Opening up an email I got from Tamara Villoslada, I decided to take a wee peek at her website. Having previously contributed to Amelia’s mag I was obviously biased towards her quiet and beautiful designs. Pieces are spontaneous yet muted, as if she doodles in quiet café corners, eye-spying people and the intricate movements of Spanish life, where she resides.
Why not get drawn to her captivating wonderful world and check out her website where you can buy a personally designed t-shirt or a wallet-perfect for a special present or personal treat for just being great (you don’t need an excuse)!
If You Could is a project by London design studio HudsonBec, showcasing professional illustrators and designers as well as emerging new talent. This month sees the production of two beautifully hand crafted pieces from Tom Gauld and Letman which will only be available to order until 31st- so if you've got the cash, get your mits on a print snappish! Other projects include the transformation of the new Pure Groove record store in Clerkenwell, East London next month as well as this year’s V&A fete.
Tom Gault's print design:
Letman's print design:
MONDAY 30th JUNE:
ICA, ‘Nought to Sixty’, Juliette Blightman, Andrea Buttner, Will Holder & a host of other artists and performers: 5 may-2nd Nov.
ICA, The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH.
60 projects by emerging artists based in Britain and Ireland over 5 months exploring a multifaceted portrait of the emerging art scene in both countries. The exhibition consists of: performances, screenings and talks.
Special exhibition viewing every Mon 7-10pm. Monday evening’s performances, screenings and talks at 8pm are free. Included is Blightman’s ‘Please Water the plant and Feed the Fish’ which consists of placing objects in an empty gallery and getting her brother to fulfil the task of the work’s title each day. Hmmm…interesting.
Royal College of Art, ‘SHOW SCULPTURE’: 25th June- 5th July.
Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2EU.
Get your skates on and don’t miss works that ‘push the envelope’. With a giant fish tank to a giant plaster grotto, the 18 up and coming artists will surely be making headlines shortly. Watch this space.
Folkstone, Kent, ‘Tales of Time and Space’: Batchelor, Boltanski, Chodzko, Coley & others:14th June-14th September.
Three-yearly exhibition of works commissioned for public spaces throughout Folkestone responding to Kent and it’s occupants. Featuring: David Batchelor (whose work is made from thousands of cheap, brightly coloured plastic sunglasses, bought in Sao Paulo, Brazil.), Christian Boltanski (showcases a sound installation sited at four benches on the Leas), Adam Chodzko (whose film is entitled: “the creation of a myth”) and others. Sculpture, photography, film, installations, sound-work & performances inspired by Folkestone’s past, present and future. Presented in public spaces – the beach, the harbour, parks, the marine promenade and historic buildings.
Pollocks London, ‘Blank Canvas’: 27 June-5th July.
Carnaby Street, London, W1.
Fashion, art and photography splash onto Carnaby street allowing a creative platform for emerging artists. Selected work will feature alongside sculptor Mark Quinn, singer Annie Lennox, fashion photographer Levi Palmer and photographer Rankin. Get active and make your mark on collaborative blank canvases, where you’ll get to dabble in some arty fun as well as listen to open mic sessions, and daily performances from 6.30pm, from beatboxers, Beat Poetry and DJ sets from Flash Louis. One not to miss!
TUESDAY 1ST JULY:
Michael Hoppen Gallery, ‘BUNNY’, photography exhibition by Polly Borland: 25 June-31st July.
3 Jubilee Place
London SW3 3TD.
Borrowing surrealist ideas of Claude Cahun, Hans Bellmer and Man Ray to create haunting femininity avec a bunch of photos of a skinny girl in a bunny costume (think an indi-esque playboy fantasy gone eerie).
Café Gallery Projects, ‘SILENTIUM’: Alexander & Susan Maris:25th June-27th July.
Centre of Southwark Park, London SE16 2UA.
Dream like sequences following a river’s journey, which is meditative, lyrical and spiritual; retracing a primal search for silence. Influenced by Benjamin Britten who was profoundly inspired by the Suffolk region. Film clips evoke the temporality of time.
Photographers’ Gallery, ‘Fresh Faced and Wild Eyed’: Boris Austin, Rebecca Ayre, Philip Ewe & other photography winners:21st June-6th July.
5 & 8 Great Portand Street, London WC2H 7HY.
This show marks the launch of this annual exhibition, presenting dynamic new work by visual arts graduates from BA and MA courses across the UK.
WEDNESDAY 2nd JULY:
Hales Gallery, ‘Interior’: Beth Campbell, Laura Letinsky, Laura Oldfield Ford, Courtney Smith, Jessica Stockholder, Amy Yoes: 20th June-26th July (weds-sat 11am-6pm).
The Tea Building, 7 Bethnal Green Road London E1 8LA.
6 female artists explore the ‘interior’ use of space as a metaphor and expression of materiality. Unique approaches to mixed media works of; stop motion animation, painting, diagrammatic drawing and sculpture.
THURSDAY 3rd JULY:
Concrete Hermit Gallery, Brick Lane ‘More Of Less’:Kate McMorrine and Alec Strang:3rd July-3rd August.
5a Club Row
E1 6JX
The Old Boys Club, ‘KoRo’: Satoshi Date: 3rd-6th July.
68 Boleyn Road, Dalston, London N16 8JG.
‘KoRo’ or ‘Personal Filter’ refers to each individual’s experience of perception, coloured by unique experiences. The mixed media collective of art, fashion, art, music and video ensures a comprehensive study of the arts. And there will even be Japanese organic biscuits (yum yum) and teas to accompany your viewing (perfect)!
FRIDAY 4th JULY:
Gallery 32, ‘RAW’: Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Brasil Arquitetura, Sérgio Roberto Parada & others: 21st June-18th July.
32 Green Street
London W1K 7AT.
As part of the main programme of this year’s London Festival of Architecture, the Embassy of Brazil will host the exhibition RAW – New Brazilian Architecture. The exhibition will focus on buildings and daring spatial experimentations, challenging traditional concepts of space and design; forging a new vision of the future and the way Brazilians live.
The Aquarium, 'Stolen Recordings':4th July-10th July
L-13 Gallery, 63 Farringdon Rd. EX1
A group show of art, objects, fragments and documents made by musicians including: paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, video, posters, books and flipbooks, fanzines, compact disks and vinyls. A pick 'n mix bagful of arty fun.
Utrophia Project Space, ‘Cwmpilation 04 Launch’: Beck Rainford and friends: 4th July, 8pm-late.
136 Tanners Hill, Deptford, London, SE8 4QD.
Come and celebrate Utrophia’s new cd-r compilation release, tipping its hat to Utrophia’s annual CWM festivals. Tracks from Utrophia fav’s such as Yeborobo, Serafina steer, Limn, Now, Tile and many more. All set in a mountainous installation created by set designer Beck Rainford. Food, wine, drink & music-what more could you want from an evening?
SATURDAY 5th JULY:
Tenderpixel Gallery, ‘IF I CAN’T HAVE YOU NO ONE CAN’: Jenny Pickett &Sunshine Frere: June 27th-July 16th.
10 cecil Court, London, WC2N 4HE.
The exhibition will ‘dabble with the decaying nature of desire that compels us to throw our cash into the degerative black holes of our capitalist machinery.'
The chocolate factory, ‘Open Studios Weekend’: Alexandra Blum,
John Butler, plus rude prints & others: 5th-6th July.
Farleigh Place, Stoke Newington, N16 7SX.
Come and discover new art up for sale (cash and cheques only).
SUNDAY 6th JULY:
Topshop, ‘Fabricate’: A map of London Style, INK Illustration:1st-15th July.
Topshop, Oxford Circus.
Last Thursday evening the lovely work experience peeps and myself strolled down to Tatty Devine to view the ‘Jane amongst the birds’ exhibition and then the opening of Rob Ryan’s shop. Trying to explain the concept of the Tatty Devine exhibition, which was inspired by a 1959 ‘Best Budgerigar & Foreign Bird Competition’ at All Saints’ Hall in Haggerston, confused the others. Admittedly, I was unsure of what to expect myself.
On arrival we made a beeline to the free tequila and lemonades on offer (our priorities are really in order)! With drinks in hand we began viewing the budgie exhibition, which amounted to 4 photos on the wall, some cute budgie necklaces and a few posters. However, browsing the shop is enough to intoxicate the senses. Tatty Devine reminds me of being at that teenage stage where accessories are the best thing ever; when experimenting with your mums 1970s shoes, free pink Mizz Magazine lipstick and New Look plastic hair bows makes you feel all unique and individual. Tatty Devine definitely taps into a young market- think of those indie-Betty Boo type girls with printed dresses and ruby red lipsticked, who always manage to look effortlessly on trend.
After another few tequilas and a lot of wandering round the shop ‘oooo-ing’ and ‘ahhh-ing’ at all the bright and fun accessories, we headed down to Ryantown. We were all excited as Rob Ryan designed the cover for Issue 02 of Amelia’s mag, so we felt we had a ‘personal link’ to his work. What I loved about all the printed illustration pieces in the shop were the beautifully optimistic yet sometimes sad sentiments. There is a soft and slightly feminine quality to his pieces, as everything is quaint and muted, like quiet side thoughts scribbled in a notebook. One such design was printed with the words; ‘You were in my head, now you are in my heart.’ There were tiles, t-shirts, dresses, illustrated keys and prints being sold. We even drank wine from glasses illustrated with Rob Ryan designs.
After circulating the shop and getting dizzy with all the wonderful illustrations, we were ready to go (not before taking a pit stop at a near-by pub to use the loos). Both Tatty Devine and Ryantown are shops that you should take a minute to pop into, to wonder at all the cool designs. If you’re looking for something fun and kitsch go to Tatty Devine and if you’re after something you’ll always treasure, go to Rob Ryan’s shop. I promise you’ll not be disappointed in either case.
us at tatty devine:
us at ryantown:
Last Saturday, my friend and I ventured to Tate Modern for the raw canvas ‘Tate Takeover: London Calling’ in the café level 2. With a flyer that promised performances from Poeticat and ORIGAMI as well as ‘cellar door sound, magic, charly flynn, illustrations and more..’ we had high expectations.
Arriving to find my friend making friends with a cat near the entrance of the Tate (I was late- he is sane, I promise), we made our way in. Having sauntered in an hour into closing time we were a tad confused to see people on the floor making boats out of newspaper. Most of people were involved in making houses and other creative masterpieces. So, sitting down on beanbags we decided to attempt a hat. But alas our arty skills were thwarted by the fact that neither of us are any good at origami-but we did enjoy looking at others like fascinated kids at the zoo.
The next room had a guy painting a black and white landscape that he was absorbed in. The main café/bar area also had a live performance from Poeticat who we listened to whilst chatting. The ambiance was chilled and the people who sat around were mostly young people who were obviously friends of the raw canvas team. But the event was inclusive and had a mixture of people and age groups involved.
The evening was certainly ‘raw’ with excitement and a blank ‘canvas’ for ideas to be penned, inspiring young people back into art. My friend and I certainly enjoyed the laid back arty evening. Here's to the next one.
Last week I popped into transition gallery in east London to view FAN FAIR. Being somewhat of a disaster with map reading and directions in general, I was surprised to find that I found the exhibition space relatively quickly.
On entering the exhibition room, which was relatively small, I was immediately struck by the frivolity of seaside pleasures. The pastel colours of folded hankies hanging from a wall, a candy walking stick, letters, a shed with a mystic inside, painted skittles, metal scuba-diving head and deviant helter skelter made for a varied showcase. The handkerchiefs, knitted in cutesy pink colours you can only imagine being made by your nan, were pieces with a rather anti-cutesy message! One read, ‘Cum inside/ Candy floss/only £1.00/adults only.’ Fun and fruity messages continued.
The helter skelter was made from stolen road signs, fairie lights, vintage flags, treasure chests, lobster figurines and little toy figures probably picked from charity shops and car boot sales. Crowned with a disco ball; this all made for a cluttered, wonderful assortment of the fantastical and perverted. Barbie dolls in playgirl positions, blowjobs by ken dolls, ‘alcohol restriction zone’ signs, a ship floating in an imagined journey through air; this all reminded me of the drunken pleasures of a 15 year old on alcopops (although probably a bit more risqué)!
Intricately painted ceramic skittles altered the intoxicated landscape of excess with a rather muted addition. The painted flowers had an oldsy feel like those found in 1950s agriculture magazines.
The ‘deep sea diver’ statue painted gold and turquoise felt almost too solid compared to the other fantastical musings. However, the bold colours and rigid reluctance to fade into the background made me think of arbitrary images from dreams that randomly peep into focus.
Next door to this stood a walking stick made of pink rock. I couldn’t help but wonder that maybe these should be a new invention for those that need sugar rushes on journeys (just imagine all those granddads on buses licking their walking sticks- A strange sight indeed)! As part of the piece, there were postcards from two corresponding artists in the transition group. They contained ideas for the collaboration, which were written months ago. One postcard was scrawled with, ‘I’d really like to discuss working with you…Filling the gallery with home made seaside ephemera. Snow domes, sticks of pink rock, postcards. Totally bespoken horse shite’- (nice to see a humble account of their work)!
Last stop was to enter the mystical shed where the virtual Madam Sosostris lay in wait. On entering the small enclosure I realised Madam S was reading cards from a TV set. With a pack of tarot cards in front of me she told me to start dealing. Not one to mess with a virtual mystic on a TV set; I did what I was told. I ended up with a card that said something about being more brave and taking more chances, but I was just relieved I didn’t get the death card!
FAN FAIR took about 15 minutes to view merely because it is such a small space. Yet I’d recommend it for those who want a serving of seaside fantasy with the supernatural; and you even get a session with your very own virtual mystic!
MONDAY 23RD JUNE:
Artist Studio, Transition in Whitstable, ‘That’s Entertainment’: featuring John Butterworth, Tamara Dubnyckyj, Caitlin Heffernam amongst others: 21st June-6th July.
Artist Studio, Back of 5 Harbour Street (Enterance in Sea Street), Whistable Kent.
Following their exhibition ‘FAN FAIR’ in east London, the group of artists continue to be inspired by seaside amusements, fun and frivolity. Expect tongue in cheek humour; and you don’t even have to get sand between toes to find it!
TUESDAY 24th JUNE:
MAD@P3, ‘D&AD’: BA Illustration, BA Graphic Information Design, MA Design for communication, Degree Show, University of Westminster: 24th (10am-9:30pm) 25th June (10am-4pm).
Bromptom Hall, Earls Court, London SW5 9TA.
Westminster prides itself as an institution that encourages an experimental approach to illustration and design; expanding design to include a variety of different media and subjects. Take a peek at current illustration and design that may just inspire and make you smile.
Centre of Southwark Park, ‘Futureblueperfect’: Gordon Cheung, Marianne Engel, Pil and Galia Killectiv, Isabelle Krieg, Jonathan McLeod, Bruno Pacheco, Rachel Reupke: 25th June-27th July.
Café Gallery Projects London, Centre of Southward Park, by the lake, London SE16 2VA.
Concentrating on miscommunication, ‘Futureblueperfect’ looks at the future pluperfect tense, describing future actions in the past-Or in plain English: the show showcases works on past perspectives on the future- re-examining notions of utopian/dystopian structures and schemes. These include: cultism, religious prophecy, visionary thinkers and scientific theory with the added benefit of hindsight.
WEDNESDAY 25th JUNE:
Simon Lee Gallery, ‘Scrambled and poached’, John Armleder: June 25th-Aug 29th
12 Berkeley St, W1J 8DT:Green Park/ Bond Street.
The solo show includes: sparkling Drip and pour paintings, placed alongside regularly patterned canvases and the artist’s signature furniture sculptures. The works are superimposed over wall paintings that stretch from the floor to the ceiling, blurring traditional notions of high and low art.
THURSDAY 26th JUNE:
Byam Shaw School of Art, Central St Martins ‘Fine Art Skills & Practices’: 23rd-28th june, 5-9pm.
2 Elthorne Road, London N19 4AG: tube: Archway.
View graduate pieces and spot the next artistic talent here in ol’ London-town.
126 Columbia Rd, 'Ryantown' shop opening: 7pm.
126 Columbia Rd, London, E2.
Take a pit stop and come and view 'ryantown'. You'll even get to meet the creator and designer of Amelia's mag issue 2 cover.
FRIDAY 27th JUNE:
Tatty Devine, ‘Jane Amongst the Birds’: by Susanna Edwards & Luke Stephenson: 27th June-17th August.
236 Brick Lane, London E2 7EB.
An exhibition documenting Susanna Edwards’ recreated event of ‘the best budgerigar & Foreign Bird Competition’, which originally took place in Hackney 1959. On 10th May this year, Susanna styled a village fete re-enactment with stalls burgeoning with budgie treats-from biscuits to budgie thumb puppets. Tatty Devine even designed some limited edition jewellery especially for the event including beautiful budgie necklaces and brooches. The event was recorded by renowned photographer Luke Stephenson whose film as well as other budgie paraphernalia from the fete will be included in the ‘Jane Amongst the Birds’ exhibition.
1044 Fulton Market,‘Sugarcraft’: curated by Wynter Whiteside: June 27th-August 9th.
Kasia Kay Art Projects, 1044 Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607.
In the words of Whiteside, ‘this exhibit is designed to playfully break boundaries, and to foster a dramatic interaction between artist, audience and the works themselves.’
Free-range, ‘Week 5:Art’ Graduate show, Colchester Institute, University College for the Creative Arts Farnham, Bathspa University, Oxford Brookes College, University of Wales Newport, West Kent College, Loughborough University: Fri 27th-30th June.
The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL.
Displaying a bevy of graduate student talent in a large open art space. Wander round and prepare to be humbled by the fifth instalment of talent, youth and creativity.
Pollocks London>, ‘Blank Canvas’: 27 June-5th July.
Carnaby Street, London, W1.
Fashion, art and photography splash onto Carnaby street allowing a creative platform for emerging artists. Selected work will feature alongside sculptor Mark Quinn, singer Annie Lennox, fashion designer Levi Palmer and photographer Rankin. Get active and make your mark on collaborative blank canvases, where you’ll get to dabble in some arty fun as well as listen to open mic sessions, and daily performances from 6.30pm, from beatboxers, Beat Poetry and DJ sets from Flash Louis. One not to miss!
SATURDAY 28th JUNE:
Fenwick Hall, Fenwick Estate, ‘ArtQuest Jumble Sale’ this weekend: Sat 28th June 10am-3pm.
128 Willington Road London SW9 9NN.
ArtQuest Jumble Sale will allow you to bag a bargain whilst also chatting to fellow artists. With more highlights than you can shake a stick at, including: an adult bouncy castle, tombola where you’ll get the chance to will a digital camera, homemade cakes and tea and even the chance to enter for the ‘Mycake’ cake baking competition to win £50 cash first prize. Fun times are sure to be had. Let’s just hope the weather’s sunny!
Tate Modern, 'Tate Take Over' organised by raw canvas Art Group: 7:30-10pm
Level 2 Cafe, Bankside, London SE1, 9TG.
Raw Canvas take over Tate Modern. Expect artistic and cultural mayhem, with a handful of talented live performers. Join them in the level 2 cafe for a serving of live acts, poetry, acoustic sets with the likes of Charly Flynn, Leano, Rumi Josephs, Poeticat and more acts yet to be announced, all inspired by the wonderful London. Oooo- and it's all free with no bookings needed!-(great for those with holes in their pockets)!
SUNDAY 29th JUNE:
Royal College of Art, ‘SHOW RCA TWO’: showcasing over 200 graduating students from Animation, Architecture, Communication Art and Design, Conservation, Design Products, Design interactions, Fashion Accessories/Footwear, History of Design, Industrial Design Engineering, Textiles & Vehicle Design: 24th June-5th July.
Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU.
The second part of the Royal College of Art’s annual graduate exhibition. From architectural models, concept cars, couture, shoes to eco-furniture- the breadth of new ideas and talent on display is sure to pull in the art lovin’ punters.
Gallery One One One, ‘Jason Dodge/Tereza Buskova’: June 12-Aug 23.
111 Titchfield Street, W1W 6RY: nearest tube: Great Portland St.
Two solo exhibitions featuring found objects, changing the natural context to reveal unexpected histories by Dodge. Expressionist theatrical films that are occasionally sinister-exploring a personal mythology with symbolic references to liberation, sexuality and Eastern European Folklore by Buskova.
The Brick Lane Gallery, Live Painting Event by Dan Kitchener:2pm.
196 Brick Lane, London E1 6SA.
Come and view some live art-you watch, he paints, you say 'wow' he says 'yeah I know I'm good.'
Art groups: Campbarbossa, Gallery Nosco and Planet Patrol teamed up in the hotly anticipated ‘Burning Bridges’ exhibition. With a line-up that included: Alexandros Vasmoulakis, Dave The Chimp, Labrona, Cum*, Bruno 9LI, Gawd, Mantis, The London Police, amongst others—(pheww! *inhale for breath*)- I was buzzing with excitement to see whether the exhibition could really live up to the hype.
Banksy once commented in the Observer that ‘galleries are just trophy cabinets for a handful of millionaires. The public never has any real say in what art they see.’ When entering the exhibition, what struck me was the hub of creative talent that was not a ‘trophy cabinet’ for the rich, but a place to display and celebrate innovative contemporary design.
Floating around the gallery, trying to soak up the varied approaches to street art, I came across Bruno 9Li who designed the front cover of issue 9 of Amelia’s mag. Feeling slightly sleepy from a day of work, I was startled by his pieces that took me to a world akin to Alice in Wonderland with an injected multicultural twist. Inspired by alchemical imagery, spirituality and his European, Japanese and Latin American descent he is a talent to watch!
Another cool artist that grabbed my attention was Alexandros Vasmoulakis whose mix of graphics, painting and prints displayed a sophisticated attention to detail. Working in Paris his work can be found on doors, telephones boxes and the sides of buildings up to 10 storeys high (so if you’re ever in Paris keep your eyes open)!
There were so many artists to get excited about. The variety of approaches kept my eyes rolling and my mind absorbed. From- CUM* self proclaimed ‘fucking erotic street entertainment’ involving pornography, Mantis whose work is a dark social commentary on grim reality, to the upbeat the London Police whose iconic smiley ‘lad’ figures brighten up the canvas, there was certainly an eclectic range on display.
Many of the pieces engaged in a ‘semiotic robinhoodism’, where, like ‘ad-jamming’ as described by Klein in ‘No Logo’, defines culture jamming in terms of: when artists are hacking into ‘a corportation’s own method of communication to send a message starkly at odds with the one that was intended.’ Street art, by focusing on immediate environment, the political and social realms; this opens up debate and questions the society we live in. Street art is becoming more recognized as an art form (just look at Tate Moderns commission of 6 street artists) and things are now evolving. There is a way to go to convert art snobs that street art should be taken as a serious art form. However, the exhibition definitely succeeded in taking a step in ‘burning bridges’ by providing some sharp, scorching art that’ll alight your mind and burn your retinas (be warned).
A couple of weeks ago we received an invite from the Association Of Illustrators (AOI) to Re-drawing the Line - a one day symposium that was set to explore the contemporary issues concerning illustration.
Being a magazine that prides itself on its appreciation of good illustration and all things creative and inspiring, I couldn’t help but pop along to the London College of Communication to see what leading industry professionals had to say on the topic.
After settling myself into a large lecture theatre - which humorously reminded me of the late nights and early mornings of University, I was told one of the headliners, and opening speaker, artist Paul Davis, had called in sick and was being replaced by Adrian Shaughnessy - editor of the AOI magazine Varoom, Rod Hunt - Deputy Chairman of AOI, and illustrators Adam Graff and Paul Bowman.
Although the organisers appeared openly flustered by this hitch, it actually worked out quite well. The group held an improvised debate on the position of illustration in today’s society. Being unrehearsed, it turned into a light, informal conversation in which these industry professionals openly and honestly discussed their feelings on the subject matter.
The question of whether illustrators have a voice or are at the complete mercy of their commissioners was a popular topic that came up frequently. The audience members, who largely consisted of students, teachers and illustrators, openly joined in and had their say. At one point, in a moment of sheer frustration, Adrian inquired whether any of us were actually commissioners or worked within magazines which I admit caused me to sink uncomfortably into my seat, but on a whole I felt the debate was a perfect way to kick off the day. I was humbled by the complete passion that the entire room shared for illustration – a talent that isn’t always understood by those outside of the creative industries.
The rest of the day was equally as inspiring and perfect for students or those considering a career in this field. Among others Mark Wigan, Ski Scott and Justin Moore entertained us with humorous personal stories about their careers.
I particularly enjoyed the talk by John McFaul, who can only be described as a restless creative. As he guided us through his work portfolio, which included commissions for Jordan shoes, Specsavers and Liverpool Airport, he claimed a passion for what he is working on is always more important to him than the money involved.
The Association Of Illustrators have organized a course called Business Start Up: Master Classes for Illustrators, which is set to take place on Wednesdays from the 3rd September to 12th November. The course, which is open to AOI associate members, recent illustration graduates and freelance illustrators, will include a series of workshops aimed at guiding participants through the steps to becoming a freelance illustrator. Based on my experience of the symposium, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking to take the illustration route and in need of a little inspiration, of if, just like me, you enjoy being around like-minded creative individuals who can appreciate a good piece of art!
I'll be honest, I am not a massive fan of holding parties cos I tend to get a bit stressed about whether anyone will turn up, and it's especially hard when promoting the very thing that I have put my heart and soul into... hence I am loathe to organize my own parties these days and it has been some time since I last had one. But when Pure Groove approached me to put a joint party on I thought what the heck... they are a great record shop and I've had a good relationship with them for awhile – they like the same sort of music as me and their new shop in Farringdon is a great space for both an exhibition and some live music.
We got there early – me by bike and the interns by tube. Pure Groove have these amazing magnetic display boards that can be hung from the rafters pretty much anywhere you fancy – and the magnets are so damn strong that it takes a sharp and strong pair of nails to separate them. So we had a bit of fun arranging the Positive Future prints... with text alongside by each artist to explain what they have done.
the magnetic display boards
Before long the linen-clad boys from O Fracas turned up to do a soundcheck, and I got to thank them for making the mission down to do the party (turns out I did have to get somewhat involved in the preparation after all – always the way)
O Fracas
The drummer's parents were also in attendance and were grateful to hear that my dad would also be coming "so we won't be the only old people then!" I thought this a very impressive sign of dedication, but turns out that they were in London anyway (O Fracas came down from Leeds)
diamond Cindy, who helped me out in China for issue 06, and my dad
I also discovered that said drummer is studying art and has produced a very cool little zine that he gave me to take a look at – you can ask him for one yourself if you contact him via their website.
The start of a party is always the most painful part – in this instance a bunch of very young boys loitering around early for the Tokyo Police Club performance did not do much to put my mind at ease. Definitely not fans of Amelia's Magazine. This was also the first time that I have put such a general invite out over the internet so I didn't really have a clue who would turn up.
the fab Abi, one of my favourite ex-interns, now designing for a christian mag!
Gradually more girls started arriving, surely a good sign... and so there was a very strange mix by the time we lugged the Brahma beers upstairs (who's idea was it to empty the ice into the buckets in the cellar?!) and we were worried we might have to ID some of the younger creatures, but I think in the eventuality they stayed away from the freebies...
me with Hannah Perkins, who was an intern several years ago and is now a stylist
Matt and Sophie in the middle. Matt now designs for a famous tv magazine, and Sophie came to RUSSIA with me, but now works at a children's charity, which she loves
Brahma were very kind to have donated a few beers at the last minute (although I would have prefered an advert, hello, 100 pages of modern Brasilian culture?! what more could possibly fit better a cool Brasilian beer brand!) and they sure went down a treat, if a bit fast.
Charles and Tanya serving Brahma
We also had Alibi, a pretox drink that allegedly prevents a hangover if drunk before the booze. Well, I was very perky the next morning although I had a few beers to be sure, so maybe it works, but more importantly it was actually very tasty – a bit like Purdeys, full of yummy healthy ingredients, including milkthistle and artichoke – it was easily swigged. To be recommended.
One of the members of Tokyo Police Club played a heartfelt acoustic set of covers on his own, which wasn't quite what I was expecting but it seemed to go down well. I have to admit that by this point I was stuck outside with a considerable amount of my guests because the store was by then rammed. I was quite alarmed to realise that my dad was trapped inside because he's not good with loud music, but he was out like a greyhound from the traps as soon as the noise stopped. O Fracas were up next and they were a joy – really really ace, and lots of people commented to me on their way out how impressed they were. Check out the track they made for my USB stick; what all round lovely lads. Theoretical Girl also put in an appearance with two of the girls from her new band, all with very good eye make-up.
Theoretical Girl
Kotki Dwa were also there with daddy Kotki who doubles as their manager – both bands are featured in my new issue too, and wrote for the USB, so it was great to have them make it down.
Me with the Kotki boys
By this point lots and lots of people had arrived – my gang are always notorious for being fashionably late, and by jove they were... a significant amount of them managing to miss both bands, and the advance copies of the magazine too.
me with one of my best friends Craig
I only had 25 copies of the mag to sell with advance versions of the USB stick, and they swiftly went... it was really nice to meet a few avid fans of the mag, and at one point I swear there was a queue of people wanting to talk to me, mainly about getting work experience or contributing to the mag in some way. I actually felt quite overwhelmed by it all and couldn't quite remember everything that was being said to me – it's really flattering though and I am really grateful that people like what I do.
James and Matt, both ex interns. (Matt isn't really that small, honest)
Jenny, Charlotte and Lauren, who were interns on issue 09
the lovely Jojo, who was a joy to work with!
James really is very tall!
Lots of my old interns turned up which was ace – some I am now really good friends with, and I love getting a chance to catch up. They are all doing very well (and earning alot more than me, maybe I should be an intern of me and then leave and get a better job?!) and it makes me very proud to hear what they are up to. There were also lots of contributors there – lots of the illustrators featured in the exhibition of course, many of whom I met for the first time, and lots of others too, including Fred Butler, looking as amazing as usual (I see she is featured in Time Out as an up and coming jewelery designer: she was wearing a fabulous necklace customised with a fuzzy felt bird that first appeared in one of my issues – my dad was transfixed by it!)
Fred is looking fab in the orange!
Illustrator Andy Macgregor – one of my cohorts on the Illustrators in Nature weekend and erstwhile designer of the Pure Groove calendar – was there with James Hatt who designed the treehouse. Oxana Korsun, who is a wicked stylist was also there, looking fab as ever.
Oxana outside Pure Groove
Annie Collinge and Louise Harries of Prick Your Finger, who put together the ace How To Make A Crochet Moustache were there, but I am not sure they actually got to meet each other.
Annie Collinge on the left
me in a fab fluffy jumper with the lovely Louise
Julia Kennedy made an appearance; she shot the fashion shoot in this issue that was covered in that hideous Class Of 2008, we're-a-bunch-of-posh-kids-largin-it programme shown on the BBC recently, because the model was Portia, one of the featured kids. The shoot looks amazing though and also comes with a message, so don't be fooled by the vacuousness of the coverage (AND they called the mag Amelia Magazine. Don't they know that is a run of the mill women's mag in Sweden?!)
reading issue 09
By 8.30pm it was time to leave and head to the pub around the corner – this was only ever destined to be a short early evening event, but maybe I should pull all the stops out next time, it will be my 10th issue after all. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves though... Any sponsors interested?!
Tonight is the official launch party for issue 09 of Amelia's Magazine which is to be held at the brand spanking new PURE GROOVES SHOP IN FARRINGDON! 6-7 West Smithfield, London EC1A 9JX
In order to show her support for upcoming artists, Amelia will be offering a sneak preview of the illustrations showcased in this issue. There is also the opportunity to order limited edition art prints at a discounted price!
So come along and help us celebrate, view some great art, listen to the sounds of TOKYO POLICE CLUB and O FRACAS who, I must add, will be playing live throughout the night!
There can't possibly be a better way to spend an evening than in the company of the Amelia's Magazine crew x
A Positive Future - by Amelia
When I was little I was obsessed with a book called Future Cities (The World of the Future) published in 1979. Looking back at the predictions therein it is interesting to see what they got right, even if the graphics on the home computers that would certainly fill every home feature cute Pacman styles instead of slick Mac graphics. Alongside more fantastical ideas such as space cities and towns on the moon, (where the 2020 Olympics were anticipated to be held!) the book also foresaw two very different possible futures – one where green cities support locally sustainable populations not disimilar to those towns envisaged by today’s modern Transition Towns movement, versus the polluted hellholes of a “dying world”. And for me the big question now is which way are we heading?
This book really fired my imagination as a child, something which I remember vividly to this day. Tempted as always onto Google to do a bit of research, I found this comment, from someone on Amazon: “I read the Chinese version of this book when I was a kid. For a children’s book, it’s surprisingly insightful. It’s also interesting to see how some of the preditions in the book have come true. The illustrations are great too. I find this book pretty inspiring even for an adult and I highly recommend it especially if you like sci-fi.” So it is clearly not just me.
We are intrinsically drawn to aesthetic beauty and art and creativity in all their forms are essential to human happiness... I love beauty – it is the reason why I produce my magazine and why people want to look at it. And this is where the role of illustrators and designers comes in – we could be the most amazing force for instigating change, because done well design can become all invasive and inspiring – a stimulus for a better way of life, where family, friendship, freedom, community and shared experiences are prized more highly than the possession of any kind of material goods.
Most communication about ecologically sound practices and speculations of what we need to do to alter the future of earth focus either on alarmist doomsday scenarios or the nebulous idea that small actions can make a big difference and technology will take care of the rest... but humans need experiences that stimulate positive thoughts to avoid becoming paralysed with fear; visions of a better future, a future where people have come to their own conclusions that to live sustainably in communities is actually a much better and more fulfilling way to live.
Of course noone can really know what our lives will be like in the next decade or two, but one thing is certain, things will be different. They have to be. What we desperately need are visions of a Positive Future... for it is ultimately in our hands to decide whether our future cities look like the “polluted cities of a dying world” or a “garden cities on a cared-for planet.” All this needs to happen soon because a shift in global consciousness needs to come before the double tipping points of climate change and peak oil send us into a spiral of unstoppable chaos, so let’s fire our collective imaginations and dream our way into the reality of a better world...
an original version of the article can be found here:
Iniva, ‘Mirror Image’ Oscar Muoz: 13th June-27th July.
Rivington Place, London EC2A 3BA.
The first solo exhibition in the UK, including works over 10 years by Columbian artist. He deals with memory and loss. In the words of Munoz, he is concerned with the ‘dark and corrupted succession of wars for more than 50 years’.
Nearest tube: Old Street or Liverpool Street.
www.iniva.org
MAD@P3, Universtity of Westminster: BA Illustration, BA Information Design, BA Ceramics, BA Mixed Media Fine Art: 19th-26th June.
University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road London NW1
The modern underground P3 Space is hosting for the first time, a showcase of fresh creative talent from the University’s best Media, Arts & design graduates.
http://www.wmin.ac.uk/mad/page-1864
Free Range, Graduate Art & Design Summer Shows: Photography: 20th-23rd June
The Old Truman Brewqery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL.
Rotated each week to showcase a different creative discipline, this week showcases cutting-edge photographic talent. Free Range Director, Tamsin O’Hanlon explains, “Free Range is an unprecedented display of youth, art and creativity [and] uncovers tomorrow’s talent at today’s prices.”
www.free-range.org.uk
Paradise Row, ‘Laughterlife’: Georgy Ostretsov, Victor Alimpiev, Diana Machulina, Elikuka, Fedor Pavlov-Andreevich, Rostan Tavasiev: 19th June-27th July.
17 Hereford Street (Off CHesire St), London E2 6EX.
Focusing on the themes of absurdity and black humour at the heart of Russian culture, works include pieces from the early 19th century literary works of Gogol, to absurdists writings and theatre of the OBERIU group as well as young artists in Russia today.
www.paradiserow.com
On the first Tuesday of this month I trundled up to EXIT bar on Brick Lane after work, carrying my laptop and recycled cloth bag; which together probably amounts to half my body weight! Tired from a previous late night, I was not feeling in the best of moods to impart my supposed literary genius upon others. However, after unloading all my stuff and making a beeline to the bar, my spirits were changed (note: I am not promoting that alcohol solves tiredness/problems- infact I had an orange juice)!
Mel (the fashion editor) and I got chatting to the organiser, Mr Salam Jones about the first ever Open Mic Night. He seemed slightly disorientated as he kept surveying the room for his friend who was running late. He told us this was the first one he had organised and that there had been a lot of support from poets, rappers and singers wanting to showcase themselves. Depending on how it all turned out, he hoped to run the night regularly, on the first Tuesday of each month.
Queue 9:30pm and Salam’s mysterious friend dressed in black finally turned up, running two hours late. Near to falling asleep on the sofas, Mel budged me awake, muttering, ‘aren’t you nervous?’ I replied, laughing, ‘I’m too tired to be nervous.’
The first poet was a middle aged Indian woman who detailed the natural landscape of India, citing moonlight, the exotic temperatures and sunrises. There were moments of real beauty. Then it was my turn!
Being my first time performing, I explained that my poems were from my creative writing dissertation on 'Identity and the City.' I explored different characters who lived in London through performance poetry. I began by saying the first piece was about an indie guy on the underground who was journeying to one of his many lovers. I raced into the poem entitled ‘Hot Stuff’ trying my best to emulate an indie-ish twang with:
This tube sends me wild
It gave birth to a multi-coloured child,
Live like a live wire
Set me on fire,
Travellin’ up higher,
Dialled the number to the moon up above,
Ridin’ free on the backbone of love…(etc)’
Other pieces were about: loss of beauty, memory, an attack on constructed notions of beauty in women’s magazines and rootlessness. One that differed was ‘…yes—yesterday’, a stream of consciousness poem on a particular encounter:
…..yes—yesterday coat-hang
errrs, ‘umm’- I said that too many times, times, times, AnOy
hiccup of dandy head yellow. Popping stalk-sturdy
we walked like chalk
Scratchy c l o u d s shaking in our radio-minds
-------------------we were lunar praying forrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
the owl wings beat blue-flocking Up-uP uP twigs snapping in woods
(etc…)
On that note the crowd was miffed into silence. However I signalled that I was finished and they eventually erupted into applause.
Then another performance poet performed, whose poems were about lust, love and frustration. A rapper came after, who told a tale about his background and trying to break free from his former mould. Some decks were played in the background, making us all bop up and down to the beat. Later, the infamous Salam Jones read out pieces on racism in East London in the '70s and his background as the only Indian kid at his school. My favourite piece was one called ‘I remember’ where he got into two different characters: himself (with an East end accent) and his dad (with a thick Indian accent). He even used a checkered hat as a prop to indicate the character shift to his father. The two differing experiences growing up in London was riveting stuff.
All in all the Open Mic Night was a massive hit with the regular crowd and a handful of interested people who came especially. I’ve been to past literary readings where everything is a bit ‘hwah hwah darling what do you think about this text?’ Events like the Open Mic Night acts against this by breaking the mould of what literature can be; where verse is opened up to regular people, not just those within literary circles. With an array of different people, perspectives and approaches to telling a tale, Mel and I really enjoyed it. If you’re ever on Brick Lane, pop into EXIT bar and ask Salam when the next Open Mic Night is. Who knows, perhaps you’ll even get to see him reincarnate into his father with the checkered hat once again!
The Brick Lane Gallery, ‘Burning Bridges Exhibition’, Alexandros Vasmoulakis, Dave The Chimp, Labrona, Cum*, Bruno 9LI, Case, Herakut, Other, Gawd, plus a whole range of other urban artists: 13th-22nd June.
Brick Lane Gallery, 196 Brick Lane, London E1 6SA
Scorching new street art talent from the UK and abroad, set to rustle your conceptions and blow your mind. “Capow”! indeedy.
www.burningbridges.co.uk
Also Bruno 9LI designed the cover for our next issue.
The Rag Factory, ‘Stew’, Edward Ahlstrom, Ayla Akdemi, Michelle Anderson, Michael Anthony, Becky Beynon, Ben Bird and other artists: 13th-22ndJune.
16-18 Heneage Street, nearest tube stations: Aldgate East and Liverpool Street.
34 University College Creative Arts (Rochester and Kent) photographers, from UK and Europe tackling diverse themes such as journeys, memory, history, environment whilst questioning the place of photography in modern society.
www.stewphotography.co.uk
Transition, ‘FAN FAIR’, Dominic Allan, Doug Jones, Cathy Lomax, Matt Rowe, Tabitha Moses:14th June-13th July.
Unit 25a Regent Studios
8 Andrews Road, London E8.
Deals with the ‘spectacle of seaside sensations’ including: a rock-dipped walking stick, delicate ceramic skittles, a deep-sea diver and souvenir hankies and Madam Sosostris will even read your tarot cards!
www.transitiongallery.co.uk
Fieldgate Gallery, TERRY ATKINSON
STUART BRISLEY
TIM HEAD14th June-13th July.
14 Fieldgate Street, London E1 1ES.
Artists who came to prominence in the 60s and 70s; operating within: Conceptual Arts, Performance Arts and other modes. Their commentary on art and politics has influenced generations of students.
www.fieldgategallery.com
Whilst walking down Brick Lane in the early hours you often step on something unexpected, but I certainly did not expect to stand on an astronaut. Well it may only be a picture but it shocked and intrigued me all the same. Its glossy photo finish lead me to believe it was non-advertising material and was simply a memory that someone had lost. So in true British fashion I took it anyway, but made sure nobody saw!
It wasn't till I reached the safety of four walls and a roof, that I explored this exciting little find and found that there was yet further intrigue. todonnalovebob.org and an apparently random sequence of four digits where scribbled on the back.
So immediately I pulled out my laptop and hit todonnalovebob.org. After typing in the not so random digits, on a very minimalist page by the way, I was told to write my details on the back and send it back to the address provided.
So with my details provided and a stamp stuck on the back of Ozzies head I sit and ponder what to do. Send my name and address to a total strange (of course I'm hoping this stranger is Ozzie as he looks so sincere and normal!!) or simply keep my identity safe and never know what the next step is.
Well I guess curiosity wins at the end of the day, I'm of to the post. I do hope Ozzie writes back soon! I'll let you know if he does.
TONIGHT FROM 6PM - 9.30PM } WATCH AMELIA PERFORM AT THE ART VINYL GALLERY!
The Eel are launching Issue 10 of their Hackney based magazine; covering local issues and events with witty idiosyncrasy. Tonight will be particularly special however, as Amelia will be singing with the Hackney Secular Choir! Other contributors include Rosie from Tatty Divine and Rachael from Prick Your Finger, among a whole host of other great local creatives. The Eel also put on a community festival in August on Vyner Street that's well worth putting in your calenders - last year there was a right ol' fracas between the locals and artists.
And as for Amelia singing, expect undoubtedly dulcet tones alongside truly heartfelt renditions of Ian Drury's Sex & Drugs & Rock 'N' Roll, as well as Buzzcocks and Sham 69 songs (and they're open to suggestions). You can join the choir yourself, every Monday @ 7.30 St. Johns Church, Bethnal Green, anybody is welcome, particularly men, followed by debauched boozing down the local. Claiming to be a Punk Anarchist Choir, you're therefore not expected to have the voice of an angel but to simply want to be a part of it, so clear your throat and get singing!
If you're looking to fill up your gas tank, you've come to the wrong station, as the most you will get from these pumps are a few yards of yarn. Unlike anything I've ever seen, this once abandoned gas station in Dewitt, NY has been completely blanketed with colorful fiber panels from around the globe to make a statement about the world's dependency on oil.
Artist, Jennifer Marsh, a third year Master of Fine Art student from Syracuse University, was behind the project known as the International Fiber Collaborative. For the past year, Marsh has made the project known across the world. Participants from 15 countries and 29 states created fiber panels to cover the gas station's 5,000 square foot area. On April 12 the station was transformed with a reception to celebrate held on May 3.
As I approached the reception, the soft jazz sounds performed by Hannah Richardson and Phil Flanigan combined with the smoky aroma from Conella's BBQ grills gave the sense I was in the backyard of a thoroughly enjoyable family picnic. The casual group of guests ranged from children to grandparents, all circling around to view the crocheted, knitted, stitched, patched, photographed, silk screened and collaged panels.
The artists were requested to create something to express their countries use of oil. Open to interpretation, the 3-foot squares were quite contrasting from one to the next. People creatively crocheted shopping bags to display the dependency we have on petroleum-based products beyond that used for our cars. Other materials crocheted included VHS tapes, plastic sleeves from ink cartridges and labels from soda bottles.
While the tentative date to disassemble the gas station cover is this summer, the number of contributors will determine the future of the installation. If enough people continue to create panels, this has potential to cover more abandoned gas stations across the world. Whether you’re an amateur or professional artist, if you have interest in creating a panel please visit the International Fiber Collaborative website at http://www.internationalfibercollaborative.com/ for more information.
'A Home for Alice' is a world wide art project that started in 2008. The concept is very simple; Alice has asked people from all around the world to send her a Polaroid picture of their home, be it a flat, their childhood house, their friend's place, or any living place where they feel at home. Along with the Polaroid, Alice asks them to write why they feel home there.
The idea came to her as she was walking through the streets of Copenhagen at night. As she looked through the windows of these strangers 'homes', she felt a sense of loneliness. Originally from France, Alice has been living in Copenhagen for the past year, yet has still not felt like she has a 'real' home; kind of trapped in between two places.
As she got back to her flat later that same day, she wondered if this wasn't her home, where was it? She had to find it.
So far she has received Polaroids from the UK, France, USA, Australia, Canada... and they still keep coming. Once she receives them, she scans the photo, envelope and the text, and then posts them up onto her blog A Home For Alice and on her Myspace website.
At the end of this project, Alice would like to collect all the best homes, and publish them in a book; a collation of her adventure.
Since starting the project, Alice has come to realise that she doesn't really want to live in just one place. She is a citizen of the world, with so many other creatives inviting her into their homes. Let's say she feels 'half way home'.....
A Home For Alice is going to be showing in Melbourne at Rosie Gallery in August. So she needs to get as many people as possible to participate. So if you wish to, all the information is on her site A Home for Alice.
The young design duo going by the name of If You could present their May set of prints by NODE and Kate Moross. As with previous months these prints will be available to pre-order for the entire month of May and never again thereafter. All prints will be dispatched after the edition has been confirmed at the end of the month and they are printed and signed by the artists.
For those of you whose heads have been in the sand, or the wrong magazines for the past year or so Kate Moross is the new hot stuff in the design and illustration world. And NODE is a Berlin and Oslo based graphic design studio, founded in 2003. Both Moross’ and NODE’s May designs are silkscreen printed on white heavyweight B2 paper using red and black ink - in classic If You Could style.
NODE’s contribution ‘Just Zang Tuum Tumb It’ (above) is sharp and bold, consisting of strong black type over a tilted red square. Moross’ print (below) takes a more illustrative approach. ‘I Would Run Away To New York’ is a whirlwind of sixties psychedelia with almost unreadable spiralling words.
To own one of these unique prints would be a special thing, and if I could I would frame it, hang it and name-drop Kate Moross when people visited.