My Illustration Portfolio

I do believe it's time for somewhat of a re-invention of this blog.  With these crazy busy days with two at home and an active boy toddler being one of them, I have found little time for planning and executing arty projects.  I haven't wanted to force it for the sake of 'keeping up the blog' and know that things ebb and flow and no doubt in time we will be back again in that place. 

However, after some years of tinkering around with my illustration work in the 'margins' of my life, things are starting to come together, and its time for me to bring in centre stage.  So I have created a new 'gallery' at the side of this blog where I will be showcasing some of my illustration work as I compile my portfolio to submit to publishers of childrens books.  I'll also be writing some posts about how things are going and my working process.

I've been exploring some different approaches in my work and usually end up working in mixed media.  I make and dye my own paper sometimes, other times using found papers as well as fabric.  Recently I've been making use of some lino and rubber stamping in my work and think there is lots of scope to develop this further.

I'll stop talking now and show you some pictures, hope you enjoy them.

I also have a new page on Facebook which you can go 'like' at CathHughesArt.  In time I will figure out how to put one of those nice little buttons on this blog!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Back to) the drawing board

Granny and Grandaddy Boo are over from the UK, affording me a rare chance for a spot of on-hand babysitting.  In spite of the sweltering heat and my remaining nausea and fatigue, I'm trying to spend a little bit of time in this place, my studio refuge.  The book SHALL be finished.  I'll show you something soon I promise... 

Sneaky Peak

On a rainy bank holiday weekend, I bring you a sneak peak of a couple of images from 'my book' which is finally coming together, the product of snatched fragments of time over the last year.  I apologise for my lack of professionalism in the photography, but I was a bit excited so just snapped them sitting on my drawing table in the studio.

Images copyright Cath Hughes 2009

The book is tentatively titled 'Sea Otter Feast' , and is a picture (no!!) book for preschoolers.  There will be some short text as well but I haven't overlaid that yet.  Basically it's a counting book, with mama otter fetching increasing numbers of food items (squid, clams, crabs, urchins etc) for baby otter.  It was inspired by my discovery of the vast amount of food that otters have to consume in order to maintain energy. The images are made using collage technique, with handmade hand-dyed paper, photographic imagery and batik on paper.

There's a fair bit of refinement still to do, but now completion is in sight.  I am so excited about the prospect of finally being able to give Boo a copy of 'my book'!

A spot of curating

A few of my paintings (from BB (Before Beth!))  have found their way onto the walls of our beautiful new home.  These just felt so right for these locations and we think they look better than they have ever looked in their previous homes.

 These two paintings, featuring images from Epping Forest, England, sit well either side of the fireplace in our light-flooded lounge, which is awaiting the arrival of a sofa and chair.  The embroidered text beneath the painted image can be glimpsed as the light changes through the day.

This pair of paintings seemed an obvious choice for this spot behind our dining table.  The raised underpainting on these depicts a William Morris design, which can again be glimpsed as the light falls on the surface.

Much of my work, particularly the 'industrial East London landscape' period I had just prior to Beth just doesn't seem to fit our house in a mountain rainforest location.  This one, however, has sneaked onto a windowsill in the dark area of our basement at the back of the house and seems to be quite comfortable just as it is.

Then there are some mini paintings of decomposing fruit which have found a home in a little corner of our kitchen area.

Beth also now has her own little 'gallery' for her pictures/photos/things above her nature table/drawing space.  She is so proud of putting her drawings up on the string and talks about all the items on display.