art » Loobylu

Who does she think she is?

The other day I was on my way to buy groceries for dinner, but got caught up talking in a bookshop to a new friend about her art. She is a ceramist and a mother. It was the quickest of conversations, one of those new friend conversations, establishing our potted life histories and the work we do – but we found ourselves dipping into talk about motherhood and feminism and art - how challenging it can be but how motherhood also informs the work we do (you know the conversation). Needless to say, it was soon time to pick up Lily from preschool and the groceries didn’t get bought but I was so glad to have the conversation. I am so grateful to be living in a community which respects motherhood and art for the important things they are.

I came across this movie trailer online this morning (via Multicrafty, whose neck warmer hat I was admiring) and thought it was definitely worth sharing. Who Does She Think She Is?

I hope one day I will get to see the entire film. I have just emailed the link to our local film festival group so I have my fingers crossed.

And hopefully we can all move towards naming (at least) 5 women artists off the top of our heads.

Jam Fancy Ceramics

Have you seen Christina’s ceramics? She once again shows that she is an incredible jack-of-all-trades. I think the behatted lolly bowl girl is my all time favourite with the Geisha girl being a close second, but all of them are exquisite. We enrolled in a community ceramics course together at the beginning of second term this year, and while I proved to myself once again that I just don’t “get” clay, Christina took to it immediately. What a gal. I miss her stacks.

Oh sad day – for me. But if you are in Melbourne, Sunday could be a very happy day for you. Nathalie Lété is going to be in Melbourne painting two shop windows – catch her in Malvern and then in Doncaster. I’m not envious of you guys, no, not one bit, not at all… nope. Really. …. … …..

Great Horned Owls by John James Audubon 1814 and 1821

We have a nightime owl visitor. I think my love for this place is almost complete. Two nights ago there was a large dark silhoutte sitting on a branch of the dead fir tree outside our bedroom window. And it was making hooting noises – actual, real owl-sounding hoots. After listening to a bunch of audio files, we have him identified – the Great Horned Owl.

Cloudy today

This little illustration is something I have done for the latest Cloudy Collection – Volume II, Edition I. The theme was “Who Are the People in Your Neighbourhood” and I chose a mother and daughter who I see walking around the streets all the time. I think they were the first people I noticed when we first moved into the area 5 years ago. I have never actually seen them look so cheerful – in fact sometimes they make me feel down-right sad because they look as though they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. I decided to give them a break and illustrate a moment in a possible good day.

The letterpress collection comes in a limited edition of 100 and it’s only USD $35 for all 7 prints in the set.

Apart from mine, there is art by Bob Flynn, Dustin Harbin, David Huyck, Scott MacDonald, Laura Park, and Dave Taylor.

I was so blown away to be asked to contribute – I have loved the Cloudy Collection ever since I fell for Vera Brosgol’s little knitting girl in a blanket-cubby in Vol. I, Edition II. The quality of the prints is beautiful… yay! Thank you David.

- – - -

Speaking of art and buying it – Andrew from Mumblier is trying to raise money to buy himself an iPad when they finally come to Australia. He’s selling original iPad themed art as a fund raiser. You can order an existing piece, or custom order a drawing or comic strip. I bought one for Phil, sight unseen, to hang above his desk as he bangs away at his own iPhone development and it really is the best little thing. Andrew’s sense of humour, line work and colouring is delightful. Give the guy a hand!

Yumeji Graphics

japanesebook01

japanesebook02

japanesebook03

japanesebook04

japanesebook05

Favourite new book – Yumeji Graphics.

“This book focuses on the graphic works created by legendary Japanese artist and designer Yumeji Takehisa. It included his illustrations for books, editorial designs for magazines, drawing, typography and more.Takehisa (1884-1934) was a painter and pioneering graphic designer during Taisho era and early Showa era in Japan.”

My Creative Space

School is back and Lily has decided to start afternoon napping again which is kind of her, so I am getting a little bit of creative time:

1) painting wooden dolls

2) getting back to those marshmallow bunnies

3) piling stuff on my sewing table

4) reading “On Writing” by Stephen King but not actually doing too much writing. It’s good! I haven’t read much SK before but even his memoir is a page-turner.