Made in Bristol has created an exciting artist led retail event that is running throughout November and December in Cabot Circus called Pop-Up Bristol. Between 9 Nov and Christmas Eve, Made in Bristol has acquired three, previously empty shop units within Cabot Circus for 5 Bristol-based creative groups; Made in Bristol, Upfest, Drawn in Bristol, Smithson Gallery (pics above) and Bristol Creatives to showcase original paintings, illustrations, crafts and gifts from over 100 artists.
Currently showing till Saturday 3rd December: Drawn In Bristol Pop-Up
Location: Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus (near Carluccio’s and La Coste)
* Original Illustrations, Prints & Cards
* Handmade Toys, Gifts & Decorations
* Hand printed Locally Designed T-Shirts
* Live Drawing with Special Guests
Drawn In Bristol celebrates the work of locally-based illustrators by providing them with a platform to showcase their work. After a busy autumn launching their shared studio and printing workshop at Hamilton House, this dynamic collective, boasting all illustrative styles, is very excited to now be launching their Pop-Up Shop simultaneously with their new website. Drawn In Bristol is also the sister project of Made In Bristol (also taking part in Pop-Up Bristol from 9 Nov until 14 Nov on Cabot Circus’ Glass Walk).
“When We Were Young” is a new exhibition, curated by illustrator Bruce Parker. Featuring a collection of nostalgic artwork from a range of international artists; inspired by an open brief to be a free as when they were young – and doodle, draw, paint whatever they liked from their younger years; whether it be toys, games, books, music, experiences, role models etc.
To celebrate the launch, free drinks & sweeties will be on offer, as well as a play list of classic kids t.v themes and old ad jingles! Exhibition opens at La Boca Art Cafe, Newcastle upon Tyne 1st December at 6pm – late.
Based on one of the characters from artwork TADO created with Aki Oishi for last years NEoN Festival, Funghi is a very special collaborative project between TADO and Scotland’s finest Fleet Collective and Creo-Design. There’s 60 of the little chaps in 35 different colourways, including plenty one-offs!
Funghi production line
This follows last year’s collaboration with Aki Oishi; a character designed known for his collaborations with Pictoplasma. Aki created Lawhill! (below) for his first UK exhibition during NEoN 10 in Dundee; it was his reflection of a city he had never seen before.
Creo design (a product designer who had recently moved to Dundee from Glasgow) was set the challenge to create a 3D model of Aki’s Lawhill character and have it available for the opening of Aki’s Show at NEoN… which happened in the space of 1 week!
Original hand painted model & final production (right).
Following the event, NEoN set about producing a limited edition run of the figures (above) – available exclusively for NEoN 11 visitors.
Check out the making of Lawhill! on the NEoN blog here.
New Era Introducing launched in 2010, as a global creative project showcasing unique talent from across the world. The project gives creatives an opportunity to make their own statement using a blank New Era 59FIFTY as their canvas, with the winning entry securing a £10,000 bursary to kick start their career. Illustrator and designer Thom Lambert was one of 15 UK artists chosen to take part in the second phase of New Era Introducing last September – here’s a bit more about his entry, and what inspired his idea…
Thom’s custom New Era cap was initially inspired by the first comments he received from family and friends after telling them he was through to the second phase of the competition – that it would be a great opportunity, a great vehicle for expressing his creativity. Thom says “I slept on it, thinking about that word “vehicle”, and I had the idea to actually flip the cap upside down and use the iconic New Era shape as a mode of transport.
I have always been inspired by wooden toys and the craft that goes into making them, so I decided to use wood as the main material, alongside different fabrics to provide contrast. I was interested to see how far I could take the silhouette of the cap without it becoming unrecognisable. Characters play a big part in my work, so the exploration of vehicles and transport was a great opportunity to create a character inspired by sportswear and the techniques used in making caps and other items, such as stitching and logo embroidery.”
Currently represented by YCN, Thom’s clients include Stussy Japan and Dublab.
Check out more of Thom’s quirky illustration & design work on his official website here. Or visit the New Era Introducing site to check out more of the shortlisted entries, including designs by Inkygoodness artist Matt Saunders, and winning entry by Lina Al Amoudi.
Head down to The Dead Dolls Club tomorrow evening for a brand new exhibition, presented by Curio. ‘Specimen’ explores and deconstructs the body through print, collage and installation. From anatomical structure right down to microscopic cells, three emerging artists investigate and celebrate the varied mysteries and anomalies that occur naturally within humans and animals. Referencing historical science and surrealism, ‘Specimen’ reveals the magic that can be found under the surface of the skin. The second exhibition from the Curio collective sees The Dead Dolls Club transformed into an experimental laboratory, with fact and fiction interwoven as the artists delve into the inner workings of the body.
The Dead Dolls Club
Private View: Thursday 3rd November 6-11
