Looking Glass

Typographic storytelling

In the design world where l reside, typography plays an integral role in my work as a graphic designer. In my mind, these particular two pieces created by Kate and Jimmy Moore of Blimpcat are simply captivating examples of typographic storytelling.

Taking a quote from the late fashion designer, Yves St Laurent, and shaping the words to form the iconic 'Little Black Dress', makes me smile. And the little finishing touch to carefully glide the dress onto the contrasting hanger is attention to detail that is surely noteworthy. l like the swirl shapes of the chosen typeface, perfectly forming a feminine shape, and the contrast in type size, which especially allows the central word "woman" to shine. Lovely!

l feel that the the other selected piece called 'A Beautiful Place'  reflects the quote from Sufism teacher Hazrat Inayat Khan, in an organic fashion with rustic charm, its backdrop of natural material -stripping life back to its roots. l find it poetic how the word Beautiful for the first part of the quote, has been created using uppercase with strength , as opposed to the  hand-written lowercase for the latter part. Thus, creatively suggesting that "making a place beautiful" is perhaps more personal, enriched with life flowing through it. It certainly generates food for thought.

Two pieces that speak different languages, each telling a story, a story to make your own.

Surrounding sound of jelly

 

A concept so thrilling, that l was most delighted when innovative french designer Raphaël Pluvinage kindly accepted my invitation to showcase a piece of his extraordinary work on Looking Glass.

Noisy jelly is a project which l believe, takes the conventional jelly form to an innovative height of exploration, science + design = a visionary playground for all the senses. Each step: filling different shaped moulds with a mix of jelly powder and water, adding colour, allowing to set, carefully placing the jellies onto the soundboard, tapping each jelly to create a unique sound - allows playful interaction in abundance! Who would have thought that chemistry could be so fun.

With much fervor, l welcome you to Raphaël Pluvinage's inventive world of ideas and boundless possibilites!

Through that which is seen

Erin Tyner's photography series Half Awake, is richly executed in concept and visual. By creating familar settings within the minature sphere of dioramas, emotions are open to exploration that may otherwise go unnoticed.

When looking at the individual images, l feel a strong sense of emotion and movement. From the lady shielding herself from the elements, to the girl on a walk, whose head ever-so-slightly turns to peer at the lit house in the background. One can almost feel the wind whistling through grass,  pressing against an umbrella, heavy raindrops splashing upon a pavement, or the tension that can be generated amidst the silence of the night.

Creating scenes that tell a story, evoking emotions via the medium of photography is a craft that Erin Tyner does with a natural flair of sensitivity and understanding.

Be captivated!

Looking sideways

Working with the talented Jill Allemang, owner and managing director of jallé gmbh is an absolute joy that generates creativity, ideas and a smile. l've been working with Jill for the past few years, and our developing designer/client relationship never ceases to inspire me.

During the past weeks, l have been working with Jill, along with fellow jallé team member Inge Van Halst on jallé's 5th Anniversary celebration event. And last week saw our design concept go live.

The jallé event was held at the Kunsthaus in Zurich, which proved to be the perfect setting for the jallé ethos of exploration. As an introduction to the launch of the new jallé Studio Pass concept, we designed an interactive art-based teaser card activity, inviting attendees to select a postcard. Part two of the concept saw Jill and Inge, hand-out black square envelopes that contained a question, along with space to attach a postcard, and record an answer.

l was initially drawn to Paul Klee's Persian Nightingales (1917), for the striking colour and composition. And yet upon closer inspection, my heart began to sing, when it occurred to me that this piece of art truly tells me something rather telling about my career as a graphic designer.

Jallé is a learning studio, a platform to explore your career, talent & potential. And l feel this art-based exercise authentically captures the exploratory, creative essence that is jallé.

Inviting you to take the side ways!

Creativity easily flows on rainy days

It was a wintry December morning, when l discovered this gem - A History of Graphic Design for Rainy Days. A smile beamed across my face, as l took a peek at the book online. How utterly gorgeous to find such a book that takes the reader on a illustrative journey of Graphic Design! Overflowing with bright graphics and fun activities, this entertaining book demonstrates the humour and creativity that can be found in the world  graphic design.

The graphic design agency behind this masterpiece is Studio 3. An in-school agency that is held at the Graphic Design Department of Westerdals School of Communication in Oslo. l believe Studio 3 exists on the steadfast foundation of raw talent - hand picked 3rd year graphic design students - truly inspirational to all graphic designers!

They say lightening only strikes once, and yet Studio 3 keeps on giving... in the form of another book - Hyperactivitypography from A to Z. A vintage styled journey celebrating the beauty of typography. Glorious in form and activity structure.

Smile!

A snowflake waltz

Upon discovery of this beautiful snowflake transparent paper, and much inspired by the enchanting score of the 'The Nutcracker' (Act 1, scene 9 - Waltz of the Snowflakes) composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, l felt compelled to create a snowflake tea-light piece for Christmas...

l have fond memories of watching the Royal Ballet light up the stage with their outstanding performance of this magical tale at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London.

And so, l'm truly delighted to have the opportunity to reflect on my memories with this paper play creation.

Warm wishes for the holidays, and creative joy for 2012!

Treasures of Whippet Grey

Exploring the treasures of Whippet Grey is a journey that l take leisurely, and with joyful anticipation! Nestled within the pages of the freshly printed catalogue are exquisite products that delight, raise a smile and above all inspire.

Whippet Grey is a haven of rare finds that have been hand-selected from far away places - curious objects that engage the imagination. Timeless and expressive in style, Whippet Grey captures the passion for art, travel and clean lined simplicity.

l was delighted to recently discover that Whippet Grey has opened a shop in the charming market square of Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England. (A place l hold dear to my heart, as l was a graphic design student there, before l continued my studies in Edinburgh, Scotland). And so alongside the online shopping option, one can now visit the shop in person and browse through the many enchanting hand-made products...

A rich celebration of artistry and creativity - reflecting the true spirit of Whippet Grey!

Exploration of secret inner worlds

To step into the dream-like world of Nina Mankin's art is to step onto a theatrical stage of pure intrigue and richly-intense drama . Exploration and "an attempt to uncover the lost parts of our psyche...our secret shadow selves is a main theme that runs through Nina's work.

Watching Nina talk about her work, along with the 'Victorian' hue that colours her work, enticed me into showcasing her hidden worlds. Secret places that can only be viewed when glimpsed through a tin's tiny pinhole. l find the idea of creating a secret 'narrative based' inner world out of disused objects and materials enthralling, fueling my imagination, along with a sense of searching for a deeper meaning.

'Behind Closed Doors' is a mixed media piece, and tells the story of a man with a 'faux' tailors workshop who becomes obsessed with a woman called Deidra. Posing himself as a dressmaker (with an eye for the ladies in corsets),  he entices her into his workshop, and with the lure of a  magic potion...slowly she begins to fall in love with him...

Such dark narratives are perfectly played out on the hidden theatrical stage settings that Nina has so charmingly created.

Let's Make Some Great Art

Copyright 2011 Marion Deuchars 

In creative collaboration with Laurence King Publishing, talented illustrator Marion Deuchars has designed a book which fills my sketchbook heart with pure joy!

Let's Make Some Great Art  ( Kritzeln Zeichen Kunst ) is a drawing playground for children and adults, which in my mind enables us to keep young at heart. This book allows the imagination to run wild - inviting the inner artist to simply have fun making art.

From playful fingerprints, to exploring the technique of artists like Jackson Pollock, l believe realising one's own artistic expression can open up a whole new world - this book offers such a journey in creative abundance.

l warmly invite you to sharpen your pencil and make your mark!

Hokey Stokes!

My love for the printed book has been enhanced with these intricate book carvings by Hokey Stokes! artist and scientist - Julia Strand. With sharp blades, tweezers at the ready, and a steady hand, Julia carefully disects and re-constructs to give a once-valued piece of literature a brand new meaning, inspiring the reader to look at the book with a fresh perspective.

As a book-lover, Julia takes great care selecting the books for her art. "I only use books that are no longer valued for their content, and never carve rare or new books". l feel this train of thought, beautifully reflects the ethos of giving "out-of-date", or discarded books a creative make-over!

l'm delighted to add, that these creative book carvings can be purchased via Julia's online shop at Etsy.com, or you can personally commission a book carving, utilising a book from your very own bookshelf, via the Hokey Stokes! blog.

Creative re-cycling which is ever so revitalising and awe inspiring!