Olaf Hajek

I've been restless, and I've been too busy. Too busy with little to show for it infact: the worst kind of busy. The strangest kind of busy. Nevermind. It will all come together soon. I found this wonderful artist Olaf Hajek the other day while cruising one of my favourite blogs - the lumper.  The work is gorgeous!

natura morte

spaziergang

playground

tree

All images from Olaf Hajek website.

feed the dog

I have so much to say this week, and not enough time. However, I do want to share a little bit of surprise happiness with you all. I got home last Friday and found a parcel on our doorstep. I wasn't expecting anything, so I was ever so curious to see who it was from. Lo and behold, Carmel from feedthedog sent me a surprise.  When I saw what was inside I let out a little laugh! 

You see a while back I was visiting Carmel's blog and commented on one of her textile creations. I called it a mushroom. I later realised it was probably not a mushroom, but a tree. I was so embarassed I went back to her blog and said something apologetic. :)  Carmel's so nice, she sent it to me!

So... here it is - the beautiful 'mush-tree'. It's fabulous, and we love it. It's one of the nicest things I've gotten, and so thoughtful, it's very special. Carmel has a wonderful shop, you can find it here! and she's having a sale in January.  

We love you Carmel! xo Merry Christmas.

Brendan Halyday Feature

Brendan Halyday
Artist / Illustrator
Melbourne Australia

I want to share a bit of an insight into the talented (and way awesome) Melbourne artist Brendan Halyday.

An illustrator/designer living in Melbourne, Australia, Brendan has worked in the industry since 2002, illustrating childrens books, educational and chapter books, posters, comics and more for both children and adults, working on original and licenced properties. Prior to working as an illustrator, he worked as a designer and continues to do so on a project by project basis.  He's a man of many talents!

I first found Brendan's work on Etsy. I think I was cruising for comics and zines....

So, there I was going through check out, and here I am some many months later writing about how great he is.  I love his sense of style, humour, honesty, and personal approach to his work.  I also have to say that getting packages in the mail from Brendan is like getting a present. Even the envelope looks amazing!

In a recent email exchange, Brendan filled me in a little on what he's been up to, what's happening, and future plans. He has also (quite excitedly) just completed his Diploma in Illustration.

"I have recently finished a new collaborative zine called the garbage truck failures with James Andre, it has an awesome cover by Bobby N too. I also have a small zine called The Funnies that I did earlier in the year. I have illustrated a couple of comics for other writers this year, including a three page story for the Tango anthology published by Cardigan Comics, and a 10 page story that was recently published in the anthology Kagemono: Tooth and Claw. At the moment I am working on 3 projects (i like to work on multiple projects concurrently, so if I ever get bored or hit a mental block with one I can just switch to another. I find working that way always keeps me fresh too).

The first project I am working on is sketchbook four, and I am working really hard to get this finished asap. The drawing is pretty much done, it's just the writing that is holding me up with this one. I am writing about some pretty personal stuff and have been struggling to express myself the way I want too. I'm also working on a comic anthology that will be about 32 pages in colour. It's about half finished, I hope to finish it this year. I'm also working on a small little kids book, hope to get it done in the next month but we'll see.  All these are projects that have been in the work for a while and are slowly moving towards completion. I have another couple of projects that I've agreed to do but havent really started yet, but hopefully soon..."

Below are examples of some of Brendan's work. You can purchase some of these delights here :)

Check out Brendan at these locations!

Brendan's  website, shop, & blog

Thanks heaps Brendan - you're a champ!

the parts that make sense & lyrical tree

I'm not going to talk too much today, but here are some photos.

'the parts that make sense" one in a frame (which I will be keeping for myself! and some that will be available in my etsy shop for purchase in the coming days.  I felt it was important to put the actual title on the works, but will not be dating them on the front - it will just get too type heay in look. Instead they will be dated on the back, with "inaluxe" on them.

I am so happy with how they look framed. Even more alluring (I think).

As well as these works, I have some new hand painted one of a kind original art works (could double as a card) in my store for sale now! They are cheap as!  At only $12.00, you get an original mixed media painting, and a hand made envelope.  Am I mental, or is this an ok price?

Other news.... stay tuned for photos of the art work I created as part of the artist exchange, and next week I will be putting up a feature on artist (and lovely person) Brendan Halyday.

Excitement +