books + magazines

Do you have your copy of Peppermint Magazine's Issue 4 yet? As always, it's gorgeous, minty and fresh, and this cover features Phoebe Montague - known in blogland as Lady Melbourne! (For fashion inspiration, visit her blog at www.ladymelbourne.com.au...)

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.

Have you seen ISSUE THREE of the prettiest, craftiest little mag of them all? Peppermint Magazine is once again bursting cover to cover with fresh green fashion from Australia (and abroad). You'll find Peppermint Magazine stocked in stores & newsagents around the country, but if you are yet to find your copy, you're in luck! We are thrilled to be offering up three copies to GIVEAWAY! For a chance to win one, simply leave a comment on this post by Friday 18th September. Three winners will be drawn the following Saturday. Good luck!

This issue's "cover girl" is vintage darling Rhiannon Leifheit whose online look book is loaded with pics photographed DIY-style by her boyfriend in and around their Atlanta home. Her fashion experiments are featured in Peppermint's "style statemint" (p50): "We believe true inspiration comes from real people in their own clothes"...

On p40, Peppermint Magazine writer Tess Curran explores the WORLD OF DIY. Her in depth article features industry insights from many indie favourites: Jhoanna Monte Aranez (One Red Robin), Kristie Banham (Rourke & Henry), Ellie Beck (Red Seed Studio), Anna Laura Blanford (Anna Laura, Able & Game), Kate Brereton (Betty and Hamish), Danielle and Lauren Carey (Love, Janie Lou), Ali Chisholm (Jellygnite), Allison Jones (Lark), Liz Jones (Betty Jo), Fiona Lech (Dear Fii), Holly McGuire (Two Cheese Please), Tabitha Emma Patterson (Tabitha Emma), Kristina Powrie (Old Yarns, Reclaimed Linens), Prudence Rees-Lee (Philos-o-face), and Angela White (Sew Your Own). You won't want to miss this one!

Photo editorial "A Hazy Shade of Winter" (p58) features a gorgeous collection of cosy fashion & beautifully crafted images (taken by Queensland-based photographer Natalie McComas). Fibres which are soft to the touch, styles perfectly suited to a walk in the park or curling up on the couch, hand-knitted & felted accessories (like our favourite "Necklace Scarf" by Gaye Abandon)...

The theme for Issue Three's Art Eco Competition was "water: every drop counts". The winner, Melissa Meyoko, is an artist based in Berlin. She is obsessed with details, ephemera, memories, dreams and nature, and her artwork for Peppermint Magazine (pictured above left) is "based upon the importance of water in our life, because without this element all could be a big desert".

The two runners up are Melbourne artist & designer Nicole Tattersall, whose photo of a heart-shaped rock pool is pictured above right, and Brisbane designer Lila Theodoros.

"Holly Go Naturally" (p28) shows you how to achieve an oh-so-sophisticated wintery look... Aren't these photos just beautiful? Create this classic hairdo with retro-inspired hair accessories from Melbourne designer Hopelessly Devoted's Etsy Store.

Our indie art & design interview with Simone Madigan from States of Nature is featured on p76, and of course, you can read the interview in full right here! Don't forget to leave a comment to go in the draw for one of 3 copies of Peppermint Magazine Issue Three!

ISSUE TWO of the very lovely Peppermint Magazine is out now... and it has grown! Boasting a larger format and 90 pages (100% post-consumer recycled, naturally!), the mag is bursting with the freshest green fashion on the planet. One look at the dreamy cover & you'll most likely recognise the beautiful girly-girl style of Melbourne graphic designer & illustrator Bec Winnel. (We'll also be posting a follow up artist interview with Bec very soon!)

The day I received Peppermint in the mail, I pored over it for hours on end - my favourite pages being the "Welcome Back" photo editorial. Dizzying late afternoon light, saturated colours, ...and balloons!!

Welcome Back features once-loved fabrics being given a new lease of life. Photographer Christine Day Lorico has captured the free spirit of eco-friendly fashion as Pheobe Rutaquio models unique, often one-of-a-kind garments made from reclaimed, vintage & upcycled fabrics. Pictured above are the Blue Fire Dress by Heidi & Seek (left, US $79), and the Purdy Dress by East of Grey (right, AUD $470).

Each issue, Peppermint Magazine runs an Art Eco Competition, and the theme for this issue was "what goes around comes around"... The theme can be interpreted using any creative medium - design, painting, illustration, sculpture etc. and three finalists are selected by guest judges. This issue's winner is Alyson Pearson from Byron Bay (NSW) with her illustration "Land of Letterville" (above right). On the left is a super crafty entry by Bethany Watt from Newmarket (QLD). She used freestyle pattern making (!!), single machine stitch and recycled fabrics to create her summer dress entry. She has even included Lenny Kravitz lyrics (What Goes Around) on the sash.

By the way, the theme for Issue 3 is "Water: every drop counts" so creatives can get thinking now!

Peppermint Magazine offers feature articles on avante-guarde activist and Discovery Planet Green's model correspondent Summer Rayne Oakes (pictured above), fair trade in the fashion industry, green graphic design (pictured below right), and haunting series of photos and accompanying interview with visual journalist Juriaan Booij about the sinking of Tuvalu. There's also "Breaking the Pattern" - our indie art & design interview with Umbrella Prints! Read the full interview here.

Something the crafters among us are sure to love is new Peppermint Magazine feature "little miss sew & sew". This issue will teach you to make a blouse out of an old shirt - just like the one below!

Peppermint Magazine is available for AUD $9.95 from Borders, MagNation, selected newsagents across Australia and online at Leeloo. (I spied copies in the newsagents in Newtown & Erskineville in Sydney!) If you are already a big fan of Peppermint (like me), why not subscribe now, and receive 4 issues (starting from Issue 3) delivered to your door with free postage! Subscriptions are AUD $40 for Australians, $60 for New Zealanders, and $80 for folk from the rest of the world.

We are also excited to have two copies to GIVE AWAY! To win, simply leave a comment on this post and I'll draw two winners at random on 1.5.2009. Good luck!

Hey there Indie readers, Laura here!

Just thought I would check in with you all in the lead up to Christmas - in the midst of working hard I have suddenly realised that it's that time of year again!

Christmas is fast approaching - there is shopping to be done! Indie has some fantastic ideas for Chrissie gifts for those creative people in your life. Object has some FANTASTIC ideas too!!

In my last post I introduced you to our retail store Collect. If you have not visited us before, then now's the time.

We have so many ideas for Christmas gifts - it's a one stop shop!

Collect at Object, 2008

Let's start with some stocking filler ideas shall we? Bison offers ceramic vases, bowls and pourers in beautiful colours and sizes. (At the moment I own 3 pieces, but hoping to have more after the 25th!) Also, we have a range of Tjanpi baskets - funky woven pieces by Tjanpi desert weavers, Indigenous woman with an eye for detail. (Don't tell my Mum, but she's getting one of these!) We also have gorgeous items by Honor Freeman - her Warp and Weft series of ceramics are so popular, and there are more or her items coming in for Christmas!

left: Husque Bowls, Marc Harrison, Macadamia nut shell; right: Kenji Uranishi, beakers, porcelain with inlay

In jewellery, we have so many pieces to choose from. We have Dick + Dora jewellery, which includes the cute ABC brooches made from Tasmanian wood. We also have the iconic 'Bowling Arm' bracelet - these are bracelets made from actual cricket balls, and are rolling out the door fast!

For those special people, we also stock exquisite jewellery from Australia's leading jewellers. There are rings, necklaces, brooches and earrings that would tantalise any tastebuds - I am definitely hoping to add to my ever growing jewellery collection!

Brooke Johnston, Doily series, sterling silver, 2008

Alice Potter, Bye Bye Birdie series, sterling silver and laminate, 2008

As you know, in our gallery right now we are showing the Liz Williamson Living Treasures exhibition. For those people who would love to own their own Liz Williamson original, we have a selected range of Liz's "Woven in Asia" series, which are just sumptuous.

You don't have to go far for stationery either - we have a range of Christmas cards and tags by Poppies for Grace that you will fall in love with.

Collect is happy to gift wrap your purchases, with our original and funky gift wrap and ribbon. Waking up to a Collect package under the tree would be all your wishes come true (or mine at least!)

Have a delicious, decadent and delightful Christmas - I will see you again in the New Year!!

Your Objector, Laura

Come and Visit! 2008

(don't forget where we are! 417 Bourke Sreet, Surry Hills, 2010)

Peppermint Magazine has launched!! The first issue is FREE and is spilling over with absolutely gorgeous images, products & environmentally-conscious labels from Australia, New Zealand and around the world. Collect your copy from one of the following stockists, or if that's a little too far to travel, hop to www.peppermintmag.com and you can order a copy to be posted specially to you for just AUD $3.50 (+$2.45 p&p).

Peppermint Magazine Stockists
BRISBANE: Bliss Ecowear (15 LaTrobe Terrace, Paddington), Retro Metro (297 Given Terrace, Paddington), Blue Lotus Cafe (Shop 16, Kelvin Grove Urban Village), Lyssy May (676 Wynnum Rd, Morningside), Kropp Organic Hair Salon (112 Bennetts Rd, Morningside), Box Vintage (29 Vulture St, West End), The Region (Boundary St, West End), One Colour (West End Flea Markets)
GOLD COAST: Inverse (21C James St, Burleigh Heads)
MELBOURNE: Bird Girl (155 Brunswick St, Fitzroy), Meet Me At Mikes (63 Brunswick St, Fitzroy), Thread Den (Level 1/16 Errol St, North Melbourne), Sankofa (3/245 Adderley St, West Melbourne)
ONLINE: www.ecodepot.com.au, www.ibutrade.com.au

Here's a sneak peek into Issue 1! The Peppermint Magazine Limelight Pages (the first of which are pictured above) display a Show & Tell of eco fashion & accessories. Loads of intriguing & unique labels including Bowerbird Vintage, Lyssy May and Thea & Sami just to name a few...

In "Skin and Threads", Peppermint Magazine takes a look behind the scenes at a local label which is taking steps towards a more sustainable future in style. Skin and Threads use only natural & organic fibres in their effortly chic designs, but surprisingly they found an initial resistance among boutiques to take on an eco-label. "There was a general perception that eco-friendly couldn't be fashionable" explains Penelope Cohen), who together with Emma Gathercole forms the duo behind Skin and Threads. How things have changed!

I love the Bamboo Fish t-shirt (AUD $114) featured on the Global Guy page. It is made by Pure Pod, a sustainable fashion label based in Mullumbimby in northern NSW. The Car Upholstery Wallets (AUD $45 each) look pretty cool too - these are from Nearly Roadkill.

The photography for the La Vie En Rose feature is beautiful! Garden greens with floral highlights & delicate, feminine fashion...

The first half of our recent Lark interview is also in print! (Click here to read the interview in full.) The wonderfully crafty Allison (who brought Lark with her when she moved here from the UK) has given us a wonderful insight to the workings of a successful handmade label. From her inspirations & obsessions, to co-ordinating the making of selected product lines by fair trade workers in India, and adults with disabilities through local organisation Windarring...

Watermelon hand-knitted fruit rattle by Lark - AUD $14.95 (incl. GST) from indie art & design store.

Lark products in store!

We've also stocked the indie store shelves with an array of Lark handmade products - colourful knitted fruit & veggie rattles, knitted doughnuts & sweet treats, and gorgeous vintage storybook mirrors & magnets! The Lark lineup is very reasonably priced & would make such original & personal gifts for a new arrival or new mum, or anyone who has a soft spot for the stories of their childhood! We also have a few copies of Peppermint Magazine to give away, so the first three indies who purchase from our Lark product selection will also receive a copy of Issue 1 of this minty fresh mag!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On tonight is the book launch of The Weekend Artist by local Sydney artist Gerard Smith, better known as "the guy in the art store". If you're in Sydney, why not join the celebrations at:

Oxford Art Supplies
221 – 225 Oxford St,
Darlinghurst, 2010.
Thursday 10th July, 6–8pm

The Weekend Artist is full of projects designed to release your inner artist. It gives you just enough technical information to create contemporary, achieveable works that would be a bold addition to any home. Gerard has kindly answered a few of our questions to give us some insight into the process of getting published!

I 1. How did the book come about?

GS When I decided to study graphic design, I scored a part-time job at Oxford Art Supplies in Darlinghurst. After a while I began to notice that there was a demand from customers for simple projects that they could do in a weekend and no be embarrassed to hang on their wall. I started to draw up some basic projects and it sort of went from there.

I 2. So how did you get the deal?

GS I literally rang Murdoch books out of the blue and asked them the process involved in getting a book published. They in turn sent me a list of requirements which was quite in-depth. I gave myself two months to put together a proposal, which involved developing more projects, writing sample text and designing the format. I really want to stress that I didn't get this deal through any connections - I come form the least artistic family in the world. If you have the desire to do something you can always make or find your own breaks.

I 3.What was the process like?

GS It was fun, but exhausting. Each project has step-by-step photographs, so I had to make up about 3-4 prototypes for each project because the photographer obviously can't wait for paint to dry. I really enjoyed writing even if some of my more slightly risque puns were cut out by the editor. I did manage to get the word 'piss' (as in piss off) in there which I was quite proud of. I had this silly thing in my head where I wanted to be the first 'how-to' book with a swear word in it!

I 4. What's it like to see your book on the shelf?

GS The first time I went to find the book I went into Borders and asked the assistant did they 'have a book called The Weekend Artist, by some guy called Smith, I think' - I was too embarrassed to tell her it was my book. She said they had one in stock and we went to the shelves to find it. It wasn't there, so she did some more research and told me that it had been stolen! I took that as enormous compliment. I figure if it's good enough to steal, then it's good enough to buy!

I Thanks so much Gerard & all the best for the book launch tonight! Fingers crossed for The Weekend Artist going platinum... can books do that? You'll find copies of Gerard's shiny new book (AUD $34.95) on the shelves of quite a few Australian bookstores, including Oxford Art Supplies (Chatswood & Darlinghurst, Sydney & ONLINE).