Check out AIB's Erin Stainken's Puppet a Day project, a creative collaboration of Erin Stainken and Jenna Walsh. Erin makes one puppet and Jenna writes one poem every day for the month of December.
"We don't preplan and the pairings are random and suprise to everyone including us. We're hoping this project will be a fun motivator to help us generate more work and keep us creating daily."
View more on the Puppet a Day project website: http://ekspuppetaday.blogspot.com/
We all know that Illustrators draw pictures – but what else do they make? That is the question we want to ask you. We are creating a new category for the blog called "MAKE IT", and if you are an AIB Alumni (Illustration or Animation) and are into making things - WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send us an email with image samples and a short description of the things you make. Show us what you make and we can help show the world!
Our first featured "MAKE IT" artist is Illustrator and AIB Alumni Valerie Arruda. Valerie had participated in the MICE event held a few weeks ago at AIB - That's where we noticed these strange little characters crawling all over her table! We wanted to know more about what she was making - so we asked!
1. First thing first, I saw you last Friday at the Highwater Book opening over at the Fourth Wall Projects - What did you think of the show?
The Highwater show was great, everything there put a smile on my face. The range of styles and media kept me on my toes. I liked that there was everything from doodles to an installation. The space itself was put together nicely too, the presentation was really clean but not over polished, it seemed like they stayed true to a "DIY" mentality and I like that.
2. So how was your experience attending MICE? What type of work did you show?
Excellent first MICE experience I hope there will be more to come. I thought it highlighted AIB's weird/fun energy and strong sense of community. I was selling mini prints and fancy monster pins.
3. Did you like being able to talk to your audience directly? How did selling artwork go? Any big spenders!
I'd say several average spenders, but regardless I felt the love so that was awesome. I was also very excited about art trades. I got a couple of cool prints and met some nice people in the process, win win! Talking to strangers about my work is definitely something I struggle with but MICE really gave me no other option and it was actually a lot of fun.
4. Ok, So tell us about all these little creatures you have been making?
Whenever I don't know what to draw I find myself drawing monsters, they just make a lot of sense to me. Rather than giving them characteristics based on personality traits I like to give them characteristics that represent a certain thought, color, mood, feeling, dilemma… things like that. Sort of like demented Care Bears.
5. How did your illustrations on paper evolve into these Character Pins?
I've been working digitally a lot recently, I love to work this way but I get restless really easily. I wanted a new project, something more low-tech. I enjoy the challenge of recreating my drawings into cut paper; it forces me to think more about what I’m doing. I always think about how the Native Americans tried to use every part of the animal as a sign of respect, I try to do the same with my paper scraps.
6. Do these characters have names or stories? Can you describe how you come up with a design?
No names yet, I was really excited to get this batch created and out there. The next guys will definitely have names. I want to keep the stories kind of mysterious and use names as clues, the rest can be for the new owner to define. I thought a lot about shape and gesture when I designed these. Since they are cardboard cutouts the outline is really the only thing that distinguishes them until I add colored paper and doodles, but I didn't want to rely on those elements alone. Optimum uniqueness. I usually just draw whatever is in my brain at the time. Sometimes I go back and look through my sketchbook for old pattern doodles I can reinvent.
7. Do you make custom charterers to order? (I want an ugly dog eating a sock)
Double yes.
8. I heard you also have a piece for the upcoming Halloween show at BLVD? How did you get involved with them?
Through friends of friends. They throw fun parties at the shop from time to time, usually to promote something fun and new. They're definitely motivated with what they do and I think they just like to help other motivated people be successful too.
9. When and where is the Halloween show?
The opening is Thursday, Oct 7, 8pm on Newbury st. BUT the show will be up all month.
10. Are you going to make your own Halloween custom? ...As what?
Frida Kahlo portrait! Or maybe ferocious lion, ideally I will find a way to merge the two.
We can't wait to see what you make next! For more news and updates check out Valerie's website here: http://valeriearrudaillustration.blogspot.com/
Thanks Valerie!
