Lizzy Stewart took a B.A. in Illustration in Edinburgh College of Art in 2009 and an M.A. in Communication Design- Central St Martins, 2013.
I admire how she talks openly on her blog about her feelings regarding her last two years.
” I finished my M.A. and, in truth, I am incredibly glad that its all over. It is difficult to process how I’ve felt about the whole experience; often frustrating and anger-inducing, sometimes bewildering, occasionally inspiring. It has been a long and complicated two years and I think it’ll take me a while to work out what, exactly, they meant to me. And now. Now. Hmm…. People keep asking me what I’m ‘going to do now‘ and quite frankly I have no idea. It is as though ‘now’ is a whole new world, a precipice I am teetering on the edge of and what comes next should be big, bold, a dramatic change. Except it won’t be. It’ll be exactly the same, at least outwardly. I will keep freelancing and continue to make books and prints and do a bit of teaching here and there. I will carry on taking too many coffee-shop breaks. It is only inwardly that there has been a change, of course there has. Two years of thinking about your work, about what you do and why you do it will undoubtedly change things for you. There are times when I think all that academic navel-gazing has caused permanent damage, other times I think its allowed me to really get to grips with what is important to me, creatively. Either way its been exhausting and now I find myself…. no, actually, I don’t know where I find myself. I think my work has been, and will continue, changing. I paint more and draw less, I write a lot more than I ever used to, I struggle with client work in a way I didn’t in the past. The only thing that seems fixed is that stories are at the very heart of what I do and what I want to do. It is the story that matters most to be. I like telling them, I like reading them and hearing them and I like how sharing a story with another person can create wonder.”
These beautiful book covers certainly create wonder about the stories held within.
Lizzy has a whole stash of sketchbooks which she has worked in since being a young girl. She sells her prints and zines here over at her BigCartel site.
You can easily see how her sketchbook work translates into more detailed illustrations.
Lizzy also sketches when away from home, in fact I think she pretty much sketches everywhere.
I like these somewhat contemplative studies.
She now works in London and commutes from her home
Lizzy talks on her blog about drawing.
” On a few occasions I have been asked why it is that I draw, as though the career I am in the process of crafting for myself has been rationally reasoned and considered. It is a question that, for a long time, I have not taken seriously. I glossed over it with a flippant remark- ‘its the only skill I’ve got’ or something about really wanting to cultivate my terrible posture and poor eyesight. Recently however this question has begun to demand a more considered response. Larger musings, admittedly self-indulgent ones, on who I am at this quarter-century stage of my life have brought me round to thinking through what I do, this thing that has, and will continue, to define much of my life.
Finally then, I draw because I want, in some way, to be known. Not in any genuinely intimate way, I’m not angling for romance or hoping to draw myself a soulmate. Rather I draw for the same reasons that, I believe, anyone makes anythings. It feels like people are huge, enormous in fact and so many are frustrated by the limits of their physical selves that they feel fit to burst; filled with vast swathes of thought and feeling, joys and sadnesses. Every single person is so much bigger and I suppose we fear that the rest of us, the parts not represented by body or speech, will be lost. I draw, then, for this part of me, the majority of me I suppose; because that way it might outlive ‘me’. If drawing is the best way of establishing what is important to us visually then it must go some way towards recording what it important to us internally. “
These paintings have such a lovely feeling to them. Happy, content and peaceful somehow.
The story teller in Lizzy keeps eeking out. She reflects, in an interview here on 1granary, about her thoughts on her childhood.
” I was cautious and shy, traits I’m still trying to shake off at twenty-five. I drew a lot and I liked making up stories, I suppose I was the same kind of child that most illustrators were- if you’re introspective and awkward from a young age that probably drives you to spend more and more time in your head making things up and scribbling them frantically down in crayon. I don’t think I ever shook the urge to tell stories and that is something my work still relies on. “
The lovely ‘Fossil’ illustration below, backs that up beautifully.
Again Lizzy talks about inspiration.
” I go through periods of obsession, things that I get fixated on drawing over and over. For a long while it was big, bleak landscapes but at the moment its people. I’ve spent the last few years looking to other places and cultures for inspiration but recently I’ve tried to focus in on something much smaller. People, ordinary people, are a mine of quirks and intricacies and immeasurable wonder. I think. I visit the British Museum to draw a lot. Whilst it rarely leads to finished pieces its an inspiring place to hang out for a while. I find that a day drawing in there helps me to stop thinking and warm-up for new work a bit. When I come back to my desk I feel refreshed. “
I really like these aerial views below. Keep up the wonderful work Lizzy and your beautifully honest blog too. Great to ‘meet’ such a warm and open soul.
Men’s Fashion Trends
It’s midweek here in old Blighty, and yesterday I spotted a new trend … Floral Beards. I’m not sure how long they’d stay in for, (the flowers, not the trend) but the idea is certainly blooming ! (groan)
Credits for each image and more like these can be found over at Bored Panda, and on Sarah Winward‘s beautiful flower focussed site.
Continuing on the men’s fashion side, I’ve been looking through the Menswear Spring / Summer 2015 Catwalk shows in Paris, London and Milan. Thanks to our friends over on the Pattern Prints Journal for prompting me. Some great scribbly patterns from Dior to start us off.
Bold shapes and more delicate lace work as a contrast from Versace, whilst Richard Nicoll has gone for a distinctive tie-dye indigo feel.
There’s always something for the more outrageous (or overly confident) chap. Check out the monster hand accessories !
Something a little more elegant, bookish and refined from Burberry Prorsum.
Moschino is never one to be a wallflower, they’ve gone wild with flags, retro smileys and colourful packaging themes.
Tasteful detailed mix and match prints from John Richmond, and bold tessellations from Daks.
Some cool summer peach and oranges from Katie Eary.
You’ve heard the phrase, dressed up like a dog’s dinner ? well this is the people’s dinner version lol. There’s a rather cute vintage feel to the print all the same.
Frankie says.. Make Art Not War.. one final great message for all ! Ok guys so which of these would you be happy to wear ?
Miche Wynants Mid century illustrator
I’ve been trying to find out a little about illustrator Miche Wynants who worked on a number of books in the mid sixties, but apart from a hint that she maybe from Belgium, the internet came up a blank. : ( I think that her work, especially on Noah’s Ark is stunning.
Wonderful textures and rolling blues and greens in the stormy sea here.
These Lions are fab too and the brown and pink foxes with their extra loooong tails, are also pretty cool.
Here’s a couple of covers of other books Miche Illustrated.
I imagine that these exciting flip books would keep children amused for quite a while.
If anyone has any info or images of Miche’s work that they could pass on, I’d love to include them on my blog. Do get in touch, thank you.
Modern Publicity 1957 – 1958 Advertising, Illustration, Graphics in the mid century Part 1
I’ve been hooked on these Modern Publicity anthologies. Here’s some excerpts from way back in 1957/58, such classic illustrations.
Clever dog, he not only bookmarks your place but also holds the book for you ! I think Toff-o-Luxe had turned into Toffos by the early seventies.
A small colour splash.
Love these suns.
More to come, have a great weekend everyone and don’t forget to watch this Fishink space and pass it onto your friends too.
Sculptor Paul Smith’s Hugable Animals
I recently came across the work of sculptor Paul Smith who’s studio is based on the edge of the Peak District National Park. I really like the friendly relationship his figures portray in joining the worlds of the human and the animal.
Paul says ” In my work I play with the conventions of fairytales and fables, often turning the stories on their heads and twisting them. Goldilocks has made peace with the bears and Red Riding Hood has grown up to be a confident femme fatale who entrances the Wolf. There are many ‘first-nation’ stories of a time when beasts could talk and the world was one, not divided into the human/animal worlds. “
” I am interested in our perception of the animal kingdom, told through fairytale and fable, art, books and film, rather than realistic depiction. A big influence on my work has been Angela Carter who wrote several short stories and novels on the theme of fairytales, “The Company of Wolves” and “The Bloody Chamber” being among the most famous. She tells tales of transformation, wonder and strangeness but, however dark the stories are, there is, more often than not, a redemptive ending. I use children’s stories as the vehicle to explore, in terms of adult-oriented concerns, the universal themes raised; love and jealousy, duplicity and trust. “
” My work is solidly rooted in the figurative tradition. Of all the artists of the past I particularly admire the work of Elie Nadelman. A Polish-born sculptor working in the earlier part of the last century, he was innovative in his wonderful sense of fluid line and form, influenced by American folk art. ”
I really like Paul’s sense of strong line and slight nod to folk art sculptures too.
It’s not until you see the sculptures in situ, that you really get a sense of their scale… wow. Paul will be exhibiting some work at Potfest in the Park July 25th – 27th in Cumbria, see the link for more details.
Boo at the Beach and new Fishink illustrations
A couple of weeks ago, we set off to head for the Wirral to catch up with my folks and take my dog ‘Boo’ to the beach for the first time in her life. Five minutes out of Manchester she was being sick and not looking like it was going to be a good idea, we changed plan and went to a local park instead. This weekend however we made it and boy was she a happy dog !
Running carefree along the beach, paddling (when we didn’t even think she liked getting her paws wet) and most importantly, learning not to drink the seawater as it’s salty and doesn’t taste a bit like tap water, even though it looks the same ! How confusing for a thirsty dog.
I can only imagine that going to the beach for Boo, with all it’s new sounds, smells and tastes would be as strange as if we were to go to the Moon perhaps. A completely unknown and new landscape, that you’ve never before encountered. Needless to say that she soon got the hang of chasing those alien seagulls anyway !
Afterwards she was soooo tired that she practically slept all the way back again, before fitting in another snooze (just for good measure), in my parent’s garden lol.
It’s a dogs life … and not a bad one at that !
I’ve also been trying some new style illustrations, it’s good to play around a little.
This one was based on the idea that a dog would happily go off for a walk with absolutely anyone… perhaps even a crocodile !
Some more new style ideas, any feedback, thoughts, suggestions are (as ever) most welcome.
I first found out about the publication called ‘Modern Publicity’ after seeing and buying a copy back in 2012, it was the 1950/51 edition, right up my street !. These images are taken from the 1966/67 edition which sadly wasn’t quite as interesting. If anyone has any of the 1950 ones they might be able to loan me for a scrutiny, please let me know.
Modern Publicity is the equivalent to a graphics magazine today and covered posters, packaging, TV, magazine and book illustrations and adverts each year.
Great to see such a variety of line and style in one place.
Nearly 50 year old packaging which looks fresh as a daisy !
Ahh just lie back in the long grass and enjoy the day : )
There’s a great article from the guys over at Quad Royal about this publication too.
Bill Charmatz Cartoon Cookery
I have spoken about the life and work of Bill Charmatz before on my blog. When I came across this stunning cook book, that is absolutely brimming with his illustrative work, I knew that you’d love it as much as I do.
The book is laid out in terms of many different chapters dealing with different ways of choosing, cleaning and cooking food and Bill has an amusing slant on each and every one of them.
His characters look so simple but have such wit and charm about them that you can’t fail to fall for their simplicity and style. Minimal colour too.
Look at these simple, yet quirkily drawn, food ensembles. Don’t they somehow portray a zest or a zing for the food itself ?
Just look at that lemon and the pasta and meatballs, it’s positively vibrating, even though it’s just a collection of squiggles and blobs … pure genius !
The perils of cooking outdoors, again the small dog under the chair made me smile.
The section on ‘Game Cookery’ makes me wonder, just who it is that ends up being the food after all !
I love the chicken wagon and the dancing prawns with their tridents, again who’d have thought of those things ?
The chef in the kitchen above, has a lovely balance of detail and space and line, shape and colour. It all works so well. A few more colourful pages for some variation.
It’s a stunning book and that’s not even looking at the actual recipes ! I picked my copy up for a few pounds, so even though it’s out of print and dates back to 1956 ! It’s still a must for every designer mid-century bookshelf. Does anyone else have anything similar ? Do let me know if you do. I’ve a couple more to talk about soon. Two great videos about Bill
and here
You can fine more of Bill’s wonderful work here on the website created by his daughter.
Goostrey Rose Day 2014
I spent saturday in the company of a set of happy villagers celebrating their Rose Day in Goostrey in Cheshire.
The day is all about celebration, of their young folk, of their community and of their dedication to keeping the village traditions alive and well. Everyone takes on a role to make sure the day ran smoothly and by golly it did just that. There was tug of war, greasy poles, tom-bolas, fair rides, coconut shy and cake and fun stalls for everyone.
There were many people wearing weird and wonderful outfits too.
There was some great dancing, all the way from Africa no less !
Competitions in categories of the best single rose, floral displays, (and a little display of my own !) More available here.
and my most favourite of all, the children’s competition to create monsters out of fruit… priceless !
Look at these, how wonderful are they ?
My absolute fav’s in each category were these. I thought that putting strawberries in a floral display was pure genius and the lizard monster was superb. Many thanks to Sue Jones (in the pink jacket), who graciously looked after us all and organised the day for us perfectly too. Long may this festive day continue, well done everyone.
Here’s my own little tug of war tribute, drawn on the day.
Juliet Docherty Illustrating Animal Magic
Juliet Docherty as a child, lived near Whitby on the North Yorkshire Moors, and was really interested only in art. She spent my childhood drawing, painting and making things, and the inspiring, rugged landscape surrounding her must have helped form her fascination with art materials. When she left home she studied 3-D design (wood, glass, metal and ceramics) at Manchester and the Royal College of Art, London. I love her soft, water-coloury funny animals.
Loving this porcupine, owl and smiley Lion.
There’s also a creepy, darker side to Juliet’s work.
” I spent many years as an artist producing paintings, mosaics and prints. The process of making art is important to me, and I like to get my hands dirty ! Having children meant that I became immersed in picture books for many years, and this eventually led me to study for the M.A. in Children’s Book Illustration at Anglia Ruskin University. My background in materials has filtered into my illustration work, and I enjoy the process of experimenting with different types of media to evoke atmosphere. At the moment, I am particularly interested in concept books for children.”
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