Zara Wood aka Woody

Looking Back to Look Forward

2011-09-12T11:08:00.000Z

So it’s September. If you live in the UK that means Autumn. A buffer month between us & Winter. The side effects of this season change already apparent, noticeably it’s getting darker earlier.

As we come to terms with saying goodbye to Summer, albeit rather heartbroken & jaded, at least there’s a bounty of food to console us in Autumn.

However, as the blackberries disappear & darkening days creep in, we have some tips at staying bright during the Winter months - taken from Woody’s sell out Topshop collection Star Gaze in 2008:

* It’s easier to daydream when the days get darker *
Time to make plans & come up with ideas. Be inventive & creative.

* More time to watch the stars *
Take up astrology or simply be on the look out for a falling star.

* Be a Trend Setter *
Don’t just wrap up. Dress up! It’s a chance to wear more of your favourite clothes & style new looks.

* Be musical *
Maybe your Summer was full of Festivals, dancing and singing along. Maybe it’s time you took up an instrument & wrote your own track.

* Enjoy staying indoors *
Without the temptations of the Summer, you can be more productive. Start writing a short story, take up drawing, knit your own jumper!

Check out all Woody’s artwork for her Star Gaze Collection here

B is for...

2011-08-26T10:51:00.000Z

blogging - at last some new photos!

I've mainly spent August in the studio working on new projects and weekends spent at our allotment, re-landscaping - which has been fun but alot of hardwork. Thank you to all those patiently waiting on more artwork to be available from the Woody Shop. It is in the studio, just needs to be photographed and uploaded, but we are working on other project deadlines. More news coming soon. Promise.

5 a day hey?

2011-07-07T13:52:00.000Z

1st July - 31st July 2011

2011-07-01T14:58:00.000Z

Drawing in Dublin - Creating Characters Workshop

2011-06-01T15:06:00.000Z

Textile designer Miss Amy Phipps & myself ran a Creating Characters workshop at the beautiful Newbridge House in Dublin on Saturday. Thanks to everyone who made it. Here are so photos of the day...

London. Yesterday

2011-03-25T13:28:00.001Z

After some meetings in London yesterday, I went to check out the lovely new stationery room at Liberty. Followed by a rather beautiful tartlet and pot of tea at the cafe there.

Then it was off to Pick Me Up at Somerset House again...

Pick Me Up is on until 27th March...

Pick Me Up - Somerset House - 17th - 27th March

2011-03-14T16:28:00.000Z

I've been very lucky enough to be choosen for this year's Pick Me Up Graphics Fair at Somerset House which opens to the public this Thursday. It's only on for 10 days, so be sure to put it in the diary.

Here's a bit more info...

The acclaimed graphics fair Pick Me Up returns to Somerset House this week. With Anthony Burrill setting up studio, independent publishers Nobrow, along with a host of other UK collectives & 24 international graphic artists including Woody have been selected to show at this year’s fair.

Limited edition hand-pulled silk screen prints by Woody will be on show at the Fair as well as some Woody products on sale at the Pick Me Up Pop Up Shop.

Woody has also designed a special poster exclusive for Pick Me UP – which will be available for purchase at Somerset House for the bargain price of £20! Best to get in there quick - there’s only 50 in the edition!

For more info + to book please follow this link

Putting Up. Taking Down.

2011-02-28T18:27:00.000Z

As Mirror Mime at YSP comes to an end, we've been thinking about all the organisation and hard work it takes to put on an exhibition and all those people who are involved. The above photo shows the Story of the Aurora installation being installed along the 20 metre concourse windows at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Thanks to the amazing team at New Vision for helping to create the Story of Aurora. And a big thank to all the team at YSP for their support.

The studio is super busy at the moment with lots of new projects. But I will be putting up more photos of the Mirror Mime exhibition - see some here

More info events happening in March like the Affordable Art Fair and Pick Me Up in London on the website here

Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-04T18:53:00.000Z

Happy Chinese New Year folks! Apparently the year of the rabbit should be a lucky one. My partner gave me this eraser ages ago - i love it. It sits on my desk next to my little lead zebra. I love the way the rabbit is jumping up to the moon.

Sailing through a Winter Wonderland...

2011-01-07T13:33:00.000Z

Images of The Story of Aurora - my installation at Yorkshire Sculpture Park which is part of my Mirror Mime exhibition on until 27th February. Images courtesy of YSP - thanks for sending them over - loving the snowy backdrop...

The Story of Aurora - Yorkshire Sculpture Park Installation

2010-12-10T19:22:00.001Z

The Bretton Estate, home to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park since 1977, was designed over 200 years ago as a private pleasure ground. One of its 18th Century owners, Sir Thomas Wentworth, created lakes with small islands to house exotic animal menageries & commissioned a ship called the Aurora.

Inspired by these historical events, I created an imagined narrative where the Aurora returns to the pleasure ground, carrying characters from distant lands. It was important for me to draw from the history of the site in order to create a artwork that was relevant to it's surroundings.

The architecture of the visitor centre with its clever use of glass blurs the boundaries between being inside and outside – inviting visitors outside and bringing in the park. The windows become the perfect inbetween space, where we can play with another duality, the real & the imagined.

Freeing the drawn line from the page, my illustrations are translated on into vinyl & run along the twenty metre concourse windows at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

At 3pm each day, I've been told that the Aurora casts a perfect shadow on the wall opposite. At the moment the drawings have the backdrop of fallen snow.

The installation is part of my exhibition Mirror Mime, which showcases over 20 new works including originals & screen prints.

Mirror Mime is now on show at Yorkshire Sculpture Park until 27th Feb 2011.

Press

2010-12-08T17:29:00.000Z

My Mirror Mime exhibition & products are featured in December's ELLE, Elle Decoration & Concept for Living magazines.

Books designed to inspire & cherish

2010-11-30T11:22:00.001Z

We take a lot of care over Woody products because if you are going to produce something then it should be worth producing. When you are starting a new sketchbook, sometimes it's rather daunting knowing what you should draw - where to start. So we wanted to produce a range of well-made sketchbooks with emblems and characters that would inspire and comfort their owner.

The Owl, the Stag and the Ship sketchbooks are books to hold wonders, details and adventures - both imagined and real. All cloth bound, each one is block foiled with a front design and story on the reverse. They hold 190 pages for their owners to map out paintings, write stories or sketch out storyboards.

I think one of the biggest complements an artist can receive is when people say you have inspired them. I hope these sketchbooks motivate all your creative people out there to make your own work...

See full range of sketchbooks here

The Woody Shop Pops up this Sat 4th Dec in Brighton

2010-11-29T17:09:00.002Z

Fancy popping in to Brighton this weekend for some Christmas shopping? Well come & visit Brighton's new design market The Assembly Rooms at the Unitarian Church on New Road. Among local favourites such as Ridley & Dowse jewellery and Lark Rising knitwear, the Woody Shop will be popping up at the Assembly Rooms with my new Mirror Mime range of products.

Entry is free and we will be having some special Assembly Room rates to celebrate the launch of the market.

The Assembly Room Design Market
The Unitarian Church, New Road, Brighton. BN1 1UF

Saturday 4th December 2010

10.30am – 5.30pm FREE ENTRY

Directions from Brighton Train Station (5-10 min walk): Exit station through main front entrance. Head south straign down Queen Road. Take the second major turning on the left on to Church Street. Continue down this road until you reach New Road. Turn right onto New Road.
The church is on your right.

Map

Mardi Gras Bunny Letterpress Cards

2010-11-20T16:18:00.001Z

Here's one of my characters being made in to a letterpress card on 1950s Original Heidelberg Press:

And here's the beautiful end product...

Available now from the Woody Shop online: http://www.zarawood.com/thewoodyshop/ranges/new-mirror-mime-products/mardi-gras-bunny-letterpress-card/515

Gathering Inspiration for the Creating Character Workshops

2010-11-18T17:20:00.000Z

Next Saturday, I will returning to the very special Yorkshire Sculpture Park, where the talented Miss Phipps and myself will be doing a workshop about Creating Characters.

This week Amy and I are going through our studios and gathering up books, fabrics, images and objects to inspire us for the day. Here's the official plan of the day:

Spend the morning with moi, sketching and creating your own character. Ill go through the processes I use and how to source inspiration.

The afternoon will be spent working with Amy translating your character through hand embroidery onto fabric.

Take home a sketchbook full of ideas and an embroidery hoop ready to hang on the wall framing your very own creation!

Day Workshop with Lunch on Saturday 27th November 2010:

Adults: £50.00
Concessions: £45.00

For more info or to book, head to the YSP link here:

http://www.ysp.co.uk/events/creating-characters-with-zara-wood

Passion

2010-10-02T10:00:00.000Z

I've always had a penchant for passion fruits and vintage china.

Out of the studio. In to the Garden...

2010-10-01T12:46:00.002Z

...new grown and some colour in the garden brings a feeling of hope even though we're fast approaching Winter and lots of work deadlines...

Creating Characters Workshops at YSP 27 November 2010 and 29 January 2011

2010-09-14T16:14:00.001Z

Alongside my Mirror Mime exhibition, I will be hosting two ‘Creating Characters’ workshops with textile designer Amy Phipps at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. With a Christmas theme on 27th November and Valentine inspiration on 29th January.

Spend the morning with me creating your own character, and learn about the processes I work through inorder to achieve my imaginary world of characters. In the afternoon, work with Amy to translate your character through hand embroidery onto fabric, personalising with specially chosen fabric or thread, and take home a sketchbook full of ideas and an embroidery hoop ready to hang on the wall framing your own creation.

Day Workshop with Lunch: £50 £45 Concessions
For more information or to book a workshop please email: info@ysp.co.uk or call 01924 830 579

For more information on the getting to & from Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which is only 2 hours away from London Kings Cross and under 15mins away from Leeds via train, please follow this link to the YSP site.

Image: Embroidery by the lovely Miss Phipps based on on drawing by Woody.

New Exhibition at YSP 11th Nov – 27th Feb

2010-09-14T15:50:00.002Z

After many months of planning from the teams atYSP & Woody HQ, I'm very excited about my new solo exhibition Mirror Mime that opens from 11th November 2010 to 27th February 2011. Check out my website for more info - here's a link.

Paris,

2010-08-24T17:50:00.006Z

Texas - one of my favourite films...

Lucky

2010-08-20T11:19:00.000Z

Magic Box

2010-08-19T10:00:00.000Z

Been listening to my Buddha Machine whilst working. Check out: http://www.fm3buddhamachine.com/

Studio Blooms

2010-08-18T11:14:00.000Z

Been drawing alot in my studio at home for my new Winter exhibition. Here's some Glads from my garden and a vintage plate that's doubling up as a palette.

The difference between Inspiration and Plagiarism

2010-08-11T11:34:00.002Z

Rod Hunt, a fellow illustrator and the new chairman of the Association of Illustrators tweeted this link from you thought we wouldn't notice last week. To be honest, it is worrying that there are people who don't understand the difference between being inspired and totally copying another artist's work. To find out more about copyright and protecting your images, check out the AOI website. Other people's work should motivate you in to creating your own work and to be confident in your own ability. Go forth and create - but please respect other people's work in the process.

So that was July

2010-07-28T16:02:00.000Z

Sorry for the lack of blog entries this month - I know it's disgraceful. The studio has been working on an exciting new project launching in November, which we can tell you about next month. Apart from drawing constantly and working late, I've been growing and then consequently eating lovely things from the garden allotment. Check out my spuds and my tiny tiny foot:

Feeling a bit Glug

2010-07-09T15:00:00.003Z

The Woody crew are off to Glug Brighton tonight for some thirst quenching beverages and creative chat.

Looking forward to meeting all the London Crew who cycled down for charity - click here for a link of them setting off - very commendable support from the office guys - Woooooo!!!

Pinch Punch First of Month

2010-07-01T08:48:00.000Z

Unlimited Studio Pops Open This Saturday

2010-05-27T17:21:00.001Z

Unlimited Studio in Brighton opens its door for one more day this Saturday. Check out their fab premises and also buy some beautiful goodies, from screen prints to tea towels, antique chairs to t-shirts...woody t-shirts. Hooray!

Check out this link for more info

Free Worldwide Shipping*

2010-05-17T12:04:00.005Z

*Order from the Woody Shop online and if your order comes to £30 or more you won’t pay for the shipping! Woo Hoo! Orders will be sent standard first class in the UK and standard airmail for Europe and Worldwide deliveries.

See T&Cs for more detail

Open Houses in Brighton this Weekend!!!

2010-05-14T16:00:00.008Z

Pop down to the sea and see some great Open Houses this weekend in Brighton. You can find Woody artwork: Boxbird Gallery (see below for Keep On Going Print) and Woody t-shirts and other products from Unlimited Studios.

Also check out the gorgeous shop Last where amongst many treasures you'll find the beautiful embroided collars of Amy Phipps.

Magical Beans

2010-05-11T14:50:00.000Z

Check out the amazing patterns and colouring on these little beans - just given to Woody by her neighbour. We looking forward to eating runner beans this Summer from Woody's allotment!

A to B Exhibition - Opens Next Week

2010-04-29T18:29:00.006Z

Next week Boxbird Gallery's A to B exhibition opens as part of this year's Brighton's Festival. It will include a limited edition screen print by Woody.

Here's some close ups from the actual screen prints - I love this way of printing!

Go get some graphic in your life

2010-04-27T14:58:00.001Z

London went all graphic last week with an amazing exhibition Life in 2050 and the graphic fair Pick Me Up.

Founder of Tranmission, Stuart Tolley, wearing a Woody tee at the studio's launch of Life in 2050 and a little further on down the Strand is Pick Me Up, with the talented Peep Show and lovely Rob Ryan - both on for another week.

Life in 2050 soon approaching...

2010-04-15T13:32:00.002Z

Graphic design studio Transmission have set the dial 40 years from now and commissioned 22 leading and emerging contemporary artists from around the world to create an original piece of work depicting their vision of what life will be like in 2050. The eclectic mix of contributors include Universal Everything, Alex Trochut, Mario Hugo, Dan McPharlin and Tom Gallant. For a full list of artists please visit the website: www.life-in-2050.com

LIFE IN 2050
Thursday 23rd April - 4th May 2010

Proud Central Gallery
32 John Adam Street, London, WC2A 6BP
Nearest Tube: Charing Cross
www.life-in-2050.com

Quest of Adventure

2010-04-14T10:11:00.000Z

Some of my favourite images from a great book called Quest of Adventure by Chris Bonington

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-04-13T10:13:00.000Z

"Have you met the writer yet? Apparently she's American."

2010-04-01T10:30:00.000Z

Meet Paige. An American writer living in a tiny cottage in East Sussex during the 1930s.

Have you seen my Bunny?

2010-03-31T16:49:00.002Z

sails on sale

2010-03-23T19:17:00.004Z

Best Tiles Award

2010-03-23T10:00:00.001Z

...goes to the tiles on the London Underground

Why? - are you?

2010-03-22T13:43:00.000Z

If I was a boy (with a beard and glasses) and if I could sing and rap - and if I was incredibly talented, I'd be Yoni from Why?

You rocked Brighton last night guys.

Imagined Lives

2010-03-17T13:50:00.001Z

I really love the idea of coming up with imagined characters and lives - hey, guess that's why I illustrate. Just read about this fantastic idea from the National Portrait Gallery, where they have invited writers to imagine stories based on the little-known portraits in their collection. The exhibtion Imagined Lives runs from now until next March at Montacute House. There's also an accompanying book of the stories.

If I lived in California...

2010-03-10T10:15:00.000Z

...I'd go and see the Luc Tuymans' exhibition

What's on the Woody notice board this month?

2010-03-09T10:00:00.002Z

Mountains and clever freaky little dogs doing tricks.

Eye Eye AAF - 11th to 14th March

2010-03-03T17:25:00.002Z

A little reminder that you can purchase Woody originals from the Affordable Art Fair in London next week. Check out the Boxbird Gallery stand from Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th March.

Check out the AAF website for more details

Look who's on the drawing board

2010-03-02T16:55:00.000Z

Soon to be starring in a new Little Treasure locket very soon...

Nice Leaf

2010-02-25T13:40:00.001Z

Keep it simple and smile.

Little Dream Car

2010-02-24T13:39:00.003Z

One rain splatted evening in Brighton I lost my heart to a little white car named Oho...

Would you like some luck with your coffee madame?

2010-02-18T13:20:00.002Z

Found a four-leaf clover in my coffee

The Solo Sailor

2010-02-16T12:15:00.002Z

A brave soul. She sails alone. Sometimes she gets lost but this is all part of the journey. Keep sailing my little one.

Find out more or Buy Solo Sailor Brooch

Woody Originals at the Affordable Art Fair in London

2010-02-15T19:01:00.008Z

Boxbird Gallery have been invited to exhibit at next month’sAffordable Art Fair in Battersea. They will be selling some Woody originals, so be sure to go and have a gander. The fair runs from Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th March. If you are very nice and also very quick, Boxbird might even give you a free entry pass!

Check out the AAF website for more details

Email Boxbird Gallery for possible free entry pass

Waiter. There's a heart in my noodles.

2010-02-14T10:00:00.001Z

Little Alexandra

2010-02-05T11:06:00.004Z

A small Prussian beauty. Delicate and gentle. She often hums, unknowingly and ever so softly.

Community

2010-02-04T12:25:00.002Z

Just helped an elderly diabetic man who fell over in the street. Luckily, a fellow passer by had stopped at the same time and had the fore sight to ring for an ambulance. The man had cut his nose rather badly and was in shock. Before I knew it, I had run across the road to help, was requesting a first aid kit and something to put under his head from a nearby shop. What was so brilliant was that within a space of 5 minutes, around 4 people were helping, an ambulance had been called and 5 passers by and motorists had asked if we needed help. A real community. We all need help sometimes and it's good to know others aren't afraid to give their time. Get well soon Paul.

Hello Tenby

2010-02-02T16:24:00.006Z

Tiny Tenby in his grandfather's top hat. What a lovely little gent of an owl. I fall in love with all these little characters and find it very difficult to say goodbye to them when they are sold. I know they go to loving homes though...

Pocket Resolutions in the Post

2010-01-29T18:15:00.005Z

Thanks to all those to uploaded their resolutions to the blog and emailed me. The Pocket Resolutions are now in the post - I couldn't resist sending them second class post because the blue stamp just looked so great on the black envelope.

Life in 2050 Call for Submissions

2010-01-21T18:51:00.005Z

Life in 2050 is an exciting new exhibition created my friends at Transmission for the Sci-Fi London Film Festival.

Leading visual artists including Universal Everything, Build, Mario Hugo, Alex Trochut, Will Sweeney and Hort will submit an original piece of work depicting their vision of 'Life in 2050' for a spring exhibition at Chapter One Gallery.

There is one space free for a public submission. Send Transmission your ideas on what life will be like in 2050.

The winning entry will be selected and exhibited at the final exhibition. An online gallery will be created to house all the submitted work.

Please visit www.life-in-2050.com for entry guidelines and info about submitting work.

Mug Love

2010-01-20T17:58:00.001Z

When Mr Mug hadn't seen Mrs Mug for a few days, he began to worry. She definitely wasn't in the studio or in the cupboard. Where was she?

Woody's New Years Resolution for 2010

2010-01-14T18:19:00.018Z

Make More Time For Hula Hooping

Inspired by Grace Jones' hula hooping while singing (the coolest multi-tasking ever) I've wanted to help raise hula hoop awareness.

Woody Shop customers and Woody clients will be receiving a little printed version of this - a little Pocket Resolution to tuck in a purse or wallet for keepsakes.

Woody will also be giving away some Pocket Resolutions to the best New Years Resolutions uploaded here in the comments section. You've got until the end of January to blow us away, make us giggle and/or inspire us in the studio!

Just leave your resolutions as a comment below. Looking forward to reading them.

Pocket Resolution + image © Zara Wood 2010. All rights reserved.

T-shirt SALE

2010-01-11T14:10:00.005Z

Get Pigeon French, Woody Things or Pom Pom t-shirts for only £15 each!
Only got a few sizes left...

Follow the signs

2010-01-06T14:10:00.005Z

Tiny snow arrows courtesy of the Brighton seagulls.

A Devon Christmas & a French New Years

2010-01-04T14:41:00.008Z

I'm now addicted to chocolates and tartes beautifully wrapped up like gifts, playing Backgammon and finding places that inspire John Cleese...

SNOW

2009-12-18T12:59:00.002Z

love it.

Some new Little Treasures

2009-12-17T11:14:00.009Z

A Little Tinker is all dressed up waiting to socialise. A determined Pirate Lady stares from the weathered port hole of her little ship. And a Starry Eyed Owl listens patiently to hopes and dreams. Click here to see all the Little Treasure New Additions

Inspiratioal Objects of the Week: Seaweed

2009-12-16T11:00:00.001Z

Seaweed - it speaks for itself.

Rob Pruitt's Christmas Market at the Tate Modern

2009-12-15T13:32:00.006Z

Thanks to all those to came along to the Tate Modern at the weekend to say hello and buy art.

It was a long weekend but very much enjoyed. New friends were made and it was nice to see people rather than just my drawing board. I even managed to say hello to Harry Hill. Wicked.

Thanks to Gill, Kathy and Rob for inviting me to take part and for the special bauble.

A big festive cheers goes to Jess, Jim and Si for all their help.

Woody at the Tate Modern this Weekend

2009-12-11T16:37:00.002Z

Woody will be selling art from £2 - £100 as part of the Rob Pruitt's Flea Market at the Turbine Hall Bridge, Tate Modern, London.

Saturday 12th December 11.00 - 22.00
Sunday 13th December 11-18.00

Seeing Green

2009-11-27T19:00:00.002Z

Green is really springing out at the moment in the studio. I suppose with Christmas on the way it's to be expected. Better than seeing red I suppose.

November 5th Woody Talk at Cockpits Arts

2009-10-24T10:56:00.002Z

The AOI (Association of Illustrators) have invited me to give a presentation about my work and being an illustrator - followed by a Q&A session afterwards.

Rather unnervingly, the evening is called Head to Head, but I'm assured that this won't mean myself and fellow speaker/illustrator Chris Long being pitted against each other in some bizarre quiz or boxing match...

So if you've got questions about illustration as a career, need advice about the industry or want to find out more about Woody projects come along. I think there are a few places left.

5 November 2009 6pm – 9pm – Cockpit Arts (Holborn) off Cockpit Yard, Northington Street, London WC1N 2NP

AOI associate members and student members: £18, AOI members: £20, Non-members:£25

For more info and to book follow this link

Zoo Art Fair

2009-10-22T16:36:00.004Z

hello hello. sorry been too busy to keep up blogging - shocking, i know - sorry.

So what have I been doing?

Well in between making more Little Treasures (that go on sale from early Nov) I went up to the big smoke on Monday to see Zoo Art Fair.

On the whole, I wasn't bowled over by the Stand Presentations. However a couple of the Solo Works really stood out as really lovely and just right: Juan Fontanive at Riflemaker (london) made beautiful kinetic drawings and film inspired objects; while Anna Turner showing at the Collective Gallery's stand painted lovely little yet confident paintings.

The Editions Exhibitors were always going to be impressive, what with the likes of White Cube Gallery and the Serpentine Gallery amongst them. I fell in love with a Peter Blake piece - a portrait of Andy Warhol - on Paul Stolper's stand (i think) and there was a couple of pieces by the beautifully clever Dan Hays on the Multiple Store stand.

I loved the Zoo Art Fair posters and there signage this year too.

Cabinet of Curiosities at Charleston House extended...

2009-10-08T11:12:00.004Z

...until this Sunday 11th October. Here's a few sneaky peeks if you haven't/can't make it over to Charleston House.

Little Treasures

2009-10-07T08:58:00.004Z

Hey up - my collection of wearable art - Little Treasures has just launched on the Woody Shop... To be honest I'll be sad to say goodbye to my little handmade family but I know they will find to good homes...

Woody Talk 5th November London

2009-10-05T07:26:00.010Z

One month away before bonfire night and also my talk about being an illustrator at Cockpits Arts London organised by the Association of Illustrators.

AOI associate members and student members: £18, AOI members: £20, Non-members: £25

For more info and to book follow this link

Brighton Art Fair 1st - 4th Oct

2009-10-02T15:06:00.004Z

Yeah!! I just managed to get one of the Brighton Art Fair free bags. I went to have a quick look around the fair and see my friends at the Boxbird Gallery stand - they are selling some Boxbird-exclusive Woody screen prints on cardboard and original drawings. The fair is on now until 4th October.

Portuguese Ladies boxed up and ready to go

2009-09-24T07:46:00.003Z

Here's Portuguese Lady One all boxed up and ready to go to Charleston House as part of my Cabinet of Curiosities.

Back due to popular demand - the Portuguese ladies

2009-09-17T10:49:00.003Z

For my last Brighton solo show Small Wonders, I made some little wooden Portuguese ladies with owls in their hair (to make them wise of course). Here are some new ladies hanging out on my studio desk waiting for the varnish to dry...

These new ladies and their owls will be on show as part of my Small Wonders Cabinet of Curiosities, which travels to Charleston House from 24th September to 4th October at Charleston House.

Which stores have the new Woody for Topshop range?

2009-09-15T10:36:00.006Z

Thanks to all those who have enquired about which UK Topshops will be stocking the new collection. Here's a list of all the Topshop flagship stores that are now stocking the new Woody for Topshop range:

OXFORD CIRCUS
LIVERPOOL
EDINBURGH
MEADOWHALL
TRAFFORD
MANCHESTER
WHITE CITY
BELFAST
DUBLIN

and not forgetting my local BRIGHTON shop too.

Fancy doing some internet shopping or don't live in the UK? Then luckily part of the collection is also now available online: www.topshop.com

Just follow the Woody link on the homepage. Happy shopping...

New Little Portraits

2009-09-14T11:00:00.001Z

Just been drawing some new pen and ink portraits...

Paris

2009-09-11T17:18:00.005Z

Hello there - sorry for the lack of blogging recently. I've been a busy bee and have just got back from Paris. Here's a few snapshots of my little trip there...

cool use of parcel tape...

amazing city bicycle scheme - they look more like mini mopeds then bicycles...

ridiculously strong yet beautiful coffee...

accidental art on the subway (made from various old billboard posters)...

big beautiful doors...

billboard advertising...

How to make illustration a career - Association of Illustrators Master Classes

2009-08-24T18:24:00.004Z

The Association of Illustrators in London have set up a programme of Master Classes for Illustrators. There's 11 classes in total - starting from 27th August. Everything you need to know about how to become an illustrator and continue doing illustration as a career from self promotion to pricing your work. I've been invited to be a guest speaker on the last of the classes on 5th November.

Check out the Programme and how to book here.

Check out the Association of Illustrators website here.

Where the wild things are

2009-08-06T14:00:00.003Z

I'm soooo excited about seeing the film version you wouldn't believe it.

Check out the movie's website here

The featurette is an interview with author/illustrator Maurice Sendak. I think I now know what I truly what to be when I grow up: "kinda goofy, crazy, wacked out, but dramatically gifted." Maurice Sendak. Well, at 31, I've definitely got the whole goofy/crazy sorted. I'm not completely sure what "wacked out" is? And I'm still holding out for that last bit.

Images 33 - only on until 12th August

2009-08-05T16:03:00.005Z

Artwork from the first Woody for Topshop collection Stargaze is on show at this year’s Images 33 Exhibition - run by the Association of Illustrators - at the London College of Communication from 29th July to 12th August

Here's some photos from the private view. I was obviously taken by the lovely white railings - hmmm I'm thinking the beer must have been nice and strong that evening...

Latitude 2009

2009-07-21T14:24:00.006Z

To sum up Latitude 2009, I just need to use two words - Grace Jones. Supreme. Amazing hats and hula hooping. We also found truth in the woods, saw innovative salvaged architecture and pink sheep. I overcame naked fear in the communal showers, loved hanging out in the Oxfam tent - finding bargain clothes while drinking good strong (Fair Trade) coffee and could have stayed in the woods forever...

Woody for Topshop New Collection - 8th August

2009-07-06T15:53:00.003Z

My new See Friends collection is out on 8th August from selected Topshop shops.

It’s another limited edition range - it’s good to keep things small + special.

I'm hoping that people will like it as much as the last collection. More images coming soon...

Woody no hair

2009-07-05T11:20:00.000Z

perfect for swimming and cycling.

I spy with my little eye...

2009-07-04T11:19:00.000Z

a Japanese money plant and a merry go round horse...

best day off ever

2009-07-03T11:14:00.004Z

I took Monday off this week - it was so lovely being by the sea in beautiful hot weather.

I did some gardening, bird feed replenishment and lots and lots and lots of clothes washing. Then to the beach for swimming and reading Philip K Dick.

Only 10 days left of Small Wonders...

2009-07-02T15:16:00.002Z

Time is flying this year and there’s only 10 days to go before the close of my Small Wonders Show which runs until 12th July.

The Argus newspaper gave it 5 stars - wow!

While Mark Sheerin of Culture 24 says:

‘There’s a sense of make believe to this show which is infectious.’

Read full review here.

Boxbird is open Wednesdays to Sundays. Small Wonders - a museum of imagination: Runs until Sunday 12th July at Boxbird Gallery, 14 St Johns Road, Hove, BN3 2FB. hello@boxbird.co.uk +44 (0)1273 734 295

Map

A very hot Art Junky Market

2009-06-28T18:19:00.004Z

Blimey it was very hot today. Me and my mate Kate did Brighton's Art Junky Market in the Phoenix. It was a little quiet to begin with, so we just seemed to eat lots of sweets and cherries and cakes. Basically we ate a lot and then made up words on the calculator. Luckily the punters came later - lots of people were digging the new wooden rulers and summer tees.

Thanks to all those that made it down. Hopefully there will be a Christmas one too.

Art Junky this Sunday

2009-06-25T15:08:00.003Z

Come along to the seaside this weekend and pop along to the Art Junky market this Sunday at the Phoenix Gallery in Brighton.

I'm going to be having a greeting card sample sale and doing some fab deals on my new collection of tees. It's only £1 admission and is on from midday to 6pm.

I will also be selling some of my Small Wonders souvenirs!!

See you there.

Wearing owls in your hair makes you wise

2009-06-23T18:01:00.006Z

For some of the pieces I made for Small Wonders, I couldn't resist making up some Woody truths. I found these bizarrely shaped wooden pieces in the wood shop on North Road and decided I liked them. I started drawing a woman with a bun hair style but suddenly there was an owl hiding in the hair. And then other. And so the first Small Wonders Myth was born: in Portugal in 1900s women would wear owls in their hair to make them wise.

Small Wonders runs until 12th July at Boxbird Gallery, Brighton.

Woody's Wooden Rulers have arrived!

2009-06-23T08:59:00.008Z

38cm of pure wood - oh and a little bit of mental on the top edge so you can cut out your own art. Functional art - wicked. There's only 90 of them (hand numbered by moi) so get them while you can.

If I sound ridiculously excited by this ruler, it's because I am ridiculously excited or merely ridiculous.

I forgot to say it's part of my souvenir range for my current Brighton exhibition Small Wonders.

Buy Ruler here

Woody at the summer Art Junky this Sunday

2009-06-22T12:20:00.003Z

Come find the Woody Stall this Sunday 28th June at the summer Art Junky Market - at the Phoenix, Brighton.

It’s only a £1 admission and there will be lots of Woody deals on apparel and stationery.

Plus a free I’ve got a Woody badge with every t-shirt purchase! Oooo yeah…

Small Wonders Private View

2009-06-19T10:59:00.014Z

Thank you to all those who made it down to the Small Wonders Private View at Boxbird Gallery in Brighton last night. Had a beautiful evening and was so happy to see people really looking at the work rather than heading straight to the bar.

Although, we did rather enjoy the bar area with it's Tuaca and ginger beer cocktails - a Boxbird special and beautifully crafted edible small wonders from Jess and Ratna - the miniature jam tarts were dangerously addictive.

I'm very happy with the show - just sad that I don't have to keep making work for it - it's one of those themes that you can really fly with.

Thanks to Alice, Graham, Jess, Ratna and Si for all there amazing help with setting up the show - it truly wouldn't have happened without you. And thank you to Catherine for my beautiful bottle of pink lemonade - it's so gorgeous I just want to look at it and not drink it.

We ended up in Wick Inn as usual where we suddenly remembered we hadn't taken any photos of the evening - not the best time to have a photo shoot. We became rather obsessed with my new shoes...

This photo captures me discussing the perils of becoming bloated after prolonged drawing sessions, while co-owner of Boxbird and fellow illustrator Graham Carter looks on.

Well the Small Wonders' Show is up until 12th July at Boxbird Gallery in Brighton.

The Boxbird Mural

2009-06-15T09:42:00.006Z

From this....
to this...

I got one very brown arm yesterday when painting the Small Wonders mural outside of Boxbird Gallery. Great fun. It seems to have attracted rather a lot of interest already - I even made a new friend from Switzerland. Someone asked me which country the outline was based on, but it's actually been inspired by the uneven wall. Small Wonders opens to the public this Friday and is on until 12th July at Boxbird Gallery - prior appointments should be made if you want to come and see the show on a Monday or Tuesday.

Here one moment...

2009-06-10T16:53:00.001Z

...smudged the next. You'd think Woody would have learnt by now...

The museum of imagination

2009-06-08T10:58:00.003Z

Here’s an early viewing of a few tiny creations that will be on show in 10 days time at my first Brighton solo exhibition - Small Wonders at Boxbird Gallery .

Woody Stall at Art Junky - Sunday 28th June 2009

2009-05-28T13:03:00.003Z

Check at the Woody Stall at the next Art Junky Market at the Pheonix in Brighton on Sunday 28th June

Oh I do like to be beside the sea

2009-05-27T15:18:00.001Z