vĂŠcu Independent Artists.
February 2011
Vivienne Mok photographer
vécu Independent Artists.
14
Cover photo by Vivienne Mok Model | Angelika
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CORRECTION: Poppytalk Handmade the online “curated” marketplace that showcases handmade and vintage goods has been going strong since 2007.
Bershka
vĂŠcu Independent Artists.
Publisher Coleman Media Group
Delina C. Editor-in-Chief editor@vecumagazine.com Melissa Lee Advertising Account Executive CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Vivienne Mok Photographer Lang Leav Contemporary Artist Mulberry Muse Stationery Axel Honey Illustrator Elkhorn Design Textiles Chelsea Millunchick Photgrapher Whistles Fashion House Little Fille Designer
w w w . v e c u m a g a z i n e . c o m Art by Mulberry Muse
DESIGNER SCOUT
langleav
ry artist a r o p m e t con
Charlie’s Widow - Handcrafted Storybook The sinister sequel to the Teddy Bear’s Picnic Charlie’s Widow is the latest masterpiece from contemporary Sydney artist Lang Leav. This book continues the story of Akina, who once crept into the pristine world of fairytales and nursery rhymes, leaving behind a devastating trail of destruction. In contrast, Lang leaves behind an amazing trail of art, fashion, poetry and books. Lang herself is the inspiration behind the enchanting world of Akina. Frequently invited to exhibit at high profile exhibitions locally and overseas Lang has gained a loyal following of international fans. She recently hand presented Charlie’s Widow to iconic film director Tim Burton at the opening of his exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
C
harlie’s Widow features all new artwork and stories and is printed on linen paper, using archival inks and hand-bound with cloth, using an age-old accordion method. Incorporating a date stamped and hand embossed seal certificate, Charlie’s Widow is finished with her signature button. Known for her versatility, Lang has completed a wide range of projects both independently and through a number of exciting collaborations. The distinct nature of her work alternates between the whimsical and melancholy, expressing an underlying complexity beneath its child-like facade.
“But sadly Charlie would soon jind, beneath her sugar coated lies.”
“...contraptions made with electric wires, dynamite sticks and arsenic fires.”
-Miss Vee
“I do it so I can share my stories with those who have taken Akina into their hearts.”
langleav
ry artist
ra contempo
Lang is a recipient of The Qantas Spirit of Youth Award and was later granted a prestigious Churchill Fellowship. Her fashion label Akina has achieved critical and commercial success, currently stocked in key boutiques around Australia as well as in Harajuku, Japan. In December 2010, Lang completed two shows in Santa Monica for the renowned Copro gallery. In January she was hand-picked to exhibit in the landmark ‘Playboy Redux’ curated by The Warhol Museum and Playboy Enterprises; alongside contemporary greats such as Gary Baseman, Luke Cheuh, Shag, Nouar, Glenn Barr and Tara McPherson. www.akina.com.au
wicked little fox
MARKETPLACE
n r o h k l e
sign textile de
E
lkhorn provides a little something special & unique. A whimsical touch and an alternative to the mass-produced products. Monique and Glenys are inspired by the natural beauty of the sea when creating their individual handmade cushions and table runners. Each design is sewn and hand screen-printed in their studio using earth friendly water based and solvent free paints. To make you feel even more special, no two cushions are alike. www.etsy.com/shop/ElkhornDesign
MARKETPLACE
s a c i n o jap artists
I
nspired by a japanese style of crochetting ‘amigurumi’, these lovely and adorable handmade teddy bears by japonicas are sweeter than words can describe. The added beauty...because they are handmade each minauture bear is unique and special in its very own way. Japonica is a japanese word that means white windflower which symbolizes pureness, wilderness, hope and absolute freedom. Doesn’t get any better than that! w w w. j a p o n i c a s . c o m
MARKETPLACE
y r r e b l mumuse T rtist
graphic a
he lovely and talented Wendy Paula Patterson, is quintessentially British with a fine sense of humour and an ecclectic taste in French vintage and antique ephemera. Passionate about creativity in art and design in all forms, Wendy always had a pencil in her hand as a child. “My school math books had ballet dancers cavorting across the pages rather than the numbers I should have been writing.” Studying Graphic Arts in Adelaide and apprenticing to the leading packaging designer Wytt Morro & Son, Wendy gained the knowledge and inspiration to create her own collection of stationery and prints.
Although using digital technology is a recent addition to her portfolio, she enjoys using her original artworks with antique and vintage ephemera to create digital collages for the unique Mulberry Muse and Cafe Baudelaire collections. Currently based in Sydney, Wendy is married to a wonderful Australian man and shares her home with two elderly adorable Himalayan cats. www.mulberry-muse.com
DESIGNER SCOUT
alidra alić
lery
rary jewel contempo
Transcending The Visual Arts Boundries Alidra Alić has created a unique universe within contemporary jewellery. Her work and approach is based on a knowledge of artisinal goldsmith traditions. These pieces are literally works of art as they can also be found at exhibitions at international galleries and museums. Contemporary bold statements that you can actually wear. Alidra’s work is transcending the boundaries between jewellery, sculpture and the visual arts. In addition to her contemporary work Alidra has launched a fine jewellery collection - an interpreted series of wearable pieces. www.alidraalic.com
axel honey Illustrator melissa contreras
Melissa Contreras is a seasoned illustrator currently living in Santa Monica, CA. Inspired by her colorful dreams and whimsical imagination, Melissa’s work has an underlying theme of escapism stemming from environmental and political issues. Since earning her BA in Fine Art at UCLA, Melissa has been a very busy girl. She was one of the artist featured in Poketo’s collaboration with Target stores. Illustrated a children’s book for the Australian Broadcasting Network and continues to show her work in galleries and boutiques internationally. Lately, Melissa is creating a line of hand-sculpted jewelry inspired by her lovely illustrations.
w w w . a x e l h o n e y . c o m
To thy Heart be true photography Vivienne Mok model Tatiana
DESIGNER SCOUT
littlefille
designer
Devine Design and Versatile Style Mari is the adorable designer behind the Little Fille line of unique and beautiful headpieces. With careful contruction the versatile headbands are made to be worn in a variety of ways. Would be awesome to wear at a Bridal Shower, heck the entire bridal party would look absolutely lovely in these handmade treasures. There is a slight variation in each piece, making your headpiece truly unique! www.littlefille.com
DESIGNER SCOUT
whistles s e l t s i h w
ection
oll fashion c
Whistles is a cutting edge, womenswear fashion brand, and is fast becoming one of the favourite must-have labels among the fashion set. Having launched a bold new brand identity Whistles has also overhauled its collection. We simply adore the well made, high quality, and fashion forward pieces. A definite must for the career gal and Whisles hasn’t left anyone out, as they also design comfy wearable everyday pieces. With great design and a touch of edginess the new collection has set the bar.
www.whistles.co.uk
“Make a seamless transition into the new season.”
white light photography Chelsea Millunchick | Willow & Frank
model Jamie at Look Models San Francisco makeup | hair | stylist Chelsea Millunchick
DO IT YOURSELF
k n i r d t a e chic re D.I.Y & Mo
Create your own message in a bottle for your Valentine by Amy Moss of Eat Drink Chic
What You Will Need - Cheap small bottles, - Large jar- one for each table. - Decorative twine or ribbon to tie around the neck of each bottle. - Double-sided tape. - Labels for the bottle. - Colour Printer for labels. - Scissors for cutting out the heart labels. - String, twine or ribbon to tie around each scroll. - Notepaper – Source your own or download my design. If you use my template, make sure to download and install this font first. - Cutting board, scalpel and ruler to cut out notepaper designs. - Rounded corner punch for corners of notepaper. (Optional)
www.eatdrinkchic.com
Message in a Bottle If you like the presentation ideas shown here you can download the various elements below and recreate the look for yourself. Love_Heart_Doily_Label – Print onto white textured card and cut around border with scissors. Stick onto bottle with double-sided tape. Loveletter_Heart_Doily_Label – Print onto white textured card and cut around border with scissors. Stick onto bottle with double-sided tape or punch a small round hole at top, slip some twine through hole and tie to jar. Notepaper_Template – Use the PDF template to write your own message (IMPORTANT: You must download and install this free Travelling Typewriter font from Dafont to be able to use the template) then print onto paper of your choice. (I would recommend kraft paper for this design) Two of the sheets in the template can be edited to create your message. If this motif is not for you but you still want to utilize the idea then find or create your own labels that are more suitable for you.
Belle deJour photography Vivienne Mok model Angelika
Bershka