The "C" Word

The first of many ShelkyBean Christmas cards.

Gods and Monsters !

I was tickled pink to receive my complimentary copy of Gods and Mosters of Tomorrow, a couple of weeks ago. The book itself is absolutely beautifully printed and a complete joy to own. So many talented artists and writers got involved with the project, I am so humbled to be a part of it. There is a limited edition printed, and a copy has been sent to the National Library of Ireland 

(which I think is really cool).

My ultimate thanks must go to Elida and Emma, who made it all possible, it was definitely worth the wait !

We are Gods, We are Monsters

Gods and Monsters Press Release

Yes! The time is finally here. Gods and Monsters of Tomorrow is ready to be introduced to the world, and I am so excited for my copy! The launch is this Friday, the 19th, in Dublin's fair city, but unfortunately my galavanting last weekend means I won't be able to attend. Which I am pretty gutted about.
Anyways, if you're about and fancy a slice of sublime pie, pop down and grab yourself a copy of this fantastic book. I know my paws can't wait  >^.^<

We like Red Spots

Last night was the opening of the wonderful "Animals Everywhere" exhibition which is held in McGing's pub in Westport over the next two weeks.
I was beside myself when I saw not one, but THREE red spots next to Stronger Together (as it's an edition of 3, in that size...)

I actually had to pinch myself.

New Piece :)

Like a Fox

2012

Animals Everywhere !!!

Calm a Llama Down

Delicate Act

The Westport Arts Festival is coming up soon, something I look forward to quite a bit. It's practically on my doorstep and it never fails to deliver something memorable. I've been lucky enough to have actually displayed work in the last two festivals and I'm hoping to manage to weasel my way in to another exhibition this year. 

The theme for the McGing's show is Animals Everywhere...too perfect, right?

These two pieces I have had in my head, meaning to do them, for ages...but things cropped up, and life happen, so there in my head they had to stay. But! I am relieved they are now out in the world, in their bubble wrap lined manilla envelope and being transported to Westport as I type. The colours are rich and a bit full on in their A5 format (specific for the show) but I have a good feeling. They will be a small colorful window in that otherwise cozy old-fashioned lovely pub.

Also, Stronger Together is going too just because :)

Native City

It is official, the Fight EP will be released on October 1st, 2012. Im really excited, not only because this is my original artwork, but also because I really like the first EP. The tracks are catchy, have a great beat, lots of layers and quirky noises. Hannah and Deboa are a blast to work with as well, can't wait to start working on the next release!

Every so often, I get this overwhelming urge to paint. Im almost always drawing, which is so un-messy it doesn't feel real. There is no mixing of colour, no waste, no trial runs. I have it down to such a precise science at the moment it's lost something tangible. So that when the fished piece is printed, I don't even feel like I did it.

So when I get the urge to Paint, really paint, all other things stop. I cant concentrate on anything else when the bug bites.

I'd been looking at the ugly wooden box my dad made to stop the draft coming down the chimney when we weren't using the fire. There was nothing pretty about it, even the colour put me off going into the sitting room. I had searched high and low for something worthy of going onto that box. To dress it up, but also to sit in pride of place, the hearth protector, the house guardian. I played around with the idea of continuing on with the modonna theme I already have around the fireplace, but I wouldn't trust myself enough to do that. Then, looking through a style magazine from 3 years ago, I zoomed in on a Bestival poster and had my Eureka moment!

The simple shapes, the Owl, of course, The pose, it was all pretty perfect. So I set to work Friday night, priming the box with white. Then spent all day Saturday and Sunday morning, Painting. 

I am beyond chuffed with it, and of course mum loves it. And It just looks so lovely in the sitting room that I would happily sit in there now, with that lovely protective owl watching over me.

(I have always loved painting wood and revamping old furniture...god help the chest of drawers and closet in my room...I have far too many ideas for both!)

Some may be wondering where in tarnation I've gotten to since Independant's Day.
Well I haven't really gone anywhere. I'm still here. Still fiercely busy. And still trying to juggle life with work...just like everyone else.
My poor beloved cat, Squeek, passed away shortly after the zine fair on the 9th of May. That alone threw me through a hoop. As she was the only real constant in my life, her passing affected me deeply, not only because I didn't expect it, but also because I realized just how very isolated I am, most of the time.
Luckily, it was at that same time that work began on the other major project in my life. Both projects are pretty top secret at the moment. This provided an outlet and a welcomed distraction from the groundhog day-like existence I was experiencing. It's wonderful and welcome to have something which takes up all your time and energy. That focuses your mind on something other than your pain and sadness and hurt.

I'm incredibly excited, proud and happy to be a part of both of these wonderful projects. And the people I'm collaborating with are so talented and lovely. I couldn't have fallen more on my feet.

So the above image gives a bit of a feel for what Im at now. I don't know what the end result is going to be but Im thrilled. It's a completely new experience for me. Reworking my drawings is something Ive never done before, so it is a learning curve. But so far, so good. And they seem pleased with what Im producing, so that is always a plus.

I shall keep you posted on this and my own work, which is slowing but surely creeping back in to my daily life, which Im also pleased about :) Life, at the moment is more than wonderful!

Independents Day !

I went. I saw. I enjoyed!

Yes yes yes! The Independents' Day zine fair was this Sunday just gone in the Dublin Food Co-Op (in the Liberties...something I didn't know till I got there). And I am still a very happy and excited little cat after it. I was so excited to just be there that I was actually talking to complete strangers (lovely strangers and all) and more than likely made a slight fool of myself. Or maybe I just came across as enthusiastic. Ill go with enthusiastic for now!

My lovely cousin put me up, and after a cozy night's sleep (with an open fire no less) and breakfast with real coffee, he brought me to the venue. Being enthusiastic, I was the very first stall holder there. I think the organizers got a wee shock. But yes. Yes, I was there, and totally excited :)

The Dublin Food Co-Op is held in what I think is a warehouse of some description. They have long lengths of fabric which make a lovely canopy overhead, and it's very open and bright and nice. There is also a permanent mini cafe in the back corner where they make things like avocado on toast with garlic blossoms, and rooibos tea. So I was sort of in heaven all day.

Being only the second zine fair I've ever been too or been a part of, I was pleasantly surprised to see many familiar faces from the last one I did. Even more surprised when people remembered me! How lovely. Nice familiar faces included : Jess of ESC, Jane  , The dude with the intimidateingly amazing comics, Elida with SLOW and of course many unfamiliar but equally lovely zine-sters, customers, organizers and friends of friends.

There was a lovely atmosphere, lovely people, lovely food and really cool music and it was a privilege to be a part of something so edgy and different. I'm already looking forward to the next one, and have a few little ideas hatching away. 

Thanks to all who organized the event, took part, bought stuff, swapped things, came and saw and supported me and all of us of this wacky journey - bringing colour and interesting things to the masses on a completely do it yourself indie way. Viva La Revolucion!

Hello Lovlies!

I will be at the Independents' Day zine fair this Sunday, the April 22 ^^^^

It's in the Dublin Food Co-op, which is close to the Coombe, a part of Dublin I am completely unfamiliar with, but Im sure Ill find it easy enough!

I'm really looking forward to it, and have since Jane went back in 2010 at the last one. I have some tricks up my sleeve, some oldies but goodies, owls of course, a new zine and some beastly jewelry.

So if your about and want to see moi, or just experience something fabulously different, come on down!!!

See you there

xxx

Waiting for Autumn (detail)

Waiting for Autumn (detail), a photo by ShelkyBean on Flickr.

As always, I am busy busy busy. I've swapped my drawings for some sewing as I've had several welcomed as always commissions for lovely people.
I came to 'crafting' quite late, falling into it rather than searching it out. However, it has become quite a large part of my life now, and as I grow and try new things, my skills become more honed and I am much more confident now than I was when first beginning.
I enjoy making pieces for people, but there is always an added pressure that comes along with any commission.
My number one guide for making my Owl Brooches is to wait until they look like they are looking back at me, that's when I know they are right, when I can begin sewing them up.
I am hoping to extend and to branch out into other shapes soon, not just owls. But, of course, that for now is top secret!
Please feel free to check out my flickr, as it is updated fairly regularly with lots of lovely things :)

Nana Lala Finished

This was a very special present for my godmother which I presented to her on the one year anniversary of my nana/her mother's passing. This piece took a long time. When you are working on something so close you nearly spend too much time on it, if that's possible. Perfecting, doubting, wanting to start all over again, falling in love, thinking your great, then doubting again. It's the fear, or the horrors. Or nature. I'm not sure. But its such a precious thing in the end.
I think the dude who made the frame did an ace job, and I'll definitely be using him again. The flower arrangement came from my nana's 93 birthday cake, my godmother wanted them included and I think they add something special. It's like a mini shrine, or that's what I was thinking of as I put all the elements together.
Her face lit up when she opened the package, I can't describe it. Artist's hold a certain humble pride, I think...well many do anyway. And watching her discover every detail, looking at it fixedly for several long minutes, holding it gently and walking around the house trying to find someplace safe to hang it, well I couldn't be happier. More please. More relieved that she liked it so much.
"It's like she's looking out at me"
Well, what more can I say? Isn't that payment enough?

xxx

My maternal Grandmother passed away this time last year and her daughter (my godmother) asked me to do a portrait with a bit of a twist. I have finally completed the portrait to a point where I am satisfied with it. It will be mounted in a box frame. A flower arrangement which was on nana's 93 birthday cake will be to the left hand side of the portrait inside the frame. When it is totally finessed Ill post it...promise.
As flattered as I am to be commissioned/asked/begged to do things for friends and family, it is always a massive pressure, especially with something as personal and raw as this particular project.
My grandmother was a pretty amazing woman. She was a prolific writer of poetry and songs, she was an inventive chef and wasn't afraid of anything. She supported her children without faltering and gave them every chance she could. She was a pioneer. I wish I had known her back then. I know I would have really liked her.

We are Gods, We are Monsters 2012


It is a blustery, changeable day out there, so I don't feel a bit guilty drinking copious amounts of tea and drawing Rhino ladies. I've submitted this little number, it has indeed flown the coop, and is now in the trustful hands of the Tinderbox Network. I had an unhealthy amount of fun working on this one, and have a feeling Rhinos will be joining my girls with lions for quite some time to come ^.^

Happy weekend all.

~ S.B.

We are gods, we are monsters 2012

New work inspired by the beautiful, funny, moving and thought provoking play Jane and I went to see last night entitled Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco. Im doing this drawing for Tinderbox's Gods and Monsters zine. I think it's in the second half of the play one of the characters is looking out at the Rhinoceroses and says "They are like gods"...then the main character says something to the effect of "They are MONSTERS"
When they said it I nearly fell off my seat, as Ive been struggling with the task of getting something together for the zine for some time. But Im happy so far with this drawing, all I have to do is add some finishing details and decide if something should go in the background, as the circles are a bit too strong I think. Ill finish it off tomorrow and post the result :)

My latest piece Stronger Together 2012.
Just finished it this morning and entered it into a poster competition for Don't Panic which looks pretty cool. It's one of those voting comps, but lovely people will vote for me. It only takes a second!
Happy Weekend everyone ^.^

So lovely lovely Doodler's Anon are having a new comp for a coloring book they are putting together. Of course, one of my absolute FAV things are coloring books. I spent most of my childhood filling them in with my pristine crayons and paints. Really love them.
Anyways, I know that this is an old drawing, but I couldn't resist. I simplified it down, changed it to black and resized it according to their specifications. I will never get tired of this drawing. It was a massive break through for me, and boosted my confidence right back to where it should be - quietly humble, but strong.
For the purpose of the comp. I titled it Roisin's Magic Hat, which is exactly what it says on the tin. Again, thanks to Ros for being cool and letting me draw her. Thankfully I have awesome friends who don't mind me drawing them.
Fingers crossed this makes the cut. I would be so honored, happy, beside myself with glee if this got chosen. I shall keep you updated!!!

New work

Two new drawings Im working on.

This was started last night. As you can see, it is in the earliest stages of development. I was encouraged by my dear friend Jane to try to have more then one piece on the go. I have taken a break from madam underneath because she is "finished" but doesn't to me feel finished. So I have stared a bunch of drawings and Im going to juggle them, which feels nice. The others are much rougher then this one, so when they have come on a bit, Ill post them here of course!
I am very excited about ^^^^^ this though...cant wait to see where she takes me!