illustration

inspired collage : juliana neufeld

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One of my super talented sisters, Christine, shared with me this great illustration she commissioned of Eryka Badu by artist Julianna Neufeld. Christine is the art director and designer of Exclaim! (Canada's music magazine). I looked up Juliana Neufeld and fell in love with all of her work. Below are a few examples of her mixed media illustrations. I love the great mix of painting, collage and hand done typography. I love seeing evidence of someone's hand, the gestures and intention on paper. It really inspires me create collages again.

Check out more of her work on her beautiful website. She has great photography work too.







like i give a frock

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Yesterday afternoon over colada locas, lots of laughs and devious project scheming at The Rocking Horse Cafe, my friend Nichole gave me this fabulous book, Like I Give A Frock. The title and subtitle alone had me intrigued. Fashion Forecasts and Meaningless Misguidance? C'mon, that's freaking funny. It's also a beautifully-bound book with a cloth cover.

I started to read it this morning and I have to say that I have never laughed out loud like this EVER while reading a book. As I read it on the subway post-dance class, I realized I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. Yes, I looked like one of the crazy people that most riders try not to make eye contact with on the way home from work. It is as hilarious as it is beautifully illustrated (by Kat McLeod). I am now the newest and biggest fan of Michi, the book's scathingly sharp, humourous writer.

So thank you, Nichole. You made my day.

Here's one of my favourite excerpts so far:

Eyes Up
You can say what you like about fashion-- it's frivolous, indulgent, fun-- but it can also be downright evil. Take the jumpsuit, for instance. Is the distance from shoulders to possum standard across all women? I think not. One girl's comfort zone is another's camel toe. So when faced with a friend in a changing room asking if the jumpsuit is splitting a most valuable asset apart, keep your eyes up, take a deep breath, and blame the designer!







All images from Chronicle Books

 

illustrator and artist: julie morstad

There are no words to adequately describe how I feel about the work of my friend, Julie Morstad. She is an enormous talent, to say the least. I've known Julie even before she studied art. I was aware of her abilities even before she was formally trained. I've had the privilege of being able to work with her on some of my own projects over the years. I've also given her books, When You Were Small,  to many of my mommy (and daddy) friends. They've all loved it as much as I do. Although, you don't even have to be a mother to appreciate it.