Keryn beginning work on a floral series (in her studio)

Tell us about yourself – your background in photography, your day job, etc…
I have two sister companies. One being CAPTURED by Keryn which focuses on weddings, editorial and Fine Art prints the other is CAPTURED by Keryn KIDS which is my family photography side of things. I love them both, I approach photography the same way for each – just the moments are different. I have a candid documentary style when it comes to people.

I was gifted first camera when I was around six, and got right into it from around intermediate age. I have an endless amount of glorious photos of my friends posing for me and trees, lots of trees. I decided when I was fourteen I would become a photographer and only really started taking photos I would show people once I started photography classes in 6th form. I studied photography in Dunedin and have been a full time photographer for 10 yrs now.

As well as having a small workspace inside her home (top), Keryn has a standalone, contemporary studio at the front of her property.

What do you shoot on?
My go-to is my Canon 5d mark 111, but I recently inherited some cameras my great Grandad took to WW1 so have just got them restored for upcoming personal projects.

Keryn’s trusty Canon, and inherited cameras from her beloved Grandad 

What’s your favourite thing to capture on film?
I would have to say travel, there is nothing I love more than walking around the streets taking photos. Chatting to new people ( I’m quite chatty) and taking their photographs. I have had a few experiences where I meet people in my passing and gone on a little photoshoot with them, neither of us understanding each others language but everyone knows the universal sign for can I take your photo. It’s always a really beautiful experience.

Keryn is inspired by travel – this documentary-style snap was taken in Bali, during a morning walk 

What are some of the fave things you have on your own walls at home?
Probably the stencil art my little brother made for me.

Keryn’s work in her own home (how good do they look grouped like that!)

One of Keryn’s framed art prints in her niece’s bedroom

What would be a dream project/collab you’d love to do?
Ha, anything to do with travel. I’ve been pretty obsessed with the idea of a Route 66 shoot for a while. I’m also wanting to branch out into more editoral work.

Tell us about a few creatives you are personally inspired by?
I have been a long time fan of the likes of Annie Leibovitz, Helmut Newton and Mario Testino. We have a ridiculous amount of talent here in NZ though, photographers Danelle Bohane and James K Lowe are producing incredible work.

A sneak peek at Keryn’s newest series of moody, fine art photographic prints –
titled (from top) Morning, Ranunculus Focus, and Red Anemone. This series coming soon to Endemicworld…

Two of Keryn’s photographic prints shot in the stunning New Zealand landscape, available at endemicworld

Check out the full range of Keryn Sweeney photographic prints here

The post Meet the Artists: Keryn Sweeney, Photographer appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

The gorgeous Maku (Justina Bisset) in her home studio

You live in Melbourne and design and illustrate for fashion brands – what was the journey to this point for you?
I have never done any formal art training, when I left school, I got straight into teaching but I was always drawing and painting on the side. I was lucky enough to have some friends in the skate/snow industry who saw potential in my work. They encouraged me to start putting myself out there and put my work onto social media. Within the first month of starting my instagram account and only 100 followers I was approached by Rusty who wanted to use one of my pieces. This not only gave me street cred, but it gave me the confidence boost I needed to take my work seriously.

What are you working on right now?
I have just come back from a hugely successful solo show which I was lucky enough to host in New Zealand. I am straight back into work getting designs ready for a super exciting project. Unfortunately I am not allowed to disclose who it is for at the moment but think snow, skate, travel gear!

Working on summer-vibe illos for an upcoming project

Maku at one of her recent exhibitions

What has been your most exciting/inspiring project to date?
I have been able to work for amazing brands, but think one of my favourite projects was the mural I did for a store owned by my good friends in Melbourne. The store was opened to give back to the homeless community in Melbourne, for each item sold, an item of clothing is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. These guys do so much for the homeless community and I felt really privileged to be able to put my work up in a place that’s got such a good purpose behind it.

What would be a dream collab/project you’d love to do?
The tomboy street art side of me would LOVE to collab with huffer. To design a skateboard would be ultimate. The feminine girly side of me is dying to create a fabric for a whole fashion line… some ethereal watercolour billowing fabrics for Ted Baker.

Alot of Maku’s work juxtaposes edgy with feminine, like this work in progress

The walls of Maku’s Melbourne home are dotted with prints and other artworks

What words of advice would you give to someone wanting to make art their career?
Find yourself first! Make sure even your subconscious is you. This is what changed things for me, when I knew with every bone in my body that my art was me, all of me and I wasn’t trying to be like anyone else.

What’s one thing you couldn’t do without when you’re creating?
Wine! or if its not quite 5pm then some good music will do.

Creatives give the best recommendations: Tell us about a good movie to see, a book to read, a website to check out, a place to visit… For any of you ladies who have not introduced yourselves to the amazing man who is Dylan Rieder, I suggest you watch This is Dylan Rieder, it’s only 10minutes long but you won’t regret it. My favourite movie would be The Royal Tenenbaums. Anything Wes Anderson is gold.

Watercolours and geometry are hallmarks of Maku’s style

Framed art prints from a recent series of six new blue-hued works – Deep and Wave

Shop all Makus Art art prints here

The post Meet the Artists: Makus Art appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

Two of the prints in Duett Design’s debut range – Directions and Align (look awesome in a bold black frame!)

Hannah and Greg discuss ideas in their regular Monday meeting – at a fave neighbourhood cafe

We already know lots about your husband Greg Straight (being one of our fave endemicworld illustrators and someone who’s been with us since we started). But tell us a bit more about you, Hannah – and how you came to join forces as Duett Design?

I’m probably Greg’s biggest fan. What a talented guy! I’m also a real interior design enthusiast and have wanted to collaborate with him for a few years now, using him as a kind of medium to get my ideas down on paper. My own graphic design skills are very basic but I have a good eye for design and can spot a trend a mile away, so together we make a great team.

We didn’t really start Duett very intentionally. It all began because I wanted some custom artwork to fit with our living room décor. We started playing around with some geometrics and came up with our Deco Gold print and Mint Maze print, this was the humble beginning, but we showed them to a few people and they all seemed to really love them so we spent a few more long evenings sitting together at Greg’s desk building up a collection. The ideas just seemed to flow, I’d be researching colours, shapes and texture and Greg would interpret my ideas. Sometimes, they would end up quite different from my original concept but I loved that it was a real combined effort. Before we knew it we had an online shop and were getting great support from bloggers and retailers (Endemicworld being the first) so the momentum had built up enough to keep this baby going.

Tell us about a few creatives/designer you are personally inspired by?
For art, I’m a big fan of Inaluxe’s abstract shapes, composition, colour and texture.

I also love furniture designer Tim Webber for the clean lines and simplicity of his pieces.

There are heaps of interior designers and stylists that I get inspired by every day on Instagram. If I named them all it would be a very long list but I’m going to give a special mention to two… Emma Flint from Raw Styling – I wish I had her talents in the product styling department, I think I’d sell a lot more prints. To me it’s just perfection. And of course Michelle Halford (The Design Chaser), her photos are always beautiful and rekindle my love for Scandinavian design each and every time.

What are some of the fave things you have on your own walls at home?
– Our Greg Straight ‘Tikitastic’ screen print – an all time classic, we hung onto the last one in the edition.
– Our three custom Duett prints in natural frames
– Ikea picture ledges, I love to change up how prints are displayed from time to time and these make it so easy!
– Drawings by our son Leo (this boy has his Dad’s skills)
– A photo of our daughter Chloe, when she was about 2 years old
– Our wedding photo – we only have one on our walls but it’s a goodie.
– My round Tim Webber etched edge mirror

Super on-trend and fun decor at Hannah’s workstation

What’s coming up for Duett?
We’ll soon be revealing our new direction for spring/summer. Our minimal, scandi-style prints have been really popular and are reflective of one of my favourite interior styles, but we are not afraid of a bit of colour, especially in the sunnier months. I’ve been really inspired by some beautiful watercolour art lately so we are bringing a touch of that into our new range whilst still remaining true to our geometric foundations.

Exciting little sneak-peek at a few ‘coming soon’ styles from Duett Design!

What would be a dream collab/project you’d love to do?
I think our designs would lend themselves perfectly to homeware. I can see some of them working well as rugs, cushions, throws, blankets, duvet covers, pillowcases etc. So yeah, if Freedom wanted to hook up, that would be kind of cool! But seriously, something along those lines, an in-house range with a credible brand such as Citta Design would be amazing.

Hannah and Greg spend Monday mornings working (and being caffeinated) at their favourite local, Manna Cafe

Designers always give the best recommendations – Tell us about a good movie to see, a book to read, a website to check out, a place to visit…
This is a tough question for me! We’re a bit behind the eight ball on TV & movies as we often work in the evenings after the kids go to bed (for example we’ve only just started watching Suits on Netflix).

A website I’m enjoying these days is the Australian version of Houzz www.houzz.com.au (which also covers NZ). It’s a bit like a never, ending copy of Your Home & Garden. The photos are nice and big; there is a good mix of stories covering interiors and architecture as well as a bundle of useful articles full of advice and tips.

There’s also a great new little café in our hood called Manna Coffee & Bread Store (Birkenhead). The décor is scandi-cool (with sidekick stools from Paper Plane), the owner-barrister knows his coffee and the menu is tasty and healthy with many sweet-tasting-but-sugar-free options, I’d really recommend a visit, its been very well thought out. Maybe we’ll catch you there as we’ve chosen it as our ‘Monday morning meeting’ venue where we plan out what needs to be done in the week ahead for Duett Design, Greg Straight Art and another little venture we’ve started working on.

Reflections art print and Assembly art print (available in a range of sizes, framed or unframed)

For lovers of Scandi-monochrome, Hannah and Greg have designed a range of black and white art prints.

We love us some gold foil action!  Nordic Sunset and Deco Gold art print (shown in the yellow colourway, also comes in a mint with pink).

Discover the full Duett Design print collection here (with even more coming soon!)

The post Meet the Artists: Duett Design appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

Describe your work in 4 words for us….
Alive, painterly, joyful, thoughtful

You arrived to a painting career after a long and successful background in graphic design and animation. What made you take that leap of faith to pursue something you love, and are you now full-time with your art?There were two things I absolutely loved growing up, art and music. I always thought I’d paint after hours while I worked at a real job, but time proved that to be incorrect! I also thought I’d play the sax in David Bowie’s band, but as of yet that’s not happened either:) I’d lost a couple of people close to me, people who were in my stage of life, and I just had this growing, undeniable feeling that I had to do something more with my life. I wanted to paint some pieces as a legacy to leave to my kids as well, it was really that simple. Joining a local painting group was SO nerve wracking! I really felt sick to the stomach when I had to go that first day. But Robert Campion, (the tutor), and all the other people in the group were so welcoming. Robert taught me so much practical stuff about painting, and gave such encouraging advice that it very quickly become the highlight of my week. I’m a stay at home mum, so I just work off my dining room table, but I’m in a great position now with daycare and school to be able to commit about 30 hours a week to the cause!

What would you say to others wanting to make something they love to do into a full-time career?
Sometimes you can’t for practical reasons. But my feeling is if you get any opportunity don’t wait for the studio, or the gallery. Just create in your own place with the best quality tools you can afford. For me it’s been a very lucky and happy process that some of what I painted people wanted to buy, which meant I could paint more, and it just took on a life of it’s own. And most importantly, I have the support of a good fella and kind friends and family who helped make it possible. But yes, listen to that inner voice nagging you. You have one life, so if you need to create something, you probably should. It is so good for you! My best advice is don’t get yourself into a position when you have heaps of overheads and pressure to perform.

Describe your favourite/ultimate environment in which to paint (music on? time of day? place?)
Music is ALWAYS on, I find a quiet house very freaky! I listen to lots of old 90’s classics like Faithless and Massive Attack when I want to tune out (I know all the words haha), gentle classical if I’m feeling grown up or working on a portrait, and George FM for whole days at a time. The best environment for me right now is at home. I do fancy the idea of a studio, but I don’t need it yet. This way I can jump in and work for an hour here and there if I get the chance. Often with my daughters behind me now, painting their own masterpieces on toilet rolls and shoe boxes!

What has been the highlight of your painting career so far?
Being in the window at Endemic in Ponsonby has been so cool. I get a big grin on! Selling my first piece out of my local cafe (Vauxhall, here in Devonport) and meeting new people from it was lovely.

What are you working on at the moment?
I was just totally into life drawing and painting nudes when I started my career, but my mum asked for a hydrangeas painting, and I thought ‘geez, ok.. just for you mum’, but guess what!? Haha I am now floral queen. I LOVE my flower paintings, which started off fairly realistic, but painterly. Then about 9 months ago I tried something more abstract once Endemic World Gallery got behind me. Their customers are really groovy and love the bright layers of colour, hot neons peeping through the cool greens and blues. It feels like I’ve really found my niche. Some of my current work is created with the palette knife and I’m totally digging it. They’re like deconstructed florals. I usually have a commissioned portrait or two simmering away too. They’re little heirlooms for the families, oil paintings to last for many generations.

What would be a dream collab/project you’d love to do?
ANYTHING with Andrew Salgado would be a dream. He’s a Canadian legend working out of East London. I’ve been lucky enough to get a bit of an online friendship going on, and I just love his work. He was talking of running a residential course out of Venice, that would be amazing.

I’d like to play the sax for David Bowie.

Original Hydrangeas oil painting by Jenni; art print reproduction of the original work (we love how the colours look in a black frame)

Pink Hydrangeas art print; Abstract Hydrangeas art print

Discover all Jenni Stringleman art prints and original oil paintings here 

The post Meet The Artists: Jenni Stringleman appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

NZ artist and designer Rowan Oswald

You’ve just been overseas – where did you go? Tell us some highlights from the trip!
We were lucky enough to travel to LA, NY, London, Paris, Venice, Rome, Gallipoli, Cappadocia, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Samos, Athens, Amsterdam and Tokyo.  It was a whirlwind world tour as we have our first little one on the way.

It is so hard to decide on a highlight! Each place was amazing in its’ own right. I would have to say NY/London, Athens/Rome and Tokyo.

I always love going back to NY as the city has so much character! I hadn’t been to London before and I saw a lot of similarities between New York and London – in each you can hop on the subway, pop up somewhere new and it feels like you are in a whole new city. We also had the chance to catch up with old friends and family in both places. Cycling around Manhattan was definitely a highlight.

Athens/Rome were awe-inspiring. Walking amongst the ruins in the footsteps of giants, touching the marble and seeing everything I had read about blew me away. My wife often found it quite hard to drag me away from key areas like the Acropolis and the Roman Forum.

Tokyo and Japan are a home away from home for my wife and I. There is such a great mix of old and new, the future and the past. The people are so kind and helpful and all the little quirks fit perfectly with my personality. Japan is always a highlight!

Checking out Rowan’s sketchbook…

What’s your ‘day job’?
I am a full time Teacher of Classics, History and Social Studies as well as an Assistant Dean. Being a Husky owner is part of the day job too, with the dog walks required!

Rowan’s rad home studio and best fur-pal

We love your typographic art prints. Describe your style in 3 words?
Personal, dramatic and stylised.

When you’re not sketching/coming up with ideas, what else could we find you doing?
Something in the outdoors! I try to get outside as much as possible and explore. This could include dog walks, rugby (playing or coaching), going to the beach, hiking or even the odd farmer’s market! I take up any excuse to get outside.

Getting a little inspo from nature…

What’s your favourite font at the moment? How about of all time?
My favourite font at the moment would have to be the original Times New Roman. While in Italy and Greece I was able to see the carvings of the font up close and I’m baffled by how they were able to get the lines so crisp and clean! They were perfect.

I don’t have a favourite font of all time but I do like the old school signwriting style that you see at the circuses and festivals.

I also love imagining walking down the streets 100 years ago and seeing all the names of the stores hand painted in different colours hanging above the entrances or in the windows. It must have been really beautiful.

Tell us about a couple of creatives/designers you are personally inspired by?
Casey Neistat: Film maker and daily vlogger. The guy just has the most positive outlook on life. He is so determined and makes me want to work harder.

Shepard Fairey: Street artist, designer and mastermind behind Obey. He has a strong image, made the transition from the streets to the galleries and is an outspoken cultural, political and rights activist.

Tadashi Yanai: Founder of UNIQLO in Japan. UNIQLO is easily my favourite store and I routinely spend all my money there while in Japan. The store has such a rad mix of retro and new clothes and a great brand mentality.

Never not sketching!
What would be a dream collab/project you’d love to do?
Clothing wise: A collaboration with UNIQLO. Designing shirts that would be sold in their stores would be a dream come true.

Art: Anything big and in the public eye. I’d love to work with other artists and the council to beautify our environment with either art or nature.

You’re drawing and you’re totally in the flow – Where are you? Who (if anyone) is with you? What are you listening to (if anything), what are you sipping/snacking on?
I like to draw whenever I get the chance so it could be at a bar, at the beach or more recently at an airport. However, I am usually at my desk with my laptop open either watching a movie/tv series or listening to music. I listen to a variety of music such as Tool, Enter Shikari, Brand New, Alexisonfire, City and Colour, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Mumford and Sons, Bloc Party and NZ’s own Nature’s Best collection. At my feet will be my husky Loki as he very rarely leaves my side. You’d often find me sipping on orange juice and snacking on potato chips, squiggles or green tea Kit Kats from Japan. Super healthy!

Friends art print (available framed or unframed) by Rowan’s Art on endemicworld.com

What inspired your ‘A small group of friends can change the world‘ print?
A lot of my work is inspired by what I see or hear. Songs that I can relate to influence my work a lot. A small group of friends can change the world is inspired by a song from the British band Enter Shikari. It is a positive message and an inspiring quote. It is a nice thought to think that a small group of friends can make a difference and it encourages me to try every day.

Constellations art print and Drunks & Lovers art print

Photography of Rowan thanks to the talented Brijana Cato.

The post Meet the Artists: Rowan Oswald appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

Did you always want to be an artist? How did you get to this point? What has been the career and life journey to this point?
I always loved drawing and making things as a kid. I took art at school and had a great college art teacher who encouraged me to keep taking art and then apply for Art school. I gained a BFA at Elam majoring in Applied Design and then did my years Diploma at Teachers College. I taught Art and Design at Macleans College up until I had my kids. When the kids were little I tried to paint while they were asleep, and as they have got older its become a more full-time thing.

One of Justine’s superbly intricate artworks, combining the writings and imagery of a historical explorer with the femininity of lace, all painted on a vintage oar.

More of Justine’s oar artworks. She also uses aged copper (see gannet oar at top) and other mediums in various pieces.

What other creative projects have you worked on that endemicworld fans may not have seen?
I have another side business that I have started with a friend – The Bach Book – is a journal for recording the history etc of your kiwi bach, that we designed while on holiday over a couple of glasses of wine! This has now spread into a range of stationery items – visitors books, journals and cards.

The Bach Book – awesome gift idea for the true-blue-bach-loving kiwi!

Justine’s produced her own line of notebooks, cards, coasters and other gifts from her artworks (available here)

Intricate paintings on rocks – love these

New Zealand seems to be a real muse for you. What is your favourite spot in the whole country?
NZ is a real inspiration – particularly our love of the kiwi bach and all the memories they create for us. We have a family bach in Whanarua Bay on the East Cape. It’s a mission of a drive from Auckland – 6hrs! – but so worth it when you arrive!! Gorgeous views, great fishing and sea life, beautiful bush and birds. The bach is a no frills classic with no cell phone coverage or TV so very peaceful!

Beside art/illustration, what else do you love to do?
I love to go fishing but I suffer from sea sickness which slacks me off!

What are some of the fave things you have on your own walls at home?
A huge and very cool underwater photo by my niece Jenna Smith, an old whaling oar that we found washed up on the beach, and a turquoise ‘kina’ sculpture made from cable ties by Andi Regan.

Scenes from Justine’s home studio

What words of advice would you give to someone wanting to make art their career?
Don’t be afraid to start small and to ask advice – you’ll be amazed at what you can learn from another artist!

You’re drawing and you’re totally in the flow – Where are you? Describe the scene…
Most drawing for me happens at my studio table – generally I’m on my own with just the sound of the washing machine or the dishwasher keeping me company! But if I am in need of music – U2 live at Slane Castle or a bit of Ella Fitzgerald. Sipping? – probably just water but I would prefer it to be a large glass of Shiraz – possibly not a good idea at 10am!!

Who would you love to create a piece of work for (or where would you love to see your work)?
I still get a real buzz out of selling a painting and its always been a goal for me for my prints and paintings to stay affordable so that lots of people can own them. I’d love to be asked by a winery to use an image as a wine label – I’d even take wine as payment!!

Two of the Justine Hawksworth NZ art prints we have available over at endemicworld – Bay of Islands, and Taupo Tui

Close up of some of the delicious detail in Justine’s work.

See the full range of Justine Hawksworth art prints here

The post Meet the Artists: Justine Hawksworth appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

A self-portrait of Yhodie (we love how this shows both the process and finished style)

Is art a full-time job for you now, or if not – what is your ‘day job’?
Oh… I wish this was my full time job, but unfortunately no. My daytime job is a fitness instructor, but mostly I do freelance jobs as a graphic designer. Hopefully one day, I will be able to pay all the bills with my art, hehehehehe.

You graduated from Yoobee School of Design – what was one of the most important things you learned about creativity during your time there?
The most important thing was pushing myself more every project and never being satisfied with the first result. (We also explored our own style by seeing other artist’s works… which helped me to see some great artists out there.)

New art prints by YhoDesign (Yhodie Photoshops his finished art prints to mock up how they might look in situ)

Can you tell us a little bit about your process – how do you go about creating your awesome faceted artworks?
The process is from Photoshop by tweaking the images; colour, brightness etc…then I transfer them into Illustrator and start to work on the reference image. After it’s finished, I push it back into Photoshop to add some texture or background – depending on how I feel really, sometimes it’s finished in Illustrator, sometimes in Photoshop. (See below for more details…)

These ‘in-progress’ and ‘almost completed’ versions of a new art print show the design process. Often working from a reference photograph, Yhodie first turns the animal form into hundreds of geometric shapes of various sizes, that are then individually coloured (in graduating shades), to create the illusion of shadow and contour. After painstakingly creating each animal, Yhodie will often bring the finished flat vector artwork into Photoshop to add textures or background, etc.

Tell us about a few creatives/designer you are personally inspired by?
I really like Gareth Pugh (fashion designer ), I know he is not a graphic designer or illustrator but I get lots of inspiration from his work. When it comes to illustrators, I’m inspired by (Indonesian artist) Wedha Abdul Rasyid, designer Andreas Preis, and Andy Westface. They all have different influences on my art.

Illustrations by Andy Westface and Andreas Peis, two of the artists who inspire Yhodie

You’re creating and you’re totally in the flow – Where are you? Who is with you? What are you listening to?
I work by myself in my room (I call it my studio, which is just in the corner of my bedroom). When I am working, I listen to all sorts of music, from hip-hop, RnB or even classical, depending on my mood and what I am working on.. If I am drawing it’s mostly classical, if I’m making my faceted art it’s mostly hip-hop or RnB!

Yhodie loves his adopted home of NZ and it inspires much of his art. These two prints are available (framed or unframed, in various sizes) over on endemicworld.com

Tell us about your creative space/office – what’s in it, what things you do love to have around you as you create?
LOTS OF BUNNIES….Yes I have bunny everywhere in my studio also some of my arts hanging and COLOUR CHART, they are handy to have in front of me and of course flowers or terrarium..I made them and I love it as its make it more nature look.

A new art print Yhodie is currently working on; a dedicated creative space in his bedroom

Shop all YhoDesign art prints here >

The post Meet the Artists: Yhodie Hendra Zaldi of Yhodie Design appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

What was the journey to creating the Swiden brand – were you working a regular day job at the time?
I was working full time as a senior graphic designer at Swedish stationery brand kikki.K here in Melbourne. It was a dream job, I had creative freedom and was designing over 300 products a year.

After three years at kikki.K I felt that it was time to do something of my own and slow down a bit. I always dreamt about designing homeware and doing more experimental designs, so I went home to Sweden for a couple of months, made my first products and set up shop. Also managed to have a summer holiday and get my inspiration fix.

The brand has grown and developed ‘organically’ over the years and I’m now a mother so balancing two passions can be tricky at times.

What are you working on at the moment (new prints, other projects)?
I’m part of a couple of group exhibitions this year in Melbourne which I need to start planning for.
As far as prints and products go, at the moment I’m immersed in the fun phase where I just experiment and play, throwing around colour and materials. So nothing finalised as yet, but something new is on its way.

Tell us about a few creatives/designer you are personally inspired by?
Tove Jansson, mostly famous for her children’s books. I love her illustrations and story telling.
Karin Larsson, the wife of painter Carl Larsson. She was a great designer but I don’t think she has been acknowledged as much as she should have.

Your prints make walls 250% more awesome – what’s one of your favourite things on the walls of your own home?
I’ve got an old String book shelf which was the first thing I bought for myself when I left home back in Sweden.
Reading is one of my favourite pass times and it makes me really happy just seeing my overcrowded shelf holding all these amazing stories.

Beside art/illustration, what else do you love to do?
I love the beach and the sea. The ocean clears my mind and resets everything. Unfortunately we live a bit too far away from the coast at the moment to get a daily fix but I go to our local pool a lot, it’s a good substitute. I think I was a fish in a former life, I need to be submerged in water on a regular basis.

What words of advice would you have for anyone wanting to make their art their career?
Stick to your own style and keep at it. Get better at doing what you do best.

Check out all Swiden art prints here  

The post Meet The Artists: Swiden appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

You were an animation artist for kids’ movies – awesome! What a dream job! Tell us about that…
That is my background, but not what I do now. I did a six month training course here in Auckland, then I learnt the rest on the job. The most exciting time of my career was when I worked for Walt Disney (then in Sydney.) I worked with some incredibly talented and fascinating people from all over the world. I got to work on some amazing films – mostly sequels to the classics – including The Lion King 2 and 3, The Little Mermaid 2, Lady and the Tramp 2, An Extremely Goofy Movie, The Jungle Book 2, Cinderella 2, and more. Yeah it was awesome, a dream job, but extremely demanding as the standard was so high and our output had to meet a quota of footage of film per week. I gained a lot from the experience and I am so grateful for it.

I met my partner there too and we came back to NZ together. I made the switch from hand-drawn to computer animation, and I worked for Flux Animation on a number of projects including The Adventures of Massey Ferguson and Puzzles Inc. Following that I moved to the children’s fashion industry to work with my sister. When I started a family I began working part-time from home doing pattern design – mostly for textiles.

What are you working on (with your own projects/art prints) at the moment?
I have just created my first lino print since school days! I’ve really enjoyed the print-making process so next year I would like to develop my skills in this area, perhaps using wood instead of lino. For my digital prints I’ve started a piece in the style of my Emerald Garden design, but I have a lot happening right now so I can’t get back to it for a while. Next year I expect to have much more time to indulge my own ideas and I can’t wait to see what emerges!

A pretty page from Bren’s sketchbook

Which NZ artists/designers/creatives (of any discipline) do you most look up to?
In the pattern design industry it is critical to watch the European and US catwalks and trend-forecasting sites/blogs for inspiration. As a result a lot of my heroes are from abroad, but I do admire many creatives here too:

Fashion designer Karen Walker, Artist/designer Ellen Giggenbach, Illustrator Sarah Wilkins, Animation Director/Illustrator/Writer Raymond McGrath, and the artist Flox. I’m also hugely inspired by the amazing NZ women writers Charlotte Grimshaw, Emily Perkins and Eleanor Catton.

What’s on the walls of your creative space/home currently?
My favourite framed piece is a drawing by William Auerbach Levy of Victor Borge. But in my workspace I have an inspiration board covered in gorgeousness. It includes:

– Vogue covers from the 20s (Georges Lepape and Helen Dryden)
– Surface Pattern Designers/illustrators: Helen Dardik, Orla Kiely, Tom Schamp, Tove Johansson, Florence Broadhurst
– Artists: Koloman Moser, Angie Lewin, Inaluxe, Mary Blair, James Leman
– Fashion Designers: Anna Sui, Tsumori Chisato
…and a heap more!

Bren’s right – her inspiration board is covered in gorgeousness!

Besides art/illustration, what else do you love to do?
My greatest love outside of art is reading; there are always teetering piles of books around the house, especially art and design hardbacks from the library. Other loves are creative writing, running, camping and tramping.

What would be a dream project/collaboration you’d love to do?
I would love to see some of my designs licensed onto stationery for a company such as Madison Park Greetings. I’m also interested in book cover design, and perhaps motif designs for ceramics. But soon I am moving away from pattern design and into the children’s apparel industry and I am really excited about that.

I am at my happiest when I am growing and learning. I can’t wait to be working under some talented designers and upskilling in that area, so right now I am very content with the path in front of me.

Bren at work in her home studio

 Some of Bren’s art prints (available at endemicworld!)

What words of advice do you have to anyone looking to make art their career?
Be sure that it really is your passion, because it can be a difficult way to make a living. The people I have seen thrive are very confident within themselves and/or are willing to live outside of their comfort zone. They have high standards but can stop short of perfectionism, and they have an entrepreneurial mind or strong business skills. They also have bucketloads of passion and drive.

I think artists need to be very open to new techniques and technologies in order to keep themselves valuable in rapidly changing industries. And I think it is really important to seek out communities of similar artists – even if only online. I belong to a large Facebook group of surface pattern designers. We share inspiration, industry news, ideas, resources, and personal stories/insights. It is an incredibly supportive environment and benefits everyone.There is nothing more inspiring than connecting with people that share your passion.

Shop all Bren Michelle art prints here…

The post Meet the Artists: Bren Michelle appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

Alisha with her artwork for new illustrated guide to Auckland, The Auckland Book

You’re only a recent graduate, but you’ve already clocked up work doing commissioned illustrations for a number of NZ brands – can you tell us about a few of these projects?
The first project I did, in my final year of study, was a mural for Starship Children’s hospital. I worked with another girl, Andrea, and the mural was based on what the kids at Starship said they would like to invent. We basically ended up making the room look like the inside of a time machine, and through the windows you could see lots of imaginary flying animals. That project was really rewarding because the kids were so excited about it, and they came up with so many creative ideas!

I also worked on The Auckland Book, which has just been released. It’s a really playful, illustrated guide to Auckland. I loved working on that project because the illustrators were given so much creative freedom, and I got to visit cool places in Auckland to do research!

Possibly my favourite project so far has been working on a huge storefront piece for Lululemon in Takapuna. They wanted a big map of the North Shore, with all their partner studios on it, to honour their community. Being a yogi, I’m a Lululemon addict, and I love the values and culture upheld by the company. So this was pretty much a dream commission for me! I got to play with watercolours, bright colours and I drew lots of decorative patterns based on things from nature – pretty much all my favourite things to create!

Alisha working on a mural for Starship Hospital 

What are you working on at the moment?
I work full time as a Graphic Designer at the moment, so illustrating only happens on the weekends, or when I can squeeze it into my lunch break! I’m working on a few private commissions like logos, portraits and custom typographic prints. I also spending a lot of time feeding my growing addiction for brush typography. I’ve just released a small range of typographic prints, and I’m working on a few more. They’re all inspired by my love of yoga, and the belief that we all have the potential to live our dreams, we just have to believe we can do it. I hope that having some positive words on the wall can help remind people of this!

A few of Alisha’s newest typographic works as art prints; a work-in-progress with gold paint (love!)

Which NZ artists (of any discipline) do you most look up to? (or, tell us about a person who inspires you)
Oh, there are so many! I love Kelly Thompson’s work, and have done since before I knew I wanted to be an illustrator. Her work is just beautiful. I also shamelessly stalk Sally Shand (Ragdoll Illustration) and Erica Harrison (Supercrafti) on social media. I think part of me secretly wishes I knew more about screen printing!

What/s on the walls of your studio/creative space/home currently?
My two prized artworks are an art print by Sandra Dieckmann (one of my favourite international illustrators) and my Peacock screen print by Erica Harrison. I fell in love with it at first sight (I think endemicworld may even still have a few… endemicworld note: yes, we sure do!)

My studio walls are covered in all kinds of things – polaroids, work my by classmates, a world map and even some prayer flags given to me when I was traveling. If I like it, it goes on the wall!

A peek at Alisha’s lovely little creative space

Besides art/illustration, what else do you love to do?
Yoga! I absolutely love it, and I practice every single day without fail. It quiets my mind and challenges my body. I love that it’s not just a from of exercise, but a way of life. I’ve also found that you always meet the most lovely, open hearted people in yoga studios.

I also have a serious case of wanderlust, and have done since I was little. I’ll be taking my work on the road with me at the end of the year, to Japan, India and then to Europe. I can’t wait! It’s going to be be an inspiration overload. I love that I can work from anywhere in the world.

Finally, what words of advice do you have to anyone looking to make art their career?
The best advice I ever got was just to persevere. Keep making work and putting it out there, it takes a while to build up that first bit of momentum. This is something I still have to remind myself of every day.

The second best was to use your spare time to create the kind of work that you would like people to pay you for. I love typography so I do a lot of it in my spare time. People see that, and now i’m starting to get commissions for the same kind of work.

Lots of people will try to take advantage of the fact that you’ve just graduated by asking you to do work for free. By saying yes, you end up devaluing your own work as well as others in your industry. A job might only take a few hours, but you’ve worked for years to get your skills to where they are, and that’s worth as much as any other service. The exception to that is internships – they are a great way to learn and meet like-minded people.

Shop Alisha Brunton art prints here

The post Meet the Artists: Alisha Brunton appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

Tell us about how you go about creating a print – where do the ideas come from and how do you develop them?
Because I love stories, that’s where I start – maybe from a history book, online or from someone I meet. Most of my work is based on NZ History. I troll around for interesting and humorous facts – the Daily Southern Cross Newspaper is a great source of humorous historical information.

Then I put images to the stories I find – some are real and some are made up. I pass the story through my own creative filter until I end up with a visualised story in images. Once the story is in image form, I start to create a whole backstory for the print. For example, in my mind the Moa has gone from a huge NZ bird hunted to extinction to a modern day women with 21st century issues! At the moment she’s on day 3 of walking every day and giving up smoking, I think she’s doing the whole Paleo thing too.

Some of the Gone But Not Forgotten art prints on display in Marika’s home

You’re a full-time exhibiting and commissioned artist. What’s been the highlight of your art career so far?
A few years back when I travelled to London to see my family, I left with two galleries representing my work. In such a competitive art market like London I couldn’t believe they took me on. To be honest I’m just amazed that I’m an artist at all.

What or who inspires you?
Other creatives, books, humour, the natural world and travelling – being amongst different cultures I find very inspiring.

Vintage architects drawers make the perfect stow space for Marika’s art prints

Proof reading the story that accompanies her new Rainbow Warrior gift cards

Security Crew!  Pete and Dougie (with visiting friend Paddy).

What’s your favourite music/sounds to create by?
The National Programme, BBC & singer-songwriters… anything with a bit of a story.

What are you working on at the moment?
I’m about to launch Adam & Eve “Last seen in the Garden of Eden” and the Rainbow Warrior. There’s a lot coming up with new product lines and images also a range for the UK market.

If you weren’t an artist what would you be doing do you think?
…Organising my houses and staff in different corners of the world… or I’d be an animal rights activist.

Delicious detail from one of Marika’s art prints

Shop our range of Marika Jones’ art prints here

The post Meet the Artists: Marika Jones appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

 

Greg Straight is not only one of New Zealand’s most prolific illustrators, he’s also one of our favourite dudes. His art prints and illustration work reflect his personality – stylish, but with a down-to-earth Kiwi vibe. From his awesome home studio, Greg designs, draws, doodles and is a Dad. (All the D’s!)

We spoke to him about his new children’s book, his plans for upcoming work and his plans for summer…

You have your own kid’s book coming out soon!
Can you tell us a little more about the book and how it all came about?  
Sure. Its called ‘While you are Sleeping’ and is written by Melinda Szymanik and illustrated by myself. It’s all about what happens around the world when kids are asleep.

It’s been a dream for quite sometime to work on a children’s book and I am stoked with how it’s turned out. It happened quite randomly, my wife discovered that our daughter’s teacher last year is married to a publisher David Ling (Duck Creek Press) and they were looking for an illustrator for this book, my wife said that she knew just the man for the job!

I submitted some drawing and it went from there.  Everything in the book began life on paper, as a rough sketch then arranged and coloured up on the computer in illustrator.

Many, many, many late nights were spent working on this one. Did I mention many?

Prints, t-shirts, magazine covers, commissioned work for major brands and cool products… what’s next for Greg Straight?  
An early night perhaps? Just kidding, I am working towards a joint show with Annie Smits Sandano in November at Momentum Gallery, so more limited edition art prints. I want to expand on nationwide stockists of my work and produce a print catalogue. Hannah and I are looking at starting our own range of homeware, I have plans for a calendar, greeting cards and another book.
I’m also aiming to bag a European agent so I can start getting international clients. Also in the pipeline I have designer lamp shades, wallpaper and a line of kids-wear collaboration.

No mistaking Greg’s bold style on the cover of a recent Remix magazine. 

What’s been your most favourite illustration project to date, and why?  
I’d have to say my favourite is probably the artist tin I just did for Chelsea released in supermarkets nationwide this month. The artwork wraps around the tin and is a celebration of New Zealand culture with my name and signature on the front and side. There is also an art print coming out shortly to go with it.

2013 has been a super exciting year, working on a wide range of projects including stationery for Whitcoulls, illustrations for The Edge’s Ice rink in Aotea Square, artwork for Matua Wine that will be seen internationally on point of sale and advertising, the children’s book and the Remix cover were a real buzz too.

The best projects are the ones that you get to be yourself and encouraged to go nuts to create something unique.

Greg’s special collector’s edition Chelsea Golden Syrup Tin – gotta buy one for the pantry!

Greg’s graphics for Matua wines

What’s one thing you couldn’t do without while you’re creating?  
Music. If I don’t have music, it’s just click, click, click, (one click closer to RSI).  I listen to lots of different types of music from old dancehall reggae to indie, punk, hip hop, new wave, ska, and a bit of George FM, to say its eclectic is an understatement.

I am also a sucker for a 2.30pm chocolate bar, salty snacks like pretzels and a cold beer when you are working through the night. But not too many beers though, as it can lead to starring blankly at the screen and falling asleep on the keyboard. Zzzzzz…

A number of Greg’s art prints are screenprinted, by hand, in his home studio

Who would you love to work with?
How incredible would it be to do something for Mini Cooper? Like a big artwork on the side of a car! Or shoes for Vans, tee prints for Mambo … I’d love to create an illustration for someone HUGE like Vodafone or Coke, like a big global campaign, Boom!   On a local level, Splore would be a good one. An amazing event and I reckon you could go nuts with it. I recently saw Fly My Pretties, creating an illustration for them for posters and album covers would be cool too. When I think about it its still pretty endless.

Greg’s graphic design on tote bags and t-shirts

Besides art and design, what else do you love to do?
I love surfing and skateboarding. It would be a dream come true to surf every day and still have enough money to pay all the bills. I love hanging out with my wife Hannah and children Chloe 7 and Leo 3. It’s pretty full on at times but I love heading down the beach with them and taking Leo to the park to ride his new bike and going on bear hunts. I love eating great food too. Japanese, Mexican and Mediterranean. I also really love not working some days! Oh and drinking beer.

Greg’s buddies, Leo and Chloe.

We love your new summer-themed art prints on endemic – where’s your favourite place in NZ to visit in summer time, and what do you do there?  
Thanks, these are a little different from my usual prints and are just the beginning, I’m planning to release a whole lot more in this style over the coming months.  I love the beach, East or West when the surf’s pumping. Somewhere like Hot Water beach in the Coromandel (where I used to do loads of surf trips with my mates) is still up there for me, even with the camp ground gone and hundreds of tourists its still a magic place. Also a few spots in New Plymouth, Fitzroy and around the coast are pretty dear to my heart and bring back some great memories of sun, sand and surf. Is it summer yet?

Check out Greg’s brand new website here,
or shop Greg Straight art prints over at endemicworld.

Photography with thanks to Jono Parker. 

The post Artist Interview: Greg Straight, Illustrator appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.

In April this year, Margaret held an exhibition of her latest works, 15 portraits of birds, titled ‘The Commoners’. A selection of the original paintings have now been released as limited edition fine art prints, available at endemicworld.

Two of Margaret’s beautiful bird portraits – ‘Nyla’ and ‘Sylvia’ – available as art prints at endemicworld.

You’re a well-known Make Up Artist – what’s been your most favourite project to date?
As a Make Up Artist I have a favourite process which involves planning and preparation rather it being a favourite job. I love big productions where I design the look of the make up, hair, embellishments and sometimes the wardrobe too…

I also love getting on a plane to work in an exotic country like Egypt or Dubai! Stills photographer Mara Sommer and I produce together creative projects which we shoot and submit to magazines . This process gives me total creative license to concept, and design the make up, hair and clothing- unpaid work which has the most satisfaction.

Just a sample from Margaret’s extensive international make up and styling portfolio

Did you paint from a young age?
As a child I was forever sketching faces, mainly pencil and ballpoint pen; my work was always highly detailed and realistic. When I was 16, I copied a picture using black ballpoint pen, the size is 20 x 20 cm and I remember it taking me 75 hours.

This love of drawing faces lead to a career in make up artistry which in recent years has lead to large-scale pastel portraits of women and then to larger-than-life acrylic on canvas portraits…

What is your favourite situation to paint in?
I find it easiest to paint when I don’t have the distractions of my many other projects on the go, I need a clear headspace and time available, which is more of a consideration than the time of day I paint, sometimes I paint with music playing although I live in a quiet street, so more often I enjoy the lack of noise.

Margaret at work in her creative space – a cosy corner of her lounge room.

Tools of the trade

Prior to your popular bird series (on endemicworld) what subjects have you most enjoyed?
6 month portrait projects, inspired by the work of famous Italian photographer Paolo Roversi. (Permission received).

Continuing the large-scale theme, I painted a series of single flower blooms. A trip to Marrakech inspired me to paint many of the doors in my home with beautiful Moroccan designs, photographed whilst there. The doors are intricately detailed, and symbolic to me of the pattern and colour I so enjoy about their culture.

More recently I have painted from works by old masters such as Frederick Lord Leighton, my most recent being Odalisque, completed over 8 months.

My partner and a photographer friend of mine encouraged me to set a date to start exhibiting my work, using his studio space (it was one of the photography studios we all worked in during the 80’s and 90’s.) So with a goal and deadline in mind, I embarked upon painting my bird series. I paint birds in the same way that I paint people: portraits from head and shoulders up, the eye always connecting with the viewer.

Who would you love to work with?
My dream job would be to be on a shoot with Paolo Roversi, I admire his work so much because of its painterly quality and the timelessness of his images. I would also like to have been a student studying art in Venice a couple of hundred years ago when it was the place to be.

The original painting ‘Bijou’ perches over Margaret’s fireplace.
This painting has been released as an art print at endemicworld (limited edition of just 50).

Margaret’s cat, the “lovely Violette, who helps with everything,
known to jump long distance to my back or shoulder while I am painting.”

Besides art and design, what else do you love to do?
Besides art and design, I live to travel, lately to Arabic countries; I am fascinated with their culture, ancient design aesthetic, and the colour palette of their architecture and art. Turkey and Morocco are next on the list!

What are you working on next?
I am currently working on a commissioned painting of two gannets. Once that is complete I am resuming my animal portrait series, which I intend to exhibit in the New Year. 

Beauty in the details

Shop Margaret Petchell Art Prints at endemicworld

The post Meet the Artists: The inspiring Margaret Petchell appeared first on NZ Art Prints & Originals Curated in New Zealand | endemicworld.com NZ ART blog.