Domestic Bliss series orginal drawings at Parallax Art Fair, Febuary 21st-22nd

I shall be exhibiting one or more original works from the Domestic Bliss series at Parallax Art Fair again in early 2014: Friday 21st February 1pm-8pm and Sat  22nd February 11am-5pm.

I am emphasising individual pages from the series with a focus on drawing and colour. The graphic novel, which is an unfolding epic story also acts as a catalogue regarding single pages and sequences.

Venue:

Chelsea Town Hall on The Kings Road, London, a short distance from Sloane Square and the Saatchi Gallery.

Here are a few links to posts I wrote about it; one from the exhibition in October this year http://gwenturner.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/parallax-art-fair.html and another with some thoughts I had after the event on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=642510602466067&id=101785636538569

'Be lovely to see you there!

End of season Domestic Bliss...

I have decided to feed finer specific news bulletins onto my Domestic Bliss graphic novel series facebook page from now onwards...

Here go's: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Domestic-Bliss/101785636538569?ref=hl

Moebius, Venecia Flotante

I feel I am in need some reflection time for this flurried year of 2013. I have learnt so much. 

For my contemplation I turn once more to Moebius. I found this picture on a blog about five years ago and I have had it on the desktop of my computer ever since. 

I kept finding clues when Andy and I were in Venice this time last year for our honeymoon. I was pleased to find an actual print hung on the wall of a second hand book store (Marco Polo), located near the famous Rialto bridge in Castello, it was similar to this picture and also depicts another little character who looks like a Doge from way back in the 13th century. The pictures he drew are of a Venice seen in the 1970's by our dear Moebius. I saw the place for the first time last year and was captivated. 

Something that Moebius manages so well here, is to make Venice and this passage under the Bridge of Sighs look like it is on Mars or something. Several passages to choose from and I feel that I am going to go right under the bridge with that little guy.

Venice reminds one so starkly, how we all discover things in our own way. It's churches provide a network of quiet retreats away from the layers of tourists that wash through the place. 

Boats full of people smiling and amazed.

Here's the reference: http://floppybootstomp.wordpress.com/tag/moebius/

Turned to Stone

Goodnight October...

When Andrew and I were in Venice this time last year for our honeymoon, I was hypnotised by this sculpture. If only I could recapture my innocent approach, as we had been in Venice only a day when we found it. It took us a few more days to discover many of the Biennial exhibitions, which were all about architecture last year. This piece was not part of it.

I find myself at times like these, needing to cling to a physical object. Rather like when the character Laura, played by Julia Roberts in 'Sleeping with the Enemy', swims for her life and is saved by clinging to that buoy out in the rough sea.

I feel the need to give my discovery back again with the pictures I captured. 

This is possibly the last in the turned to stone series.

We found him at night.

We had to return.

The above photo is taken from a-far at the top of the bell tower on Piazza San Marco. 
There he is, standing at the very tip of Punta Della Dogana.

A year later I am disappointed when I google it.

Broken hearted even.




Here is a link to previous editions of the 'Turned to Stone' series...

Parallax Art Fair

I shall be exhibiting individual original works from the Domestic Bliss graphic novel series at Parallax Art Fair this weekend. 

Thursday 17th Oct: 7.30pm, private view

Friday 18th Oct: 1pm - 8pm

Saturday 19th Oct: 11am - 5pm

Venue:

Chelsea Town Hall on The Kings Road, London, a short distance from Sloane Square and the Saatchi Gallery. It is a well known venue for such events and Parallax is very excited to host the event there this year.

Parallax AF grew from an international exhibition conceived and curated by the art historian Dr Chris Barlow. It is based on new ideas drawn from the philosophy of Art History, and a serious platform for international and national artists to present their work to dealers, collectors, critics and buyers. It provides artists with the benefit of affordable show space in a central, high profile location and allows artists to present non-commercial work, ideas and also further developed and established work.

Further information and tickets can be obtained for the exhibition days via the website below:

www.barlowfinedrawings.com/parallaxaf.html

Open studio debrief

That doesn't mean anything to do with removing briefs although OUCH! has been known to produce the most brilliant pants, (though they have gone back into development regarding the materials, and no, they won't be knitted next time). Some early blog readers might remember them, there are some images way in the depths of this blog). I started the prices high in the spirit of "The F**K It Way" (yes, it currently exists, google it). Since, there has been a lot of industry action that has helped me to level it.

Hackney, the home of OUCH! and myself is becoming rather exciting regarding loads of new cafes and restaurants and cinemas etc. I was over at Chatsworth road doing some fliering and I noticed a restaurant with some of Simone Lia's work on the walls. She is an illustrator based in London and after looking at her blog recently, and also remembering a talk she gave on my Masters degree, I found the particular part about her new Fluffy postcards useful. I bought and read Fluffy a couple of years ago and feel it is something that must be savoured for a while.

It has been a meandering balancing act between a triad of 'business head', 'sensitive artist' and my own labour circumstances. So the OUCH! online prices are now settling, and gearing onward toward the new bespoke service of hand drawn originals. After a lot of 'Compairing de' Meercat' and my own plan of action over the next several years, little hog nearly turned into a marsupial forever.

The open studio has been a good period to get a lot settled and I think the appointment system will work well for next year. Also, it would be great to get a whole network of open studios, like a trail or something...with an illustrated map of check points.

Bliss is parked for a while, the poor creature is up shit creek. My nerves need the calming balsam of a smaller story I have been working on. I can describe it as the 'Dewberry Five Oils' (google it)...of stories. 

Granny's Button!

Granny's Comics

With Ribbon binding £5.00 GBP Stapled £4.50 GBP

Finally, after too long, she has a buy now button. 

Granny is a bit of a Luddite at times. 

Post and packaging is included, ribbon or staple for binding, prod the button and Granny's Rinse Adventures is on it's way to you!

OUCH! strips: Granny's Rinse Adventures

OUCH! strips: Granny's Rinse Adventures: Here is a short story that I created recently; towards the end of 2011. I really had some fun with this one... Before entering int...

Open studio discounts

OUCH! offers 10% discounts on items at the inaugural open studios this year, for example the hedgehog card series; available individually and as bundles.

The open studios offer a chance to have a chat, which often makes it  easier when it comes to requests, good deals, commissioning, quotes and ideas bouncing.

I am presenting many original works that don't get seen anywhere (yet), so this month provides a unique opportunity. 

I was even thinking of having a 'ceremonial work burning party' as an excuse for a piss up, because I have so much stuff. So catch the need to rid myself of it reasonably while it lasts!

Ace!

The Domestic Bliss Series at Gwyl Lyfrau Penfro Book Festival in Pembrokeshire

The Domestic Bliss series is now being prestented among other titles from Seaways Bookshop, this weekend in Pembrokeshire at the Rhosygilwen book festival, an event that celebrates welsh authors.

I spend gorgious 'end of summer days' in Wales most years. Following the success of the seafaring hedgehog gift cards that continue to sell out at Seaways (Fishguard), and with Bliss' debut on their book shelves; she now wonders to wider pastures. 

Thanks to family and comrades out in the wildes of Pembrokeshire. Here's the link: http://penfrobookfestival.org.uk/

Originally drawn birthday card

A professional friend of mine and Andrew's has kindly said that it is alright for me to showcase her card as an example for my originally drawn birthday card service.

Andrew and I know Cindy Oswin through Scarlet Theatre company. I saw a wonderful production of theirs at The Edinburgh Fringe in 2001; Love & Other Fairy Tales.

I got the idea for this card from their publicity material; an image of the lady herself playing the wife of Bath, which I adapted to suite a rather grand Birthday.

I use a 10x10cm backed window to place the illustration in an A5 recycled Fabriano card.

Gwen Turner: Hatching Ideas: Inaugural Open Studios in September 2013

Gwen Turner: Hatching Ideas: Inaugural Open Studios in September 2013: I shall be opening the studios for the first time during the month of September this year. I will present some of the produce from OUCH! an...

The Domestic Bliss series on a Comic Con tour in the US of A

Since her cosy launch in February at The Poetry Cafe where it was great to have the room filled with interest and the book selling so well. Prints from the books are available here.

I didn't get any photos, apart from ones of Andrew, my husband and I preparing for it.

She is now on tour in the STATES, having a good sniff about...

Here she is among other comics on the 'Fanfare Ponentmon' stand at the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Arts Festival (MoCCA). After looking around at comic book publishers, it seems the work Ponentmon produce is a little more pithy and shows more intrigue and thoughtful usage of the genre.

I was given a copy of one particular publication by Stephen Robson; it's founder, when we met this year in February at The London Super Comic Con; it is called 'Farm 54' and is about a Jewish brother and sister, it can be seen among all the comic stock in the photos below. To be honest, I am still half way through reading it; halting on reading any further until I myself cross the rather perilous central episodes of Domestic Bliss (3 & 4). She is plotted, not drafted and (of course I don't fear) that she might sag in the middle like a cake lacking the right flour balance, I must get the suspension tight. Two episodes of tight rope walking and there is no going back...

Leaving the Super Con's and arriving...at...

Stephen Vrattos, the New York partner for Ponentmon, behind the table.


At MoCCA in New York.

Then a nice review, thanks to Philip Skurski:

"This book's got style"...click here.


Between, in late April, she stopped off at an idependent comic fair: The Illustrato.rs Art Expo at The Mall Galleries, held by the education department. 
On the front line, the tables stood in a horse shoe shape, looking outward towards fine art work created by up and coming university leavers. I found out about this event from my mother. 
It is in it's first year and a well devised way of delivering work happening in multiple stages, both educationally, artistically and on the peripheries commercially. I liked it, it was classy and very well organised, and it was good to get some feedback up front. A new one to remember for the diary.

Then it was Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF), on the calender, where she sold out!
Again, among other books from Fanfare and Ponentmon stock.

There she is nestled in there!

On she goes...

Domestic Bliss series review...

"This book's got style...click here for the review

Domestic Bliss graphic novel series online print gallery

Bliss has sprouted off to a new gallery online...

The Hedgehog Show

What a thunderous new Hedgehog trailer...

I created this Hedgehog series in 2006. Any retailers interested in ordering some Hedgehog cards from me, please get in touch directly: scene@gwenturner.co.uk

Copyright: Gwen Linnell Turner

OUCH! is nicely generating a new service and will draw you just about anything for Birthday, Wedding, Fathers & Mothers day cards, as well as all other important days. The result? A hand mounted originally drawn piece that can live on in a frame, (and only for an extra special particular treat if it is for a child). To compliment this service, OUCH! will illustrate invite sets, designed especially for the desired event, whether it be party or wedding...click for link.

Please view the link to the 'simple varied' section of my site too, which is good for other examples of a loose style that is really nice for gift cards, invites and bespoke commissions for individuals; click here.

I have recently looked into creative bar coding, to brand the images that I put online, so that they are not "orphaned"...for example, just floating around on cyber space so that anyone can just copy or use it. For me to brand my images, I have to pay £95 per year, and I would need to be making a better living than I currently do, to be able to justify that. There are domain costs first off for having an online portfolio website. I can also brand (for no cost) to say that other parties are fee to use the image, so I give permission regarding my drawing. This is the article I read for interest: click here.

Firstly, I can't see any long term benefit in taking an image that you didn't produce yourself, and the idea that one is well within ones rights to do so if the producer of the art work has not taken precautions to state it being unavailable. This is just granted.

If I create an image, it is my intellectual property and a way that I use to express something. I have so far used a monogram or signature at the bottom right or left corner, I think it is more stylish and unique, the bar code looks ugly. 

Let's see how this bar code thing goes, it is important to think of ways of making these definitions especially when there is so much placing of imagery online. "Upholding the value of creativity".

For Bliss, it seems like a long time ago, since I first thought her up, how could I put a bar code on this little drawing? Would you want to take it, print it, and what...put it on your wall without any interaction with the artist? It would be crap quality if you did! I guess it is more a case of how and when I place stuff online, and with what association, on my part. 

I can't find the original to this baby, I only have a photo copy anyway...(Boo Hoo). So here is a low-res scan of a photocopy:

My girl, who I drew in 2006, because I love her and I want to share her...

As I begin to get more commissions, I would be wary anyway about what I decide to post online. I am tending to post a small aspect of something much larger, like what I have been doing with the strips etc or, just not worry, if you want to take it, copy it, go ahead! In five years time, it will feel naughty and bad and rude. 

It isn't that much fun putting stuff online anyway because the point is, that it is so nice to see people smile, or hear them laugh, and I can't achieve that. I can every once in a while, when I just feel like spreading the muse.

Some of the things people want me to draw, now that I am doing original cards through OUCH! goodness gracious, it's fun. Basically, it is just much nicer to make a connection with someone. I can do quick ones like "cute rabbits sitting in Johnny's new blue BMW", "Cathy wearing her favourite red shoes", or "Jenny in her new ballet dress"... or "a Polar Bear confessing being 'Bi' in every kind of way"...that kind of stuff.

I negotiate with you via e-mail, draw up the goods, request PayPal payment and then put it in the post and it is with you the next day. That is why not being able to hear you laugh or cry when I post something up here; all becomes much more worth while.

Gorgeous fresh drawings just how you want them, GIVE ME MORE TO DRAW! They are reasonable, it all depends on how much time I need to spend, the one above would be a very viable example. I have a lowest rate of course, otherwise I'd be spending my earnings on the envelope, stamp and post office walk. Let's see, message me. It is SO groovy.

Oh, and I can do a fine portrait. For this, I like to meet, though I can work with a photo if you prefer.

OUCH! Summer Sale

Summer 2013, OUCH! has simply stripped OFF! 

Check out some thoroughly reasonable prices over at the online pad

This marks a shift over to "OUCH! strips" where I added the title with the four guys shouting OUCH!...I forgot, before when they were on the shop, they were all gummy...they actually have teeth now.

Before...

After...click here... to get the whole hog strip over @ OUCH! strips...

Gas Tower screen print

I love this image it is sublime (also known as the Industrial Halo). I no longer have any more left of the best ones of this print edition. I have some, though they are not as crisp, even splodgy, yet I think splodgy is nice too. Here is a good example of one in situ.

The Gas Tower Image has enjoyed life as a screen print short series made in 2006. The initial photo of a Gas Tower was taken on 2001 at Kings Cross, where quite a few of these (I feel) majestic Victorian structures were still standing, dotted about, rising out of the ground like bold yet fragile Halos. The photo was used to paint a backdrop for a youth theatre production that I designed: Electric Halos, written by Helen Adams performed at The Blue Elephant Theatre, produced by Antonio Ribeiro.

Inaugural Open Studios in September 2013

I shall be opening the studios for the first time during the month of September this year. I will present some of the produce from OUCH! and new print editions from the Domestic Bliss series which has branched off, though still promoted by OUCH! online.

I shall present a wider collection of prints and drawings too, from where I work in the summer house and down' pit (the winter cellar).

I'd love to catch up with you, I'll stick the kettle on and get the Bourbon biscuits out too!

Here's a flyer with the dates, and address, 
I shall open on Fridays and go over weekends, call me to say what day and rough time and I can make sure the biscuit tin is full; 0208 533 3954...

Book an appointment: Tel: 0208 533 3954

The Domestic Bliss series and beyond...

The launch of Domestic Bliss, Brave Encounters was fabulous! Thank you to those who were able to come, it was so good to see people's faces looking at the work.

For anyone who couldn't come, there are pdfs of both episodes to view over the weekend until midnight Sunday 17th, go to 'Google Drive'
(User: a_cadabra@aol.co.uk Password: heyprestorabbit). (Also, remember to log out of your own google account first if you have one).

If you would like a hard copy of the second episode, it is now for sale on-line until summer, at this link.

Both episodes of Bliss will be available as pdfs and printed copies within the next few weeks. Further episodes will be published in e-book format and print on demand until the end of the series, when it will be printed as a complete epic and a 'Cinebook' for e-books. 

I shall exhibit select pages and will also be making them available as prints at original A3 size; any favourites, let me know the page number and I can shuffle the ones to go to print. Click here to see the new gallery.

Bliss will be in New York on the 6th and 7th April as part of The 2013 MoCCA Arts Festival.

She will also be at Kendal in October for the inaugural Lakes International Art Festival.

Thanks everyone, she's well on her way!

(Banana and coffee, lovely!)

New "I Love You" Valentines cards...

Since 2009, OUCH! has been creating "I miss you" cards, which we still sell.

Introducing the new "I Love You" Valentines cards, for those wayward lovers who work across the globe and spend yearning nights...texting...emailing...skyping...and whispering sweet somethings down the phone...

I know what I'd prefer!

Head on over to OUCH! the online shop for a view of the new "I Love You" Valentines cards!