These are two of the drawings I completed for uni, semi happy with the results. I am particuarly pleased with the bottom one as it is hinting at a narrative. There is a relationship dynamic between the mother and daughter figure, it is quite autobiographic actually (thats a word yes?). I hope to include a bit of roleplay and narrative in future works, it makes them that much more exciting, and it is so easy as I can just use my life experiences as a starting point.
As I have mentioned previously, I have been working on a series of six femme portrait drawings on linen. This is the first to be completely finished, others are a work in progress. As you can see the work is moodier than usual, and the girl less beautiful, but for me the greatest change is that with these works I've loosened up, a lot! The background is marked from mopping up pigment from the previous work, stained with ink and highlighted with various shades of soft pastel. The figures have been stitched with a single thread (well two if you count the bobbin thread). The tension was terrible to start off with, and I found I liked the underside far more than the side i was stitching onto, so if you click on the image for closer inspection you will see loose loops of thread. I have also included a fair bit of beading, which I particuarly like, as well as buttons, and minature flower buttons in provocative places. The others are quite different to this one, but as a series they link together well; femme, colourful, gritty, textured, hand drawn, sewn, playful xx.
The past few days my mind has been in a peculiar and emotionally draining place. I feel like I'm on the cusp of a whole change in direction, artistically and spiritually. I've been listening to new music, playing with new materials, going new places, thinking new thoughts and talking to new people. I can't quite put it into words, but I am being challenged, the boundaries are being pushed, and I'm craving something more than what I have come to accept thus far.
My mother's mother is very dear to me; she is sensitive, warm and loving and we share a special bond.
By far one of my favourite ways to spend time, is decorating and rearranging my room and living space. I am most happy when I am surrounded by images, textiles and objects that inspire me, remind me of loved ones and special times in my life. I cannot imagine living in a space where I didn't have notirity to surround myself with inspiration, my artistic process depends on it. Above you can see textiles on my desk that I have collected from generations of crafty Shipard women, notibly in the front my mother's embroidery from primary school. In the centre of the desk is my beloved London telephone money box which is presently acting as a vase (since I don't have any suitable/like how the dried flowers look in there) to my treasured roses from the Stars concert, where the band ironically threw out roses to the audience as well as everlasting daisies collected during school cross country.
The ironic thing is that despite my decorating being quite a personal joy and process, is that I completely love looking at other peoples houses through sources like the Selby, magazines such as Frankie and Russh and homewares shops. Although I can't think of a time were I have seen something I liked through one of these sources and changed my room accordingly, however I can't deny their influence and inspiration. I believe though if you are truely going to have a space you enjoy and that brings you happiness and inspiration, it can't be contrived, it has to be yours. I admire people who manage to have a minimalist space, with beautiful and clutterless use of art, flowers and furniture, but alas my space will probably never be this refined. Mine is a mirad of colours, textures, pictures, random objects and downright crap. There are so many things I would incorperate or improve with funding, such as Florence Broadhurst wallpaper on the walls, the iconic egg chair and all the art and design books I could ever desire. Alas, that is why it is a changing space not a stagent one, as I am always finding ways to like it more xx.
Somehow I believe that after witnessing Camille in concert, my whole taste in live music has evolved and I will continue to go to see musicians who likewise push the boundaries with their music. It is such a treat to the ears to hear something fresh and unknown, like tasting exotic fruit in the Daintree. I missed the chance to see Death Cab for Cutie, who happens to be one of my favourites, I wasn't really sure at the time why I was resisting buying a ticket, but alas they sold out and I missed out on seeing them last night. Now 'at last!' I know what I was waiting for, the chance to See The Do and M83 in musical glory on the 31st of March, what could be sweeter? 
So the time has come around to submit to the Annual Kickarts Insider Postcard Exhibition, with the theme of 'line'. Last year I attemped to create work for it no less than four times! But nothing stuck and I couldn't come up with anything I could happily submit for my inaugural exhibited artwork. But this year there was no more excuses, and I have been chipping away at this 8x10 piece reguarly and am almost about to post it away. I am considering making a matching soft doll as a sculptural piece but that I haven't started. One piece is a great start. If you are looking for a piece of intricate, textile artistry for a wall near you exhibition opens on Friday 24th April 2009, silent bidding starts at just $40. Be there or be square xx.
For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of going to art college. Attending life drawing classes, discovering the history of my lifelong passion in art and being surrounded by a motley crew of creative people and the fruits of their hard work, including hopefully mine.
This is a new artwork titled 'Coral' that I have submitted with two other works for the Yen Magazine publication of Curvy 6, which features the work of 100 fabulously talented young female illustrators and designers from all sectors of the globe. I just hope that I might be one of them, if not this year next xx.
Today I start another year of life and living. In theme with how I think the upcoming year will pan out, I am riding the big day in quite a grown up independent way! I worked this morning from 7am! and treated myself to a cute Valentines Day cupcake, which could have been fluffier and more delicious, but was an incredible sight for sore eyes. Tonight I am going for Champagne and movies, which should be a nice finish for the day. I have had a facebook full of lovely messages, and a text message inbox also, so I'm feeling loved enough, even if my loved ones are far away. My nana and my bestie have pre warned me not to expect my card in the mail today, which gave me a chuckle (I don't mind!). A dear friend said that if he was a millionaire he would buy me lots of Chanel merchandise but I know that it wouldn't make me any happier, friendships are far more vaulable. I may treat myself to a nice new bag, that is more expensive than I would usually spend, but I think I will just stick to having a bank account with actual money in it!
It is about time that I farewell to North Queensland, the place that has been my home for eight years. There are so many moments and memories that I will cherish fondly, for old times sake I'd like to name a few:
