It's always a wonderful thing to see people use old mediums in new ways. Jules Tardy doesn't just draw on paper to create illustrations - he uses the paper itself to create doodles of people and animals. In a project titled 'Papiers Dechirés' created in 2017, the ripped coloured pieces of paper create shadows, highlights, contrasts, and depth. Originally from Paris, Jules Tardy . . .
Make Beautiful Things
Who knows what's going on in the world these days? I would've thought that we'd be taking steps forward instead of leaps backward. During times like these, it's easy to get into a spiral of negativity, gloom, and doom. However... Instead of focusing on the negative, we should do what we can to make our own positive impact in the world. Play our part in making the world a little better each . . .
An Absence of Colour
Who created this wonderfully detailed black & white piece, you ask? It’s Chris Yee – otherwise known as Yee the East. He’s a Sydney-based artist & illustrator who has a background in graphics design, but what he’s really known for are his traditional “pen and paper” methodologies. Some fun facts about him: He’s a twin. His childhood consisted of a whole lot of Dragonball and . . .
Embrace Your Crown
The grass is always greener on the other side. I've got dead straight hair (blame it on the Asian genes!) so when I see someone rocking an afro or an entire head of curls, I stare in amazement. Looks like I'm not the only one though, it seems to also happen vice versa. Hence, Gerrel Saunders aka. Gaks made an illustrated series revolving around the topic titled 'CROWN'. It is described by . . .
A Colourful Paper Universe
French creative duo Zim & Zou never cease to amaze me. Their latest colourful paper universe was for the window display of the new Hermès store in Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates. Titled ‘Forest Folks’, the duo adds a little magic into the retail world by creating two different scenes referencing a fairytale world including oversized mushrooms, florals, and whimsical creatures. . . .
Artistic Dirt
As much as I enjoy finding street art gems while strolling along the streets, I cannot stand tags and graffiti on unwanted surfaces. Here's one that I saw on my street the other day. Curses to the derelict that did that. However, here's an act of 'vandalism' that I definitely approve of. Moscow-based Russian illustrator Nikita Golubev sees a canvas where others just see dirt. He uses . . .
Miniature Worlds
Australia's often forgotten, being so far away from everything else. However, I've seen a pretty decent portion of art, culture and design news flowing out from our borders over the past few years. Just came across this 15-year-old girl who did an amazing rendition of David Bowie's song 'Space Oddity' on The Voice. In other news – check out this incredible Australian artist Joshua Smith, . . .
Drawing With Paper
Why draw on paper when you can do the complete opposite – draw with paper. The art of paper quilling has been around for centuries, using small strips of coloured paper to create different shapes and turning them images, decorative pieces or even jewellery. I remember getting paper quilling packs as a child and twirling and twisting the paper to create birds, flowers, and a whole range of . . .
Mini Lives in Mini Worlds
We seem to have a strange fascination with all things mini - from teacup pigs to paintings on sugar cubes. There's something there that warms up our heart with every glance towards that direction. Pierre Javelle and Akiko Ida clearly feel the same way. Since 2002, the duo has been photographing a series of playful dioramas combining miniature figurines with various kinds of food. Titled . . .
Dreamy Mix of Watercolour & Pencil
Here's one about a fellow Aussie - Elisa Mazzone is a talented art director, illustrator and an avid fan of all things beautiful. Now based in London, she creates gorgeous visual landscapes and keepsakes, weaving mediums together with allegorical needle and thread. She explores the female form through her choice of colours, shapes and flowing lines. Purposely unfinished, the illustrations have an . . .