Everday Art

untitled illustration by Camilla Engman

Suitcase Series Volume 1 - Uppercase Magazine

I remember seeing Camilla Engman's illustrations for the first time about a year ago via Uppercase magazine. I was captivated by the imaginative creatures and the whismical humour she was able to create. Camilla even takes inspiration from her everyday life and makes it into art for all the world to see. Many of her illustrations feature her late pup Morran, who becomes an almost human-like character throughout her work. Check out her blog to see more of her everyday life turned into wonderful art.

L.

A Smoking Gun

How To Swim  vintage cigarette card courtesy of NYPL Digital Gallery

Mrs. Easton, a blog of curiosities by industrial designer Melissa Easton, recently posted some images of vintage cigarette cards in honour of the Summer Olympics. These beautifully illustrated cards immediately captured me and I began to start a rigorous online search into the history of these magical pieces of paper.

According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, these cards were first issued by tobacco companies in the late 1800's and often featured actresses, athletes, and sometimes advertising for the cigarettes themselves. Eventually, the cards were released in collector sets of 20 to 50 cards depicting themes such as "Ships and Sailors."

Living Pretty

Julia Dely has a goal to take ordinary porcelain dishes and make them special and unique. Her Etsy shop Zuppa Atelier showcases this goal. Each plate, cup, and bowl has a hand drawn and painted illustration that screams with love and child-like wonder. I'm a big fan of the vintage wall plate above, but am also being swayed by this espresso set. I just know that my coffee will taste better in it.

L.

Ruby Tuesday

This happiest of birthday cards by Becca Stadtlander has me daydreaming about those delightful and exhilarating amusement park days as a little one. Riding the magically wonderful carousel was always a favourite of mine. The detail and colouring in this illustration are simply beautiful. Make sure you peruse the rest of her work, as it is sure to conjure even more nostalgia and happiness. Cards are available at her etsy shop and Red Cap Cards. Perfect for making someone's day! Hint, hint. 

J.

Lions and Girls and Bears, Oh My

Girl & Bears   48.00 USD

Girl & Lions   48.00 USD

Surprise, surprise I am excited about more art! Illustrator and lover of lingerie, Natalie Krim has a small, but fantastic group of prints available at catbird. Sweet, sugary colours meld perfectly into naughty deeds. I think I may have a tiny bit of a fixation with similar themes as of late, no? Natalie also has an equally enjoyable collection of photos that can be seen here. I want more!  

J.

Krafty Koala

Koala  archival matte print

Super fantastic illustrator and crafter Veronica de Arriba is a creative force to be reckoned with. Her cheeky illustrations adorn everything from tote bags to wooden brooches to pocket mirrors. I personally love her prints which feature cute yet mischievous characters. Recently, she created this poster for Frankie magazine. I hung my own copy proudly in my office and am hoping one day it will have a companion piece.

L.

Cut It Out

collage done for Popmani

collage done for Acne Studios

I have always been a lover of "cut and paste" illustration, or collage as some might call it. Either way, I like it. And I really like artist Michelle Claesson Eismann. Her cheeky and fun pieces have been pinned to my cork board for some time now. I especially love these mixed media images she did for Contributor Magazine which are literally alive with colour.

L.