A pattern emerging

Recently I started becoming really interested in pattern and pattern making. It wasn't something I had really thought much about before until I was playing with some elements form an illustration that I had just finished for Okido magazine, just copying and pasting things to fill an area by tessalating all the bits. It was surprisingly satisfying and fun!
before long I was scouring my computer for old illustration parts, and bits and bobs that I could put together in new ways. I'm not sure what to do with them yet, but I think they would look nice as fabric maybe in a childs bedroom, or possibly as wrapping paper. Heres a selection of them:

Completely potty

I've got lots of 'modern' ceramic books from the 60's and 70's full of groovy and original creations, complete with pictures of introspective / moody looking potters all gazing into space whilst sporting some pretty impressive facial hair. Whenever i'm low on inspiration I have a  flick through them, whats surprising is just how modern and strikingly 'new' some of the designs still look. I thought i'd post a few pics from one of them.

Some very sweet and slightly camera shy clay jars...

I'm including this one, not because its ever so slightly rude, but because its a very very clever design!

These two are upto something, their vacant expressions are fooling no one...

Some very cool looking zodiac signs

lots and lots of little faces all looking at you...

Trying to Make a Public exhibition of myself

Adur District Council ran a public sculpture competition last year. They were looking for sculptures that would fit in with the local area and reflect its geographical location and history. These are my entries below.

 Adur is an area on the south coast of england which was originally a fishing hamlet and also has a history of smuggling.

I didn't make the finalist shortlist and from the feedback I received I think they thought they were a little too large for such a small town. Looking at the designs now I have mixed feelings, whilst on the whole I am still pretty pleased with them and would love to have seen them made 'real'. But maybe they are a little too 'cartoonish' and I might have overdone the whole nautical theme a bit?!

Our Latest Adventure...

'Meeting a mild mannered monster'

Super Screenprints

Last year I had two of my pictures made into screenprints by the super talented folks at Hippo screenprinters(Augustine of Hippo was the patron Saint of printers in case you were wondering?!)

You can see some of their creations here: http://www.hipposcreenprinters.com/

Having always been interested in the screenprinting process, but never having mastered it myself I was really keen to see how my two pictures turned out in the hands of the professionals. I was really pleased with the end results. Thanks Hippo!

The pictures I chose are 'Ancient Oak' (top) a tree chock full with cosy critters and 'Hide and Seek' (bottom) i'm not sure whos doing the hiding and whos doing the seeking?!

P.S. If you like them they are available in our Etsy shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmirkyHerbertShop

On top of the world

I think its safe to post this pic now as it was a commission for someone who wanted it as a present for his girlfriend. Hopefully I haven't let the cat out of the bag! He had a very specific idea of what he wanted which I was more than happy to produce. I think it turned out very well and I hope they are both happy with the end result.