rainy day

Our recent flush of sunny weather has left me rather optimistic despite today's down pour.  So I'm sorting through many half finished projects and boxes of fabric. Thank you rain.  Here's some stuff I've unearthed...

folklore

The popularity of folk influences coming through in so many creative areas - graphic design, music, fashion - is really exciting. There's something inviting about native prints and patterns reinvented in contemporary craft design and illustration especially.

I recently found illustrator Sandra Dieckmann, who brings her love of animals through into her illustrative work. I love her use of pattern to bring form and her fresh uplifting colour palette.

"The best folktales have a dark edge. Conversely, the best folk art pops with colour - perhaps as a visual way of whistling in the dark, perhaps a celebration of the richness of northern Europe's storytelling tradition. "

- Digital Artist Magazine

Sandra Dieckmann has a fabulous etsy shop - check it out - www.etsy.com/shop/SandraDieckmann

colours of summer

I first saw Zoe Murphy's work at what must have been the 2008 New Designer's Exhibition, together with printed textiles, she recycle's vintage furniture - rejuvinating it with strong blasts of colour and contemporary etched graphics.


Now in August and a long awaited cycling trip to Kent's coast looming, for me Zoe Murphy's work reminds me of that fresh optimism crazy summer days with friends can bring.