art + illustration

Elk by Karlee Rawkins - on display at the Big Rock Candy Mountain exhibition at Iain Dawson Gallery, Paddington, Sydney.

Zines MOTE by Cameron Baker and Fly Away Bird by Miss Helen

We're really excited about next Tuesday night's Asperatus exhibition. Not only is it Matt Huynh's first solo exhibition in three years - it's also being held at the Australian Museum... in the Skeleton Gallery!

"Ladies First" opens at 6pm this Friday night, 21st May 2010! The girls will come out to play, and show off an amazing collection of original artworks.

Curated by Melbourne's Tessa Yee, the show will be a unique and light-hearted exploration of the ways in which female artists represent their ideas of femininity - both the dark and the light, the naughty as well as the nice.

"Saltwater IV" by Jade Oakley, 2010, 55 x 54 x 54cm , gouache, paper, polyurethane resin & stainless steel wire. Photograph by Anthony Pearse.

Two exciting new shows have just opened - Catherine Campbell's solo show Tall Stories and Papercuts at Extended Play Gallery in Northcote, Melbourne, and Hip Pop, a group show presented by United Galleries at Saatchi & Saatchi in The Rocks, Sydney... Exhibiting artists at Hip Pop include David Disher, Stephen Dupont, Jane Fontane, Lee Grant, William Hold, Ben Ali Ong, Patricia Mado, Ben Rak and Kareena Zerefos.

Dressing for a Crescent Moon 4 - Print of an original ink, watercolour and collage drawing by Catherine Campbell (US $15)

For the Tall Stories and Papercuts exhibition, Catherine (whose studio is known as My Folk Lover) created a series of four long scroll type pieces based on some of her favourite female characters. She was drawn to the 'split nature' of each of these women, and found these intense opposing forces "quite inspiring for the basis of a few drawings"! The exhibition invitation (top) shows a detail of one of these works, and the entire piece is amazing! (You can see it on Catherine's Flickr site.)

These are on display, along with a selection of smaller works, at Extended Play Gallery which opened its doors in Northcote just last month. The gallery is in front of the studio space where Catherine now works alongside fellow artist Andy Lewis. If you're in Melbourne, make sure to get along! I adore Catherine's work - a mixture of delicate illustration, femininity and thoughtful, balanced composition... You can also visit her web site at www.catherinecampbell.net, follow her blog at www.myfolklover.typepad.com or shop for My Folk Lover prints at www.myfolklover.etsy.com.

Tall Stories and Papercuts
11 - 28 November 2009
Extended Play Gallery
547 High Street, Northcote, Melbourne
Gallery open: Wed - Sat, 11am - 5pm.

Fox and Feathers - original artwork by Kareena Zerefos

We have featured Kareena Zerefos' work a number of times on indie art & design (May 08, Nov 08, Nov 08 & Feb 08!), and we had to share these new works with you! They were created with pencil & oils on wood, and they're incredible.

Kareena describes this series as "exploring childhood fears of an isolated, dystopian 'Australia'. The imagery is based on my memories growing up in the rural outskirts of sydney, surrounded by bush dwelling animals... foxes that would stare hauntingly through the trees (and would get into our chicken pen), possums sometimes comforting but at other times terrifying and reptiles that creep around like alien creatures of another time."

The girl and the possum - original artwork by Kareena Zerefos

I'm looking forward to seeing these soon... There are a few more images on Kareena's blog at www.kareenazerefos.com. So beautiful!

12 - 27 November 2009
United Galleries presents Hip Pop
at Saatchi & Saatchi
70 George St, The Rocks, Sydney
Gallery open: Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm.

Limited edition giclee print by Madeleine Stamer

Three incredibly talented Melbourne girls have joined forces to bring us the upcoming "Three of a Kind" exhibition. We are thrilled to be supporting this show, and will be bringing you artist interviews as well as pics from the opening night, which will be at
Lab X Gallery on Friday 20th November 2009, from 6-8pm.

Madeleine Stamer (of Little Circus Design), Irene Grishin-Selzer (of Iggy & Lou Lou) and Beci Orpin (of Beci Orpin & Tiny Mammoth) are the 'artists three' and they've launched a pop-up blog at http://threeofakind09.blogspot.com to cover the exhibition!

We've asked each artist a series of questions about the show, and first up is Madeleine! Her artworks are just beautiful, with fluid graphic and illustrative elements. I think people feel a strong connection to her work as it seems very personal. Each image tells a story, with inspiration drawn from the characters & creatures from her childhood, natural history, Mexicana, folk art, vintage prints & patterns.

Madeleine has taken a little time off from exhibition preparations to tell us about the show, and working with Irene & Beci...

MS I will proudly boast that I am Irene's biggest and most loyal fan and I've been smitten with Beci's work ever since I laid eyes on her iconic Sad Tooth image. As it happens, we are all quite fond of each other’s art and we have a stack in common both personally and professionally. Beci and I are both proud mothers of two children and Irene is expecting her first bubba early next year! It was only a matter of time before the three of us made contact and decided to exhibit together. Beci and I belong to the same illustration agency (The Jacky Winter Group) and Irene and I had an already established friendship. Irene and I have been pals for nearly 10 years. We met while we were both doing our Masters at Monash University. We shared an idyllic studio space with an amazing view of the city. Irene and I happily chatted away the days as we worked on our ceramics. Our friendship grew and grew and our respective partners also became buddies. Our hubbys share similar interests such as their love of old Mini cars and other boy stuff. Irene and I have been planning to exhibit together for many years. 2009 was the year to get our bums into action. We decided to invite Beci on a whim. Luckily for us she willingly accepted and the two of us became 'three of a kind' over night!

Limited edition giclee print by Madeleine Stamer

I What makes you 'three of a kind'? The motivations behind your works, your techniques & approach or the themes that run through the artworks, or a little of each?

MS Our three of a kind theme is multi-faceted. Broadly speaking it covers our fond admiration for each other's personal style and shared interests. The three of us have a similar work aesthetic and we are motivated by similar medium choices and inspiration. Our work often possesses folk traditions and like-minded ideas injected with a humorous yet dark edge. Building up to the show we have maintained tight communication with one another via email and we have been privy to digital images of each other's work that we are including in the show. Obviously we haven't seen absolutely every piece of work but we trust each other completely. I personally can't wait to see how it will all come together.

"Bird on a Cross" Limited edition giclee print by Madeleine Stamer (AU $150 A3 size or $330 56x76cm)

I What led you down this career path?

MS I chose to pursue illustration because I simply adore the drawing process. I have two small children and limited studio space plus I sold my kiln so illustrating became a very appealing career choice. I’m also a part time art teacher so luckily I have access to a kiln. I still love working with clay and I regularly get the students involved with clay-based projects.

The Blackeyed Susans "Reveal Yourself" Album cover by Madeleine Stamer

I What do you love most about being an artist/designer?

MS Luckily for me I have the regularity of a good part time teaching job but I also love the thrill of being involved in freelance opportunities and agency work. You never know what is around the corner and there are so many wonderful opportunities to become involved in. Obviously my illustration work is sporadic but somehow it all comes together. I push myself to be ultra organized and communicative otherwise opportunities fall by the wayside. I also have a very loving and supportive husband who encourages me to keep moving! When I’m not teaching and if I don’t have any deadlines I squeeze in my personal art such as the work that I have compiled specifically for the three of a kind show. Being able to combine so much of what I love makes me a happy person, but it takes hard work and determination particularly when you have kids.

Illustration by Madeleine Stamer

I Does living in Melbourne influence your artwork?

MS Unknowingly I think it has an intrinsic connection to my work. My environment and experiences influence my work a great deal. My art often references fond childhood experiences and interesting encounters. I lived near Dampier Creek in Mount Waverley. In the 70's, Mount Waverley was semi-rural! Milk was delivered by horse and cart (now I'm really showing my age!) Most geographical areas have a personality, Melbourne certainly has great characteristics and I love it very much!

I What is the focus of your work for the Three Of A Kind exhibition?

MS 2D work, large-scale giclee prints and I have designed some limited edition birdie mobiles made of laser-cut acrylic. The themes vary, but as usual most images include a bird and a little touch of Australiana.

Limited edition giclee print by Madeleine Stamer

I What do you love most about the work of the other two girls?

MS Their originality and the personality that shines through their work.

Thanks so much, Madeleine for sharing a piece of the Little Circus world with us, and best wishes to all three artists for the show! It will be a special one...

You can see more of Madeleine's work at Little Circus Design, or revisit our previous posts about her work: 20.12.2007 "feature artist: madeleine stamer" and 15.4.2007 "run away with little circus". If you're in Melbourne, make sure to visit the Three Of A Kind blog and of course, the show!

The exhibition opens at Lab X on Friday 20th November 2009, from 6-8pm, and continues until November 29.

Lab X
40 Pakington St, St Kilda, 3182.
ph. 03 9534 8838
Gallery hours are 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

Time Travellers - artwork from Poems for Piotr by Lang Leav

Devilishly talented Akina (Sydney-based artist Lang Leav) has just released an exquisite hand-crafted music picture book titled "Poems for Piotr". This is the fourth book in her series of sell out releases, and this time round, she has collaborated with music composer Cyrus Meurant. The book contains all new artwork by Lang Leav, and Cyrus Meurant's compositions feature the beautiful vocals of Angela Little (who was chosen by Baz Luhrmann to perform in "Australia"). Only 100 copies of Poems for Piotr are available, and you can order yours at www.akina.com.au (AUD $199.00 + P&H). You can also listen to music samples from the accompanying album.

The making of Poems for Piotr by Lang Leav

Drawn from her own experiences, Poems for Piotr reveals a stylistically written dialogue between two mismatched lovers – in a heartfelt exchange of poetry and prose. As the story unfolds, their disjointed conversation stretches further across a growing divide of time and distance.

Lang's stunning artworks, together with her innate ability to speak volumes in few words, evokes a quiet yearning throughout this bittersweet love story. Her characters inhabit a world of abject loneliness – one devoid of other humans, where only the company of strange creatures are kept. The atmospheric quality of Cyrus' music blends seamlessly into this desperately sad, yet beautiful world.

Bound by hand - Poems for Piotr by Lang Leav

The finishing on Poems for Piotr is incredible. So much love has been stitched into each and every volume!

Postcards Pack (AUD $20) and Pin-back Button Pack (AUD $25) from www.akina.com.au

Lang Leav is well known for her dark depictions of fairytale characters. You can find Little Miss Hood and her friends & foes among the postcards & buttons available at www.akina.com.au. These are the perfect price for a birthday or Christmas present - that's if you can part with them!

Little Miss Hood Camisole (AUD $78) from www.akina.com.au

You'll also find a range of gorgeous fashion pieces at www.akina.com.au. The unique styles of Akina's tops and dresses match the mood of the artworks, which have been incorporated in cute lace frames. Garments include the versatile Little Miss Hood (above, AUD $78) and Snow White (AUD $78) camisoles, stylish Liliput Tuxedo Top (second image below, AUD $129), sweet Pandora Blouse (AUD $98) and the stunning dark red Goose Girl Gown (below, AUD $198).

Goose Girl Gown (AUD $198) from www.akina.com.au

Liliput Tuxedo Top (AUD $129) from www.akina.com.au

"Akina is a villain with a button fetish. She attacks teddy bears to steal their button eyes!"

Lang Leav has created her own fairytale world for Akina - encompassing a wide range of projects and disciplines - fashion, art, poetry, books... Her work alternates between the whimsical and melancholy, expressing an underlying complexity beneath its child-like facade.

Limited edition pendants by Akina and Zoe Sernack

Lang has worked on projects both independently and through a number of collaborations with other artists. One previous joint project was AKINAxZM. Lang and Zoe Sernack brought their talents together to create miniature sterling silver works of art with movable heads, housed in limited edition handmade packaging, and worn close to the hearts of farytale villians far and wide.

Teddy Bears Picnic by Akina

The following images show two of Lang Leav's previous book projects, "The Teddy Bear's Picnic" and "The Little Mermaid". Limited editions of both titles have sold out, but it's wonderful to admire the imagery and detailing - and see the body of work from which Lang's latest book, Poems for Piotr, has emerged.

Teddy Bears Picnic by Akina

"The Teddy Bear's Picnic is a collection of stories with a sinister twist to your favourite fairytale characters. Within this world, Gretal discovers something more delicious than candy, Little Red Riding Hood undergoes a ghastly transformation and Repunzel uses her long, golden locks to commit atrocious acts. It is a world where button fetishes are contagious, childhood nursery rhymes are interwoven with macabre themes and happily ever after is anything but."

The Little Mermaid by Akina

The Little Mermaid features original artworks and stories by Lang Leav, based on the haunting fairytale by Hans Christian Anderson.

The sea will sing
in stormy swells,
a song forewarning,
of a love to end
tomorrow's dawning.

As the castle bells
begin their chime,
across the land
tolls mournful curse-

when his ring will find
another hand
that isn't hers.

EPILOGUE
The Little Mermaid

I really love the final two images - scenes from the making of The Little Mermaid.

The making of The Little Mermaid limited edition book by Akina

The End.