Dave Leonard.

I got some great postcards in the post today from illustrator, who was the year above me at the University of Sunderland, Dave Leonard. I love his characters and the huge amounts of bright colours.

To see more of his work visit his website or facebook page.

"The great thing about your last journey is you don't have to pack"

I found the above quote when I was reading an interview with Tony Benn in the Guardian earlier this year, probably when I was packing up to leave university life and Sunderland behind. I hate packing with a passion, but this quote by Benn's mother is very very true. Thankfully!! :)

I found a lot more things when I was de-cluttering my room at the weekend. I found photos of my GCSE work (below) and I remember feeling very happy with it at the time but looking at it now it looks a bit rubbish. The picture here is of my display shown in the great art hall that used to be in the middle of all the class rooms at our Comprehensive. Unfortunately they re-built the inside of the art building to make the classrooms bigger and took away a great displaying space.


I have uncovered many many quotes that I am going to work into typographically and a also some ideas to try out in regards to adding more pattern to my work.

I am still trying to get last week's typography piece finished but it's being proving very hard. Having spent all weekend clearing out my room, I then started a great new job on Monday and worked most of yesterday too but hopefully I will get it finished this week.
My plan to go to Clifton Park and draw every week this month has been put on hold this week as today has been my only day off and it has rained most of the day. I also had to wait in for a delivery guy so I could sign for a parcel. Said parcel didn't arrive until 3:30pm so it has been a bit of a wasted day.


And with that, I am off to tidy up the house and ink some letters.




"Justify your reason and want to go out and draw. Find a subject of interest." - Mike Ritchie

Why?

Well it is only 9 days into the new month and I am getting on well with my goals this month. I have already finished The Mighty Book of Boosh, which I have had a year and it was well worth the wait. It feels very wrong to say that I am not too clued up on The Mighty Boosh, but after reading the book I think I will be adding some of the DVD's to my Christmas list. I found the book to be very inspiring and just as funny as the few episodes that I have manage to catch!

Also last week, I went on a training day for my new job which was very exciting and now I can't wait to get started. I went to see Muse with a friend from university on my birthday and they were just INCREDIBLE. I never used to like Muse. I am so glad that I gave them a listen because I would have missed out on one of the best concerts I have EVER seen! I got to see my best friends for a meal to finish off an amazing birthday week.

Another target was to complete one piece of typography a week and last week, this is what I did; completed a piece that is very similar to my final major project work that has been in progress for a few weeks now. So, here's the final piece...



I am pretty happy with it but I know once I get back into the swing of things I know the quality will be increased.
This week I am going to be working on a letter which has his own little character that I started when I was sat on a train back in June.

Also on the cards this week is a trip to York or Leeds to visit the art galleries there and also some Alice in Wonderland drawings. This time, instead of taking the poems and working on them typographically, I am going to draw the characters in my own way. I am looking forward to the challenge!



I best get a move on!!
T'ra X

Happy New Year (ish)

So, I am 22 today and I am making today the start of my New Year with my 3 resolutions of

1. Eat lots (because my doctor says I am severely underweight :/ )
2. Explore lots (because there are a lot of amazing places around Rotherham and Sheffield that I never knew or had forgotten all about.)
3. Experiment lots (because I just can't settle on one style of working and will go through the contents of my room before settling!)

Looking back on my goals for October, there weren't many things that I could tick off but the main thing is that I have a job! Four months of spending most days on my own when my family have been out are about to come to an end and I cannot wait to get working. This month really is the beginning of really good things to come!!

These are my November goals:

1. Finish reading The Mighty Boosh book.
2. Visit Leeds City Art Gallery.
3. Visits Western Park Museum.
4. Visit photographic exhibition at Graves Gallery from 26th November.
5. Draw at Clifton Park once a week.
6. Personalise blog space to something a bit more exciting!
7. Continue with collage prep and experimentation.
8. Make Christmas card list and make Christmas cards.
9. De-clutter bedroom.
10. Complete one piece of typography each week.

With a bit of luck, I will combat these goals more than my October goals. I am feeling more optimistic and really looking forward to what this month brings.

And with that, I am off for some breakfast and getting excited for the Muse concert tonight!

X