hodgepodge illustration

Lynsey Erin Illustration

2010-12-05T20:14:00.007-05:00

Hi friends! It's been a bit of work, but my illustration website has launched!! Wooooo! This includes my fancy new blog where you can keep up with my news, art inspiration, goodies and such, as well as super new art. Stop by LynseyErinillustration.com and let me know what you think!

NY Comic Con, Asterios Polyp and Wilson

2010-10-03T22:37:00.024-04:00

I warned you that I was in a graphic novel phase, or research between new work phase, or procrastination phase, but whatever you prefer to call it, I've been excited about comics lately. On top of that, out of the blue my friend had such an intriguing proposition working the Anime Network booth at NY Comic Con, that I couldn't refuse and have been pouring over the event list daily to see where I'll make my way during breaks. Tracy White will be speaking there, author and illustrator of graphic novel How I made it to Eighteen, a story of addiction, depression and getting through it, as well as Jane Yolen, who is typically a wonderful children's author and is making her own graphic novel debut. Definitely check all the comic mayhem out October 8th-10th!

image via BoDoi, image via paulgravett.com
Today I finished 2 graphic novels back to back, and there was my first mistake. The second, is that I started with David Mazzucchelli's Asterios Polyp and then went on to Daniel Clowes' Wilson. They both star a middle aged self centered male, and because of this should have been enjoyed and reread separately in order to avoid comparisons. But alas, I did not and so I will.
Mazzucchelli's graphic design layout, choice of limited colors, use of space, and a beautiful script make this the perfect graphic novel to me. Each character has a depth that feels more autobiographical than fiction. I could gush and pour on the praise all day, but just do yourself a favor and read it.
* On a side note, I did take a class alongside Mazzucchelli and his class work is featured somewhere on this blog.....also, he was super nice and always helpful.
In Clowes' Wilson, the character never quite grows, is always quite despicable, and never makes a real connection to the people on the pages, leaving it as flat as the medium itself. What works are the changing styles of drawing and alternating full color pages and 2 colors pages for visual interest. His drawing style has always been a favorite of mine, and for this I would still recommend it.

image via raincoastbooks.com

Graphic reads

2010-08-25T22:20:00.008-04:00

Lately all I've been into reading is graphic novels. Luckily the library down the street from me has a great section and apparently few geeks like me in the area because the section is always pretty full. I became obsessed with Julie Doucet after reading her 365 days, basically a journal of a year in life, working, traveling and just dealing with everyday things.

I picked up Skim, by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by cousin Jillian Tamaki and was blown away. The coming of age story is so honest, and the illustration and perspectives are so beautiful that I read it over and over again. I want to get my hands on all of Jillian's work now.

The Impostor's Daughter, a true story of a journalist and her relationship with her father and her unraveling read like a thriller and was absolutely satisfying. These are due soon, so I'll have another batch to get wrapped up in and hopefully get inspired to start on my own.

Images via Drawn and Quarterly, Amazon, and Tablet.com

Wedding Illustrations

2010-08-03T21:41:00.011-04:00

Since our wedding was at the Society of Illustrator's, I felt it fitting to hire a fashion illustrator, Jillian Leedy, to draw during the ceremony and cocktail hour for a little something different. She sketched there previously for an event I blogged about here, so I was excited to see her loose, quick interpretations, and everyone enjoyed watching her while she worked.

* all images are via Jillian Leedy

Tacos to Truffles

2010-07-20T19:21:00.005-04:00

So my friends and I love to eat, and talk about eating so much, we started a blog called Tacos to Truffles. I'll be there every Tuesday illustrating my favorite meals of the week. Come check it out- I promise you'll leave salivating!

Burrata appetizer from Fiore in Brooklyn - watercolor and ink

Happy Birthday Frida!

2010-07-06T21:45:00.002-04:00

picture via Maira Kalman's blog

La Isla Bonita

2010-06-30T21:41:00.007-04:00

Hi! I'm back from our honeymoon in Spain, too soon of course. We went to Barcelona and Mallorca, a beautiful island off the coast, and had an amazing time.

This is the beautiful town of Deia in Mallorca that
many artists, writers and musicians come to for inspiration.
Check out more of my Spain sketches on my Flickr page.

Illustrated Wedding Invites

2010-06-08T22:27:00.007-04:00

So this is how our wedding invitations came out...our friend Ricky is an amazing graphic designer, and he type set and letter pressed them at The Arm in Brooklyn. (and took these 2 top photos...mine, not so great!)

images per Ricky Ferrer

Here's how the set looked. King and queen Love stamps, grey envelopes with attempted calligraphy, RSVP post card and invite. It took 2 stamps to mail just because the envelope is vertical! At least it made sense with the king and queen on each one....

Fancy Free and ABT

2010-06-08T22:21:00.004-04:00

Hi! Haven't posted in a while due to the upcoming wedding and work, but I'm still drawing daily! Recently my fiance and I have been going to the ballet a lot, and he turned me on to the ABT logo contest....and I won! It's a rendering of Fancy Free, a ballet set in the 1940's about 3 sailors who fall for 2 women. Wooo! Check it out at American Ballet Theater.

Moleskine fiend

2010-02-28T18:35:00.009-05:00

I never really understood why this brand of seemingly regular notebooks has such a cult following. But then I saw this video by Juan Berrio and was completely inspired, and started searching for other Moleskine using artists...of which there are many, many, and even more many. You must, MUST take a look at the video- it is just incredible.

I found a new favorite illustrator, Badaude, and fell in love with her hand done typography, fashion musings and illustrations, and fantastic scenes of Paris. J'adore her!!

Moleskine page from Illehell, on Flickr....the set is an a-z of cities worldwide, but I had to post my hometown, Houston!

This is a set of 3 Moleskines I bought for me and my two friends so I would finally have a sketch book to use in the subway, and because they are so wonderful and thoughtful, that I owed them some pen pal love. The girl in the top left corner I drew from a Depression era photo found in the Library of Congress's Flickr photostream. Best resource ever. I drew the Alexander McQueen dress for Jen, who was also a huge fan, and finally, a sun bear lamp/upholstered living room scene with a Daughter Earth wall hanging for Katy, of Daughter Earth. That may sound weird, but read her blog, and you'll understand. I'm off to finish my drawings for the invites...and start filling up pages of round cornered inspiration!

Illuminated Invitations part deux

2010-02-26T21:27:00.005-05:00

Okay, so my wonderful, fantastic graphic designer friend has kindly offered to LETTERPRESS our wedding invites. How amazing is that?? When you cost them out at other places they are often around 8.00 PER CARD!!! Needless to say, I'm excited...but everything has to be done this weekend because he's printing next Saturday, so that's what I'm doing! There's snow piled a foot high, but I really need to trek back up to take reference pics of the building. Here's the final inspiration board...my rough sketch of the Society of Illustrator's building, and the tall skinny envelopes from my favorite stationery store, Paper Presentation, though I haven't decide on grey or kraft paper yet. At the top left are the Love stamps I'm using beautifully designed by Jeanne Greco.

Illuminated Invitations

2010-02-23T20:37:00.006-05:00

This is in no way turning into a wedding blog, but I have been on a quest for great inspiration for my wedding invites, which of course I want to illustrate myself, hence the posting. I already showed the save the date, but wanted something different for the invites and have searched high and low for ideas.

First, I was really into the idea of a comic book theme.

I was obsessed with this comic book cover style design from D.I.Y. Union

and this one from Lollipop Events and Designs-where the bride's ring is a diamond Hello Kitty!!

But also loved the sweet simplicity of black and white lettering and kraft paper of this letter pressed couple via Oh So Beautiful Paper

and of course all the wonderful Rifle Paper invitations; especially that the designs of their whole sets work together perfectly....

and was also drawn to the intricate line work of this gorgeous hand carved and printed set via Tugboat Printshop

But ultimately, this board I put together was the final inspiration piece I went off of to design the invites. It will definitely be a black and white crosshatching type style drawing of the Society of Illustrators where the wedding will occur. I liked the idea of us on it, but we decided simpler was better. I can always draw us in front of the building on the RSVP or for the guest book. (yay, more projects!!) I still don't know whether to add the one color pop of their iconic red door, it doesn't go with the palette of anything else; I'm not all "wedding colors!!", but they have to all make sense together, you know? Although it is so trendy right now, I just love the look of kraft paper and think the envelopes may be made of that...

From left corner: Incredible building illustration by Al lorenz via Society of Illustrators ; Shu Okada's people have a very sweet vintage Joan Walsh Anglund feel; The awesome hand drawn napkin invites were done for a contest on 100 layer cake by Bryn; Picture I drew of Matt in front of the Rosenbach Museum in Philly; Wedding paper set with library building and bookmark; Letterpressed Golden Gate bridge invite; My drawing of a 2 of hearts couple

News and updates and whatnot

2010-02-16T21:03:00.009-05:00

Well first, I've been working on my portfolio, trying to get more sequential images in there and all. Here's one from a series I've been working on about a girl and her mom.

Lynsey Hirth - click to enlarge

I guess my biggest news, though, is that I recently got engaged and am now planning the wedding, which, knock on wood, has been great so far. I made these save the dates that said,
"Don't be sketchy, save the date!" Yes, there's a bit of an art theme to the wedding...but not overly cheesy...hopefully I can restrain myself. I'll be posting my ideas for the invites soon...I can't decide on what to go with!

Lynsey Hirth

I am also terribly upset over the loss of Alexander McQueen. His work was a huge inspiration to me since design school, and I've seen his garments in person and been blown away by the craftsmanship. These are a few of my favorite fashion illustrations inspired by his designs:

Beautiful jester drawing by Kuanth

Gorgeous twin dresses by Sandra Suy

An ethereal McQueen dream sequence via Danny Roberts of Igor and Andre

and of course, the adorable Fifi Lapin in her British best

My favorite ever look of McQueen's, from Spring 2005, hat by Philip Treacy, that I will try and draw very soon.

Tavi Time!

2009-12-14T21:06:00.008-05:00

I am hooked on Style Rookie, the blog of quirky thirteen year old student-by-day, fashion extraordinaire-by-night Tavi Gevinson. She's hilarious, smart, worships the same designer's I do, and obviously has a future as a stylist....editor...designer...really just about anything. Tavi debuted a leopard dress from Rodarte's Target collection and posted another from their Spring 07 RTW line and I had to sketch them!

Rock solid advice

2009-12-10T20:12:00.005-05:00

These illustrations by Jessica Gonacha drew me in (ha) but her posts are so inspiring! Check her out over on PecanNoot !

Back in business!

2009-11-19T19:52:00.006-05:00

Hi there! I'm back....just busier than ever, which is good of course, but I've been slacking on this front! A few things I've been working on lately. These are all done in Prismacolor markers with ink and some Pentel pen and prisma color pencils.

Sketch night at Society of Illustrators

Dior leopard dress from Fall '09

Based on blogger Jane Aldridge from Sea of Shoes but I've changed it up a little :)

Bye, see you much sooner next time!

California Love

2009-10-14T22:19:00.024-04:00

We're leaving in 2 days for a much need vacation, flying into LA and driving up the lovely PCH1 to San Fransisco. (This also explains the lack of posting- planning takes lots of browsing every website in every city, nook and cranny being visited!) I am SO excited for the following.....

Eating at, and viewing the current art installation at above Royal T cafe, unfortunately missing this Hello Kitty 35th bday exhibit by 3 days!!!!

It makes me and hello kitty cry....

my photo of Tom Sachs sculpture in NY

pic via Lance Bangs, from We Love You So

Seeing Where the Wild Things Are!!!!!! I am an enormous Maurice Sendak fan, not to mention Jonze, and got to see both speak at the MoMA about the film and see the debut of Jonze and Lance Bangs documentary, Tell them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak which premiered on HBO tonight- and I HIGHLY recommend!!! I cried and we all gave him a standing ovation.

that's right...just a casual chat with Sendak and Jonze...

Visting printing goody shop little otsu in San Fransisco and getting this Apak panda card!

Seeing this Irving Penn exhibition at the Getty museum

picture via The Getty

Going to the brand new giant Japanese mall, New People and visiting the Baby the Stars Shine Bright boutique...love the gothic lolita look and hope the mall will be filled with cute stationery/food/accessories!

AAAA!!! I had to amend this post because I'm most super SUPER excited about finally seeing Katy, of Daughter Earth fame, after wayyy too long!! yay!

quilt via Daughter Earth's Etsy site

See you soon!

A Good Harvest!

2009-10-05T22:28:00.049-04:00

This past weekend I was lucky enough to wander on just the right street in Korea town - in the middle of Korean harvest day parade no less!- and stumbled upon the most amazing shop, um, called "The Hello Kitty Shop" BUT WAIT!! This is not a Hello Kitty post - Why I'm obsessed with this store is for the beautifully illustrated Korean stationery lines they carry. I discovered whimsical fairy tale illustrator, Kim Minji, who has series of both Alice in Wonderland and The Little Prince and paints in washy watercolors.

all pictures via Kim Minji

Then!!! All the fashion illustration stationery I could ever dream of! The stickers with young red riding hood-looking girls saying silly phrases (quite reminiscent of Yoshitomo Nara's work) are by a company Pony Brown, and you can see more of their line here at Cotton Candy Island-soooo cute!

These 2 large sheets- titled "m.ray's boyish look style" and "Trend Report from Tanya" say "written and illustrated by okun", but I can't find anything on this illustrator- any suggestions are welcome!

The last find- a set of 2 little notebooks with the cutest outfits front and back! Same story with the illustrator here- in the corner it says "illust by RUA" but no luck in searches.

They also had great tote bags- similar to the Coach ones I blogged about...maybe next time....

Go figure!

2009-09-23T21:18:00.012-04:00

On the Society of Illustrators main page I always see a sidebar advertising their Jazz and Sketch night, and while it sounded intriguing, those things can be kind of intimidating and I didn't go out of my way to see what it was all about. Finally, probably out of frustration of wanting better subjects than my cats, I decided to check it out, why not? And absolutely loved it. The drawing venue feels like a cozy parlour, a totally relaxed and relaxing atmosphere -a live band plays, you can drink wine, and it's completely non judgemental. The Society has it every Tues and Thurs; I will definitely be going back- you should stop by!

picture via Society of Illustrators

my sketches from last night using ink

I'm the dummy...

2009-08-11T19:24:00.003-04:00

I made this today inspired by the graphic simpleness of the clean type and colors of the "Make do and Mend" and "Keep Calm" posters ...mine has a calendar on it as well, left out here, as a countdown to my dummy deadline because it WILL get finished!!!!!

Sea Jane take over the fashion world

2009-08-05T22:34:00.009-04:00

Recently I started reading a little blog (ha!) called Sea of Shoes and Jane, the 17 year old blogger, is by far the coolest high schooler, um, ever. Suddenly she's everywhere- from Vogue to a collaboration with Urban Outfitters. Why am I obsessed? First she's from Texas :) Second, she loves Tokyo and takes amazing photos so I can drool until I can finally go for myself one day, and thirdly for the absolutely gorgeous clothing pornography that flows from her site daily! Jane has my dream closet and I love how she puts things together. The pics of her walking down a random gravel-ly road in Texas in a black cocoon top and 5" Marni's made me laugh out loud because, really, people must stare at her with gaping mouths, this girl sticks out so much there! Two of my favorite fashion illustrator's have drawn her....maybe I should try next....

Igor + Andre

Paperfashion

Coney Island baby

2009-07-20T19:35:00.007-04:00

Hi! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I went to the Coney Island Aquarium for the first time and loved it! We walked along the boardwalk eating chocolate and vanilla twist softserve and people watching. Sirenfest was going on and Built to Spill played while fireworks went off. It was the best summer day - especially considering it was the first weekend here that actually felt like summer!

Beard Papa

the only lil guy who stayed still long enough to not come out blurry!

Wonder wheel and boardwalk

Shark!

these have to be the coolest sea creatures

Free People Contest

2009-07-14T18:20:00.016-04:00

Free People recently had a Fashion Illustration contest that I entered and the results were really awesome. Here's the winning entry and a few other great illustrations-I think almost everyone went with the purple dress- check them all out on Flickr.

Kathryn Rodgers- the winner, check out her blog, Paper Fashion - she's even illustrated Susie Bubble, who I am a HUGE fan of!

Kristine Fernandez

Sonni Aun

Elizabeth Savanella

Lucy Chiu

Kat Catanakis

Miozotis Moloon

Inky play

2009-07-14T18:03:00.007-04:00

A few weeks ago our class was asking illustrator Brian Floca what materials he used and he talked about Japanese nibs. I've always been curious and when another student tried them out for her final project with nice results I was encouraged. I love the thick and thin flow-y lines you get, but it's definitely harder to use than a pen and sporadically the metal scratches, ink erupts and creates sprinkles on the page. Lovely.

Back in Action!

2009-07-06T19:28:00.006-04:00

Hi there, hope you had a wonderful long weekend and 4th of July! And the weather here is nice again!! I can't believe it! I am done moving and just trying to put everything all together and fit all my stuff in a much smaller space. Last week I finished an amazing class at SVA, and Allyn Howard, who created a story about a dog named Floaty, just wrote about it and the course on her blog, Blipadee; she does such a great job I won't even try to recap!

Allyn Howard's aerial view of Floaty's world

Rachael Cole taught the course and was inspiring and honest about the industry, book process, and class work. Her own illustrations are beautiful and graphic, and her silk screened village pillows are covetable- I wish I could afford them!

Photo via Rachel Cole's website

I learned so much in the 5 weeks and got my book dummy going in the direction I want it to, so I can *finally* complete it soon! Bye!

Free People Friday!

2009-06-26T17:37:00.010-04:00

Happy happy Friday! This weekend I have lots of packing to do, but being the procrastinator that I am I'm pretty sure I'll put it off as long as possible! Anyway, this is a piece I just finished for Free People's Fashion Illustration Contest. If you've never been to their blog I promise you'll get sucked in. It has great art, design, fashion, music videos, a little of everything. I've been meaning to do an illustration based off a sewing pattern because I'm obsessed with vintage ones. Hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with things more fun than moving.....

Freebie Listmaking Zen

2009-06-23T19:14:00.015-04:00

Hi again. I've been so busy with my class and the packing/painting/cleaning apartment stuff that I'm supposed to be doing, that I just need to take a breath and make a list. When I can't sleep at night because I get anxious about the next day I have to get up and write everything down. It's a very calming process for me. So here's a freebie to-do list just for you! Go on and zen out while you cross your stress off!

Friday's Five: Let's Ride Away....

2009-06-19T18:28:00.018-04:00

Hi there. Yes, I've been a bit quiet. It's been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week for me to quote Judith Viorst. It started out bad and somehow continued to get worse....even on this lovely summer Friday off I'm supposed to be having! For the rest of the weekend I'll be packing and continuing to try and pare down my collections of stuff and clutter as we get ready to move next week. One of the many awesome things about the new apartment is that it has bike storage, which means I get to buy a bike! So that's been my obsession lately, "cruiser" and "basket" bicycle searches on craigslist! Just look at this awesome website Copenhagen Cycle Chic. Such good inspiration! Hope I can work the dress-and-heels-on-a-bike look...

Photo via Copenhagen Cycle Chic

Agnyess photos via Womanx

Matte Stephen's Etsy print "Vivienne on her Bike"

Easy, breezy, dreamy look via The Sartoralist

Friday's Five: Weekend warrior?

2009-06-12T21:17:00.009-04:00

Hi there! This Friday I'm trying to stay focused because I have an overwhelming amount of work to do this month! What about you, any goals this weekend? This summer? My 5....in no particular order:
1. Finish story for class
2. Complete character sketches for 5 characters in my book dummy
3. Clean out closet to get ready for the move!! (eeks this is the most daunting...)
4. Take clothes to Buffalo Exchange/ Goodwill ....and not spend while there! haha
5. Celebrate with the wonderful blogger Michelle Ward from When I Grow Up for graduating and becoming a certified life coach. Congrats Michelle!

Have a wonderful weekend!

UP!

2009-06-11T21:08:00.025-04:00

Last weekend I saw UP! and it was seriously amazing. The story, the animation...just incredible. Um, I cried...a lot...and was thankful for the 3-d glasses I was wearing! I'm always in awe of animators, but I especially like seeing their character sketches because they draw in a completely different way than other artists. They can just "see" a fictional character from every angle and it's completely imaginative, existing in his own world. I'd love to do more sketching like that. Some excellent pieces from Disney's Hollywood Studios Animation exhibit-

Aging Carl

Russell

Pixar's The Art of Up - on my Amazon wish list!

Extremely Mary Blair inspired- especially the painting that hangs on the hearth in their house- lovely

Sketching in the park

2009-06-09T20:56:00.015-04:00

I've been reading Danny Gregory's book The Creative License and am very into his watercolor in-the-moment observational drawings. I don't really journal, just keep sketch books and sporadically draw what comes to me or ideas for specific drawings, but I love that he makes the mundane look beautiful. He makes me want to capture my coffee and morning bagel and make it feel special. I definitely don't do enough outdoor drawing and realize when I do how static it makes my other work feel and it' s nice to use it as a relaxing exercise. Pick up his book if you want encouraging and funny words, or new ideas to sketch if you aren't feeling inspired.

3 birds, a dog and 2 people at Riverside park

hodgepodge prints!!!!

2009-06-08T15:11:00.004-04:00

That's right folks, my Etsy shop hodgepodge prints is finally up and running! Stop by and check it out!

MoCCA love part 3: favorite artists

2009-06-08T12:42:00.040-04:00

So guys, this is the last of the MoCCA posts and I want to introduce you to some of my favorite new artists that I'll definitely be keeping track of, and hope you will too. Enjoy!

Hellen Jo- this girl is ridiculously funny and talented. Go over to her website to see what I mean. She did a series of illustrations on post-its and it will make you feel bad if you're ever like, "waaa I have no supplies to draw with!"

oooo she did a watercolor of Belle de Jour- one of my favorite movies! If you haven't seen it- get it! the costumes were done by Yves St. Laurent and every shot is eye candy.

Joseph Lambert- this guy is extremely prolific, super nice- and signed everything in pink pen! He was selling gorgeous handmade work for great prices. You MUST go to his blog and see the screen printing process for the middle poster (I bought one)- it's awesome.

Robin Ha- Makes comics and does beautiful fashion illustration. I love the 50s styling of The Cherry Twins.

Anna Bongiovanni- Also very, very nice and signed my poster after sketching another fan on the spot. Anna had a comic book called 100 princesses, each page with a drawing of a princess and a little story, really cute and funny. These are the posters she made to go along with it, they are adorable! Unfortunately she's sold out on Etsy, but check back, they're so worth it!

MoCCA love part 2: artist cards!

2009-06-07T19:06:00.045-04:00

The thing I love about festivals like this is that even when you are all out of money, people are still giving out full color business cards, postcards (great for framing for cheap art!) and stickers all for free, and helping me remember who I really liked. I've spent several hours admiring their websites and trust me, they are well worth your time to check out!

leaves by Mark Burrier

Center for Cartoon Studies postcard by Sean Ford

Illustration for My Mommy is in America and met Buffalo Bill by Emile Bravo

-Martina Fuggazzotto's work can be found at one of my favorite print sites, Charmingwall, or over at her super bright page
-Stephanie Yue is a RI based artist who does adorable children's work and these great mice!

I've been looking into printing business cards, so I'm quite keen on seeing what's out there right now, and what graphics work or don't in such a small space. The Twinkletoes Gang is deep pressed and came in an array of colors on thick creamy paper- very nice. Graphic black and white penguin card by Thomas Baehr- cutest graphic novel ever! I think the Comics Bakery is my favorite though, I love curved edges right now and the sweet sepia colors work so well.

MoCCA part 1: Kate T Williamson

2009-06-06T19:44:00.030-04:00

I was surprisingly overwhelmed by the many great exhibitors at MoCCA art festival this weekend, it's just rows and rows of booths with graphic novels,comics, pins, cards etc. so it feels very personal when you're at an artist's booth, right in front of them, flipping through their work, and either you put it down and obviously weren't captivated...or you love it and start a conversation with the artist. Luckily the latter happened with one of my new favorite illustrators I was meant to meet, Kate T Williamson. Her beautiful graphic novel is called "A Year in Japan" with humorous writing and watercolor illustrations of a year documented there when she was granted a fellowship. Kate was super friendly, wrote me a beautiful inscription, and *gasp* has authored books about Hello Kitty!!!! whatt??? How have I not started her fan club yet??!

Busy busy bee

2009-06-06T17:46:00.013-04:00

Hey guys! Sorry I've been m.i.a, but there's good reason for it, really! First, we (finally!!) got the apartment we wanted-yes, yay- but the process took forever and was a bit stressful. Now, just the moving (bleh) and decorating (woooo!)

Second, I spent all day at the MOCCA event I posted about last week! It was sooo cool and inspiring and I have lots of goodies to share so I'll come back with that later. Thanks, see you soon, and happy Saturday!

Pocketful Illustration

2009-06-05T18:45:00.015-04:00

ooOoOo... the 3rd issue of Pocketful Illustration Magazine is out! I love the concept- an excerpt from The Little Prince-"Draw me a Sheep!" Everyone interpreted it in such original and unique ways, I'm really excited to be a part of it.

Luckiest girl alive!

2009-06-01T22:24:00.027-04:00

Yesterday I had lunch with my very good friend Jen, who, unfortunately for me, moved far far away, but fortunately for her, got an amazing job that she loves, and affords her money to visit! I can think of no one more deserving than her, yay Jen! We used to work together and she taught me everything I know, and pretty much got me my first "real" job. Due to the move I suggested exchanging addresses to snail mail each other (we used to cut funny clippings and draw pictures and sneak them onto each other's desks which is just not the same via email) and of course I never sent my first letter and the week before she comes i get this:

My very own portrait!!! I'm loving the Madonna/ SJP in Girls Just Want to Have Fun vibe!! how cool is that??? oh, did I mention? I'm kind of crazy about Hello Kitty...thanks Jen!! now get a website so we can all "ooo" and "aaaa" over your work!

Friday's Five: Must see summer art shows

2009-05-29T22:15:00.078-04:00

1. MoCCA Art Festival 2009 - a fundraiser for the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, but held at the Lexington Avenue Armory; a huge exhibit of artists, sketchers, animators, indie comics and more- I mean, just look at the poster! June 6th and 7th.

2. Also currently and, actually, at MoCCA through August 23rd, is a retrospective of David Mazzucchelli, a comic artist who started at Marvel working on Batman in the 80s and moved into the less glamorous but more personal indie comic world. He was actually in one of my classes at SVA- you know how you'll be in class and there's always a superstar the teacher adores and everyone else is struggling? Well, he's the superstar. Mazzucchelli's new work, a graphic novel called Asterios Polyp, looks really exciting - I can't wait to see it and get to know his older work.

3.Giant Robot NY - One of my favorite little galleries because of it's laid back vibe, cute shop items, and back issues of it's awesome magazine. Check out the new exhibit Panelists: Comic Artists on the Wall through June 24th.

4. Society of Illustrators -Earlier this year I posted about Yoko Furosho, a favorite artist of mine and a really nice girl. She was featured in The Society of Illustrators annual student competition, along with many talented upcoming illustrators you should check out to say you knew them when- through June 6th.

Petals in the water by Yoko Furosho

5. American Folk Art Museum- I already loved Henry Darger's collaged and traced outsider art illustrations following his fictional 15,145 page story about the Vivian Girls, but seeing the actual pieces is stunning. I didn't realize how large they would be, or how dreamy the use of his colors were until I visited Up Close: Henry Darger - though September 6th.

Subtle for summer...

2009-05-28T22:33:00.022-04:00

...or not!! Little illustrated hipster Miss Marc by Marc Jacobs adorns this swimsuit, cover up , beach tote and flip flops -all on my summer wish list.

Images via NY Mag, Neiman Marcus and Revolve clothing

What I wore Wednesday

2009-05-27T20:38:00.005-04:00

1 part Lynn Yaegar...

+ 1 part Linnea in Monet's garden

what I wore on Wednesday

aches and pains...

2009-05-26T20:04:00.008-04:00

Unfortunately, I am a sufferer of migraines and today is one of those not good days. Hopefully tomorrow will be better....see you then!

"Migraine" painting by loadedhipspress on Etsy

Friday's Five: Hey, Sailor!

2009-05-22T17:19:00.011-04:00

It's fleet week here in NY and Memorial Day weekend! I'm about to go savor some outdoor food and drinks, you can savor these sailor inspired fashions. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

1. Cute Anchor hat by LIDDesignsBoutique's shop on Etsy
2. Sea blue sailor top by my friend Inessah's eco friendly clothing company Sublet- organic soft cotton keeps you cool in the heat
3. So cute button up sailor pants by Marc Jacobs on Bluefly
4. Every girl needs these Lolita heart shaped sunglasses from Fred Flare for flirty summer fun!
5. Bright orange wedges from Kate Spade on Zappos

Sakura Blossom Kokeshi Cutie!

2009-05-21T22:23:00.005-04:00

Hi guys! I hope you're as excited about this long weekend as I am!!! I don't even have any plans, but it's just the possibility of anything-could-happen-ness. and no work! This is a print I made with one of my woodblock print kokeshi girls digitally layered on top of my own sakura blossom flower print. Enjoy!

Adobe is ruining my post!!

2009-05-20T20:42:00.006-04:00

I'm trying to upload an illustration for you, but I'm having difficulty with color settings....in the meantime, why don't you check out the poetic pink photography at A Creative Mint, or the adorable illustrations of Majea Kann . If you feel like getting crafty, go devour some ....
...the cutest little craft blog around! See you soon!

The softer side of Blair. Waldorf.

2009-05-18T22:11:00.013-04:00

The one thing that makes me giddy on a Monday morning is the thought of Monday night ...and a new episode of Gossip Girl. I have seen them filming multiple times in NY (tonight's episode filmed next door to my work!) and still call everyone and squeal and take pictures like a freaking 15 year old!!! I love Leighton Meister's character Blair and her amazing overly preppy ensembles. If you saw the finale tonight- this one's for you! xoxo

Saturday's Six! : Book loving artwork

2009-05-16T11:30:00.017-04:00

I'm not going to lie, I was secretly hoping this weekend would be dark and stormy and the perfect excuse to stay in and curl up with a book. Well weather.com is is laughing at me and no rain is coming until later tonight and it's merely a slightly grey hue outside, so I'm going to use my time wisely and go see an art exhibit I've been meaning to stop by. So instead, here's some lovely art about books....a girl can dream can't she?!

Bookshelf print by Jane Mount

Librarian print by Miss Brigette

the book club by tollipop

Roberta doll by holli

Houses 3 by Caram Batack

Comics are books too!! Superheros Among Us by Estasketch

Friday's not so five....

2009-05-15T22:24:00.007-04:00

Sorry guys, this is what I feel like this evening! I'm going to get some rest and come back strong tomorrow! See you then!

illustration via Neve Dobson on Etsy

Goodies in the mail!

2009-05-14T19:50:00.011-04:00

I've admitted I'm a bit of an online shopping addict...but I get really good stuff!!! eeks I feel a 12 step coming...haha. As I posted previously in Friday's Five , I love the look of needle felted crafts and ordered the kit from overstock.com. Really nice colors, especially the of-the-moment teal, I'll hold onto that one once I get it down a bit.

I also watched a documentary on Virginia Lee Burton recently and kind of fell in love. Her own post will come later, but I discovered she illustrated one of my favorite stories, The Emperor's New Clothes and, um, ordered it on Amazon.

Cover

Gorgeous typography and border on the title page

Towns people waiting for the Emperor to arrive

Weaving the "fabric"

Awww, Ella!

2009-05-11T18:54:00.004-04:00

At work we had the sweetest temp, Ella, who was extra cool because of her interest in fashion illustration. Sadly, due to the whole economy thing, she was let go, but we gave her a going away party, and I made my own little fashion illustration of her. Thanks Ella!

Fridays Five: Fav Blogs

2009-05-07T22:59:00.038-04:00

You might have seen the new emblem displayed on my sidebar that reads BYW Friends. I took an online blogging course called "Blogging Your Way"taught by the talented and witty Holly Becker of decor8. The class was inspiring, helpful, and insightful, I highly recommend it for any level of blogging experience. I'd like to introduce you to a few wonderful blogs and people I met through it.

Visual Notes - graphic, calm and clean design blog by the lovely Maaret from Berlin. She has really nice home tours interviews (including photos from her home, above), and of course illustration, so take a look.

Visuals. (see a pattern here?) a great art and design blog by artist Lady Ann de Borja. i love the blog layout and her aesthetic, i could browse through her pages all day long.

Ink on my Fingers Susannah has beautiful photography, (she even teaches her own course) but i think her blog is fascinating because she's a great writer and shares so much about herself and is one of those open and honest bloggers you just want to have a cup of coffee with.

paper*crown A bright, happy, fun, orange oasis is Sarah Ahearn's blog paper*crown that follows her art process and inspirations. Super cute collage and mixed media pieces.

the red thread - Lisa is an Australian artist who's blog is just flooded with gorgeous pictures of art, design, photography, just about everything beautiful. i also feel like you don't see the same things on her blog as you see everywhere else, and her store will make you swoon...and get out your pocketbook.

all photos via visual notes, visuals, the red thread, paper*crown, and ink on my fingers

Couch lust

2009-05-06T18:21:00.022-04:00

I found out that we're leaving our apartment of 3 years...which is scary but great, we currently have a roommate and get to finally "be alone" and not in a teeny studio like when we first moved here! Have I mentioned the amount I've accumulated and collected in those 3 years? that's the scary part... anyway, I'm already dreaming up new spaces and decor! Especially art for the walls. On the way home I saw this couch....and am dreaming to drag it up the stairs and cover it....which lead to the couch lust and these gorgeous Etsy art pieces.

Street couch

French poppies painting (I want this one!!!)

Pink Settee

Red Victorian couch and wallpaper photo

awwww

Friday's Five: Daisy May!

2009-04-30T20:40:00.055-04:00

Yay it's May! Things I'm looking forward to: exciting art exhibit and road trip this weekend, apartment hunting, Mets game, and Memorial day weekend!! What are you doing in May?

Sweet daisy picks as modeled by Agnyess Deyn and Daisy Lowe, of course!

"I love when you stare at me I'm dressed so fresh so clean"

hehe ....appropriate lyrics by Outkast.

1. Betsey Johnson Daisy coat and 2. Betsey Johnson tights

3. Etsy seller Shlyskyward's dreamy daisy 50s dress

4. Marc Jacobs utilitarian daisy tote bag on ebay

5. Warhol's Daisy print on All Posters.com

Shoes by D&G and Converse

Windy Wednesday

2009-04-29T22:18:00.003-04:00

almost blew away....

Urban Outfitters: crafty like a fox?

2009-04-29T20:42:00.031-04:00

I guess this turned out to be supply week, which is great because supplies are one of my biggest inspirations! I was strolling through Urban Outfitters yesterday and came across a lovely little envelope/ stationery set which I saw was designed by Denyse Schmidt, who I just posted about last Friday. I went to their website hoping to find more and what I found was...an entire sewing and craft section?? They're selling sewing kits, Built by Wendy patterns, dead stock trims, Singer sewing machines (vintage looking, of course) and "blank" clothing as your canvas to embellish. I was a little surprised, but I guess the DIY-ers out there are largely their demographic, so why not? You just know everything will be going on sale, and I'd love to snatchup that block printing kit..... hehe.
pictures via Urban Outiftters.com

Umbrella girls

2009-04-25T00:22:00.049-04:00

Remember this post? well, I finished the Japanese woodblock class yesterday. Kind of sad, I liked having that on Saturday mornings, it made me feel like I'd already accomplished a lot by 1:00, and i still have sooo much to learn! We put up the final work to discuss and it turned out really amazing, everyone in the class was so talented, and we all produced such different styles and content. The umbrella girl with blue background was my final woodblock print, the grey is one I'm playing with on photoshop. i still want to carve out some raindrops and puddles in the blue, as shown in the grey one, so it's a work in progress.

5 color, 4 blocks

My panda, 2 girls, and final umbrella girl; other students works.

I love this gorgeous cat print!!

These works were by a student, Greg, who i think took to woodblock printing quicker than anyone. His final print was actually (8!!) carved blocks, the surfer on the left. I love the subtle colors of his fish print, too.

Orange and red mollusks

Candy colored herd of zebras

Friday's Five: Supplies

2009-04-23T23:17:00.048-04:00

Every artist and crafter needs motivation and inspiration, but when you have all that and you're still stumped?? fresh supplies always do the trick! whether you work with paper crafting, (i'm so into all the paper cut artists out there right now) mixed media work, traditional oils, or quilting these sites will have something to ease your supply cravings.

1. Paper Presentation: This store on 18th street in NY makes me giddy. it's beautifully set up, well picked items, and i always leave with a goodie or two. you can see why....they have portfolios, organizers, scrapbooking, journals, business card and invitation paper galore, the coolest cards i've ever seen (i used one of their vintage fabric thank you card sets for an interview follow up and ended up getting the job - uh huh, all the card's doing!)

photo via Paper Presentation.com

2. Denyse Schmidt Quilts: Not only are her quilts astonishing, but she'll share her knowledge and scraps with you! Denyse has a book, does workshops, and sells scrap bags and kimono pieces. Her website is great to get lost in.

images via Denise Schmidt

3. By now I'm sure most people have seen Matte Stephens incredibly cute needle felt animals. Check out this lady, too, YuYu Art who did the adorable kokeshi doll images below. If you want to try yourself, I found out through Felting Crafts on Crafts gossip.com that overstock.com has a needle felt starter kit! It's inexpensive, too!

images via Matte Stephens website

images via YuYu Art Etsy website

4. The Baren Mall: haha, yes I had to put some woodblock supplies up! In case you have a hankering to carve and print, or even have one made for you....

pictures via Baren mall

5. Joann Fabric and Craft: are you kidding me, you say? this is too obvious!! funny story- I worked there for 4 years!!! high school and part of college- it was the longest job I've had at one company! It was a great work environment, talking to the little old lady quilters- and the advice they have??? Priceless, and they'll talk your ear off. Bonus?? 50% off online coupon! enter promo code TTF120 at checkout.

Fun scrapbooking supplies! image via Joann.com

I heart Earth Day!

2009-04-21T21:08:00.025-04:00

Hi there, happy Earth Day! I've been trying to think of some resolutions for this year. I'll be very honest and tell you I'm not the best at recycling- I have no bins for glass, paper etc. However, I do hold on to everything, (buttons, paper scraps, magazines)and will try to reuse them more in my illustrations. I'm going to organize my supplies so I wont think I'm out of something and buy a new one! I'm going to use both sides of the paper especially when I'm just printing to see how colors or layout comes out. I also pledge not to buy clothing from certain low end retailers that use unfair labor, poor fabric and generally cheap quality in hopes to save a buck. According to the Environment Select Committee, textile waste has risen 23% in 5 years. This is partially because the mostly man made, unnatural fabric these stores are using cannot be recycled, and since the clothes are such poor quality, they're often thrown away quickly. I also hate how the prints and design are frequently ripped off because of their uber fast turn around- so not fair! How about you guys, any plans for going greener this year?? Need something to wear around town while you hug trees? Try Daughter Earth! Run by my good friend Katy, this is a clothing line I fully support- they have amazing soft organic bamboo tees, totes and accessories, and a portion of proceeds are donated to various nature and animal organizations so you'll look très chic while being très green!

Friday's Five: Fashion Illustrators

2009-04-16T17:54:00.112-04:00

There is absolutely nothing better than going to a great museum exhibit and getting some much needed inspiration. Attending a lecture by people I was in awe of and seeing them in "real-life" with incredible personalities, insight and advice was an invaluable experience. Wednesday night The Society of Illustrators hosted a panel of fashion illustrators and models. It turned into a conversation between the panelists about the importance of fashion illustration, the relationship between photography and fashion illustration and the bias museums and people have of fine art over illustration. They all shared so much about the industry, how it's changed, and how current fashion illustrators are the hope for the future. In the fashion and art industry this is a very refreshing attitude!Fashion illustrator, curator of the show, and clearly sharp dresser, Robert Richards talked about photography losing its credibility with everything being photoshopped to death, "if it's going to be a fantasy, then come to us!"

Anna Bayle, the 1st Asian supermodel called " the face of the 80s" for good reason, holds an illustration of herself done by Alvaro for Vogue China. Pictures from top right, Alvaros illustration, editorial tears, all via Anna's website Annabayle.com. Anna in white gown, via Adrianadasilva.com.

Now for your installment of Friday's Five: Fashion Illustrators

1. Bil Donovan -this man (below, hand closet to the wall) is a phenomenal illustrator. How phenomenal? He just signed a year long contract to be Christian Dior Beauty's in house artist. Donovan has worked with absolutely everyone and his website is gorgeous, so do not miss!

All photos were taken at the show, or via Society of Illustrators

2. Karen Santry -I took notes about the panelists before it all started, and she ran in late, in the most amazing outfit, 4" heels, and huge black felt fan hat, and I just wrote, "FABULOUS!" She works as a professor at FIT and I would do anything to take a class with her. Do yourself a huge favor and check out this article in the New York Times, featuring more of her work and her artists in residence studio apartment!

This book always pops up on my Amazon recommendations: Big Book of Fashion Illustration: A Sourcebook of Contemporary Illustration. Guess who did the cover? Karen, of course.

See? it's 3-d! so cool.

3. Elena Ambotaite- Gorgeous. Blonde. Dimples. Model. Wait no, illustrator! Actually both. She was charming and insightful about the work, having seen both sides. She 's modeled for Donovan before, too.

Illustration via elenaambo.com

4. Alvaro- Yes, he goes by one name, because he's that good. His story touched me, as a a little boy growing up in the Bronx, he saw Antonio Lopez's work, one of the illustration greats, and was determined to meet him. He did, and worked with and learned from him for years, until Antonio's death in 1987. Alvaro's message was that you can do anything you dream and put your mind to, and the way he was so emotional and passionate about his and the other illustrators' work, was really touching.

Alvaro and Karen Santry at the opening reception. Picture via Society of Illustrators

1st ever illustrated Vibe cover by Alvaro

5. Last but so not least, the late Antonio Lopez- I think it's very sad that fashion illustration is not a well known art form, because people miss out on beautiful work such as his. Karen had a hilarious story about living in NY in the 80s and going to Union Square, where Antonio lived, and literally digging through the trash for discarded illustrations! she said her and her friends would pin these up as inspiration. He had so many different styles, you can tell he was always experimenting and trying new things.

Illustrations for collage via arinavarga.blogspot.com, www.webuweb.com, fashionillustrationgallery.com, arinavarga.blogspot.com and http://latino.si.edu/virtualgallery/antonio/bodyessay.htm

Pocketful of ewe

2009-04-14T20:44:00.005-04:00

Katy of Daughter Earth recently turned me on to a wonderful illustration publication called Pocketful Illustration Magazine. Haven't heard of it? It's such a cool idea- they throw out a theme and get submissions from illustrators who aren't well known and do twice a year issues using printing on demand and sell it on Amazon . This is the 3rd issue and the theme is "Draw me a Sheep." Now of course the first thing I think of is knitting and wool and needles and sheared sheep, and this book, A New Coat for Anna , a favorite of mine when I was young about a mother going through the entire process of making her little girl a coat.

Gorgeous illustrations of the wool turned to thick flowing yarn, and picking fresh berries for the red dye are exactly why this book has stayed with me in my head!

And here's my submission, now their site (yay!):

hmmm....it's a little freaky, I swear I haven't seen that book in years until I just pulled it up on Amazon, and the colors of the cover and my illustration, I didn't play around with them at all, that was the 1st colorway that came into my mind.......

Bunny Blossom

2009-04-08T20:30:00.000-04:00

One thing I've never experienced that I would lovvvve to is Hanami, or blossoming of the cherry trees that happens April-May. I could see it right in Brooklyn and for some crazy reason I've never made it, but this year, weekend weather willing, I'm determined to!

My Bunny Blossom

Framed and buttoned up!

You can stand under my...

2009-04-02T20:47:00.000-04:00

I'm working on my final project for woodblock class right now, a five block, five color print and I've been doing some sketches in sharpies to help visually separate which colors will go on which block. I decided on the umbrella girl because I'm dying to try out some techniques for the rain and use bokashi, or gradation, and get to play with the fun Marimekko-like print... not to mention the weather we've been having. Check out these great umbrella themed woodblock prints too!

Wellies!

Harunobu's "Praying for Rain" print

A Rainy Twilight by Bertha Lum, 1905 print via hanga.com

Bertha Lum "Geisha Girls" print via hanga.com

"Amabare" by Katsuyuki Nishijima print via japanese-closet.com

Weekend Inspiration

2009-03-29T23:01:00.000-04:00

This weekend I went to see Tokyo! a set of 3 short films by 3 directors connected by the theme of living in Tokyo. The first segment, Interior Design, happened to be directed by Michel Gondry, who I've already gushed about. I love how he collaborates with other artists, for example, the soft sculptures and fabric art of Lauri Faggioni in Science of Sleep...she deserves her a whole post to herself!....or, in this case, Interior Design was actually based off a graphic novel by the wonderful Gabrielle Bell called Cecil and Jordan in New York. Obviously not set in Tokyo, but lends itself quite well to the new location. Bell and Gondry worked together on the writing of the script, the shooting in Tokyo, and Bell even directed a hilarious film within the short! They seem to have a wonderful working rapore, as seen in these NY Mag and Reverse Shot interviews. Wikipedia says, "Bell and Gondry also collaborated on Kuruma Tohrimasu, a collection of drawings and photographs made during the production of Interior Design. Conceived of as a thank-you gift for the film's cast and crew, Kuruma Tohrimasu is published as part of Drawn and Quarterly’s Petits Livres series." Unfortunately it was a tiny edition and Amazon doesn't have it but I'd love to see what all is in this book!

Gabrielle Bell (Picture via drawnandquarterly)

Gabrielle's Interior Design poster (via Director-file)

Cecil and Jordan in New york cover (Picture via drawnandquarterly)

A woman and her boyfriend move in to a tiny studio with an old classmate while trying to find jobs and an apartment to start their future in Tokyo. I adore Hiroko, she's the creative, aimless and overlooked girlfriend of a filmmaker, trying to find her own inspiration and path. My heart breaks when her friend, complaining about the couple still being at her apartment where they've quickly overstayed their welcome, says, "She's the problem, she just sits around all day cutting up my magazines!!" Hiroko sadly crumples up the charming collages shes been making (see photos above couch in press picture, below,) and starts turning into something very different. Anyway, I won't say more, but it's wonderful, all 3 shorts are great, go see it/rent it and pick up Gabrielle Bell's work asap!

Photo via (tokyothemovie) (L-R) Ryo Kase as Akira, Ayako Fujitani as Hiroko (who is actually Steven Seagal's daughter!) , Satoshi Tsumabuki as Takeshi, and Ayumi Ito as Akemi in TOKYO!

Etsy-fied

2009-03-23T22:10:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love Etsy, and go through addiction phases where I buy wayyy too much. I think paypal makes it too easy, hehe. Anyway, these are a few dream outfits I've styled compiling some of my fave Etsy pieces for spring/summer. Enjoy!

Outfits from left to right:

1. Lavendar doman sleeve mini dress Red espadrilles Embroidered bag
2. Pink Qipao Butterfly bracelet Yellow beret Teal sandals
3. Daisy hat Green printed Cheongsam Yellow shoes Embroidered belt
4.Vintage Betsey Johnson dress Brown leather sandals Straw bag

Great vintage finds...

2009-03-18T21:54:00.000-04:00

When I went home I was able to do a little thrift store shopping, it's typically a better selection and less picked over there. I got this cute Koala hanky, a silk geisha scarf (that looks very Diane Fres or Zandra Rhodes to me but has no tag) and a fish print Liberty House for Malia dress. Liberty House was a department store based in Honolulu and the quality of the dress and cotton fabric is gorgeous, it was my best find and has me even more excited for summer! Any time I go to second hand shops I always end up with a pile of prints, it's inevitable.....

The little swimmer

2009-03-17T20:22:00.001-04:00

I just got back from visiting home for a long weekend and it was so great to see my family and relax, and eat too much Mexican food. I always love seeing my little sister, I made this illustration for her....she's much older now, this is her from years ago, but she still loves the water, she's a lifeguard and swim coach to kids about this age. Oooo I also got some great vintage pieces and fabric prints which I'll post soon!

Almost home free....

2009-03-12T23:56:00.001-04:00

I'm going home for a long weekend after work tomorrow- yay! I probably won't get to post much but here are some soon to be projects I'm working on. When I'm putting together an illustration using my trims, I usually just dump the bag of ribbon, embroidery, buttons, etc. out (I have bags and bags, all "organized" into types of trims) and then just see what looks good together and compliments each other. I love finding new pieces, and hopefully will get to go to some great vintage stores while I'm home. Have a great weekend!

Springtime!

2009-03-11T21:04:00.000-04:00

I love that it's finally staying light longer! Warm is just around the corner. I found a bunch of great nautical looking ribbons and turned them into this fabric print and of course embellished with buttons.

Saturday Woodblock class

2009-03-07T19:28:00.001-05:00

Saturdays I have woodblock class and a few students were nice enough to let me take pics of the process. If you want to learn more about the tools and process this book by Rebecca Salter is really great. There are very few woodblock printers actually left, because other printmaking process are easier and less time consuming, but David Bull is a still a prominent printer who has great info on his site, including a web cam where you can watch him at work.

Carving the block with the knife

For the printing process, first you wet the block, then dab on Nori, a paste to set the pigment, and the chosen color pigment on the block and then pounce it in with a marubake brush

The paper is laid flat on top of the pigmented block...

and a baren is used to rub the paper....

peel off the paper and voila! here's the print.

You need lots of cups with water, hake brushes, and Starbucks of course.

My tools from Baren Mall came!! Love the packaging!

This is Woody, my new baren: you use him to do the actual print by rubbing it against the paper. This was a very inexpensive plastic model because the amazing bamboo covered ones can be several hundred dollars.

My teachers tools. Its crazy the difference amazing quality and sharpening skills make.....he let me use them and the wood just peeled off like butter!

My new freshly carved panda block

with watercolor and nori brushed in...

1st try with block....

yay!!!! i love this little guy! I'm still having issues but i love how it picked up the wood grain and he's such a cute happy panda. I'm taking it as a success....Next class we have to make a "kaleidoscope" print and print multiple times to 1 page so they become layered with different colors.

shirt dress fiasco...

2009-03-06T22:48:00.000-05:00

So I bought this shirt dress at a Rugby sample sale without trying it on to get home and find that it's past my knees and looks like a ridiculous XXXL plaid flannel sleep shirt!! I needed to finally hem it so I could wear it before it's spring....and cut it wayyyyy too short! (I'm not a measuring kind of gal) so now its basically a shirt shirt...but this is what I had envisioned it looked like...if I was about a foot taller ;)

sick day....

2009-03-04T22:18:00.000-05:00

snow day

2009-03-02T20:30:00.001-05:00

It snowed inches last night and today I was so anxious to leave work once they said we could leave at 3....I love the snow and it is beautiful, don't get me wrong, but it's March!!! Please winter, stop. However, I'm loving the dreary greys and pinks that compliment each other so well and cozying up on couch with a cup of coffee...especially after getting out early! Christopher Kane sheer chiffon dress. Boots are Type Z from Zappos.

Plum tree cat

2009-03-01T15:47:00.000-05:00

This is an illustration for the nursery rhyme :

Diddlety, diddlety, dumpty,The cat ran up the plum tree;

Half a crown to fetch her down,Diddlety Diddlety Dumpty!

The "plums" are all polyester apple buttons, the blossoms on the tree are embroidery appliques, and the background tree is made up of faux flower petals.

alpha fun

2009-02-28T17:43:00.000-05:00

I made these 2 alphabet prints for a Christmas present, but true to my procrastinator nature, did not actually have them ready until January. I have a wee little obession with pandas and french bulldogs, so they had to fit in even if the letters weren't actually in our names! I think this is a really fun project and lends itself to so many ideas.

Lynsey

Matthew

Woodblock Class

2009-02-28T15:48:00.000-05:00

I love Japanese woodblock, or Moku Hanga, and ukiyo-e prints, and have tons of books on the history of ukiyo-e. I'm always drawn to the imagery and detail, from the patterns in each kimono to the soft background gradation's of light and water. So when I saw a class offered on Saturdays for Japanese Woodblock printing at SVA I signed up right away. How's it going? Am I printing delicate, smoky multi-color prints of gorgeous cherry blossoms? Not exactly. It turns out the carving and printing is reallllly hard!! In the first project, a single color print, my woodblock chipped a lot, due to my poor carving skills (we had to learn how to sharpen the knives to carve well and I still don't have that down) and choice of image. Next time I'm doing a much larger flat plane and few thin lines. We printed editions of 10 (which is why you see the same 2 girls all over the website!!) and I've been playing with layering them by drawing on top of the print. It's really great learning all the actual tools to use and learning the traditional way, though, so I can't wait to start the next project and get it right this time.

My woodblock...um, it's much too deep and looks better here than the actual prints!

2 of my editions, i started only doing the girl on the left because too much ink picked up when printing the entire block

Yoko Furusho

2009-02-25T21:01:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed in on my corkboard I have a gorgeous card from one of my favorite artists, Yoko Furusho . Her work caught my eye in an unlikely place- at the grocery store in the free newspaper stand. A beautifully illustrated cover made me pick up Chopsticks NY, and I immediately googled her. I went to Destination NY, a cool retail store/ gallery space, where she had installation, "Exhale" of not only her prints, but amazing fabric works, stuffed mushrooms, hanging floating people, and richly layered stained, stuffed, and printed fabric framed on the wall. Her work is amazing, she's definitely one to watch and has an upcoming show at the Society of Illustrators in NY.

picture via Yoko Furusho
picture via Yoko Furusho

picture via Yoko Furusho

picture via Yoko Furusho

picture via Yoko Furusho

A beautiful interpretation of one of my favorite writers/ directors, Michel Gondry picture via Yoko Furusho

Exhale show at Destination NY picture via Yoko Furusho

Postcard from Exhale show

Chopsticks NY Yoko Furosho covers

Where I create...

2009-02-25T20:36:00.000-05:00

I recently turned part of my living room into an art and computer workspace and it's made a huge difference for me. Before my things were scattered about and it was hard to find appropriate space to work on. Now I have my amazing Ikea lightbox table and already need more hot pink Container Store drawers for my growing supplies hoarding. The print is called "Do Not Disturb" by Yoshitomo Nara, which I think is perfect for my little work corner.

Buttons! i love buttons and collect wayyyyy too many....

Best Ebay find ever!! vintage oil paint-by-numbers geisha

Anthropologie and Jonathan Addler vases

Yoshitomo Nara "Do Not Disturb"

My little studio space