STRAY revisited :: Today, We Are All Japanese Project... #pinkhair!

This was originally an illustration I did as an editorial piece for Stray Magazine.

I added to it a little recently for a print that will be exhibited at the 'Today, We Are All Japanese' art exhibition opening in Tokyo early next year. All funds raised from art sales will go to the Earthquake/Tsunami relief fund.

So if you happen to be in Tokyo around March, be sure to pop in and check out work by a whole bunch of international artists... more details to follow soon!

Prints available in my etsy store soon!

Exciting Upcoming Projects!

The other day my friend Bambieyez said something along the lines of: "blah blah blah my blog... blah blah etc" (where the blahs and etcs were actually rivetting details about her blogging escapades that just happen to be irrelevant to this particular story)

My response was something like "blog.... Oh-mai I have a blog... blog!! I haven't been blogging!" ..... we had a giggle at the fact that due to the massive amount of projects and happenings overcrowding my mind over the last few months, I had in fact forgotten I was quite regularly maintaining this blog. Underneath the giggles and amusing banter I was secretly quite terrified that something I was so very fond of and dedicated to could so easily slip my mind.

But, here I am - back in the land of the big orange B. I'd now like to share with you all a few good reasons to explain why perhaps the afore mentioned forgetfulness may have occured...

I'll start with some rather exciting news from a few months back - I thought I'd mentioned it, but can't seem to see any posts about it! So, I received possibly one of the best emails ever in my inbox one morning.... a lovely little note from YEN Magazine saying they'd love to feature my work on their website! Yay! You bet I pinched myself repeatedly til I bruised.

Then the planning began for the 2nd round of Explicitly Graphic exhibition goodness... we are opening in Brisbane (white canvas gallery, fortitude valley) on Friday 28 October. Despite the fact that we are all very excited to put on another show... it is a LOT of work and needless to say a little stressful and busy at times, but it's always so rewarding to see it all come together on opening night. Head to our website for more deets.... tickets are selling fast for this one as it is a little bit more of an art party feel - DJ, food, goody bags, possibly fairy lights strategically placed for maximum sexy ambience! Hurry go get a ticket online for 9 bucks, or if you're a gambling kid you can wait and see if you can grab one at the door for $15!

www.explicitlygraphic.com.au

Then in the midst of exhibition planning I managed to score an amazing job in a small but awesome design and print studio in new farm. The people I work with are amazingly talented and friendly and I am so happy to be in a fun team environment again. The commute from the coast has been a little crazy but I am moving down next weekend, can't wait to call Brisbane my home for a while and finally immerse myself in some city culture again. (a little spoiled after Tokyo times and often miss the hustle & bustle of city living!)

My explicitly graphic girls are coming tonight to talk all things  OPENING NIGHT!  So stay tuned for some exciting developments...

Oh, and please excuse my messy mix of lower and uppercase letters, lack of punctuation and overall disregard for the Engish language.... this is a real speed post where I throw caution and preciseness to the wind and twirl around in a carefree circle (in a field of lilies, gerberas & irises) until I get to the next project.

I promise not to leave it so long between posts again!

Tiff xx

Fashion Inspiration

I don't usually post about fashion (for no other reason except living & breathing art!) but today I stumbled across some incredible images that I just couldn't help but share. For those of you who are into fashion illustration, you will understand how images like these make me scream 'I WANT TO DRAW THIS' in my head, even before the 'I WANT TO BUY/WEAR THIS' kicks in! So when I first laid eyes upon these images I immediately put the kettle on and settled in for an afternoon of illustration. The colours, patterns, flow of fabric, makeup, shoes, hair... they are all just so lovely and I kind of even want to print them out and eat them. Weird? Totally.

Love the eyes and birds-nesty hair ~ Source: Lady Petrova

The pale tiffany blue teamed with lemon yellow is super delish ~ Source: Chictopia (by fancy tree house)

 

Pinup, pastel & a flamingo in the same shoot - need I say more? ~ Source: Miss Georgie Dawson (Damian Smith photography)

I'll be sure to share the art that comes out of this afternoon fashiony-inspiration fest! Enjoy!

Tiff xx

***UPDATE*** here's what I'm playing with after getting all inspired by the above images! Work in progress!

Like these little doodles? Grab them on a postcard or print right here

Tiff xx

Exhibition at Cafe Envy

My work is now up at Cafe Envy Mooloolaba! If you're somewhere nearby then why not pop in for lunch (OMG you have to try the corn fritters w/ button mushrooms washed down with a freshly squeezed envy juice!) and gaze at the walls for a while...

Getting work ready to hang!

Adding the finishing touches on 'Just Another Night' canvas

And it's up!

Tiff xx

Just another night... revisited

I was recently contacted by a lovely lady in the UK about a commission. She really wanted something featuring M A R I G O L D  Y E L L O W, but also loved one of my existing illustrations Just Another Night... we decided on a variation of the piece for her with a marigold yellow washi paper-inspired backdrop, and some extra texture on the girl's figure ~ she was well chuffed with it! Will upload a pic once she has it set up in her home. For now... here's a sneak peak!

Tiff xx

A Bunch of Artists I Adore ♥ 大好き ♥

As an artist I am inspired by so many things everyday - books, music, nature, other cultures (chyeah Japan!), and also other artists. Inspiration is a funny thing, because other's art can inspire something to stir within your own creative juices but your end result is something uniquely your own.

One of the illustrators that inspired a development of my style from very vector based to more hand-drawn elements was the amazing mydeadpony (raphael). When I started out, I was all about bold, clean vector lines. His work is sketchy and free with a message... and really encouraged me to experiment with mixing these clean vector lines I was creating with a bit of texture. Becoming mildly obsessed with his work a few years back really subconciously moved my work in a different direction. My work is nothing like his (I wish...!) but I can acknowledge that everything I've ever looked at, listened to, read... has all lead to my current style which will always continue to develop as I grow as a person and an artist, and my passion is fueled by different experiences. 

by mydeadpony

Another artist who I truly admire is Jessica Singh (I've seen her surname mis-spelled in more than one publication!) She is absolutely mind-blowing and I've followed her work closely for many years and seen her style develop from something pretty cool to something out of this world. Seeing an artist's style develop from phwoar to PHWOOOOAAAR in a few years is inspiration in itself ~ that we as budding illustrators might some day be rubbing shoulders with the fafis and the bei badgirls of this industry! One can dream can't they....?

'Portrait of Jo' by Jessica Singh (a more recent work)

'Mess' by Jessica Singh (an earlier work)

I also adore the work of Kat Mcleod. In fact, I think I can probably say quite confidently that she sparked my interest in taking my illustrations seriously in the very beginning. I was making little pieces in my diaries and certainly experimenting with photoshop and illustrator but most were never shared. Seeing her work for the first time was a WOW moment for me. It appeared so simple, yet so captivating. And looking at her work in more detail over the years, it is this 'illusion of simplicity' (it's really not simple at all if you look closely) that adds to her work's appeal. She is simply fabulous and she'd certainly be at "my dinner" (you know, that hypothetical question about who, dead or alive, you'd invite over for dinner if you could!) should this opportunity ever arise.

illustration for the michigirl website by Kat Mcleod

The work of Rik Lee is a no brainer. He's one of those uber talents that I just can't leave out when speaking about inspiration.

'my perfect girl' by Rik Lee

Right now I am just enjoying the journey of developing my own style. I love so many different methods, media and disciplines that I find such reward in producing something unique everytime I put pen to paper (or pen to tablet, as it sometimes happens!) I am lucky to be able to make a living (all be it a VERY modest one) from what I love to do... but I will always create first and formost for the love of it. Without the love and the hunger for self-improvement, you lose your drive and your uniqueness as a creator as well...

There are so many artists who inspire me on a daily basis, for many different reasons. Someone who fuels my creativity through our mutual love of Japanese crafty goodness, and for her extreme blogging prowess is the magnificent hello sandwich. It so happened that Miss Sandwich and I were living just a few streets away from eachother in Tokyo earlier this year, but alas we kept missing eachother in our attempts to meet up. When I finally get to return to Tokyo someday I do hope to include a catchup with her and *hopefully* even a quick interview for Trinkets & Tidbits, as she is one interesting lass indeed!

Finally I'd like to share the work of the woman who is responsible for passing down her love of art from the time I was old enough to hold a crayola (perriwinkle was my favourite!). My Mum is so talented. She used to draw all the time back in the day, but has had a big break from it. I've been encouraging her to pick up a fineliner again... finally she penned this, probably more to shut me up - but I adore it.

"Nel" by Claire Atkin

Those I've mentioned above are but a few of the creative powerhouses that have inspired me on my artistic journey so far, and I will continue to post on this subject as I do love sharing my adoration with you all!

Tiff xx

Umeko's Garden

Little Umeko loves spring in Tokyo, her favourite thing to do is stand in her garden of spindley twigs and baby mushrooms, sipping apple tea and twirling in her favourite floral dress... especially when it rains.

I will be donating a mounted print of Umeko to the Today, We Are All Japanese project - an exhibition held in Tokyo next month to raise funds for the Japan earthquake/tsunami relief efforts. Stay tuned for more info on the upcoming exhibition!

Tiff xx

Looking to the future...

Alex Heads, QLD, Australia

The Japan 'super-disaster' as it's being referred to, occured 2 weeks ago today. Eerily, I happened to glance at the clock at 3.46pm (AU) today, the exact time it occured 2 Friday's ago (local Japan time 2:46pm). Co-incidence? Definitely. But it makes for an intriguing blog addition. And due to to the lack of inspiring tidbits I've had to offer lately (my mind's been occupied with my sudden change of direction), I'll take anything mildy amusing to keep this waning blog simmering until the excitement returns.

Despite the necessary flatness I must endure in the wake of recent events, I am doing my best to devise a new plan for the next 6 -12 months, as this was to be originally spent frolicking around various Japanese landscapes. Most of the crushing disbelief I've felt in the last 2 weeks can be attributed to the extreme dose of unfairness this indiscriminatory force of nature has unleashed upon Japan. So many people have lost so, so much. But I'd be kidding myself if I didn't step up with the selfish admission that a small amount of my aimlessness is a result of the universe carelessly shafting the remainder of my adventure. A blog is, for the most part, a somewhat narcissistic luxury anyway isn't it? So I think it's safe to confess my heartbreak at having the proverbial rug yanked out from under me, no matter how trivial it compares to the plight of the more seriously affected.

Despite the premature demise of my Japan-plan, I feel I achieved a lot during my time there. I continued my design liasons with Takara Gallery Japan (all artists are currently donating 100% of our profits to Japan relief fund), got to design various posters for club events, made some incredibly interesting connections, drank plum wine and ate sashimi whenever I wanted, scored a teaching job I liked and was good at, and most importantly broadened my views on so many things. It sounds cliché but a trip like I've experienced really does teach you a lot about yourself. I may have finally been beaten by shaking earth and nuclear threats, but I'm really proud of the fact I didn't let a lot of the little day-to-day hurdles waver my resolve to continue living in Japan. I loved life there, and I'll treasure my precious memories of that time forever.

My lovely ex-flatmate Amarie gave me some wonderful words of advice and reassurance that I will hold with me forever (in the days following the quake and first nuclear fears, she also fed me cereal, banana and trailmix bars when I forgot to eat!). She reminded me of the positive things I achieved during my trip, and made me not see any part of leaving as failure. Sometimes you just need to hear someone else's view on things when your mind is clouded with fear and indecision. She's a complete gem and an amazing cook too (Amarie, I promise I didn't ever deliberately time my arrival home to co-incide with you serving up your delicious dinners, but thankyou for always sharing!), I sure will miss her.

Being back in Australia is strange to say the least... it's not that I was away for so long that I forgot how to live here, it's more a case of a change happening so fast that your thoughts are scattered and your mind needs to catchup... total mental inertia! As each day passes I notice something small but wonderful about my own country and especially the area where I live (near the beach, a great natural healer during sunrise/sunset!). I think the universe is sending me little messages to say 'hey grrrl, you're gonna be aight sista'. (Cos the universe is secretly Queen Latifah). Everyday I get more excited about new beginnings, and the fear of the unknown is slowly transitioning into curiousity about how (not 'if') I will make my next little adventure happen.

I have a few ideas of where to go from here. I watched a really heartwarming movie recently that mentioned something about a yellow brick road, so that's an option, but right now I'm taking a few more weeks to chill with family, friends and chew on a few thoughts (and fresh mango!). I have also been working on a new artwork (have kept the laptop shut on this one and gone back to my canvas & paints days) which I hope to auction soon, all proceeds to Japan relief fund.

In the meantime (this canvas adventure could take some time!) I will be donating all profits from my latest print Hope.

Off to pour a plum wine, watch the autumn sun go down in a leafy courtyard and let the cool breeze bring in a fresh dose of positivity xx

You made us this way...

I'm very excited to be working with the marvellous Takara Gallery (Japan) again, on a new t-shirt design for their online store. They've stocked some of my designs in the past which I mentioned here. Below is a peak at the latest design... I can't wait to see it printed, the folks at Takara Gallery are true screen printing pros and I'm completely chuffed to be working with them.

After the initial screen print design, I wanted to keep playing around a little so decided to rework it with some fabric and paper textures for the print version... enjoy! xx

The shirts will be available from Takara Gallery very soon, and the print versions are available through my online store. Happy days~! Tiff xx

Miss Westwood, we are not WORTHY! ♥

These shoes absolutely rock my world. It's like Viv has tapped directly into my imagination and inspiration, downloaded all my love in its purest form, poured it into a delightful plastic mould and called it a shoe. I bid on a pair in yellow and black on ebay but they are just in too high demand. One day, i will own a pair of these amazing pieces of awesome!