Franciszka Themerson III

I love these illustrations by Franciszka Themerson for Bertrand Russell's 'The Good Citizen's Alphabet so much I have had to buy the book, they have qualities of Saul Steinberg, Edward Lear and other graphic geniuses. 

Franciszka Themerson II

I found a renewed love for Franciska Themerson's work on my visit to Tate Modern last week. Franciszka Themerson (1907-1988) She seemed to be full of fun and I love her work wherever and whenever I come across it.

Franciszka and Stefan Themerson were innovative artists and pioneers of avant-garde Polish cinematography.  Married in Warsaw in 1931, and founded the  Polish Film-makers’ Co-operative in 1935. The Themersons moved to Paris in 1938, but both volunteered for the Polish army in 1939.  They were reunited in London only in 1942 and in 1943 founded the publishing house Gaberbocchus and so it was their books for which they became best known in Britain. They were according to their friend Nick Wadley "great respecters of nonsense" and so published English translations of Kurt Schwitters, Guillaume Apollinaire and Alfred Jarry.

Cy Twombly

Some of the natural history studies and collages of Cy Twombly, included in the 'Mushrooms: The Art, Design and Future of Fungi.' exhibition at Somerset House, London until the 26th of April.

Amanda Cobbett

Having recently discovered the amazing work of Amanda Cobbett, it was a joy to be able to wonder at these papier-mâché and stitched fungi on display at Somerset Houses “Mushrooms: The Art, Design, and Future of Fungi”, open until April 26th.

Seana Gavin I

Seana Gavin's fantastical, surreal collages are part of the wonderful exhibition 'Mushrooms, the art, design, and future of fungi', at Somerset House until the 26th of April. It is a fabulous exhibition and I will be sharing some more delights from it over the coming days. 

Mary Beth Edelson

These are part of the 143 collage installation by Mary Beth Edelson using images from ancient mythology, art history and popular culture exploring the theme of goddess culture, Currently on display at the Tate Modern, London. 

John Melven I

John Melven has made this fab character using pieces of 'midden'. This project and the wonderful works emerging from those who have taken up the challenge are giving me many smiles. If you would like to be involved please get in touch.

Brian McHenry II

Brian McHenry's wonderful; 'Domestic scenes of an intimate nature' inspired by 'midden' items. Each piece Brian has referenced at the bottom of every drawing and included shapes and patterns into the compositions.

Moira Scicluna I

Moira Scicluna is an illustrator from Edinburgh who has been working with some of my 'midden' treasures. Moira has taken elements if the patterns on the pieces of ceramics and used procreate to integrate them into her wonderful illustrations.
I am really enjoying seeing her work and sending midden treasures out to creatives all over the world.

Art month

Due to a commission and deadlines for books, I managed to have January as a month of creating art. This sounds lovely, even luxurious, but art is never easy, it gives you brain ache and you spend (or I do) days struggling with brain glue, as you mentally do something ahead of physically tackling the task.
However, I hope for many more months and even years, that I can spend working in this way.
Today I am traveling down to London for a brief visit, I am looking forward to seeing many exhibitions and having great adventures.

Bernardo P. Carvalho

'Don't Cross the Line' written by Isabel Minhós Martins is fabulously slapstick and has a wonderfully unique and inventive use of page layout in picture books. Illustrated in bold comical felt tip drawings by Portuguese illustrator Bernardo P. Carvalho co-founder of Planeta Tangerina.