Soul Knocking

Growing love - by Shell

2011-04-21T04:59:00.002+10:00

Undergrowth - by Debb

2011-04-07T23:17:00.003+10:00

And the poem says:

Little valley of ferns, dark grove, treasure trove. Here the
fire rekindles + sparks fly. Sunlight peeking curiously,
sheepishly through a canopy floating on stems,
kissing the autumn sky. Breathing in deep
+ sucking the marrow from life.
Here, no need for 'why?'
Pushing, unfurling, i'm growing again.
Bliss. Back up toward the sky.
Blue atumn sky.

Did i mention my scanner and i are not friends at the mo'?
It doesn't do justice to my colours ^^

Questionable Symmetry - by Debb

2011-03-06T13:54:00.005+10:00

Shaun Tan is one of my all time favourite Australian artists, and in turn he's inspired by Paul Klee. So it makes sense that I'd like Paul Klee too! Klee is a recent discovery for me, and I love his experimentation with geometric shapes, vibrant colours and his playfulness with boundaries - sometimes crisp and othertimes bleeding into one another as if there's really no boundary at all. This pic' is Paul Klee inspired ^^

(Nb: If you Google 'image search' Klee you'll get a nice little taster of his style)

Jug - by Shell

2011-03-03T20:30:00.002+10:00

Audrey & Daisy Sail Origami Boats - by Shell

2011-03-02T00:05:00.005+10:00

Audrey and Daisy loved to fold paper origami boats. Even more than this, they wished for rain so they could revel in racing their creations down swollen gutters.

* inspired by Debski *

Elephant in pink - by Shell

2011-02-27T18:35:00.001+10:00

Audrey in the Rain - by Shell

2011-02-27T18:04:00.004+10:00

When feeling wistful, Audrey liked to stand outside and feel the raindrops on her face.

Chrysanthemum - by Deb

2011-02-23T16:52:00.003+10:00

I was inspired by Shell's three flowers to paint one of the chrysanthemum blooms from the bunch I bought on Valentine's Day (a lady's got to do the spoiling herself when her man is overseas! ^^). The background is a page out of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, which I found while I was out wandering. Reading those two pages so intrigued me.. I think its about time I read the novel!

Three flowers - by Shell

2011-02-21T01:31:00.004+10:00

The cut out I've been working on is too huge to lay out and snip at just for a few hours, so I wanted to create something smaller to share on SK sooner (I've been trying hard to resist the urge to post pics of my unfinished cutout!). Yesterday I discovered a nearby giant craft store and stocked up on all manner of unneccessary luxuries. I spent hours browsing the aisles, soaking up ideas and marvelling at the variety of crafts to be created. Bliss! A few of the items I couldn't leave without were a pad of heavily textured watercolour paper and a pack of black Faber Castell pens ranging from very thin to brush size. They inspired this mini watercolour. Since I love snail mail I've turned this pic into a postcard to fly over the seas soonest.

Cloaked by the ocean - by Debb

2011-02-18T21:54:00.003+10:00

This is a teeny tiny thumbnail watercolour painted on the back of an envelope. She wears the ocean for a cloak, weighed down by the sheer immensity of it and overwhelmed by all its contents, beautiful though they may be.

Sometimes, in the midst of despair with my studies, or when things in life aren't going quite as i imagined, this is how i feel. But the joy is that great inspiration emerges from such burdens, and in creativity lies release.

Nesting - by Debb

2011-02-06T11:08:00.003+10:00

I've changed the background :) My cuckoo-shrike looks more at home amongst the green of the eucalypts, i think ^^

Nesting - by Debb

2011-02-05T22:24:00.003+10:00

A black-faced cuckoo-shrike nesting in the summer heat. I'd like to have a further play with this, change the background... watch this space ^^

Tigermoth - by Debb

2011-01-25T09:17:00.004+10:00

When we were young, my brother and I used to love catching insects in the summer. One of the most beautiful, although humble, creatures that was the target of our nets was the tigermoth - black, with bright orange spots on its wings and a tiger-stripe body. They aren't common where I live, but the rain and lush countryside have enticed a few our way. There's something very special about seeing an old friend who embodies childhood memories.

I've painted me as a tigermoth, talking to the cuckoo-shrikes. I'm fascinated by them, not only their cute colours, but the way they're always hanging around in groups, and going somewhere together at sunset. They only visit us in summer, and because of the recent drought, haven't been around a long time. They've returned with the rains, and never fail to deliver me a sense of curiousity when I'm out wandering with the wild things of an arvy.

Aussie chrissy deco's - Debb

2010-12-18T20:50:00.005+10:00

(This one is a little blurry, sorry. I couldn't quite get the lighting right)

To celebrate having our first ever chrissy tree in our little flat, i made a small flock of handmade felt decorations to grace its branches, inspired by the galahs I see on my arvy walks. I especially wanted to make something that symbolised an Aussie christmas for me, because beautiful though they be, snowflakes and reindeers aren't part of my summer landscape (although there's a deer park down the road, wonder if that counts? ^^)

Recent linoprints - by Debb

2010-12-08T22:17:00.005+10:00

I'm delighted to say i've completed my first print run of my linocut tree, which I've titled 'On a journey' (because the print-making process has indeed been a journey of discovery and understanding, and because I wouldn't mind being on a fantastical journey and happening to wander past this tree - one of the ladies in my class said it looks so lively, like its dancing). Of many prints, only 2 turned out! This is the 2nd best. The other is waiting to be hung in the gallery foyer for our class exhibition (Next week - most exciting!).

I carved out and printed up this second little black and white number today too, 'Book Girl'. I'll be in-filling with watercolours to brighten it up. After last week's attempts to print my burning thoughts sketch, with not much success (too detailed), i've relegated that one to the 'maybe someday' pile.

I'm loving my foray into print-making thus far + would recommend it to anyone who's up for a bit of creative experimentation!

Lino Print - My First! - by Debb

2010-11-24T22:37:00.002+10:00

This is the print from my carved lino block (below) after 2 inkings, orange then red. My first lino-print!! I'll add one more colour, a midnight blue over the top, after carving out a few more details.. But I was impatient to share what I'd been up to so snuck one of my work-in-progress prints home ^^

I've begun work on the next carving now too. Am loving the process so far, there's so much involved in making a print, its been revealing learning about what goes on behind the scenes.

Burning thoughts - by Debb

2010-11-18T07:17:00.004+10:00

I've been loving my print-making class thus far. This is a sketch of what i'd like to try next.

I'm hoping to start carving this print over the next week, and get printing next wed. Oooh, how exciting! I'm not sure where she came from, or what she means. But she asked to be drawn, and as the artist i obliged ^^ I've used coloured pencil to get an idea of the colours i might use, and the 'layers' of sucessive carvings i'll need to etch into the lino panel.

My tree (post below) is still a work in progess...I've wanted to bringthe prints i've made thus far home to upload but each week i've had to leave them drying on the paint rack! One more colour left, so perhaps next week..

Lino Printing - by Debb

2010-10-28T17:02:00.003+10:00

I've just this week started a lino print-making course of an evening at our local art gallery. I'm loving it! This is my first ever lino tile carving. I'm yet to make my first print. Watch this space, I'll be uploading it next week!

Summer Flowers - by Shell

2010-10-16T22:44:00.002+10:00

Abstract to music - by Debb & guest artist Jacqui ^^

2010-10-13T14:15:00.003+10:00

In the same art session, Jacqui and I chose a song and whilst listening to it drew lines with our eyes closed, on post-card sized paper. We used watercolours to paint and re-create it after.

The song was 'Who'll stop the rain?' by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Jacqui's painting is above, mine below.

We surprised ourselves by drawing many similar elements. It was inspiring to create an image that I would not of thought of painting otherwise..pushing the boundaries.

Portrait of a friend - by Deb

2010-10-13T13:50:00.004+10:00

I had an especially lovely drawing sesh' with a friend of mine this week, in which we drew portraits of one another simultaneously. I get a buzz from doing portraits and drawing people, but I find creating realistic representations rather tricky.

This is my portrait of Jacqui. The resulting pic' has certain of her features, but mysteriously I've painted her both child-like and elderly all at once. The painting reminds me of a porcelain doll, or an 1800's child. The colours were more vibrant, my scanner likes to impart its own style to my art though ^^

Autumn (still evolving...)

2010-10-13T05:59:00.002+10:00

So, autumn evolves with my artwork. Today we had brilliant sunshine with cool, fresh air. Our trees are gradually turning, though mostly they're still green. This cut out I experimented with making a series...well, a series of two! I stapled two pieces of paper together and did my cut out as usual. Hey presto at the end I had two! So exciting! I don't think I could do more than two as the paper gets too thick to cut easily. Still, 'tis twice the fun this way! Next step is paint, so watch this space for a few finito cut outs to be shared x

Autumn (the evolution of...)

2010-10-10T18:34:00.006+10:00

Another image still under the knife! Autumn is here in our northern hemisphere, cooling our air, colouring our trees, and prompting a flurry of animal activity in preparation for the cold snap of winter. We have layered an extra blanket on our bed and donned our scarves. 'Tis gorgeous seeing the trees turn, especially along the tree-lined villiage roads a way out of the city. So this wonderful change inspired my latest cut out. I drew in quite a bit of detail for this one, so it's taking me many hours to cut away. A lesson in patience. Still, I thought I'd share my journey with you all. Watch this space as Autumn continues to evolve... x

More old territory revisited - by Debb

2010-10-05T22:38:00.007+10:00

Revisiting more old ground, i've been flicking through old sketchbook pages and getting busy with my paint-brush. You can see the original post and unfinished image here:

http://soulknocking.blogspot.com/search/label/Babes%20in%20the%20Woods%20or%20other%20Strange%20Fairytales

There are a few more yet to come, keep an eye out for future posts ^^

Monsieur Pieta

2010-10-04T04:22:00.014+10:00

Meet Monsieur Pieta. He found me on a train journey westwards this weekend. In his long life he has been blessed with many amazing adventures. In the villiage where he used to live, he was revered and often visited for advice and ideas by younger folk. In his youth he was headstrong and got up to quite a bit of mischief. Perhaps one day he will tell me of his experiences and let me paint them into a storybook for little ones to read...

Retreading old ground - by Debb

2010-10-03T07:55:00.005+10:00

Once upon a time, about a year ago and in the midst of an icy cold winter, I began to paint a picture of warmth. More than a year later, with plenty of distractions in between, i unearthed it in my cupboard, incomplete. So i've been retreading old ground. Such a delight delving into old imaginings and reviving them anew.

You can see the old incomplete pic' here:
http://soulknocking.blogspot.com/search/label/Warmth

Do you have any old ground to retread?

Upcycled photoframes - by Debb

2010-09-30T09:05:00.004+10:00

In my neck of the woods you've got to be well cashed up to afford photo frames. I'm not sure why, but even the simplest ones are expensive. The second hand store, on the other hand, sells frames from 50 cents to a few dollars. Bargain! Sure, they're a little rough around the edges, dirty or in need of TLC. But that's the joy of it, because with a little sand paper, paint and creative resuccitation they can be brought back to life in a jiffy. A cluster of frames upcycled thus now grace our walls. I cut 'photo mats' out from simple pieces of white cardboard and printed the pix on my home printer using photo paper. No need to say, I'll be on the look out for more frames next time I drop by my fave' second hand store.

Paper cutout & imaginary quests

2010-09-30T00:20:00.003+10:00

All the paper cut outs i've been admiring lately have inspired this cutout of an imaginary quest. I loved seeing the stripes of the zebra emerge from the page. Other inspirations were nature doco's on birds of paradise, wild animal migrations, pondering rainy days spent playing in puddles and gushing gutters as a kid, and thoughts of growing nasturtiums...another childhood memory. I've been working on this pic' the last few months, slowly and bit by bit cutting and carving when I felt in the mood.

Garden - by Debb

2010-09-29T10:00:00.010+10:00

A garden wild and weedy grew below our flat. Mostly grass and the rest bare earth, it was a sad scrawny patch hungry for love. So love we gave. We've changed it into a native flower rockery. Such a delight to walk past now, seeing the local bees and bugs sip at the buds and buzz contentedly. They're not the only ones contented. I felt such connectedness playing about in the soil and surprised to see so many critters still living in such a barren place.

Thought i'd share a few pix of our new flowers. I love the variety, colours, patterns and textures of each. Perhaps inspiration for future soulknockings. Is there a garden in your 'hood that could do with some creative sprucing? ^^

Joy of Nature cake

2010-09-19T10:54:00.006+10:00

A few weeks back, our landlord send us a letter. There was to be a "working bee" on the weekend. We were excited. Our little gardens have so much potential. We envisaged new plants, a weeded yard-space, the trees delicately trimmed back. It was a day I would be working, so i'd see a 'before' and 'after'. Fun! Trucks came, utes, a whole bunch of people with landscaping gear. But in the afternoon when I came home, i was heartbroken to see all they had done was hack away at our trees, leaving stumps and devestation...a bit like clear-felling. We were both sad. Fewer birds came back. Did i mention they didn't plant a single thing? And they left all the weeds in the un-planted garden beds.

So, went a week or two ago we got another "working bee" letter we held our breaths, precautiously hopeful but mostly doubtful. In the morning we awoke to the the whine of chainsaws. Deep sigh... again. We looked out upon our garden with heavy hearts and anger. Suffice to say, what little was left of our trees were further savaged. All the little wrens and finches are well gone. Parrots too. Only our lone currawong remains. We see all the houses and suburban yards neighbouring that we once barely noticed because of all the green leafiness.

So you might wonder why we'd be making a 'joy of nature' cake? Simply, we wanted to remind ourselves of the lovely things we once had and reminisce a time past. Plus, we needed loads of chocolate to cheer our hearts. I felt so healed creating and decorating. Today we go to the nursey. We're planting the gardens ourselves.

100% vegan and devilishly devine... above are all the little details of decoration. I felt such joy crafting the delicate decorations for this feel-better cake

Rabbit Scan

2010-09-10T08:05:00.002+10:00

A while ago I mentioned I was knitting a rabbit ^^ No time to photograph him this morn, so straight onto the scanner he went. I love the effect, surrounded by shadow and receding into black. Still missing legs. The other arm is on the knitting needles. Ah, such fun! I do love to knit!

Our Throne

2010-09-10T08:00:00.004+10:00

When we moved into our little flat we were so thankful it was partly furnished, because at the time furniture was not something we could afford. We instantly fell in love with the rose velveteen armchair, which rocks and reclines. Utterly comforting and soothing, perfection when combined with a book. I felt a craving to sketch with pencil, raw and simple. Above is a portrait of our throne (the most luxurious chair in the house).

Sustainable living logo competition

2010-09-03T19:08:00.004+10:00

After work, as I wandered past a little cafe', I noticed a flyer for a 'create our logo' comp run by our local sustainable living organisation. "Oooh, interesting, i could do that!!" ...."but due in this arvy, eeep!". Thought i'd give it a go anyway. Would have loved more time to think over design and especially to hunt down paper colours. Despite the haste, what i do like is the way each little 'petal' turned out (composition is a whole other story! >_<).

Haven't been in a competition for a long long time, so I can't help but feel a little buzz of delight. Its a bit like being five and sticking my hand into the 50c lucky dip ^^

Summer flowers - by Shell

2010-08-31T04:24:00.004+10:00

Here's a sneek peek at my latest cut out...inspired by our beautiful english summer wildflowers

Love bird in a tree - by Shell

2010-08-30T06:42:00.003+10:00

another small cut out to stick on the front of a card.

Umbrella stroll

2010-08-22T20:23:00.003+10:00

A weekend experiment with collage. Materials used came from our paper recycling box (a rich treasure trove, i'm always astonished by the textures, patterns and colours I dig up there).

(NB: I used photobucket to save my image then the URL option to upload into Blogger - allows for more flexibility controlling image sizes)

Day dreaming - by Shell

2010-08-15T22:44:00.008+10:00

I recently discovered these little double-sided-sticky foam squares. They're great as I can use them to stick mini cut outs to the front of cards. They emphasise the cut out by sitting off the page a little bit. Here's my first attempt. I love snail mail (both sending and receiving it!) so this card will be popped in the post really soon... x

Cake topper - by Shell

2010-08-14T02:45:00.007+10:00

Here are some pics of my cake topper on the cake (thanks Shan). The cake was divine and was made by Shan's mother in law...mmm, rich chocolate...

Rug Design

2010-08-09T20:25:00.005+10:00

Hi girls!

I just thought I'd share what I've been up to lately...

As you know I'm doing my foundation course in colour and design... I recently completed a rug brief, for a company called Designer Rugs. Basically we just had to submit a design that fit within a rectangular format (we had exact dimensions) and we could use 3 or 4 colours max. There were no other perameters... which meant we could do what we wanted!

So here's what I submitted. I had recently attended a workshop and we'd discussed design trends and I focussed on the handmade trend (because its my fav) and femine colours. Hence, my doily design. I've attached another colourway that I thought looked great too. Hope you like it! You can see it online and a couple of the other entries here: http://www.iscd.edu.au/iscd-distance-education-students-win-industry-awards-for-mid-year-2/

It has been great going back and seeing what you girls have been up to. And amazing to see the progression since our blog began. Inspiring stuff. :)

And I look forward to contributing work again - although it will mostly be what I do for my course. It's all I have time for these days!

Take care,

Brook x

Paper beads - by Shell

2010-08-09T02:50:00.007+10:00

I discovered the world of paper beads at a little local church-hall-flea-market a few months back. A woman was selling paper beads hand made by women in Uganda (Hope Beads), with all the money raised going back to them in their community. Curious, I did a little googling and stumbled on this fantastic site... http://www.paperbeads.org/ ...complete with tutorials. The beads made by Janice are just beautiful and well worth a look. Having a go at making my own has given me an appreciation for just how skillful and patient she is; she makes it look so easy in the video-tutorial. So here is a picture of my first attempt, a work in progress at the moment. So far I've cut my paper strips from newspaper and rolled about half of them up. I liked the idea of using newspaper, with the thought that each bead carries it's own story in more ways than one. What would make this stage a lot easier is having a ruler the length of your paper...some of mine ended up a little wongly! Next is the process of lacquering and re-lacquering, then stringing them into some sort of wearable creation. Check back for an update soonest...

Cake topper - by Shell

2010-08-08T22:52:00.004+10:00

I was honoured when Shan asked me to make the cake topper for her wedding earlier this year. I decided to experiment with a 3D cut out and here's the result...It looked pretty cool atop their amazing 3-tier chocolate cake, if I do say so myself! ^_^

I'd love to play with more of these, so if you know of anyone getting married soon who wants a cut out cake topper, get them in touch with me... x

Laughter - by Shell

2010-08-08T22:18:00.003+10:00

Here's a little painting I did a while ago but forgot to post. I discovered it today as I opened my watercolour book. I have happy memories of singing 'ring-a-ring-a-rosy' with my sisters and falling to the floor in fits of giggles.

Natural beauty

2010-07-22T05:44:00.009+10:00

On a recent visit to Cornwall I found myself stunned by the wealth of unique flowers dotting the hedges and fields. All shapes, sizes, and a kaleidoscope of colours. Beautiful!

We also paid a visit to the Eden Project and I marvelled anew at their vast variety of blooming beauties. Wow. Nature is amazing huh?! I plan to integrate these into my cut outs eventually, but for now here are a few of the photos I took for inspiration.

What flowers are in your local area? What's inspiring you at the moment?

Books

2010-06-21T18:44:00.005+10:00

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure where my life long love affair with books originated from. Neither of my parents read much themselves. Perhaps it was siblings? Or a love for stories? Possibly both. I count my self super-lucky to work part-time in a bookstore at the moment. Brilliant way for a bookworm to earn her crust. This girl has been in my mind a while, 'asking to be drawn'. Below is my workspace; my living room floor with the mandatory mug of earl grey.

My creative workspaces tend to be transient. I often find myself drawing or painting on scraps of paper or individual sheets. Despite my best efforts, i seem not to be able to consistently keep a sketchbook. I've given in to habit and happily keep a folder instead, for it better meets my moody choice of mediums. I wonder what your workspace looks like?

Portrait of a vegetable

2010-06-21T18:40:00.003+10:00

I recently discoved the joys of oven roasted garlic. I love the way the garlic looks when its cut open pre-roast. So i took a portrait pic'.

A portrait of a vegetable.

Stamp carving

2010-06-21T18:25:00.004+10:00

There's a blog i fell head-over-heels in sheer love with last autumn. Genine's Art Blog. Check it out, chances are you'll be inspired and want to be just like her too, if you're anything like me.

http://blogdelanine.blogspot.com/

I have Genine to thank for the desire to try carving rubber stamps. Albeit mine are with cheap rubber erasers i bought from the newsagent, as opposed to awesome palm-sized blocks of craft rubber she procured from i-couldn't-find-out-where (sad). My primitive little bird stamps feature in the pic' below, along with the lino-carving tools i used as my weapon of choice. Fantastically sharp and precise.

A few hints for beginners (i.e. note to self). Keep it simple. Detail and stamp carving aren't the best of friends. If its detail you crave, get a big piece of rubber to carve. I think a lot of other mediums could be rendered stamp-able too. Thick cardboard, soft wood (balsa), possibly even potatoes well dried (remember 1st-grade?)

The best part was getting to stamp with my stamp post-carving. Ok, I'm a kid at heart. Experimenting with multiple ink colours provides interesting effects too (e.g. i gave my bird a yellow belly, though not the one's photographed in this pic'). I used water colour paints for ink, because i haven't owned an ink pad for over a decade. Perhaps its time i invested in one?

Knitted cuteness (toys!)

2010-06-21T18:13:00.006+10:00

I've been a clicking-and-a-clacking my knitting needles recently after a long hiatus from balls of string and the knitting-itch. I bought the book 'Itty Bitty Toys' (working at a bookstore with 20% discount was incentive enough...not that i needed much incentive). I've knitted a few balls. Great practice for knitting in the round with 4 needles. (We now have a bunch of 'hacky-sacks' lolling about our place, waiting to be kicked and thrown. Dangerous actually). I pretty soon decided it was time to graduate to more complex stuff. Specifically, a toy rabbit. So yeah, i'm knitting a rabbit. Neat huh?

Will post pics as i complete body parts and attach them to the body (the beige football like object in the photo above)...stay tuned to watch the transformation from franken-rabbit to cute-as-cute bunny~!

xo Deb

making a few changes...

2010-05-06T09:47:00.001+10:00

we're making a few changes to our site, so please take a peek back in a week or so when the revamped soul knocking makes it's debut! see u soon... x

'When I grow up I want to be a ...'

2010-03-07T15:00:00.000+10:00

Grown ups love asking little ones what they want to be when they grow up. When you were little, what role did you fantasise about?

(xo Shell)

When I grow up I want to be a detective - by Shell

2010-03-07T14:47:00.002+10:00

When I was really little I wanted to be a detective. I got a detective kit for my birthday and collected and investigated all sorts of things. My most exciting find was a rusty tin from over the back fence. It had been burnt and had some papers inside. I came up with all sorts of theories about it's past owners and their dark secrets!

When i grow up i want to be... by Debb

2010-03-07T11:00:00.001+10:00

When i grow up i want to be...? David Attenborough! At least that was what i dreamt of when i was little ^^

'Winter of My Childhood'

2010-02-28T15:00:00.000+10:00

I loved the summer edition of this topic, because with it came a flood of wonderful memories. I enjoyed it so much i wanted to continue the theme. I'd actually love to do all 4 seasons. Enjoy reminiscing ^^

(xo Debb)

Winter of my childhood - by Debb

2010-02-28T11:00:00.000+10:00

My little brother and i were forever roaming our neighbourhood, playing with kids down the street, sailing paper or wooden hand-made boats down gutters swollen with rain, or off climbing trees, and catching bugs and tadpoles. Even winter wasn't ever cold enough to keep us indoors!

'Candles'

2010-02-21T15:00:00.000+10:00

Flickering brightly in the night, wafting the smells of scented oils, adding mystery and romance to the eve.. Create an artwork, candle-inspired.

(xo Wolfy)

Candles - by Deb

2010-02-21T11:00:00.001+10:00

There's something so magic and soothing about watching the flickering flame of a candle, feeling its warmth on out-stretched fingertips. This pic' is an experiment with paper and fabric collage, plus watercolours...oooh how i love to experiment!!

'Green'

2010-02-14T15:00:00.001+10:00

I love the colour green so this week have chosen our inspiration as a colour, rather than a subject or medium. Create something using all the shades of green your heart desires.

(xo Shell)

'Babes in the Woods or other Strange Fairytales'

2010-02-07T15:00:00.001+10:00

Babes in the woods or other strange fairytales be your topic for the creative week ^^

(xo Wolfy)

Babes in the Woods or other Strange Fairytales - by Debb

2010-02-07T11:00:00.002+10:00

Six little children have run off into the woods, to share stories and eat cookies ^^

**Still a work in progress. What this space over the next wk or two for the finished pic!**

'In the Kitchen'

2010-01-31T15:00:00.001+10:00

The kitchen for me has always been a place of warmth, family, friendship and creativity. Not to mention delicious dishes! What does it mean for you?

(xo Debb)

In the kitchen - by Shell

2010-01-31T14:18:00.001+10:00

For me, being in the kitchen means love and creativity. Good dishes take time and for me and my sweet Luke are always made with a pinch of love. Pies were a specialty for us at one stage and this is possibly the best pie we've ever made. My special talent was decorating, whilst Luke makes killer pastry. It was a peach pie and shared with dear friends Patrick and Belinda. Food always tastes better when shared with friends I think.

In the Kitchen - by Deb

2010-01-31T11:00:00.001+10:00

These last few months i've relished being in the kitchen, exploring the tastes and techniques of new dishes and delighting in sharing them with friends. Kitchen bliss! Bit of a photo-collage to share with you here, with snapshots taken while making a spicy pumpkin and red bean soup with sauteed shitake mushrooms. Devine!! I'm fascinated by the colours, textures and patterns that emerge in the cooking process, and that decorate the food-to-be-cooked itself!

in the kitchen-wolfy

2010-01-31T02:26:00.000+10:00

In the kitchen-wolfy

2010-01-31T02:21:00.001+10:00

starla slept while i baked spinch hearts and strawberry chocolate valentines cake! my housemates devoured it with me! yum yum yum!

In the kitchen-wolfy

2010-01-31T02:14:00.002+10:00

'Felt'

2010-01-24T15:00:00.000+10:00

Another topic where i've chosen the medium... use felt (you can buy it at any craft store, or even online and its really cheap) and create a collage, a toy, a box or some jewellery. Whatever you like.

(xo Brook)

Felt - by Deb

2010-01-24T11:00:00.000+10:00

When i think of felt, i usually think of sparkles and sequins, which makes me think of tinsel at christmas time ^^ Although christmas has not long past, i thought i'd get in early and make a chrissy decco for the next festive season!

'The Moon'

2010-01-17T15:00:00.002+10:00

Craft a lunar inspired pic'.. Our topic this wk, The Moon ^^

(xo Wolfy)

The Moon - by Deb

2010-01-17T11:00:00.000+10:00

Gazing at the moon ^^

'Anatomy'

2009-12-13T15:00:00.000+10:00

a⋅nat⋅o⋅my /əˈnætəmi/ [uh-nat-uh-mee]
–noun, plural -mies.

1. the science dealing with the structure of animals and plants.
2. the structure of an animal or plant, or of any of its parts.
3. dissection of all or part of an animal or plant in order to study its structure.
4. a plant or animal that has been or will be dissected, or a model of such a dissected organism.
5. a skeleton.
6. Informal. the human body.
7. an analysis or minute examination.
(♥ Shell)

Anatomy (of fear) - by Shell

2009-12-13T13:41:00.004+10:00

Here's a cut out I've been working on for some time - the anatomy of fear. It's still a work in progress; I went to paint it today but found my spray-can had clogged up (drat!). I've been excited to share it so decided I couldn't wait any more. Do keep checking back to see the painted finale`!

Anatomy (of wild dogs) - by Debb

2009-12-13T11:00:00.007+10:00

There's something about African wild dogs thats caught my curiousity for a while, but i can't quite put my finger on what. I saw them at the zoo a few months ago, so lively and mischevious - they've been floating about in my imagination since. Yet, i was still most surprised when they asked to be put on paper.

Curious ^^

I love collage as a medium. I'm usually an addict to detail and have a reasonable idea of what i'm creating when i put pen to paper. But with collage, layers and textures take over and i'm constantly amused by what takes shape. Its almost always what i least expected and what i'd likely not have planned myself. Its like i'm working side-by-side with another artist. And then magically, the detail emerges at the last moment. I wonder if you've experienced the same or if you feel differently? Either way, collage is fun fun fun! Definately try it!

'Anime`'

2009-12-06T15:00:00.000+10:00

Draw something a bit manga or miazaki or animation, inspired of your own design.
(♥ Wolfy)

Anime' - by Debb

2009-12-06T11:00:00.001+10:00

If i ever have a garden and a house proper, i'll have pet chickens to roam about and eat all the snails and animate the yard. Such lively and fascinating creatures. This pic' was inspired by my love of anime' of all sorts, as well as my affection for the humble chicken.

Thankyou for the delightful topic Wolfy ^^

'Paintbrush'

2009-11-29T20:48:00.001+10:00

There are so many inspiring tools and mediums with which we artists mark our mark, and i so love to experiment. What's your implement of choice? ..a shaggy old + much beloved paintbrush, a brand-new freshly sharpened pencil, black-felt tip pen, a smear of oil paint.. Craft a creation in honour of a tool or medium that inspires you at the moment.

(♥ Little Fox)

paintbrush - wolfy

2009-11-29T11:00:00.006+10:00

This was drawn in many separate small sessions on the go. The most memorable one in phoenix's shed while having high tea for wot seemed like hours and herb pancakes, waterclours and gel pens are my fav medium for a long time now....This is a drawing of thinking on the red goat, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..............

Paintbrush - by Debb

2009-11-29T11:00:00.005+10:00

A homage to collage - my recently discovered pet medium of the moment.

***

I love that one can be rough and raw, or neat and elegant with it depending on mood and inspiration. I love the idea of using things found, recycled, hoarded or treasured. I love the detail, the textures, the patterns of old paper and fabric. And sponteneity, how could i not love that element within collage too.

***

Enjoy :)

'Joy'

2009-11-22T15:00:00.000+10:00

Create something you feel represents the word 'joy'.
(♥ Shan)

Joy - by Deb

2009-11-22T11:00:00.003+10:00

Thinking back to days of ol', when i was a young thing and free to roam and adventure with friends in the afternoons, so many sweet memories come flooding back. My childhood bestfriend had a pool. In summer we would splash and swim. We'd ride the pool ponies and giggle as we spun about in cute inflatable rings with heads on them, whiling away the summer heat. Christmas was the best, for there were always new toys to play with. I love the smell of inflatable pool toys, because it reminds me of these memories, and beach and our own little pool and our young family. Joy.

'Essence'

2009-11-15T18:51:00.001+10:00

A long long time ago in a drawing class I had to capture the 'essence' of an object, and I chose a shoe. Choose an object and capture its essence.
(♥ Brook)

Essence - by Deb

2009-11-15T11:00:00.002+10:00

If you sketched essence of thought, the essence of imagination, i wonder what it would look like?

'Garden'

2009-11-08T19:07:00.005+10:00

Its magic looking out onto our balcony at the moment. When my nanna passed away in August, i planted snapdragons and petunias in her memory. She loved to garden. They now paint vibrant splashes of colour accross our view, the rainbow of blooms nestled cosily in amongst the balcony peas, tomatoes, herbs and other green leafies growing in our kitchen garden. Gardens can be so healing. Create an artwork inspired by a garden memory or a green-patch you love.
(♥ Little Fox)

'Garden'-a wizard in his garden

2009-11-08T18:45:00.000+10:00

I love the garden theme, i have drawn a wizard in his garden, he is a dreamlike tarot inspired character, a combo of the hermit,temperance,the magician and the star...exactly how my life has felt lately if anyone knows tarot

Deb's temporary garden...

2009-11-08T11:00:00.000+10:00

A few temporary pix of garden memories to share with you while my 'Garden' creation is still a work in progress.

The top is of morning glory (such a beautiful flower and prolific vine!) and a mosque/garden we saw in Brunei. The second is of persimons in Switzerland: almost everyone seemed to have a persimon tree in their garden in the little village we visited there. Such curious fruit.

'Fancy frocks'

2009-11-01T15:00:00.000+10:00

Fancy Frocks...draw one which inspires you or design a dream one.

(♥ Wolfy)

'fancy frocks'-cherry poppins-wolfy

2009-11-01T14:59:00.000+10:00

this an outfit i have designed for cherry poppins, a roving charactor who sells cherry pop to people at festivals. This suits me one day when i have a travelling lifestyle again, it can be my cash cow, my way of making herbal exstacy available to the folks who usually drink or do other things to stay vibrant at big events! The shoes are a bit excessive though! i would leave them in the fancy frocks catagory and wear more comfy festival friendly shoes!

Fancy frocks - by Shell

2009-11-01T11:26:00.003+10:00

My wedding dress is the fanciest frock I've ever owned. I just loved wearing it. It'd be lovely to wear it again...maybe on a special anniversary one year!

Francy Frocks - by Deb

2009-11-01T11:00:00.001+10:00

Whilst journeying through Europe with my lovely family last Nov/Dec, i had great ambitions of indulging in abundant creativity and keeping a sketch journal as we went. I soon realised my families style of travel is not compatible with sketching! Every day is overflowing with adventure, roaming, new places and new experiences. In the rare moment of stillness and non-motion, i managed to sneek in this sketch of a fancy frock.

I love returning to old sketches and glamming them up with colour! Still a little more detail and background to accompany her in her fancy frock. **Keep watching this space!^^**

'I am who I am because of...'

2009-10-25T17:30:00.001+10:00

We are who we are at least partly because of the string of individual experiences we've had throughout our journey through life. What people, experiences, or places have come together to shape who you've become?

(♥ Shell)

I am who I am because of... my travels to Africa

2009-10-25T15:59:00.003+10:00

I had the unique experience of being sent solo to boarding school in the heart of Africa at the impressionable age of 15 years and 11 months. The impact of my two years there has rippled into my life from that point on, quietly and secretly at first and now boldly and proudly.

I am who i am because of...pole divas- wolfy

2009-10-25T14:59:00.000+10:00

A definate life experience i recently have learned from is the challenge of pole fitness, i have recently mastered upsidown crucifix and am the proud owner of very strong thighs! i learn at pole divas and highly recommend this fun and sexy way to get fit!

I am who i am because of...the LUCK DRAGON - by Deb

2009-10-25T11:00:00.002+10:00

Some friends of ours found a white wolf abandoned at a rest spot along the highway. We nicknamed him the Luck Dragon (because when he streches out, he looks like the dragon out of the Never Ending Story). We took him in, hoping to find his owners or a new home. Sad news this morn, to find he wasn't microchipped, so there's little hope of contacting his family. An angel in disguise, though, is sure to find a home. He's so well trained, he was obviously once much loved. So this morn, we begin the search for a new family for him.

* * *

The Luck Dragon LOVES a good belly rub. My pic' is one of all the hands who have helped him thus far in his travels, spoiling him with belly-rubs all round. Its amazing how little events or experiences can drop into your life like this, and although small, together all weave into a tapestry which shapes us.

* * *

From the Luck Dragon i have learnt that the art of feeling comfortable and at home wherever one roams, is a very special talent to have.

'Album Cover'

2009-10-18T23:48:00.001+10:00

Design an album cover for your favourite song - whatever you imagine would suit the lyrics & melody.

(♥ Shan)

Album cover - by Deb

2009-10-18T11:00:00.004+10:00

From the moment i heard it, i fell in love with the Fleet Foxes' 'Tiger mountain pesant song', with its hauntingly beautiful, moving melody and ability to take me into another world. I found it challenging to do the Fleet Foxes justice when it came to designing an album cover! Although i really enjoyed thinking over and creating this one, i know i would do it differently the second time around. Its always amusing how creative ideas evolve and branch out on tangets, as if they're never completely satisfied with 'completion', but rather keep pushing for more in all forms possible.

If you've not heard the Fleet Foxes, this song is a wonderful intro' to their unique style:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRfBqoGVFXc

'Stripes'

2009-10-11T23:56:00.000+10:00

Find something you like with stripes (handmade, manmade or made by nature) and use it for inspiration to make your own creation.

(♥ Brook)

stripes-by wolfy

2009-10-11T18:42:00.000+10:00

Stripes by Deb

2009-10-11T11:00:00.000+10:00

I found these stripey leaves while i was out walking on a stormy eve not long ago. They'd been blown down off the Elms that line the road all the way up the hill..

Stripes - by Shell

2009-10-11T06:32:00.000+10:00

i found some fabulously stripey trousers when shopping in NYC!

'Summer of my childhood'

2009-10-04T23:49:00.000+10:00

We are getting into summer again soon- I can feel the change of season in the air. Create an artwork about the summers of your childhood.

(♥ Shan)

summer of my childhood-wolfy

2009-10-04T23:42:00.002+10:00

This pic began in biro at work shell and i have swapped bodies cos the hair got too dark on the left girl which has shells childhood fringe. the lake in which we sailed deb's blow up pool we would float for hours going on adventures. deb is with the sand dripped castle... the skull was a horse skull on the steps dad built. those steps were magical and i would talk to the palm tree above them......times and bodies and places seem to overlay in this drawing.

Summer of my childhood - by Shell

2009-10-04T19:22:00.002+10:00

When I was really little Mum and Dad asked their friend Jo to give Wolfy and I art lessons. I vividly remember making recycled paper in one lesson. It was such fun. We put confetti into the mix so that our paper would have beautifully coloured spots. Little Debski was a bubba then. For all summers after Deb, Wolfy, and I loved creating artworks together - and of course still do today.