London-based illustrator and graphic designer Thereza Rowe loves drawing a lot, and it shows. Let’s pay her vibrant portfolio a little visit, shall we? Get ready to see color, shape, line, and pattern!
Thereza has a degree in Graphic Information Design from the University of Westminster in London. She loves to tell stories through her work, and each piece; whether through the characters, their expressions, stance, composition; tells a new story of it’s own. A child at heart and a daydreamer, this quirky and playful element is conveyed through her illustrations. I had the chance to ask Thereza several questions about her work, and she happily shares her answers with us.
When did you become interested in art?
I’ve always been interested in any form of creative expression; singing, drawing, collecting, etc… Those have always been present in my life.
How would you describe your art?
Simple, bold, minimalist, and capable of letting the viewer’s imagination wander and communicate to them.
Animals are always featured in her drawings as loyal and serene creatures, which reflects on her love for animals and for her two cats that keep her company as she is surrounded by mountains of paper and hundreds of pens.
The successful illustrator has been featured in countless publications, one of which is the beautiful Amelia’s Anthology of Illustration along with 39 other illustrators, which you can find here.
Please describe your process.
I don’t really have a set process. I keep sketchbooks and always carry a camera with me to document whatever I find inspiring. Other than that my actual process of image making always changes depending on the project. My main tools are colour, shape and imagination. So it all happens from playing with those elements.
Where do you find inspiration?
Anywhere and everywhere. And because I have an obsession with documenting and collecting anything I find interesting, I guess it helps keeping the inspiration well always replenished. I also have a blog, which i update regularly as i believe inspiration is a give and take process. I’ve had my blog for three years and it’s been a fascinating adventure to follow both my own development and that of artist friends who i met through it.
Thereza also collaborates with other artists as well, motivated by the joy and excitement sharing a process. Isn’t she so inspiring? There are endless possibilities for creativity, and why not explore as much as you can! You can find more of Thereza’s work at her Tiny Red online shop.
Thank you so much Thereza for your time, and for sharing your work with us!
(images: thereza rowe)
You can now find lovely limited edition art products, accessories, apparel and decor from Poketo at Target shops!
Founded in 2003 by Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo carries accessible, everyday functional products and wares that are artist-designed and affordable. Promoting the work of international artists, Poketo showcases their artwork through their fun and accessible wares. And you can now find their lovely work in Target shops.
With graphics available in a variety of prints, the talented artists contributing to Poketo have created a great mix of illustrations and designs, colors and shapes. The designs range from organic shapes to geometric elements, and cute little characters too. And you can find them on a variety of wares like bags, umbrellas, wallets, key rings, water bottles and even little cases. I am in love with the bright colors and bold geometric pattern of the gorgeous Weekender Bag designed by Mike Perry.
(images: ye rin mok for poketo)
I recently ordered a colorful, fun and very summery necklace from Cursive Design and I can’t wait to get it in the mail and be able to wear it! Jewelry designer Sarah Fox is so talented and creates such gorgeous necklaces it was hard to pick just one, so I had to share all her lovely work with you!
Every piece in the new summer collection is absolutely stunning, with a blend of different fabrics, shapes and colors. The pieces have a great eclectic mix of neon, neutrals, hard lines and organic shapes that are inspired by Sarah’s intersection of country and city, paralleling her roots and current city life.
I got the chance to talk to Sarah briefly, and she even took the time to describe her design process and share it with you since I was so curious to know what inspires her and how she gets through different stages to create her beautiful jewelry.
My jewelry design process usually starts with looking at and playing with color swatches and than I narrow in on the material choices for the piece. I’m interested in combining color and transforming materials. I always want these pieces to be playful and unique. I strive to create statement pieces no matter what the scale. I want girls to put these pieces on and get noticed. When I’m designing I’m mostly thinking about what I would wear but sometimes I imagine my jewelry on girls that I admire. (I had a picture of Zooey Deschanel up in my studio while creating my summer collection. I think her style is impeccable and I love her music.)
I also asked Sarah how she became interested in jewelry and fashion design.
My interest in jewelry and fashion began at a very early age. I remember opening up both of my grandmother’s jewelry boxes and being in awe of their sparkley pieces. I was a child of the 80′s/early 90′s and every media image had girls with tons of accessories on them which had an effect on me. My favorite store in the mall was Claire’s and I remember counting the days down to my 13th birthday when I could get my ears pierced. I actually started my first “business” in highschool where I made and sold hemp necklaces. (Remember it was the early 90′s with the hippie/grunge look was in full effect). I dyed the hemp to make mine “different from the rest”. It’s funny to think that I’m doing the same thing when I dye the lace for my jewelry now. After high school I decided to go to art school and studied Sculpture and Color Theory and graduated with a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2003. I started Cursive Design in 2006, quit my “day job” in 2007 to work from home full-time, and now I’ve been working in my studio space since early 2009.
Thank you so much for your time Sarah, for sharing your gorgeous work, design process and inspirations with Burrs & Berries readers!
P.S. I am currently in Lebanon until Saturday, and will be going to Jordan as well for a few days to visit old friends, so I will be taking next week off since I won’t have full access to the web. I will return to blogging on August 5th, and Flickr Favorite will be back in full effect at the beginning of September! So how are you all doing? How has your summer been so far?
(images: cursive design)
I find the most inspiring work comes from artists who take their craft to another level, creating new ideas and different dimensions like creating illustrations with a sewing machine using only thread. Doesn’t that sound interesting?
Super talented crafter and artist Miyuki Sakai has been creating award-winning illustrations with a sewing machine for over twenty years. Oh yes, I am serious. Have you seen her work before? Imagine the skill and patience one must possess to create such art! Miyuki grew up in Osaka, Japan, and adopted her unique style inspired by watching her mother make clothes for her family. After attending art school in Kyoto, Miyuki moved to Tokyo to work as a freelance illustrator, and now lives and works in San Fransisco.
I am so intrigued by her unique style and have probably examined every detail of these lovely illustrations that are featured in the Vive la Tarte article in the June issue of Martha Stewart Living. Like many others, I initially thought that the backgrounds were hand drawn with delicious looking tarts placed on top, but I was so wrong! I love love love all the detail in the patterns, color and texture Miyuki creates in these illustrations. Gorgeous! Do you create unique art, or do you have a favorite artist who does? It’s so inspiring and interesting to see what others do, where their minds wander and creativity and skill takes them.
(images: miyuki sakai)
If you haven’t seen the work of illustrator, textile, and stationery designer Leah Duncan yet, you’re in for a real treat! Mostly self-taught in all forms, Leah’s art is inspired by nature, animals, folk art, children’s illustrations, and the little moments in life.
Leah is a twenty-something artist based in Austin, and happily told me her inspirational story, with a brief intro into her art world and how she landed where she is now. Since she put it so well, I’ll let her tell it to you.
“I would certainly say I was born with a creative mind. Daydreaming has always been one of my favorite hobbies. After I graduated from college with a bachelor of science, I landed a job as a graphic designer. From there I worked in the screenprinting industry which is where I taught myself how to draw. Even though these were both creative professions, I never felt fulfilled walking into work everyday and knew I needed more. My husband and I packed up and moved to Austin two years ago. This is when I ventured out on my own and into the art world. I haven’t regretted it for one day.”
I am completely drawn to her gorgeous, colorful prints that although are ambiguous in subject, feel so nostalgic. Leah creates stunning imagery, with harmonious composition and color. I love that there is so much emotion in her animal illustrations, through their positions and expression – it creates a sense of reality and connection to each piece.
I asked Leah what her own favorite print is. “I have to say I’ve enjoyed my later pieces like “Harry had a bad feeling” and “My heart to your heart” in which I’m exploring the humanization of animal relationships.” Which is your favorite? Leah even has an Etsy shop where you can buy her lovely prints and products. And Leah doesn’t stop there! She even has “a special occasions studio” called Lulu Paper where you can order custom or boxed stationery.
I love learning about talented and ambitious people. Motivation is so contagious, which is why I love sharing the work and stories of independent artists and what they do so much. Partly to promote their lovely hard earned work, and to share and hopefully inspire others through their stories, to fulfill their hopes and dreams. If you’re not happy, then do something to change it – keep working towards that goal, and you will succeed!
(images: leah duncan)
Happy Friday, friends! The past week has been very busy for me, as I have been starting to prepare for my vacation in two weeks — I will be going back to Dubai for a month and a half, and visiting Lebanon and Greece as well while I’m there. But I’m determined to write this column even if I am a little late because I really do enjoy featuring these talented independent artists and designers each week.
Mummy Sam is a lovely shop in upstate New York that sells original art from illustrations to embroidery and mixed media wall hangings. Mummy Sam’s fun and quirky drawings will lighten up and add some personality to any space!
Tuuni Design in Finland is the shop of Tuija Lommi. Using recycled and vintage materials, Tuija creates handcrafted textiles for the home and everyday use. My favorites from Tuuni are the crocheted pillows, that are intricately designed, in neutrals and happy colors.
Kelly Reid is the designer of fashion accessories brand Reid.Damnit, based in Brooklyn. Overseeing the complete process from design to production, Kelly maintains an original selection of bags with a unique way of combining unusual elements, and merging the unexpected together.
Little Sapling Toys is a toy shop in Idaho, where you will find organic wood toys, that are all natural and eco-friendly. And for every toy sold, Little Sapling Toys plants a tree! The family designs, crafts and tests quality wood toys to create beautiful and fun results that could be passed down generations.
(images: sources listed above)
Artist, sculptor and teacher Christine Buckton Tillman hails from the great Northern Chicago suburb of Livertyville, and currently lives in Baltimore with her husband and two cats. Christine’s work captured my heart as soon as I laid my eyes on it, and I think you will love it too!
Primarily a very flat sculptor who draws more often than she makes sculptures, Christine’s main interests as an artist lie in the ideas surrounding the handmade, celebrations, and man-made interpretations of natural forms. Exhibiting work frequently in the Mid Atlantic and beyond, Christine has been working as an artist in Baltimore since finishing her MFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Iowa.
Her drawings, mostly formal, and a way for her to keep engaged in her studio practice when her teaching becomes very busy, are so colorful, intriguing, and always positive. Christine creates such gorgeous results from a limited palette, with an eclectic mix of bright colors, shapes, sizes, forms and lines. She creates a great balance with beautiful harmony in her works, that is so lively and festive yet serene and calm.
I love that Christine celebrates the beauty of life through her art, and indulges in festivities through her sculpture. I had the opportunity to talk to Christine about her intent for her artwork. She explains:
“For the sculpture I’m very interested in the visual language of parties and celebrations. I like to take traditional party materials and transform them, as well as make traditional flimsy disposable party objects (bows, banners, paper chains) and make them out of traditional art materials. The drawings are formal abstractions that borrow their shape and color palette from fashion, celebrations, and nature. I try to make them exuberant.”
Doesn’t Christine’s work make your day a little brighter? It’s all love over here, and if you’d like to own some of her prints like I would, you can even order them from her shop here. I could see her art in a simple ikea frame adorning a white wall in my to be redecorated home. Isn’t her studio wonderful? I’d love to just sit down with Christine for an afternoon in her Baltimore home and watch her create. I imagine her process to be so intriguing, building layer upon layer, thought by thought. The environment she created is so colorful, festive, and so inspiring!
Do you also like to watch an artist at work? Why do you think that is?
(images: christine buckton tillman)
It’s time to get together and look at some lovely shops over at Etsy this week! I put together a nice little selection of pretty handmade things, art inspiration and some beautiful jewelry that I’m so dedicated to get my hands on!
Canadian woodcarver, designer, and artist Amie Cunningham is the name behind the gorgeous jewelry shop Thief & Bandit. Currently based in Virginia, Thief & Bandit jewelry is all handmade, and the fabrics are handprinted in Amie’s studio. She likes to draw from book of patterns, nature and magazines with ink pens and manipulate them, burn screens and print fabric. The result is gorgeous, if you’d like to see for yourself, visit Amie’s shop.
Yangyang Pan is an abstract artist living in Toronto, inspired by plants, textures and the natural world’s plethora of color. Yangyan believes that “Through the relationship of colors, forms, and marks, through rhythm and balance, and the physical and psychological work of painting, each picture develops into a unique metaphor.”
Iviemade is a lovely shop where you will find hand sewn pillows of different colors, patterns and textures. From stripes, to printed patterns, bold colors to neutrals, bows and ruffles, crafter Elizabeth starts every project with love and kindness. Then the process turns into a love-hate one between the artist and the piece, and that’s how you know you are getting something that is made with care and effort.
Are you looking for some darling papercutting artwork and ornaments to decorate your nook? Tamara designs must b a perfectionist to be able to create these intricate and delicate handmade papercuts. I can appreciate the amount of concentration, precision this craft requires to create such great results, and a simple slip can ruin hours of work. These are gorgeous, I would love to have one of these framed letters for a child’s bedroom – what a cute addition that would be!
(images: sources listed above)
I’ve got some more Belgian talent I’d like to share with you this week, but this time the artist is an illustrator from Brussels. Self-taught illustrator Raphaël Vicenzi is the man behind the name Mydeadpony, with illustration and watercolor works influenced by fashion, street art and graffiti.
I am so fascinated by Raphaël’s use of mixed media and contrast in bold shapes, type, organic and geometric designs, and soft versus deep and dark colors. His experimental style makes for such intriguing and exquisite illustrations, mixing digital media, painting, sketches, and drawing on watercolors while using layers and texture as strong elements in his work. Raphaël creates immensely detailed images that are soft, fragile, and meticulous, but also dark and edgy like no other.
There is so much emotion and expression through his work that each piece draws you in for more, don’t you think? Raphaël’s combination of hand drawings with design creates a beautiful imperfection that couldn’t be possible otherwise. I have several favorite illustrations, and couldn’t point one out – I specifically love his use of warm and feminine colors, against the rough motifs he often uses. If you love Raphaël’s illustrations, you can support him by purchasing his work from this online shop.
Do you have a favorite piece?
(images: mydeadpony)
I’m in the mood for a little shopping today, and I’ve put together a list of my favorite etsy shops for you to look through, get some inspiration and enjoy!
For a touch of feminine jewelry and homewares, look no further than UK-based shop Super Duper Things. Design Student Louise loves recycling one-of-a-kind pieces and transforming them into newer and nicer things. If you’d like to see her process and what she’s inspired by, make sure you stop by her blog.
Nan Lawson Illustration is the shop of illustrator and photographer Shannon Lawson in LA. With a love for clean lines, simple design and soft muted colors, Shannon creates beautiful, serene art. I particularly love her motivational quotes and sweet illustration style.
Sweet Poms is where you will find tissue pom poms to decorate your nook, or to accessorize any event! Using 100% recycled tissue paper, Sweet Poms are available in a variety of colors and shapes. From rounded ends, round pointed ends, to straight pointed ends, assemble any combination your heart desires!
Angela Stasio is an illustrator and crafter from Boston, with a shop under the name The Paper Apartment. From gorgeous, intricate illustrations to notebooks and bookmarks, you will find such lovely treasures in this shop! Aren’t these die cut feathers just beautiful?
(images: sources listed above)
