Why time goes by faster the older you get

24 November 2011

One of the theories, according to go-to Neuroscientist David Eagleman, is that our young years are full of first time events and our brains make more detailed and lasting memories of them.

But you know what? I have recently painted a huge bottle and decorated a giant snowman (currently on display at the Toronto International Airport) – both of which I have never done before, nor will probably do again – and time is still speeding past, out of control.

Right now we're rocketing towards the end of the year. In preparation I have updated the Sozi shop with lots of toys and prints, and I'm packing for Paris (where I'll be speaking at Pictoplasma at La Gaîté Lyrique on December 10). 

Goodbye 2011. I didn't even notice you'd arrived and you're leaving already. 

Painting the cat

06 October 2011

Tomorrow night is the opening of Florentijn Hofman's show at Neurotitan in Berlin. As part of the show I was invited to make a piece inspired by one of his huge stuffed animals.

I drew a dog dreaming of dinner.

Today I got together with some of the other participants in the show and we painted in the alleyway leading to the gallery. 

I drew the dog's dream dinner.

A cat. A sausage. And a chicken.

Oh, how they ran! 

Nightie night

01 August 2011

When the most recent issue of Grafik (Issue G191) arrived on a rainy evening, I took it as a sign that I should have an early night. I snuggled up in bed with my warm puppy and the magazine dropped out of my hands as I drifted off to sleep. I coaxed myself awake to turn to the last page. Which is when I remembered I had been asked to write about my hidden talent….for the last page.

And no, in case you're wondering, I can't cook. Or sing. Or do anything special 'specially well. No, I admitted my superior talent regarding sleep. (It's just not a talent that is particularly well hidden).

It was a true meta moment reading about reading with my warm puppy and rain on the rooftop.

But I wouldn't want you to think that ALL I do is sleep. This week I also celebrated the fact that my book has sold out. And the launch of a science lab for kids – I designed the identity and characters.

It was all rather tiring. So if you'll forgive me, it's time for bed.

When I was asked to contribute to the "Life" exhibition - opening in London on Friday - there was no way I could refuse. Afterall, their only stipulation was that one of the colours be Red.
 

The show features an all-Australian cast of designers and illustrators and all profits go towards (RED). The prints are lovingly screenprinted by Print Club London and the exhibition is at East Gallery, Brick Lane.

You can see the full design here. If you'd like to buy a print (A2 Screenprint, 50 pounds) they're now available online from Print Club London.

But happily the artwork has been shipped off to its new owners and order is gradually being restored in my studio.

And so just in time, comes this reminder of the fun of the show – in a short film by Colorado featuring music by Lullatone.

Come on a class visit!

Though perhaps you'd prefer some light reading? May I suggest Digital Arts Magazine (June 2011) which includes a review of Pictoplasma. Check out the Inkygoodness blog for my full interview.

Or you could pick up Ammo Magazine (Issue 6) in which I admit that I keep on working simply because I don't want to disturb Mr Tom (my Jack Russell asleep on my lap).

Her Idea is now available at a growing list of design and art bookstores.

If you are in London visit The Design Museum to peruse a copy. In Berlin Boesner, Big Brobot and Do you read me? are amongst the stockists. Atom Plastic is Sozi's home in Milan and in Sydney, Published Art.

It's also available on Amazon.de, and Amazon.fr and (any day now I promise) Amazon.com.

But of course, if you'd like free shipping and some extra goodies you can also order direct from Sozi's shop and I will lovingly wrap and pack it for you.

While you are there grab an idea (wooden toys based on a classic Czech design) or perhaps invite your very own Sozi home – in either a woolen or resin version.

The resin figures are available in red and green, stand at 15cm and were produced especially for the launch at Colette. Thanks must go to Rune Spaans for bringing her to life in three dimensions and Bigshot Toyworks for pulling out all stops to get her to Paris in time.

And if you still have no idea what I am on about, you can read my interview on Grain Edit and guest blog post on 50 Watts (previously A Journey Round My Skull).

After sneak peaks in New York, Berlin and Hamburg, I'm thrilled to announce that my book "Her Idea" featuring my character Sozi will officially launch at Colette in Paris next week.

Come along and listen to the story while eating milk and cookies. It's happening on Wednesday December 1 between 4 and 5pm.

Sozi will also make herself comfortable in the window of Colette all week, and the installation of Sozi prints and toys will continue throughout December.

To coincide with the Colette celebrations, the book will go on sale online on Sozi's website, as well as Victionary and Pictoplasma. (The Sozi toys and prints will be available on sozi.com from December 7)

And to round out a very exciting week, I will be speaking at the final Pictoplasma on tour event in Düsseldorf on Friday night (December 3). I hope Sozi and I see you somewhere sometime soon.