Category Archives: Drawings

Debbie Smyth

January 22, 2018 12:03 AM \

Debbie Smyth is a textile artist known notably for her pin and thread drawings. She creates the artwork by stretching a network of threads between accurately placed pins. The artist has worked with high profile companies and has exhibited nationally and internationally. In her own words she describes her work:

“On first glance, it can look like a mass of threads but as you get closer sharp lines come into focus, creating a spectacular image. The images are first plotted out before being filled out with the thread, the sharp angles contrasting with the floating ends of the thread.  And despite the complexity of the lengthy process I try to capture a great feeling of energy and spontaneity, and, in some cases, humour.”

” I feel as if I am taking thread out of its comfort zone, presenting it on monumental scale and creating an eye-catching, and in some case jaw dropping effect.”

More of her work can be viewed on her website, Facebook and Instagram.

Images: Courtesy of Debbie Smyth.

Posted in: Drawings, Facebook, Instagram, Installation/Display, Textile, Twine \ Tagged: , , , , ,

David Hockney & iPad

October 30, 2017 12:03 AM \

David Hockney is an English painter, draughtsman, printmaker, stage designer and photographer, considered to be one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century. He has long been interested in the technology of art and using new media to make art. His iPad drawings has raised the questions among critics about they qualify as art. There’s no question in our mind that it is art as it is his vision that makes the art not the tools. His describes the use of this tool as follows:

“Everything you need is in the iPad. You don’t need water or a lot of pencils, so there’s no need to clean up afterwards,” Hockney said via email. “You can set up a palette very quickly and add more detail. The color is right at your fingertips.” – http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-ca-cm-david-hockney-yosemite-20160503-snap-htmlstory.html

“I just happen to be an artist who uses the iPad, I’m not an iPad artist. It’s just a medium. But I am aware of the revolutionary aspects of it, and it’s implications.” – http://www.dailyartdaily.com/david-hockney-ipad/

“The more I got into the iPad, the more I realised what a fantastic medium it is for landscape. There are certain things that you can do very, very quickly using it.” The artist can meet “nature’s deadline”. Obviously the iPad is faster than watercolour or charcoal, since nothing has to dry. When painting outdoors in a changing landscape, with clouds and rain coming quickly, speed is essential.“  – https://www.treehugger.com/culture/stunning-english-landscape-paintings-made-with-ipad-photos.html

Most of his work can be viewed here on his website.

Images: Courtesy of David Hockney.

Posted in: Digital, Drawings \ Tagged: ,

Kasia Jacquot

September 6, 2017 12:03 AM \

Polish born Kasia Jacquot is a Sydney-based textile artist and surface pattern designer. She is known for her embroidery work often mixing embroidery and silk screen printing in her designs. The artist is greatly influenced by traditional Polish and Eastern European folk arts and folk costumes. She gives us an insight into her work on an interview with Dragonfly Toys:

“My designs nearly always begin with some kind of flower. A center and several petals coming off in different directions. I am always pulled towards symmetry so whatever I draw on the left will be repeated on the right. Constant repetition of leaves, flowers, stems, swirly lines and circles. This kind of drawing is very meditative for me and what I find as I draw is that my eye moves between the detail and the overall design and I am always pulled to the place on the page where balance is required. So I guess for me it is about achieving visual balance through the use of floral patterns. I am also greatly inspired by construction, I studied architecture and briefly worked as a draftsperson. The aspect of order and symmetry, and objects belonging in certain places is part of my process.”

“In Poland paper cutting is everywhere. We used to do it as kids and it featured heavily in common folk art, such as a wall decoration in someone’s home. During religious festivals paper cutting was also used to decorate walls of homes or to make decorations for Christmas trees. It’s been part of my life since I can remember and I really enjoy the quietness of the process and also the joyful surprise I get when I open the folded up and cut up paper to reveal a beautiful design full of (of course) symmetry!”

You can view more of her work on her website, Facebook and Instagram.

Images: Courtesy of Kasia Jacquot.

Posted in: Drawings, Embroidery, Folk Art \ Tagged: ,
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