Images

Celebrating the delights of Edinburgh

Image | | Maru Saurer

This vivid ‘Edinburgh Skyline’ screen-print by illustrator Kate McLelland joyously takes me back to my halcyon student days spent at Edinburgh College of Art (ECA). l was thrilled to discover that Kate is now studying for her MA in Illustration at this innovative college. l’m truly delighted to have a fellow ECA student join me on Looking Glass!

The rich and opaque colour tones of green and orange capture the magical charm of this vibrant Scottish capital, and l adore the simplistic forms of the famous landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill. l can almost hear the playing of the bagpipes, as l view this captivating scene.

l find the style of Kate McLelland’s illustration work bold in shape and colour, which speaks to me in a beautiful contemporary, yet elegant manner. Creating simple clean lines while still retaining an eye for detail.

Beloved Edinburgh, with its nooks and crannies, is a treasured memory, and has become a well of creativity that l will lovingly continue to draw inspiration from.

Paper theatre at play

Image | | Maru Saurer

lt was simply love at first sight when l came across Elly MacKay’s paper theatre creations. Elly’s Paper Theatre Portfolio exhibits a rich plethora of 3-D visuals, enticing the imagination to overflow with story-telling imagery that leads one into enchanting worlds of make-believe.

l was particularly captivated by the piece (shown here) titled ‘Shadow-Play’. l adore the vintage illustration combined with the shadow technique.

The other element of the creations that l also find most endearing, are the words that Elly often writes to compliment her images.

eg.”Harvesting the Weather – She collected all types of weather, though she kept the autumn winds in a preferred spot in the top drawer of her collection cabinet”. How charming is this!

With much jubilation, l cordially invite you to take your seat at the Paper Theatre!

A shining light

Image | | Maru Saurer

During these early sun-setting winter days, l believe light can have a positive effect on our well-being. These paper-cut lighting designs created by Hannah Nunn surely generate a warm and welcoming ambiance.

Largely inspired by the botanical world, Hannah creates light in many shapes and sizes – from the classical table lamp, to the whimsical floating fairy light.

In 2005, Hannah set up her own light and craft boutique called Radiance, a treasure haven for all things bright, beautiful and unusual.

l warmly invite you to not switch your main light on until Spring, and immerse yourself under the enchanting glow of these lighting creations!

Christmas creativity

Image | | Maru Saurer

l am feeling rather excited, as the charming lantern decoration that l recently ordered arrived in my mailbox. It’s a much-loved tradition in my household to dress the tree on Christmas Eve, and l’m looking forward to finding a home for my reindeer illustrated lantern decoration amongst the Nordmann fir branches.

l find this collection of Christmas creations happily brings the childs play out of me. l’m going to enjoy cutting, and folding along the lines to assemble my colourful paper ornament.

For now, and on a final creative festive note, l would like to wish you a magical Christmas and an inspirational New Year!

Beauty reflected in miniature

Image | | Maru Saurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upon gleefully discovering Canadian born Cybèle Young and her work, l feel immediately mesmerised by her miniature world of art. Utilising paper and etchings, Cybèle creates a world of wonder that can be amusing and thought-provoking in subject matter.

l find her ideas expressed through the delicate texture of japanese paper and illustration full of visual charm and wit. In particular, the two pieces shown here ‘l found it over there’ and ‘We’ll have to change our plans’ captivate the humour and surreal beauty that runs through her work.

l feel inspired by the idea of creating witty pieces of art out of everyday objects!

l believe Cybèle’s art does just that. Enjoy the beauty!

 

 

Letterpress finesse!

Image | | Maru Saurer

Having recently completed a birthday visual piece, which celebrated the traditional Letterpress printing technique, l feel an aligned wave of synchronicity to have come across this beautifully designed calendar project from Linda & Harriet.

Based in New York, Linda & Harriet is run by designer Liz Libre & marketer John Libre. The well-loved Letterpress technique is at the heart of their monthly projects, and l find this particular calender idea captures the fine art of the Letterpress form in a visually inspiring manner.

Wellington boots illustrating the month of April! Delightfully quirky and amusing to the eye, which will surely bring a smile to those April showers!

Another aspect of this calender that also makes it fun, is the postcard feature on the back, enticing you to cut and send at the end of each month.

Simply an aesthetically pleasing, interactive and collective piece!

Fashion illustrations with a curious twist

Image | | Maru Saurer

My love for fashion illustration, and tactile objects in the form of fabrics, thread, and ribbon that can be easily kept within a haberdashery box, led me to illustrator, Linda Bennett. Her unique use of mixed media which includes old postcards, textiles and paper, with fashion illustrations lights up my eyes! This vibrant piece called ‘A Modern Curiosity‘ fully encompasses Linda’s passion for fashion and illustration, with its graceful, yet striking presence. l particulary find the colourful 3-dimensional effect inspiring – one can almost touch those beautiful shiny pearls!

With its illustrative 1920’s ‘strike a pose’ – reminiscent of the musical film – ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’, l feel this work captures the true nature of fashion in a demure and fun-loving way.

A modern twist on a past-time that surely is a curiosity!

Remnants

Image | | Maru Saurer
The Kitchen
Gondal 2010 detail

Last week, l had the pleasure to visit Su Blackwell’s exhibition ‘Remnants’ at the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, Yorkshire. l was truly overwhelmed by Su’s work. l felt it evoked the spiritual essence of the Brontë sisters and their writing! As children, they would gather round the kitchen fire listening to dark tales of the Yorkshire moors. Wuthering Heights written by Emily Brontë is one of my favourite novels – A tale of love and revenge set against the dramatic backdrop of the Yorkshire moors. Su Blackwell’s piece certainly reflects the haunting atmosphere of this story.

The other piece that l found most enchanting, is ‘Gondal’. This installation was inspired by the Brontës children’s diaries. l find the intricate detail and drama of the piece most compelling as it brings to life the imaginary world of the toy soliders and castles that the Brontë family would escape to throughout their childhood.

Remnants – simply a mesmerising exhibition that l feel requires our attention – become entranced!

The Greatest Show on Earth

Image | | Maru Saurer

As a graphic designer who takes great pleasure in working with typography, l truly admire this entertaining, and dynamic vintage circus inspired piece by Daisy Lew. It reminds me how much fun it is to play with type. Just watch how the acrobatic ‘H ‘ performs an elongated handstand. Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, as the circus audience, l accordingly invite you to applaud the Greatest Show on Earth!