Tag Archives: illustration

Artful, INSPIRING & Blogging

Posted in Art, Interviews, On line Mags by

Welcome to thursday everyone. Can you believe it’s nearly mid September???

I’ve said this before and I will say it again … what I love about blogging is the inspiring and talented people I meet daily. I wish there was more blogging time for me to show you more and more – the dream is to introduce you to many inspiring subjects.

I’m not sure if you remembered THIS interview done quite a while back here on Creative Stream? Ishtar blew me away by her love for creativity, washi tape, illustrations and workshops and I had to find out more about this Spanish UK living creative. Which you can read about here.

Today, I wanted to share her news that she had recently been featured in the Artful Blogging magazine. I  love it when people get recognised for what they are.

SKETCHY LOVE

Posted in Art, Lifestyle by

The amazing Daniella Germain just makes me smile from ear to ear. She recently posted about her illustrations that had made its way onto some designer scarves.

You might remember the post about Floribunda and La Cocina where we shared about Daniella’s stationary and ceramic range? Well, she has out done it again with her sketchy bird placed beautifully on Elk scarves.

Read Daniella’s post here. All photos from Daniella’s blog via Elk.

So soft and beautiful!

FLORIBUNDA & LA COCINA

Posted in Interviews, Lifestyle, Stationary by

Oh my! It thrills me no end when creatives get acknowledged and soar through the sky of potential and dreams. Daniella Germain (who was previously interviewed by CS) has now launched her stoneware range produced by Ashdene. If you remember that interview, we shared on Daniella’s cookbook. Well I am so happy to share more news for Daniella. Recently, she launched her stationary range AND now she has let us all know that she has launched her stoneware range! Both very much carrying that style and flavour as My Abuela’s Table cookbook. What an achievement!

“Each piece was lovingly designed and meticulously hand painted with water colour and ink…very much in a similar style as Floribunda and My Abuela’s Table” -Daniella Germain

Floribunda by the way is Daniella’s stationary range and is beautiful to say the least. You can order it here.

{Below: La Cocina range}

{Below: Floribunda stationary range}

All photos from Daniella’s blog- i bought a pair of Camper boots and now i am broke

TAPE THIS

Posted in Art by

Hello! A mid-week LOVE post is in store because I know so many of you have had a rough week. I can’t take the roughness away (I wish I could) but I can show you some stunning items that might make you smile or maybe not. It might just spark a little excitement because it’s just so beautiful in between your chaos or stress.

Kerry from Seventy Tree has some gorgeous tape for sale in her shop. I have followed Seventy Tree (sounds scary when I say it that way) for a while now and her illustration and photography has taken off in such a beautiful way. Her signature triangles are on the tape which stamps her character and makes this tape more than just tape.

It is absolutely beautiful and I know many will love it. So go to her shop now and get some!

Photographs from Seventy Tree.

24 YEARS & FOLLOWING HER DREAM- Belinda Chen

Posted in Interviews by

            

Brothers, Bound, Fallen Chance and Flamingo Sands

Bold color. Beautifully sketched. Emotion enhancing. Are all factors when looking at this artist’s work. Belinda Chen is 24 years old and has just settled in Shangai after having lived in Berlin and Melbourne.

Belinda’s background is in Communication design. Her heart held interest in illustration and while in Berlin, her pursuit and exploration in illustration took off. Her work has been used by Nylon magazine, Gloss Creative, SOKO magazine and Madison to name a few. Exhibitions have been at the Penthouse Mouse, L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Melbourne, 2011& 2009 as well as State of design festival and in other Melbourne and Berlin galleries. Publications have reached Desktop, Marie Claire, Fault … and that is naming 3 of many.

What I love about her work is that it’s unique. She has held her own style and her own emotion in each piece. I love her imagination and creativity. It is very hard  not to get inspired by Belinda. When asking Belinda what the best thing is about what she does, her answer was “Being free to create and experiment, to have an idea and make it. I also like creating illustrations which represent a message or tells a story.”

 QUESTIONS:
You told me a bit about how it all started, can you tell us of the day your passion moved toward illustration from graphic design or did it just fold that way?

After working a few years in various design studios, my partner and I decided to move to Berlin. It is a wonderful city with many inspirations and endless possibilities. Each person makes their own way and you just have to make things happen for yourself. I began to draw one day and have continued ever since.

Do you still have your first illustration? How have you progressed?
These are one of the first illustrations I did (1st above). I’m really interested in fashion and at the time, there was this huge influx of men’s fashion magazines, editorials and blogs solely dedicated to menswear and fashion.

I saw that there were countless illustrations portraying women and fashion, yet not really for the men, so I did a series of illustrations that were inspired by a fashion editorial by WATARU for Huge Magazine and it started from there.

What are you currently working on?
I have recently finished a few personal commissions and editorial illustrations for magazines.

You say that you inspired by fashion, cultures, stories, nature. Tell us a bit more or do you have work that relates to these points that you would like to share with us? I love all those things you mentioned above and they are my constant inspirations. They influence the work I do, give me new ideas and make me happy.

Name one word to explain ART? 
Meaning

If you could encourage a person to go with their dream, what would you say?
You are the one who can make it for yourself, go for it!

If you could have coffee with-who would it be? David Foster Wallace

Do you have a favourite artist?
I have many! But some of my favourites are Rei Kawakubo, Olafur Eliasson and Jonathan Zawada.

Above: Street style portraits, Food illustrations which I really like.

Above: Summer and then her Piccolo Degree apartments Lift lobby graphics.

I really smiled at her profile photograph. Sending me one of her in the midst of African animals!

A BIT ABOUT BELINDA:
Hanging out with my best friend, having a relaxing coffee, afternoon picnic with family & friends… is the best way to spend a Sunday.

Being an artist makes me…happy.

The diversity, the city, the people, sights, observations, sounds, adventures—they’re all my favourite parts of Berlin.

When I create I like to… listen to music and podcasts.

Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami…is one of the best books I’ve read so far.

I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer when I was small.

One word to explain my home is…happy.

  

Daniella Germain – INTERVIEW

Posted in Art, Interviews by

Australian Illustrator and creative Daniella Germain holds a talent that will reach the world and make people smile, it holds such beauty and such sincerity. Because Daniella lives in Australia, I have not yet met her in person but I stumbled upon her delightful blog i bought a pair of Camper boots and now i am broke, which Daniella started when she wanted to illustrate all her purchases and keep track of her spending … love that concept!

Daniella started drawing when she was very young and her years of experience has most definitely made her the brilliant illustrator she is today. That and the fact that I belive she has a natural eye for drawing and creating. I am so happy to have met her and getting to know her is such a blessing. You might remember my post about the bird stamp I received from her a few weeks back? Well now is your chance to find out more behind the beautiful work that Daniella does.

Daniella’s work is featured in many places, including Frankie Issue 41,  The Design Files and you might have read about her in the South African Marie Claire magazine? There is no doubt that you have seen her work somewhere along the way or read about her new book.

My Abuela’s Table is a cookbook which Daniella wrote and illustrated. The content is magical with recipes inspired by her mexican grandmother and illustrations done by herself.  If you would like a copy (yes please!) you can buy it here.

Daniella has her shop, One Black Sheep  where you will find her hand-made stamps and illustration pieces. All items are simply gorgeous! I am honoured to interview Daniella  and find out how it all started and what inspires her. Read on …

How old are you? When did you start illustrating? I’m 34 years old, but a kid at heart! I started illustrating when I was old enough to hold a pencil in my hand. I used to write my own stories and illustrate them when I was 10 years old, but it took me another 20 years before I decided that I could do something serious with illustrating. 

Do you do this as a living? And if not, what do you do? Yes! But only just recently. I studied psychology straight out of school and spent a long time in behaviour research. I bit the bullet when I turned 30, heading back to uni to study communication design. And now I am doing what I love – drawing for a living! 

What is a normal day like for you? I work from home and for myself, so sometimes I have slow starts to the day! But I’m usually at my desk by 9am and spend time replying to emails and working out what’s on for the day. If the sun is shining, I will set up my lap top (or drawing stuff) out side to enjoy the day. It’s so wonderful being able to do that, after working in an office for over 8 years. So basically, I spend my days drawing or laying out and tweeking things on the computer. It’s great!

What inspires you? Every day, simple things inspire me. I like sitting in the back yard watching my dogs do crazy things, birds flitting in and out of trees and nature in general. Travelling inspires me too. Even if it’s just little day trips outside of Melbourne, I like to do at least one little drawing from my adventures.

Who inspires you? Do you have a favourite artist or person? Gosh, lots of different people inspire me. My sister, Carmen, inspires me as she is such a strong and loving person. Then I am obviously inspired by other illustrators and designers. I’ve just been to an illustration/design conference (Semi-Permanent) in Melbourne and every single one of the speakers inspired me. Even just hearing about how they became successful and how they got to where they are today.

Favourite artists…hmm…I love Australian illustrator Catherine Campbell’s work, Yelena Bryksenkova’s quirky illustrations and children’s book illustrator/authors Oliver Jeffers and Anna Walker. There are too many more to mention!

In the world of illustration, how hard is it to make your mark? I think it’s really difficult. I have had a lot of luck a long the way, but I am still trying to make my mark! There are so many talented people out there and it can be very over whelming to think about how your work needs to shout out over such talent. But I also think that talent is just a part of it. I’ve realized, looking at the success of others, that hard work and persistence is just as important and without it it’s impossible to make your mark.

Do you have a support network of fellow creative’s, illustrators or artists? Working from home it’s limiting in terms of having time to mix with other creatives. It’s one of the reasons I am looking to have my own studio space soon. But I keep in touch with friends from uni, and I’ve also built up a bit of a network via Twitter and through my blog.

What is your favourite piece…or is that an unfair question? Favourite piece of mine? Um, well I would have to say my cookbook My Abuela’s Table! Ok, so it’s a collection of illustrations and not necessarily a ‘piece’, but I also designed the whole thing so it would have to be my favourite. It’s also started this great journey I am now on and has created many new opportunities.

Can you mark a time where illustrating changed for you? Like when you realised this is what you love doing? Well I have been illustrating all my life and I’ve always loved it, but I never thought of it as a career option. I think it was while working on My Abuela’s Table that illustration changed for me. I started to develop a style and it was the first major illustration project I had undertaken and was completely immersed in it. I loved every moment of it. I think I had a ‘light bulb’ moment around that time and realized it could become my career.

What can you say to inspire fellow illustrator or artists? From my experience I would say to always throw everything you have into your work. This time last year I was still studying not knowing what the future would hold and now I have a published book and steady illustration work … you never know where one piece of work might take you!!

In the life of Daniella:

Today is Tuesday and unfortunately I have the flu.

My bag consists of my wallet, lip balm, my iPhone, tissues, a pencil, pen, Moleskine note book and eraser. Oh, and loose change right at the bottom!

If I were an animal, I would be a sparrow, but with the appetite of a vulture. 

Ruby, my Labradoodle, is my baby.

Melbourne is the best thing about Australia. (I love my city)

Sitting in the sun and drawing is what I love doing on weekends.

If I could have coffee with… the photographer, Platon. I just saw him speak at Semi-Permanent Melbourne. His stories were amazing!

Isn’t she just gorgeous! (Yes, Ruby too) You will be able to view her website  soon and please check out her shop and her blog, or see her on Twitter.  I’m wanting to get my hands on her cookbook because I love cooking and I love mexican food! If you would like to email her, you can to hello(at)daniellagermain.com.au.

If you would like to buy any of Daniella’s work, she does send internationally. Aren’t we lucky!

Thank you Daniella for sharing about your work, your passions and your venture thus far. You are extremely talented and I look forward to more of your work. We wish you the very best in all you do and in all you illustrate. With such natural talent and a beaming batch of passion, I have no doubt that it will take you to many places  and can see that it has already started.

Ishtar Olivera – INTERVIEW

Posted in Interviews by

In many ways I’m grateful for our individual gifts and passions, because it’s through these that you make friends and get connected. Ishtar Olivera Belart holds a beautiful gift. She is a brilliant illustrator, crafter, mother and photographer and is genuinely sweet. I was so pleased to have met her and to hear that she would be interested in sharing some of her work with us all. Ishtar, a Spanish 32-year-old artist living in the UK has a natural hand in making things beautiful. Read for yourself…

Some Questions…

I see you do illustrations as well as photography. How did it all begin? Did you always know that is what you wanted to do? I´ve always loved to paint, but it was actually something that evolved in a natural way with time. With photography for example, was because of the blog. I wanted to improve the photos I showed on the blog so I practiced a lot and eventually got my self a better camera. What is a normal day like for you? I´m an early riser. I love to wake up when everyone is still asleep and have that time for my self. Then I prepare my kids breakfast and get them ready for school. When I return I work with the computer on the projects I´m on at that moment. Cook lunch at 1, pick up my kids at school at 3 and then just work for a couple more of hours. After that we do some crafts together or go to the park. What inspires you? Color, music, nature, tenderness, compassion…Who inspires you? Do you have a favourite artist or person? Creative people. The beautiful, brilliant ideas and projects they come up with. I see how amazing human beings can be and the wonderful things we are capable of creating. In the world of illustration and photographs, do you find it hard to make your mark? Yes. And I used to be concerned about this in the beginning but not anymore. Because I´m happy who ever I reach. Even if it’s just one person.  And if it makes a difference in them, then I feel my work is done. But its funny, what starts to happen when you commit to your self, to your beliefs, to your art, and when you create from the heart.. things seem to fall into place and you start finding your own voice out there. (Ishtar, I love the way you said it) . Do you have a support network of fellow creative’s? I do have some friends who are crafters or artists and we support one another, but I don’t have what is properly called a network. What is your favourite piece…or is that an unfair question? My creations are like my children, I love them all. But it’s also true sometimes I can feel more identified with a certain piece. Right now I´m specially fond of My “compassion” watercolour bunny. I read on your blog that you have children, how do you manage to juggle kids, work, home and leisure AND find the time to unwind and re-group yourself to be more creative? I have to say it was more difficult when my kids where toddlers, but now that they have grown up, they play a lot together and with friends, so that gives me plenty of time to do my things. After 5 I´m done with work and I belong to them : ) What can you say to inspire someone interested in illustration or photography? Read, learn, practice, explore…all of these are great advices..but also, don’t forget to do what feels right for you. Allow your creativity to grow and expand without bounds. And just let things flow..make your process of creating enjoyable…Because thats when you allow your true self to unfold naturally and find your genuine voice. I once read a quote I loved, I don’t remember the author but it said something like this : “ When I wrote books for others, nobody wanted them. Then I wrote books for my self and everybody loved them”.

Ishtar has also written many Craft Tutorials so please go to her blog for more info on them.

You can also check out her website here, her blog here and her shop here.

In the Life of Ishtar…

Today is the only day we have. I try to live in the present……

My handbag consists of….. just my keys and wallet : ) sometimes my camera too : )

If I were an animal… I would be an eagle..who wouldn´t love to fly?

…is my baby. My two sons will always be my babies!

The forests and nature landscapes are the best thing about where I live.

Enjoying sun bathing when it’s not cloudy and crafting  is what I love doing on weekends.

If I could have coffee with ..So many people to choose from!!! Marc Boutavant would be nice for example!

May Ann Licudine is an inspiring artist.

My favourite books to read are craft books and spiritual books….

Being an artist is being able to explore and interpret the beautiful world out and within.

You will find some beautiful photographs, so sincerely taken and captured. Having started her blog and wanting to improve with photography you can see how it inspired her to venture more and more into creativity, arts and crafts and stunning photography. What I love about Ishtar is her unique sense of style. Her sweet chinese influenced illustrations and her truthful names of each art piece shows a real and transparent character that is who she is and loves it just the same. Passionate mother, inspired artist and craft enthusiast, it’s no wonder she has been featured on many other platforms including MiCasa a spanish magazine, vtwonen, decor8 and Kireei to name but a few…

And who wouldn’t get inspired working from this beautiful workspace below? Ishtar does ship internationally, so her work can reach your paws no matter where you are. (great news!) I love the Rain Drops illustration, and the Compassion Bunny is gorgeous as well as the postcards, stamps, her owls and oh, so much more. Ishtar, thank you for sharing about yourself, your work, your family and your passion. You have inspired me and I am sure many other readers. I fell in love with your illustrations and crafts. It’s been a real pleasure to meet you and your sincere look on life. Thank you!

Chantelle Muller

Posted in Art, Interviews by

They say all great things started in a garage…I would like to use that statement for this talented artist. Chantelle started her creativity at school where she was awarded the art prize. She became an Architect and in later years, when arriving back from her travels Chantelle wanted to further her Architectural studies but had difficulties getting enrolled because of the strict system protocols. Because the Architecture route had stopped for the time being she put her focus on art and started painting. She has not looked back as her first painting, Kissing Cows was sold immediately! It is a pleasure to get to know Chantelle and to be honest I am quite blown away by her natural talent…AND it got re-establish in her garage! (smile)

Below: Kissing Cows

What inspires you? Other artists, any hand-made art or hand crafted items from cakes to furniture! (she smiles and thinks…) Not everyone paints to sell their art, some paint because they just passionate about it. That’s why I would like to start an online shop as my dream is to give artists a voice.  How do you keep motivated? If I struggle I stop…if there is a deadline I just carry on. It’s not painful as I enjoy doing it! What motivates me is to realise what I am able to do and then to see the outcome. What kind of subjects do you enjoy painting the most? Faces and human expression. There are so many emotions that come through somebody’s face. My final matric piece were faces. I like working super big! Do you have a favourite artist or style? Yes, Scottish artist Jack Vettriano his work is sensual, French artist Francious Nielly and South Africa artist Phillip Barlow. Do you enjoy other forms? Yes, illustrations, charcoal sketches and memory lane drawings. They say all great things started in a garage…tell us about your studio space? Our garage is bigger than most. I share it with the laundry and washing machine. Luckily my booster reaches there! (we laugh and eat more yummy carrot cake) Advice for an artist? What I wish I had done more of – practised! Even if you think you not good at it, work with your style, your eye. They say if you do something for 10 000 hours, you become an expert…so start now. Also know that not everyone will love your art. What has been your most recent work? The Boats 1,2 &3 as well as the Pelicans and Flower&Aloe oil paintings for a house in Ballito. If you could choose art for your home (apart from your own) what would they be? Phillip Barlow for the lounge and a Jack Vettriano for the bedroom.

Below: Technique experimentation

Below: 2 of Chantelle’s Orchid charcoal sketches.

Below: Boats 1,2 and 3 created especially for a Ballito home. (Oils)

Below: 2 of the 3 Nelson Mandela drawings purchased by Morningside’s 5 star Boutique Hotel, Upton Hall on Innes Road.

Below: Faces. (Oils)

Below: Cupcake

A little bit of Chantelle…

Sundays are too short.
My pillow is my baby.
Richard Branson & Trevyn McGowen is who I would like to have coffee with.
To paint is to breath.
My favourite place to relax is at home or at the beach.
I never leave my house without my keys! (we laugh)
Art is very personal.
Wisdom by Andrew Zuckerman is a brilliant book I recommend.


{Might I add that not only does she have a deep passion for creativity, wisdom and art but she plays the piano to relax and is a fantastic baker! Chantelle made the most delicious carrot cake especially for our interview. She has won my heart.}

If you would like to contact Chantelle please see her details above or to follow Chantelle on Facebook click here, South Africa Artists here and Twitter here. Her website will be up and running shortly which will be added to our Directory page on Creative Stream.

Thank you Chantelle for sharing your work and your passion. We look forward featuring more of your work! You are a breathe of fresh air!

Small and Smaller

Posted in On line Mags by

I came across this really rad on-line magazine. It’s called Small. Some of you might know about it but it was a 1st for me. It’s created and co-edited by 2 best friends, who live on opposite ends of the world but keep their creative talents going by working together on this on-line creation. This latest issue is their 4th year running, so it’s quite an exciting venture they have found themselves on. Small offers inspiration and creativity for all children and their parents by means of photography, illustration and design. Their latest issue is Issue 17, so go back and look at their previous issues, it’s fantastic for all parents and kids!

Smaller is a journal made by the editors Olivia and Christine of their inspiration and ideas daily.