paintings were painstakingly produced during two years to create a five minutes film that would meet high personal standards. Khoda is a psychological thriller; a student project which was seen as a ‘mission impossible’ by many people but eventually proved possible!

The Cat Piano

2010-03-15T18:38:00.001Z

Narrated by Nick Cave,
dark and delicious.

The Cat Piano from PRA on Vimeo.