Baskerville Hound

how embarrassing!

2007-07-14T19:38:00.000+09:30

I have not posted to this blog since October! How appalling...It can be for a lack of interesting things going on, maybe then it is because too much has been going on that i haven't found the time? That's a pretty lame excuse though since i still manage to email and myspace my friends & family.....

To summarise the nine months since i posted, here is a list of some of the cds i bought in this time....for lack of anything more interesting to post at this time!

regina spektor, Au Revoir Simone, Camera Obscura, Cold War Kids, The Go-Betweens Tribute, Best of Pulp, Feist, Nouvelle Vague, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sarah Blasko, Ben Kweller, Cat Power, Damien Rice, Bob Evans, The Audreys (cd cover above), The Grates, The best of The Cure, An old Sonic Youth classic 'Goo', Splendid.....(if some don't sound familiar its because they are fantastic Aussie bands and well i put it down to the fact that we keep our local talent close to our chests!)

JPG Magazine: Vote for me!

2006-10-06T19:34:00.000+09:30

And now for some shameless self-promotion.......The fabulous JPG Magazine website is collecting votes on submissions for their next issue. This image is my entry for the theme Self Portrait. This was taken on my 20th birthday with the polaroid camera (another one!) i bought myself. That is my hair falling down in front of the lens as i took this photo of my new boots.
Please check out the JPG site if you haven't seen the great new changes they have madel......and while you're there....maybe vote for me?!

Ode to Gravy

2006-09-12T17:41:00.000+09:30

long time no post i know......

but anyways, this is the fabulous work of Steve from My Heart is Made of Gravy Fame. This is his illustration of one of my favourite songs ever, Faith No More's version of Easy by Lionel Richie.

Email him your favourite song and see what he creates.....

Something from my sketchbook

2006-07-02T23:14:00.000+09:30

I love old books, especially the illustrations from old biology text books and childrens encyclopedias. The text in this collage comes from a sheet of paper that had been tucked inside one my old 2nd hand books, by the last person who owned and used it. Almost like a message in a bottle [a bit like our journal really!]

And I really like typewriter print....

Long time no post

2006-06-18T21:02:00.000+09:30

I know, I know, I haven't posted anything in so long....
The Floating Ducks journal has long since left my shores [bound for so many new places and so many talented artists], Winter is in full swing and I'm feeling a little bit uninspired.....
I am in agreeance with myself that we need a new little sub-project for the 29,000 Floating Ducks Blog- the last being the ATC's which all look amazing. Something to set the momentum going again I think- but what? Perhaps some little mini-books a la Haje to be sent around randomly amongst us as the others patiently await their turn. Maybe we could each add some images/words about our favourite things to help in these very moments of un-inspiration [is that a work? hmm who cares anyway]. Perhaps something like Keri Smith's 100 things [bless her little cotton socks as my great aunt would say!] to share the things from which each of us draws inspiration.

Anyways, here are a few of my favourite websites that have recently become everyday visits for me:
Oh Joy [always sharing new exciting designers, artists, shops]
Stumble Upon [also helping me to find new sites I wouldn't have found otherwise]
Etsy [the eBay of all things handmade]
Speaking of handmade- check out: Rustic Relics
Stumble Upon helped me find this great project called Learning to love you more as well as this sweet, funny blog: Things my boyfriend says
I love the fantastic drawings of Tom Judd [who inspires me to try and draw everyday, about my day]
And then of course there's the wonderful Keri Smith.

Let me know if you have any great ideas for the 29,000 Floating Ducks Blog- be sure to share any of your favourite sites with me too :)
Have fun Kids.
B

And its not even officially winter yet....

2006-05-03T19:53:00.000+09:30

I've been pretty slack in updating my blog of late & I cant remember the last time I posted for Illo Friday, not really sure why. Maybe its the onset of winter that's making me feel blahh.
I thought I would post something just to get it flowing again so here's a polaroid I took yesterday afternoon at about 5.30pm. Chiche I know, but I love taking polaroids of the sky sometimes. I like seeing how the light changes and the colours it creates throughout the day and from one day to the next- It makes me think about how its easy to sometimes let these simple, beautiful things pass us by and I suppose by taking a photo it encourages me to remember.

Look to the cookie, Elaine

2006-04-30T11:39:00.000+09:30

This was one of my fortunes from the Fortune Cookies we had last night. I found it very thought provoking. We dont create art because we have the answers, but because we have ideas, and in most cases, because we have a question [or two!].
I thought it was a really nice message...

Surprise in my mailbox!

2006-04-14T15:53:00.000+09:30

One day last week i came home from work and checked my mailbox only to find a beautiful surprise from Weichuen! She sent me some catalogues from her art exhibition which included some beautiful postcards each showing a different work from the show.
I have been collecting postcards of late, to send to everyone in the 29,000 Floating Ducks Project, but i think these ones will have to be just for me!
After a long day, it sure was great to receive a special gift from my friend Weichun all the way from Taipei!

visit Weichuen's blog

52 Projects: Random Acts of Everyday Creativity

2006-04-02T09:57:00.000+09:30

I can't quite remember how I came across this book- presumably on the net somewhere, but yesterday the copy I had specially ordered in, arrived. I just wanted to share it with you in case you didn't know of this book already. I am in love with it already!
As the name suggests its full of lots of creative project ideas [52 to be precise!] and just shares a really great approach to art, ideas and creative energy.
Jeffrey Yamaguchi's website is 52 Projects.com

ATC Ducks finally embark on their journey

2006-03-30T20:02:00.000+10:30

Well, after a long time preparing my Artist Trading Cards for our 29,000 Floating Ducks Project blog, today I finally got them away in the mail.
Although similar, each card is different. I wanted them to be unique yet connected somehow [a bit like all of the artists in the project!]
Each card has a base of newsprint and semi-transparent light blue tissue paper. I wanted My ATC's to be, in some way linked to the actual Journal, so I carried on the use of this duck shape. Like in the first page of my Journal entry, I collected patterns, colours and interesting images from which I cut this duck shape.
Once I had plenty, I had fun playing around trying to pair them up in different combinations until I found the ones that looked just right together.
I then decided upon who within the group I would send each card. Not knowing things like everyone's favourite colours made it a little trickier than if I were just sharing them out with family or friends, but this just meant I had to think a little bit about each of my fellow project-ees, and consider the things I had learnt about each of them through the project so far. Here's hoping my choices were well suited :)

Office Art Project

2006-03-29T21:30:00.000+10:30

This is something I've done for the Office Art Project. Its a brilliant idea really, its a Mail Art project that asks you to send in art created while at work, using only the supplies you have on hand in your workplace. Not only is it a great excuse to raid the stationery cupboard, but it turns all the scratch-notes i create all day long while on the phone, a lot more interesting.
I would love to see other examples of work created for this, and other similar projects-drop me a line...

Haje's Poststop Book #25

2006-03-17T18:03:00.000+10:30

The other say i received Book #25 from Haje's Poststop blogsite project.
She sends out these fantastic little handmade books for you to draw, write, decorate-when you're done you send it back to her and she publishes them on her blog.
I cant wait to start adding some images and text...check out her site here

2006-03-11T14:27:00.000+10:30

This weekend i am working on my ATC's for the 29,000 Floating Ducks clan. Here's what's happening so far....

I've started with playing cards because they are the right size and thickness, plus they have those nice rounded corners already. I've covered them with some newsprint, followed by two layers of light blue tissue paper.

I've enjoyed the process of making them so far...it is somewhat therepeutic....or something like that!

Im not 100% certain what they will look like in the end but so far im thinking the cutout shape of the ducks similar to what i used in my entry in the Journal, possibly including some stitching as well.

If anyone outside our Journal Project would like one of these ATC's once I'm finished, or wants to trade email me here and thou shall be done!

29,000 Floating Ducks ATC's

2006-03-08T22:00:00.000+10:30

If you haven't seen these on our blog for the 29,000 Floating Ducks Journal Project, here is Toni Kelly 's ATC, that i received yesterday. I'm new to the whole ATC thing, so not only has she got us motivated to make & share some cards in honour of our Journal Project, but she has also given me some valuable clues on how to go about it.
Thank you so much Toni for all your help and motivation-and for the beautiful little artworks you have sent each of us!

Tea [cups] for Illustration Friday

2006-02-26T17:23:00.000+10:30

I love Tea. Not only for its taste and warmth, but for the ceremony it seems to promote. There is nothing better than sitting down with an old friend over freshly brewed tea served in your favourite teacup-complete with saucer [to catch the biscuit crumbs of course!]

My tea is with only a dash of milk and no sugar. I think I have it this way because i would taste some of mum's tea as a child and that's how she had it-Actually I'm pretty sure my Grandmother has her tea the same way too!

What's in your cup?

[I cut these shapes from some vintage rolls of wallpaper i found at the most wonderful 2nd hand shop/salvage yard. what a find!]

Drawing a song for Illo Friday

2006-02-23T20:49:00.000+10:30

I've always liked the idea of drawing a song, so for this week's Illo Friday i thought i'd illustrate a line from a song that has always sounded to me like it was waiting to be drawn!
Tell me if you know that song- and the album its from [ooh- its like a quiz! except no prize sorry!]

oh i might still repost last week's Simple theme, i have been sort of over it but maybe i will regain interest......

Something for Illo Friday?

2006-02-11T21:30:00.000+10:30

[Simple]
This is a quick attempt at a replication of the simple and beautiful image that appears at the end of Le Petit Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery.
I first read it in French class at school and used to understand every word when i was fluent. sadly i am a little rusty on my French now, but at least the book has beautiful illustrations!
will hopefully rework and republish......

Illustration Friday- Glamour

2006-01-29T18:49:00.000+10:30

A Supermodel taking drugs- who would have thought!

I found the whole Kate Moss-Drug scandal thing somewhat humorous- in the sense that the media and all the fashion houses associated with her were outraged at saddened at the thought that a model would be involved with narcotics..... Such hypocrisy.
A glamorous industry indeed! [pardon the sarcasm!]

Illustration Friday-Cats

2006-01-24T21:26:00.000+10:30

My Hound doesn't like cats!
Especially the kind that come on to his side of the fence and run across his yard.
He's not sure what these strange little animals are but he thinks that surely they're not allowed at his house!

2006-01-21T15:05:00.000+10:30

This is something i am working of for this weeks illustration Friday theme of Cats. Yes, i know this is a Dog not a cat, but trust me it will be relevant!.....eventually!
[this drawing in based on my Baskerville Hound]

Ilustration Friday- E is for....

2006-01-15T22:24:00.000+10:30

Especially for you...
That's right the oh so perfect 1988 collaboration of those Neighbours kids Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan...

In the 80's it was all anyone wanted- to believe that Scott & Charlene were together in real life! [well in Australia & the UK maybe!]

Illustration Friday- Sea

2006-01-08T17:53:00.000+10:30

The Owl and The Pussycat went to sea in a beautiful pea-green boat

For some reason the nursery rhyme of The Owl and The Pussycat was the first thing that came to mind in response to the topic Sea.....funny how the mind works!

Illustration Friday- Flavor

2006-01-06T08:59:00.000+10:30

I had almost forgotten!

As a kid, I used to refer to the colors of my watercolor paintbox as 'flavors'. I would ask: "What flavor should I paint the sky?"

I think it is because I had a pack of marker pens that all smelled like different fruits...

Or maybe because colored pencils and crayons have names like "Blueberry" or "Watermelon"

[why do I always wait until the last moment to post my Illustration Friday entries- maybe I could put it down to a careful week-long consideration of the theme? yeah...lets go with that!]

Art Journal Project

2006-01-03T11:23:00.000+10:30

Thanks so much for everyone that has put their hand up to be involved in this project!

Unfortunately we aren't accepting any more participants at this time, but please feel free to contact me as hopefully there will be another one of these journals soon!

Happy New Year!

Call for Artists!! The Collaborative Art Journal Project

2005-12-29T14:52:00.000+10:30

In the spirit of the New Year and new beginnings & adventures....

I am now actively looking for artists of any medium in any part of the world to participate in a traveling collaborative art journal project, [as per my vague and brief 1st entry!]

A journal will be sent from one participating artist to the next with each adding their own contribution, and if they like, a response to previous entries.
My plan so far is that alongside this journal, a collaborative blog will be set up so that each person can post their latest entry as they add to the journal, allowing others to see/ask questions/offer feedback on the works- and as a way for us to touch base on how we are going. This will also allow other people to see the progress of our project.

If you are interested or have any ideas for this project, please let me know- I'd love to hear from you!

[image taken from "Invisible London" 2001 nvisible museum, UK]

Illustration Friday- Holiday

2005-12-29T14:40:00.000+10:30

Holidays, at any time of the year are for me, about sleeping in, cups of tea and trashy daytime tv...well at least for some of the time.

Illustration Friday- Blue

2005-12-08T18:16:00.000+10:30

I know this isnt illustration, but i wanted to join in nonetheless...

"Blue" made me think of that feeling when you look up at the sky when the sun is brilliant and warm and without a single cloud. I took this photo to remind me of that moment when your eyes have to close from the glare and you think you might sneeze!

The sun warm on your face.....bliss

Sunday mornings have a nice vibe.....

2005-12-04T11:07:00.000+10:30

relaxed, contemplative...or something like that.

Anyways, the point of this entry: If you haven't seen www.lookatbook.com then you should.

Basically it is the result of a project between four artists who sent an art journal back and forth across the Atlantic, each contributing, adding and responding to the previous entry.

well it inspired me. it reminded me of the need to go back to the pre-art school un-precious days of creating for the fun of it.

As a 4 year old, I had a sketch book that I had with me almost everywhere I went and I drew in it constantly. It was even lying there open when I decided to cut my own hair, catching the flecks of hair as I randomly trimmed. It even caught the first drops of blood as a accidentally cut my thumb in the process. [years later when we moved house and were unpacking, I found that book, still with the hair in the center pages!] I don't know what became of this book as we moved a few more times after that but it still remains my first memory of creative expression.....as corny as that sounds!

so anyway the whole basis of this blog [which I must admit I am finding confrontingly narcissistic] is that like many others inspired by this idea, I want to start one. If you are a visual artist, or someone that enjoys being creative and want to be involved in a collaborative art journal project please contact me! tell me about yourself, you work, your ideas and where your from and lets go from there!