Time for a little rest

I have to say, this year has been amazing. It hasn't quiet come to an end yet but i've already started a big long list of goals for next year, my office space at home is such a mess it's embarrassing, my sketch book is brimming with ideas, I got a bit carried away on realestate.com and fell in love with the coolest apartment ever in the middle of the city which I am looking at on Thursday, I have fabric samples being sent to me from Melbourne which I cannot wait to have arrive, my email account hasn't received emails since Dec 20th (its being addressed now but boy has this taught me a whole new level of patience, thanks to my techy friend whos fixing it all!), every time I sit down for a cup of tea my mind goes wandering and I find myself digging out more exciting things from my office and starting new messy projects which end up on the kitchen table for weeks (and weeks and weeks)...point is, my boyfriend and I have packed our van today and are getting away from it all. We're driving to Normanville, sleeping in the car, we'll live off chinese take-away (ah..please be open!) and generally just laze around. I know I will probably have trouble switching off and i'll be itching to get back to all the rush and drama (and emails..here's hoping) and messy office but it will be great and I can't wait.

Goodbye 2012, you've been soooooo good to me, hello 2013, you're going to be even better. I know it.

Stirling Map

I just completed illustrating this map for Sticky Rice Cooking School. It was really fun putting together, I grew up in Stirling actually so I was quite familiar with all the little places that belonged on there. Sticky Rice is a cooking school in the Adelaide Hills, they are building some asian style villas at the moment, so the map is to show the new comers all the brilliant places that Stirling has to offer. You should come visit if you havn't already!

Sunday Dinners

I just finished working on such a beautiful project. I was commissioned to compile a collection of home recipes belonging to a lovely elderly lady called Merle. Every Sunday for as long as the family can remember, Merle has hosted dinner at her place.

Before beginning the project, I was invited to Merle's house for some inspiration. I took countless photos of her kitchen, crockery, cuttlery, mugs and pantry, and then we ate pickled onion and cheese aswell as tea and cake on her patio.

It was such a pleasure putting this together. The book is broken into sections of Entrees, Mains, Desserts and Odds & Sods. I illustrated a title page for each course, taking inspiration from the way the dining table would look at this time. The contents are accompanied by an illustration of her kitchen. The recipes also include the name of the family member who requested it be included in her book, which I think is a lovely touch.  

Merle was presented with the book today, on her Birthday! Although she knew I was up to something, she had no idea what the book would look like. Happy Birthday Merle and hope you like it. x

Damn The Man Night Market

Last night was the very first Damn The Man Night Market, held in the gorgeous old Queens Theatre, Adelaide. I didn't get the chance to venture very far, as I was the only one manning my stall, but here are a few photos of the space around me. On my left was Resinate Jewellery (who I made a little trade with, love my earings!) and on my right Artist and Illustrator, Fruzsi Kenez. Was a great evening, next project, getting ready for That Dapper Market, December 15th. See you there!

Sydney Weekend

I just came back from a glorious four days away in Sydney. On Thursday night I had a print in an exhibition in Manly, which was kind of the main reason for the trip. The rest of the days were spent walking to Surry Hills, visiting the Botanic Gardens, the Opera House, eating delicious Spanish tapas and browsing the art gallery. On the last day we returned to this playground especially for me to conquer the giant rope pyramid (I really wanted to climb it on the first day but I was wearing a skirt, the second time I went back there were too many kids on it...). There I am on the top of it, I'd fly back just for this. PS. I want that turtle fountain!!

Monday Night

Last night I invited some close friends and family to help me celebrate the completion of the thesis that I have been writing this year. 

Just to give you a brief run down, my research revolved around digital design simluating hand-made image making techniques. I asked myself about the benefits of adding nostalgia to current design aswell as the fascination people have with the past. My practice ties in strongly with these ideas; although my illustrations are digital, I always aim for them to appear one off and unique. I embrace the natural imperfections that come with working by hand.

As part of my research I also set up a display of some of my current work. Dad helped me make the tressle table legs, the table top is an old door that I painted and then lined with ply wood, and the accessories are all bits and pieces from my home. 

Thanks everyone so much for your support and encouragement, it means so much to me. pip xx
 
 

Happy Birthday Irving Baby!

Irving Baby has just turned 20, happy birthday! To celebrate, they gave 20 Adelaide creatives a lamp each to adorn / embellish / remodel / paint / sew / glue...etc as they chose. The opening night was last month, but they are still all on display in store. This is what I did to the lamp I was given: