Sunday, 9 August 2009

Creepy's sweet trees

A few weeks ago at the Made on the Left art and craft market I met a local artist whose work I have admired for a long time and I had a slightly crazy 'fanboy' moment where I didn't know what to say. He goes by the name Creepy and his street art can be seen all over the city.
Last year I collected an entire set of 18 magnets from shops that make up the William Street Collective. The magnets come together to make an awesome illustration by Creepy.
At the market was a selection of his artwork. It was a slightly different style from his street art but I really loved it so I decided to invest in two small pieces (above). I really love the way the aged paint and colours come through and even though the two I selected weren't a set, I think they look great together.
When I decided I wanted them I went off to find some money and Creepy was doing something inside the little artwork 'boxes'. After purchasing them I realised that he was signing the work and he also drew one of the characters in the style of his street art (below). Funnily enough, that evening I went to the Condor Tower Carpark exhib where I saw a lot more of Creepy's work.
Now to find a place to hang them...

Labels: art, brown, craft, Creepy, green, Made on the Left, tree, William Street Collective

posted by topia7  # 12:56 AM 5 Comments

Wednesday, 4 March 2009

Amazing Alberto and his clever characters

I really love the work of Alberto Cerriteño, it's fun and sweet, warm and whimsical.
Check out the website of Alberto Cerriteño, his blog or go straight to his store. Enjoy!

Labels: Alberto Cerriteño, art, birds, brown, illustration, orange, owl, poster, red

posted by topia7  # 7:56 PM 3 Comments

Monday, 23 February 2009

Su Blackwell: A picture made from a 1000 words

The work of Su Blackwell is spectacular and inspiring. She turns books into magical scenes. Check out more of the work of Su Blackwell, found via Visualingual.

Labels: art, birds, books, owl, sculpture, Su Blackwell, tree, Visualingual

posted by topia7  # 1:54 PM 1 Comments

Saturday, 1 November 2008

The dreamy work of Ghostpatrol

I have just come back from a short trip to Melbourne to check out the design scene there. The street culture there is seriously awesome!
I was lucky enough to find the paste-up work of one of my favourite artists, Ghostpatrol (right) and even luckier to check out Nesting and Dying, the exhibition currently on featuring him and his girlfriend, Miso.
His work is so dreamy and seems simple but has a lot of deapth. I love the style of the children he creates and the way they interact with the animals they often inhabit.
I didn't know the work of Miso before the exhibition but I really enjoyed her work too, it complemented Ghostpatrol's really well too.
I would have loved to have purchased some of the work there but it was a bit out of my price range, I did come away with the book though, also available online.
Nesting and Dying is on at the Metro 5 Gallery until November 9 in Armadale, Melbourne. Check out the Metro 5 site for more details. Find out more about Miso or go see more of Ghostpatrol's work on his site.

Labels: art, Australia, books, Ghostpatrol, graffiti, Melbourne, Miso

posted by topia7  # 12:35 PM 1 Comments

Friday, 24 October 2008

Etsy find: Fox and flowers by Magicjelly

Karena or Magicjelly is a talented illustrator from Adelaide, South Australia who makes wonderfully retro inspired prints and collages that are definitely worth checking out.
I have my eye on Fox and Flowers. I really love how it seems simple from a distance but as you get closer all the little patterns and details become apparent. The colouring would be perfect for my place too.
Go see Magicjelly at Etsy, on the Australian site Madeit or find out what she is doing on her blog.

Labels: art, Australia, brown, Etsy, fox, illustration, Magicjelly, orange, print, screen printing

posted by topia7  # 12:02 PM 1 Comments

Tuesday, 21 October 2008

Faux Show: better than the real thing

I checked out Faux Show this afternoon, an Artrage exhibition on at Keith+Lottie by Jessie Mitchell and Sophie Webber.

Reproducing the set of a trophy room, Faux Show replicates a fire place, taxidermy animals, grand portraits and more in lovable plush incarnations.

I really loved this plush deer head, it is about life size and would look awesome in my place. Really reasonably priced too, $130... Hmm... and I know just the position that it would work.
Faux Show is only on for a few more days, closes on the 24th of October so check it out now.

Labels: art, Artrage, brown, craft, deer, Keith+Lottie, perth, plushy

posted by topia7  # 6:36 PM 0 Comments

Monday, 13 October 2008

A little bit of modern-retro zen with Flensted

I took a wonder into my favourite store, William Topp, on Sunday avo and finally got an item I have had my eye on for some time, a Flensted mobile. The one I chose is called Flowing Rhythm and it really is mesmerising to watch.
I have hung it at eye level with artwork (an etching I bought in Hanoi and photos I took in Hanoi and Siem Reap) above and below it so it visually links the work.
Just the modern-retro addition I needed to add some zen to the room!

Labels: art, Cambodia, Flensted, modern, my new apartment, photography, red, retro, sculpture, Vietnam, William Topp

posted by topia7  # 9:05 PM 0 Comments

Sunday, 5 October 2008

Fresh setting: A place to sit and eat at my place

Just thought I would share the way I have set up my dining setting in my new place.
Last time I didn't show you my Mart Stam chairs (bargain of the century: leather is in perfect condition, slight rust marks on the chrome but only $20 for all four on eBay!) and they are super comfortable to sit in too.
I have tied it all together with a giant fresh leaf from a tropical plant (called???) in a retro red vase and some lemons in a teak nut-shaped bowl from a second hand store. The table is the extendible Bjursta.
Behind the setting is another screen-print by The Little Friends of Printmaking called Pacific Jamzzz. This one I put in a larger Ikea frame, Ribba, and filled it out a bit with red framing card.
I really enjoy mixing old and new and I think it all comes together very nicely.

Labels: art, Bjursta, black, chair, decor, ebay, ikea, Laos, Mart Stam, my new apartment, red, retro, Ribba, screen printing, The Little Friends of Print Making, vase

posted by topia7  # 11:12 AM 3 Comments

Monday, 22 September 2008

Drunk Lightning: The alchemy of beer and art

Apparently beer isn't just fun to drink, not only inspires art, but can actually be used in it's production too, who knew? Kevin Hayes of Lovely MPLS did the experiments and came up with the following conclusion:

beer + paint + skill + inspiration (see also beer) = ART

There is even an LED light thrown in for good measure.
Did I even mention how great the poster is? A collage of beer labels in black and white screen printed on the German paper (mostly also made from beer!) and with a spot varnish finish, looks awesome.
Kevin, I think this work needs to be the first of a series. I'll be watching out for more!
Check out the Lovely MPLS Etsy page for a description of how Drunk Lightning was made and go to the Lovely MPLS Flikr page to see photos.

Labels: art, beer, black and white, brown, Etsy, flickr, Lovely MLPS, screen printing

posted by topia7  # 12:44 AM 1 Comments

Wednesday, 17 September 2008

And on your way out, don't forget: Chalkboard

As a perpetual forgetter, this is something that I could really use and way less annoying than having a real piece of ribbon tied around my finger.
Ben Floeter's Don't Forget Chalkboard found at The Curiosity Shoppe and at his Etsy shop, is such a friendly wall feature. It would be perfect at my friend door which is also near my kitchen, it would even double as a pointer, guiding guests into the living room.
Now to find out how much postage to Australia will be...
Check out the Don't Forget Chalkboard.

Labels: art, Ben Floeter, black, black and white, decor, Etsy, kitchen, red, The Curiosity Shoppe

posted by topia7  # 12:03 AM 0 Comments

Thursday, 11 September 2008

The Poster List: Grungy, stylish (and cheap!)

The Poster List has a great selection of pop art posters all designed and produced in-house.
The artwork mostly all has a slightly grungy-textured-retro look, got to love new art that looks like it's been around for a while.
Oh, I nearly forgot to mention, two posters (12"x18") for 20 bucks, you can't go wrong!
Check out The Poster List.

Labels: art, fish, green, lips, poster, print, red, The Poster List

posted by topia7  # 10:59 PM 0 Comments

Saturday, 2 August 2008

Bear bones and hair cubes: Sean Morris can draw

The illustrated work of local artist, Sean Morris always makes me smile. His clean lines and the funny little plump characters peer through hair, leaves and bark in a strange mix of horror and delight.
On the 8th August Sean is having a solo show in Perth. Click the invite (left) for details.
If you are not lucky enough to make it, check out his blog or website.

Thanks so much to Apartment Therapy for including my photo Progressive Dry Cleaners in their Hot House photo exhibition!

Labels: art, brown, illustration, perth, pink, Sean Morris, wood

posted by topia7  # 11:07 AM 0 Comments

Wednesday, 23 July 2008

Hand made and local, Perth loves it!

I really love the way that the people in my city have embraced handmade and original works of art, craft and design.
Coming up in September 14th is Perth Upmarket which I found out about through the great Australian site, Indie. According to the site:

Perth Upmarket brings together Perth's talented artists, designers, stylists, craftspeople and gourmets all under one roof. The product mix is diverse and unique often with a distinguishable handwriting. It is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the unique, handmade and locally designed.

It seems a bit early to be telling you about this but if you're a sandgroper with a knack for the crafty, start putting stuff together and get a stall at Perth Upmarket.
Otherwise, on September 14th, be sure to support your local arty-types and check it out!

Labels: art, craft, indie, market, perth, website

posted by topia7  # 1:31 AM 1 Comments

Saturday, 19 July 2008

The writing is on the wall: Recycled metal letters

UrbanOutfitters have turned trash into treasure with these these recycled metal letters.
There are a variety of styles and colours available and as every one is different, it's a surprise which design you get.
Check them out at UrbanOutfitters.

Labels: alphabet, art, decorart, orange, recycle, UrbanOutfitters

posted by topia7  # 4:39 PM 0 Comments

Thursday, 17 July 2008

Natasha Newton's stoney bleak beauty

Leafless trees and stone coloured skies are common imagery in the subtly textured acrylic on canvas work of Natasha Newton.
The painting above is called The Pattern Of The Earth 5 and to me it has a wonderfully dreamy quality and reminds me of the potential that the middle of winter has for Spring to come.
Check out Natasha Newton's website, blog or Etsy shop.

Labels: art, brown, Etsy, grey, Natasha Newton, painting, tree

posted by topia7  # 10:08 AM 0 Comments

Friday, 4 July 2008

A symphony of visual perfection

The West Australian Symphony Orchestra, WASO, have commissioned some really wonderful artwork for their most recent series of classic performances. Among them are two of my favourites, Manfred & Mozart on the left and of course, Beethoven's 5th on the right.
I really appreciate the bold use of limited colour and striking central images used in these posters. They are reminiscent of posters for music from the past and become quite timeless looking as a result.
I have been trying to search online for where I might be able to purchase them as posters but haven't been able to come up with anything useful. If anyone knows of anything, please let me know.

Labels: art, birds, blue, illustration, music, perth, poster, red, retro, WASO

posted by topia7  # 10:40 AM 0 Comments

Tuesday, 1 July 2008

Retro futurism with Eric Tan and Wall.E

I think it's awesome the way that Pixar use familiar retro design to promote there very 21st century films. I especially appreciate the simple lines and curves, limited colour pallet and use of darker shades for perspective. I would love either of these posters for my wall!
On the website i09, Eric Tan, one of Pixar's illustrators, is interviewed about his design process and inspiration for the film Wall.E, as well as a comparison to some of the original posters.
Eric Tan says:

I think retro advertising might work because they're based in something we're all used to seeing. There's a comfort in that. There was a defining look to past decades that immediately brings you back to those days. If our job as artists/communicators is to evoke a feeling and/or emotion out of a piece, it's a good way to instantly bring the viewer that feeling of nostalgia.

Check out the whole interview, well worth a read!
Also, see Eric Tan's personal blog for more of his inspiring work.

Labels: art, Eric Tan, illustration, Pixar, retro

posted by topia7  # 12:22 AM 1 Comments

Thursday, 26 June 2008

Polymer musings by Merredith Dittman: Fimo has come a long way!

Like with Nina Braun's knitted art, Merredith Dittman has taken a familiar craft that anyone can attempt and with skill, vision and inspiration, turned the medium into art. She creates strange simple little characters and complex mixed-media friezes, all based around the use of polymer clay, which I always knew growing up as Fimo. So clever!
Check out her work at her site corporatepig or check out her Etsy page.

Labels: art, clay, craft, Etsy, Merredith Dittman, monster, sculpture

posted by topia7  # 11:17 AM 0 Comments

Wednesday, 11 June 2008

Etsy find: Bridget Farmer's fancy birds

I stumbled on these wonderful gocco printed 'fancy birds' while checking out new prints on Etsy. This print has been made by Bridget Farmer, an Irish born Melbourne artist who loves birds.
I really like the decorative line work in this curious duo, also the way they interact with each other with their different positions.
Great stuff Bridget, thanks for making your work available to the world!
Check out her work on Etsy where she calls herself bridbird.

Labels: art, birds, Bridget Farmer, Etsy, illustration, print, screen printing

posted by topia7  # 12:53 AM 1 Comments

Monday, 9 June 2008

Tea towels can be art too

Form is an amazing space on Murray St in Perth (near the very swish King street) and has some amazing arts and crafts in it from Australia and around the world.
One thing I saw and loved were these tea towels! They are made by Third Drawer Down and artist have contributed their work. The only thing is, I don't think I could bring myself to wipe my dishes on them, they would look great stretched and framed.
Check out Third Drawer Down for their tea towels and other domestic art works.

Labels: art, craft, decor, form, kitchen, perth, tea towel

posted by topia7  # 1:26 PM 0 Comments

Wednesday, 4 June 2008

Flickr find: Trippy kids book illustrations from the 60's, 70's

The flickr photo pool called Eye Candy - trippy hippy kid's books from the 60's and 70's is definitely worth checking out. Some of the images submitted would seriously make you wonder if it were for kids or for spaced out 60's teenagers, ger-roovy!
This example is probably one of the less strange but I love the overprint look, strong limited use of colour and you just know that it would feel a bit scratchy and smell like an old library.
At first it made me think about the cold war and Russia v USA at this period and perhaps this happy little penguin was a slim disguise for some pro-communist propaganda, but on closer inspection (and to show my naivety) it's Greek writing, not Russian, so perhaps even Greek penguins think about reaching the moon one day?
It would certainly be a welcome addition on my bookshelf!
Check out the Eye Candy.

Labels: art, books, flickr, illustration, penguin, space

posted by topia7  # 6:55 PM 1 Comments

Photography by Ashley Pederick on his world tour

I was checking my old website links this evening while making the new version of my design portfolio and I found that Ash, a very talented skater guy I studied with has updated his site and has been touring America, playing base with the punk band, Miles Away.
Still on the road, he is documenting his travels with the most amazing, dynamic phototography on his blog.
Go check out thedesignthreat/blog.

Labels: art, Ashley Pederick, photography, skate, thedesignthreat

posted by topia7  # 3:03 AM 0 Comments

Tuesday, 3 June 2008

Jeff Canham's hand painted sign art

Yesterday I was lucky enough to have ffffound Jeff Canham's amazing hand painted signs and the artwork derived from them. I love the way he uses the traditional methods of hand painted signs and brings them into a modern context. How great would this piece look on the wall behind my couch?
Check out more of what Jeff Canham does at his website.

Labels: art, craft, ffffound, Jeff Canham, print, retro, sculpture

posted by topia7  # 11:30 PM 0 Comments

Friday, 30 May 2008

Etsy find: Wondercabinet's fantasy specimen

In Wondercabinet's specimen series she manages to put together familiar botanical style images in new ways that always take a second glance to realise where they have come from. The prints blend beautifully and create something entirely new mixing fur, flower and shell. What adds to the authenticity and individuality is that Wondercabinet prints them on torn out pages from books, and the colour print interacts with the images and words on the book page beneath.
Truly magical.
Check out her Etsy page.

Labels: art, Etsy, illustration, nature, print, retro, screen printing, Wondercabinet

posted by topia7  # 10:55 AM 0 Comments

Tuesday, 27 May 2008

Re Jin Lee's adds art to the kitchen

Artist Re Jin Lee does some lovely pen and ink work featuring flowing lines and heavy areas of black and white, mainly inspired by nature.
She has taken her artwork a step further from just pen on paper though, and produced a series of cups, mugs, saucers and bowls with her simple line work cleverly integrated into the object.
I would love to wake up on a Sunday morning and sit with the winter sun streaming in my window as I sip my morning coffee contemplating a lazy, relaxing day from one of these wonderful creations.
Check out Re Jin Lee's website for more of her artwork or her Etsy page for products available for purchase.

Labels: art, birds, decor, Etsy, illustration, kitchen, print, Re Jin Lee

posted by topia7  # 1:04 AM 0 Comments

Friday, 23 May 2008

Knitted art of Nina Braun

I stumbled across the work of Nina Braun and it really captivated me. I love the scenic quality of this work, In the countryside, but it also looks like you could rub your face on it. There are not a lot of paintings you feel like you want to do that to... She really pushes illustration into a new direction using this medium. She inspires me to learn to knit!
Check out more of her work at Nina Braun's website of if you are lucky enough to live in Hamburg, go check out her exhibition, Stick and move.

Labels: art, craft, illustration, sculpture

posted by topia7  # 11:02 AM 0 Comments

Thursday, 22 May 2008

Gnomes in a cage

I spotted these fella's while passing through a clothing store on my way to the carpark in Leederville. They have a little courtyard with a headless Snow white and other quirky little twists on kitch suburban gardens. These gnomes in the birdcage hidden in a corner were my favourite.

Labels: art, decor, garden, leederville, perth, sculpture

posted by topia7  # 11:18 AM 0 Comments

Sunday, 18 May 2008

Flickr find: Joel Pirela retro modern interior - with awesome chairs!

I love the idea of having a set of classic mid-century chairs all lined up as interactive art sculpture pieces and Joel Pirela has done exactly that. Check out the rest of his inspirational modern retro interior design on his flickr page. Great stuff!

Labels: art, decor, flickr, interior, sculpture

posted by topia7  # 1:04 AM 0 Comments

Monday, 5 May 2008

Etsy find: Malabo's quirky sculptures

These sculptures from Malabo are so fun and quirky and they sell out too fast! I am waiting for the combo of sculptures here to be available again at once so that I can buy them both together. Great stuff!

Labels: art, decor, Etsy, sculpture

posted by topia7  # 11:27 AM 1 Comments