Samantha Hughes

Chicken Licken

2011-12-15T22:08:00.000+08:00

I loved Chicken Licken when I was little - that wonderful feeling of superiority over the silly chick who thought the sky was falling, and of course there were those joyful nonsense names. I was always deeply taken into the world stories as a child - especially on the first telling. I remember the fear of fables as much as the pleasure. My deep, deep concern for the animals hoping to outwit the fox, the wolf, the troll under the bridge...

And the less said of my distress over the fate of poor Humpty Dumpty the better. (What do you meean he "can't be put back together again"? *sob*)

This illustration is part of my new messing about with my beloved gouache. It's painted on the inside of a post-pak (an idea I borrowed from Freya Blackwood). It was for the SCBWI Tomie dePaola competition, and was tremendous fun to do.

Twinkle Twinkle

2011-09-28T21:52:00.001+08:00

I love libraries.

I love books.

I love stories.

I love librarians.

I love new librarians.

Those super-shiny, squeaky-keen torch-bearers of awesomeness who are making the future of libraries happen now now now! I especially love all of those librarians who were at the New Librarians Symposium in Perth two weeks ago.

I love them because they sang for me. (Even though there were looks of terror when I asked them to put down their ipads and phones and disconnect from the twitterverse for a moment.)

I love them because they were so supportive of my presentation at the conference, which was about the light and shadow in my own library story and following the joy in your career. (Seriously, I felt all rock-star and giddy with the love I was shown.)

The other presenters at the conference were mind-bendingly inspirational and exciting. And every single librarian I spoke to was buzzing with energy. There was an infectious excitement about the possibilities for libraries, about the future. The future of libraries is so shiny!*

Shine on you lovely new librarians!

*I'd tell you all about it but then I'd have to send the library-ninjas out to wipe your memory so that the libraries of the future will be a nice surprise, you like surprises don't you?Then I'd be up all night calming the library-ninjas down with stories and cups of warm milo. Ninjas love warm beverages.

Pondering, moments before my talk... Can I get away with using the phrase "like a stripper-librarian, flashing my Dewey-decimals to the highest bidder."

(Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpfl/)

This is me explaining that I had planned to have a musical flashmob, but it was too hard to organise. That I had planned to make everyone hand-crafted, individual finger-puppets, but it was too fiddly. This is the moment before I told those two librarians sitting on the stage that they were going to join me - and the whole room - in singing twinkle twinkle little star.

Snail Mail

2011-09-23T09:30:00.000+08:00

I have been writing. This is a very good thing but it means that my brushes and pencils have been sitting dusty. And I have been pining for them.

So I snuck away from my manuscript on Sunday afternoon to paint. I had seen the competition on the Omnibus Books blog, calling for painted envelopes. So I made these...

And then I read the instructions and realised I'd used the wrong sized envelopes. So now I have some envelopes that need posting. Who wants some snail mail?

Sing and Win

2011-06-29T09:57:00.010+08:00

Oh hai,

So i'm having this little exhibition down at the lovely Ruck Rover store Mini Art Mart. It's called Sing! and features some of my creatures and characters holding up signs that show the words they want their true-love to hear most. (The words are song lyrics, becuase sometimes songs say it best.) My arts will be up on the wall for all of July (I'll be putting them up on Saturday morning) so boogie on down to Mount Lawley and have a peek.

Win a Custom Sketch

To celebrate lets have a wee little competition. Tell me your favourite song - the one that makes your heart lift and your toes wiggle until you end up rocking out a bit of the loungeroom-dancing. The winner will be drawn at random from the comments and will win a drawing from moi. Go to it, leave me lots of lovely comments!

x Sam

Press Any Key

2011-04-14T20:08:00.004+08:00

Oh hai internets, so sorry for the months of neglect.

But. I am writing a book. And there was a bear. Ok, so there wasn't actually a bear. But there were wolves. And plants that are magic, not always nice magic. And silver scissors in the moonlight. And mysterious packages tied up in string. And many encounters with the Editing Beast.

Here's a snippet from one of the short stories I'm playing with this week...

"Each of the fabrics called to her. Her mind whirled with daydreams of dresses that would make her shine on the night when the wolves came to town. When the moon would be huge in the sky, and all the girls of the town would dance in the paling light.

One night of dancing kept the blood in their skins. One night of dancing would keep the wolves away for the hungry winter."

These shoes were made for...

2011-02-23T21:14:00.006+08:00

Maddy.

Who very definitely knew what colours she wanted, but who had the hardest time deciding that owls were the animal for her.

Kittie Chaos.

These surprise sneakers were for the talented sisters from Kittie Chaos.

I have five more pairs in progress at the moment... best get back to it.

Squiiiiiids

2011-01-19T20:35:00.006+08:00

Shhh... here's a sneak peak at my current Sekrit Squid project.

A couple of my recent quick sketches of my darling tentacled ones.

Handmade Living

2010-12-02T08:14:00.004+08:00

So, I'm kinda sorta going to be in a book.

A very lovely book. A very lovely book indeed.

It's out Monday 5th December, so ch-ch-check out a copy!

In the meantime, follow the rocking blog tour!

I had a nice little feature over on the Perth Upmarket Blog with some of the other amazing WA talent.

Speaking of which, see y'all down on Rockeby Road for the market tonite!

My Father's Ties

2010-11-27T12:50:00.004+08:00

When I was little my father worked late quite often, or so it seemed to me. I have these lovely dreamy memories of him coming home late at night and checking in to see if I was safe asleep - of course I wasn't - my eyes and smile wide at this special quiet time with him.

We had some sweet and silly conversations, with me all tucked up under my sesame-street quilt, the room all soft-lit warmly by my humphrey b. bear lamp. Important conversations. Such as, what I should call my yellow teddy bear with the rainbow-striped vest. We called him Fremantle, because Dad grew up there and his love for that town was my love. And, of course, the Beard Conversation.

"Do you like my new beard?"

"No! I don't think so."

"Let me give you a kiss to check."

Squeals of delighted tickly laughter.

"No Daddy. It is far too tickly and scratchy. I do not like it."

"So, I should shave it off?"

"Yes."

And of course, more tickly hugs and kisses followed.

He didn't shave.

In fact, he still has his beard.

But as least I have the memory of those late night, serious and silly conversations.

The other thing I now have is his original 1970's ties. I have longed for these ties for most of my life. I used to hide in my parents wardrobe. I would open the white vinyl case that held all of my mother's jewellery, delicately resting my fingers on those magical jewels and dreaming of being so very grown up. I would trace the patterns on the ties, thrilling at the bold colour combinations and patterns. Wardrobes are wonderful places for dreaming.

And now I have those ties in my own wardrobe. It was as simple as asking.

"Dad, could I have these ties?"

"Of course, I'm never going to wear them again."

And now I have the joy of wearing supremely funky ties whenever I choose. And the tiny thrill in my heart whenever I finish the knot, of being connected to my father through our love of these slips of fabric.

All tied up

2010-11-27T12:23:00.007+08:00

Hey darlings, I've been quite rather busy working on a few exciting projects.

Firstly, I've had the Very Best time rummaging in the mysterious deeps of the op-shops for ties to paint on. It's been so nice cosying up in front of the Muppet Show and painting cheeky monsters on neck-wear.

Secondly, I have some awesome shoe commissions on the go at the moment. Here's one pair in progress and the concept sketch for the other.

Plus, it's market season. My very last market for this year is the Subi Upmarket.

When: Thursday 2nd December 2010

Time: 5pm-9pm

Where: Lower end of Rokeby Rd between Hay St and Roberts Rd

If I've read my map properly, I'll be near the Dome. So come on down, say hi, have a cuddle and score some free stickers with purchase.

She dreams of the waves on the shores of the moon.

2010-11-05T22:29:00.005+08:00

She liked the way the fizz of the sea brushed against her lips.

She liked the gentle suck of the sand between her toes.

She liked the feeling of washing up and down the bed, rocked by phantom waves just before she fell asleep after a day in the deep.

She looked up and out from her desk to the moon hanging in the daytime sky.

How many days until the tide came in again?

Markets A-Go-Go

2010-11-01T20:34:00.005+08:00

Look deep into my eyes. You are getting sleepy... sleeeeeepy....

When you awake you will feel the need to come and visit me at one of these markets and buy many lovely and pretty things. 123 AWAKE!

Made On The Left

10am to 4pm Saturday 13th November at the Saint Hotel Innaloo

Upmarket at Unwrapped

5pm to 9pm Thursday 2nd December

Rokeby Rd (Between Hay St & Roberts Rd)

When I Grow Up I Want To Marry Jim Henson

2010-10-29T19:22:00.004+08:00

I think that if you examined my DNA

you would find that I am very actually more muppet than human bean.

I have a gently fading memory of being very little and our tv going on the fritz - we had sound but no picture - and tripping over myself with panic because I thought that Big Bird was trapped INSIDE our tv. Mr Hooper dying was a Very Big Deal. I still, even now as a grownup, hum the songs of my sesame street. I thought that Ernie was the funniest guy ever, but sometimes I fully sympathised with Bert and wanted to give Ernie a good kicking. This still gives me goosebumps...

I loved the deep, dark, beautiful world of The Dark Crystal and it was my brother's favourite movie when he was about three. (Each year when he was small he had a new favourite movie, which he would have to watch as least once a day) (Dot and the Kangaroo, The Dark Crystal, The Wizard of Oz) (If you know him, doesn't this just say so very much about him?) Anyway, he couldn't say skeksi, and he didn't know the movie was called the Dark Crystal, so he just used to ask to watch The Sexy Movie. I adored it too, so it really wasn't a chore to watch it with him until we wore out the video tape.

My very first official crush was David Bowie in the Labyrinth. (Yes, I still like men in tights.) (Yes, I am still in love with David Bowie) As a girl with her own baby brother it was like this movie was made just for me - you mean I can trade my brother away to a Goblin King, hang out with monsters and have David Bowie fall in love with me? DEAL! Ludo is still one of those characters who just makes my heart swell and smile. And of course there are all those catchy catchy songs, just perfect for dancing around the lounge-room to. I watched the Labyrinth earlier this year - on the night my first solo exhibition opened, celebrating with fizzgood and the yetiboy I was seeing at the time - what a perfect shiny moment that was.

The Muppets are my family. I know this because I love them all and forgive them their imperfections. And because I can't really pick a favourite. Well, if you're going to make me then maybe it's Kermit. I do have a Kermit tattoo on my ... body. But I got it more as a reminder to fling myself into imagination, to wonder at the world, to express my love of stories, to dream and sing and laugh and create. And Jim Henson* was the guy who gave me all this and so much more.

So, I truly do wish that I could marry Jim Henson when I grow up.**

*Yes, yes, I know there is a whole awesome Team Henson. But, just like Kermit - Jim is my favourite.

** This explains so much of why I am still single. Unrealistic expectations much?

I Heart Made On The Left

2010-10-11T17:52:00.004+08:00

I have been oh so lucky to have been the feature artist on the shiny new Made On The Left website for the last month. Their blog is one of my must-reads, always filled with exciting news for arty Perth peoples. And their markets are always filled with temptation - so many lovely, clever creations that all want to come home with me! I can't wait for the next one. I'm saving my pennies for the next one in November.

This was my stall at the last Made On The Left Market.

Are you unpublished? No, I'm PREpublished

2010-09-20T22:09:00.007+08:00

In this last little bit of my holidays, before I go back to my day job, I have squeezed in a tiny extra bit of travelling. Because really, can you honestly say you've travelled enough if you've only been to LA, New York and London when you sit around gossiping at morning tea on your first day back at work? No, I thought not.

So, I went to Melbourne. Sadly I missed catching up with some dear friends but I did see the Tim Burton exhibition. It rocked my socks off! I feel completely energised and inspired. Seeing snippets from a lifetimes worth of creative work - from hand written high school stories to college sketchbooks to puppets and costumes and props from some of my favourite films was mesmerising and delicious. I loved the whole crazy swirling, stripey, monsterish extravaganza.

But it was a wall of caricatures and character paintings that truly set my brain on fire. It was like a jigsaw piece finally clicked into place. All of a sudden I could feel a connection light up - from my brain to my fingertips - and I saw a new way to approach my own characters. After soaking up the exhibition for a good couple of hours, I raced back to my hotel room to begin sketching. Here's some of the little critters...

After that tremendous experience I flew to Sydney for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) conference. I am still in a happy daze after a weekend of networking, learning and laughing. Some of the wonderful sessions included - market trends and what publishers are looking for, Gabrielle Lord discussing her bestselling series Conspiracy 365, a discussion on creating picture books, and finding work in the educational market.

On top of learning ways to improve my craft I had two crazy-good experiences. Firstly I had the opportunity, along with my darling friend Angela and five other delegates, to pitch an idea to a panel of publishers. In front of the entire conference. My business card was drawn out of a barrel, and with about 60 seconds prep time I stepped up to the mike and ... well, it's a bit of a blur really. I vaguely remember my knees shaking while my brain rushed to fill my mouth with intelligent words about a picture book I've been working on. Apparently it went well. The panel of publishers said they loved my idea! And whenever I chatted to people across the weekend they congratulated me on my great pitch - which was lovely, especially as I felt so unprepared and nervous while doing it.

Secondly, I had a wonderful critique of my writing. I was so nervous - this was only the fourth person I had ever shown my short stories to. And you know what? At the end of my 30 minute session I felt so positive about the quality of my work, and the future possibility of being a published author. The publisher who critiqued my writing was warm, generous and gave me useful constructive feedback.

So, while i may still be a prepublished* author and illustrator, I am well on my way to seeing my name on the front of my very own book.

PS - Check out the work of two new friends I made at the conference.

The stylish Serena Geddes!

And the darling Lesley Vamos!

Want more conference goss? Chris Cheng has also posted about the conference.

*This was my favourite new word from the conference this weekend. I think it was from Lin Oliver.

Little Guilt

2010-09-07T12:14:00.004+08:00

I have a confession to make. It is such a naughty one, that I have to whisper it... I haven't painted anything for a month. I haven't drawn. I haven't written any stories. It would seem then, that I haven't actually been me. I have done a terribly decadent thing - I have taken a holiday from being me.

And it was wonderful. Don't get me wrong, I missed it. I missed my pencils and brushes and that glorious joy of creating. And a couple of times i did cave in and get my sketchbook out. But honest - it was just doodling - not proper art.

My days were filled up with looking at the world, lazing about with friends, crying with happiness in art galleries, delighting in little things - like squirrels falling out of trees and dancing around a Henge in the rain in a plastic bin liner/raincoat like a little girl, shopping, sleeping in, and revelling in being On Holidays.

And now I feel rested and filled up with inspiration and joy.

So, some time this week, once my bags are unpacked and I've spring-cleaned the apartment, I will paint something for you guys. Any special requests?

Lazy, and loving it

2010-08-23T04:10:00.008+08:00

Me with John Scieszka & Caz Williams

I am away. Far far away. And I have been for some time.

I have taken in the mind-melting goodness of the SCBWI conference in LA - there are notes, lots and lots of notes, somewhere in my suitcase. Suffice to say my creative drive and focus are heightened like never before and I have inspiration enough to last many many winters.

I spent a decadent few days in New York. Art, Broadway and Summer on the sidewalk.

And now I am being ever so well looked after by my London fambly. We are baking and embroidering and lazing the days away. Shopping and sight seeing and just nattering really.

I am beginning to start missing my home though. And I am dying to get back to my studio. I just don't have the free head-space to be creating while I'm travelling, but I am painting in my head every single day. Skies and leaves and lovely things. Oh yes.

A few more weeks of nourishment and then back to real life, filled to the brim with love and big ideas.

Me and Them

2010-07-26T17:51:00.004+08:00

I have these two friends who come to stay, often unannounced. Sometimes I'll get a vague sense of unease and know that they are on their way. Other times, Bam! They are here. They are never welcome. And I never know how long they will stay, but I can be sure that they will eventually go.

Anxiety and Depression. Sometimes they come together, holding hands and slurking up the stairs. Other times they come alone. At least Anxiety has the decency to come and go quickly. I'm never quite sure how long Depression is going to loiter around, messing with my head and making me doubt that I am any good at anything at all.

I have had much Therapy to make dealing with these two more bearable. And along they way I have picked up some little words that help me. I used to keep them on a carefully folded piece of paper in my purse. It is still in there, the edges of the folds fuzzed with time. But now, I have a shiny new technology. And so, I have put them all together with pretty pictures and I have saved them on my phone - for times of need.

If you do not have anxiety these words might seem obvious - or trite. But when you are overtaken by the intense energy that is Anxiety sometimes you need things to be simple. You need to be reminded to breathe. To be reminded that it will be ok. And that is what these little words do for me - they get me through it.

Maybe they will help you too.

Zoom Zoom Zombie

2010-07-20T23:03:00.002+08:00

I'm working on an awesome commission...

It is a rocket.

It is about 9 feet tall.

It is so serious a rocket that they have had to book airspace for launch day.

It may possibly explode when they launch it.

Exploding zombie rocket? Who could ask for anything more? Here is a sneaky peeky...

The Bear

2010-07-11T21:23:00.004+08:00

This one is for Lady Moira.

She has been drawing the most wonderful bears lately.

Gold and Darkness

2010-06-30T23:38:00.005+08:00

Family is strange. Particularly once you start edging out along the branches of the old Family Tree and peeping through the leaves to see who else is up there with you.

It’s easy to forget about Family. I’m busy. I’m daydreaming. I’m creating. I’m… Today I came out of that world of my own solitude for a funeral.

It was an emotional and beautiful moment in time dedicated to a man I never really knew. A great-uncle of whom I have only a few gently faded memories. It was a privilege to be there today. To witness and to be enveloped briefly by that soft dark cloud of grief that filled the room. To feel the golden love of his family shine through it.

Tiny moments from this hour out of my day reminded me of why my family is important to me.

My Dad, big and solid sitting next to me as I leaned my shoulder into his - he pressed back into me.

Holding my grandmother’s arm as we walked together up the aisle, her jacket coarse under my fingers. The soft, tentative touch of her fingertips on the shining wood of her brother’s coffin.

My cousin’s baby gurgling in the delightful way that happy babies do. My uncle telling one of his trademark dodgy jokes.

And that odd familiarity of being in a room filled with people I vaguely recognised from old photo-albums.

As much as we are strange I love my family. I love that we are like some sort of fantastical Wonka tree. A family tree covered in all sorts of amazing and different fruits. And I love them all. Even the sour ones.

So if I haven’t said it to you in a while – and you are part of my family. I love you.

If I haven’t said it to you in a while – and you are part of my family of friends. I love you too.

100 Things. Number Six - Rhinoceros

2010-06-28T21:32:00.004+08:00

My last few 100 Things have been quick quick quick. So it was a delightful luxury to have a whole day to play around with this one. I did some little sketches then went out for a coffee with some lovely boys. When I got back, this just tumbled out of my pencil...

And then I spent a lovely couple of hours painting this in front of the telly...

Those lovely rosy cheeks are inspired by Ali J - I've been reading her blog with great delight. She's just started playing around with sweet animals in her artwork too.

And while I'm mentioning inspiration - pop over to Lady Moira Court's blog - her bears and illustrations and photographs are quite simply lovely.

Snuggle Up

2010-06-26T22:06:00.004+08:00

We've had a wee little bit of Winter going on here in Perth. Which means woolly hats. And long Dr Who scarves. And socks. (I think I have the Muppet Gene in my DNA)

In amongst all the keeping warm I've been painting shoes. So. Many. Shoes. Some of them are a sekrit - they will be in the lovely Handmade Living book. (Squee!)

But these foxy ones were delivered to a very delighted Lady today. She will be wearing them at the Children's Book Council BookWiz tomorrow, where co-incidentally I will be making an appearance on the panel.

And here's some progress shots of a funky new boys style that will be on sale at the Perth Upmarket tomorrow. Where, coincidentally, I will also be making an appearance.

I'll be at the market in the morning, before my super awesome Mum & fab Little Brother come and take over so I can go flex my Children's Literature Muscles at the BookWiz. Cross your fingers and wish me luck.

100 Things. Number Five - Feeding The Chooks

2010-06-19T17:11:00.003+08:00

First of all some rough little sketches of chickens.

And after playing about with my new charcoal pencil for a bit, here's a wee little girl with her Nana's chicks.

More 100 things soon, I promise.

Lovely Places and Lovely Things

2010-06-15T16:34:00.006+08:00

It's lovely and grey and rainy here in Perth today. Perfect cup of tea and curling up with a blankie weather. To celebrate this lovely Winter weather I am having a super special online sale....

ETSY WINTER SALE!!!

Brrr, it's cold outside! Why not brighten up the inside of your cosy little home with one of my kooky, bright little prints? (They fit perfectly inside those lovely square IKEA frames!) All prints are 25 - 50% off!! AND if you buy two or more I will include a lovely little mini-monster sticker set or a gorgeous handmade arty card with your order.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SamAndSam

MARVELLOUS MARKETS

I will also be selling pretty things at two fabulous Winter markets...

The Perth Upmarket. Sunday June 27th @ Winthrop Hall UWA. 10am to 4pm.

Made On The Left Market. Sunday 18th July @ The Saint in Innaloo. 10am to 4pm.

Come on down for a chat and to see all the crafty loveliness. I will have lots of shoes and arts and pretty things for you to see. Love to see you there!

Retreat!

2010-06-14T23:06:00.009+08:00

I spent the most lovely few days far away on Rottnest.

It was delicious perfection.

The Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators folk invaded Rottnest and in amongst the seriously joyous business of talking sharing and improving our craft we...

Laughed and laughed and laughed.

And sang karaoke. And danced and sung some more. And got up to all sorts of hijinks.

And showed off.

And had the very best time.

Thanks to all my writer and illustrator peeps for a truly wonderful weekend away. I am now creatively nourished, inspired and ready to get those big dreams happening.

*Photos kindly provided by Renae Gibson & Norman Jorgensen

**In the photos are talented writerly and illustrator peeps Briony Stewart, Renae Gibson, James Foley, Ann James, Karen Blair, Shannon Melville, Dianne Wolfer and Mr Quokka.

Made On The Left Poster

2010-06-13T17:55:00.010+08:00

Squeeeee! I've been dying to share this with you guys for aaages. A little while back I was commissioned to create the artwork for poster for the fabulous Made On The Left Markets.

They launched the poster last week, and here it is... in all it's Yeti Glory!

I'll be at the markets on Sunday 18th July - come along and say hi!

I'll be bringing my arts and illustrated shoes and lots of pretty things just for you.

100 Things. Number Four - Crocodile

2010-05-30T21:45:00.004+08:00

We're going on a crocodile hunt, and we're not scared.

Oh, and I've been painting Yetis again too...

100 Things. Number Three - Scissors

2010-05-23T22:13:00.001+08:00

Snip Snip, out with your careless heart.

100 Things. Number Two - Restaurant.

2010-05-18T20:35:00.006+08:00

Gosh, working on weaknesses is hard. I guess it's like the beginning of a new fitness routine, working out muscles you didn't know you had. (Not that I actually know what that's like, the toughest sport I do is yoga)

Given time limits, and my very obviously terrible still life skills, and the fact I've felt very Meh today - and really really wanted to cheat - there are still some bits I like in this sketch of Robots at the Restaurant. I'd like to finish it off properly, with finished linework and colour - but I've gotta stick to my rules - 24 hours per Thing. I'll add it to the pile of things to come back to, I suspect there will be many.

Lets hope by the time I reach the end of the 100 I am fighting fit - in a sketchy arty sense anyways.

100 Things. Number One - Budgie

2010-05-15T14:21:00.012+08:00

I've had this project idea kicking around for a while called 100 Things. It evolved because I am bad at drawing things I don't like drawing. In fact, I just don't do it if I can avoid it.

So, I have filled this box with 100 slips of paper. On each piece of paper is a thing. My things are grouped into four rough categories - Animals, Places, Doing things and Everyday things. I know myself fairly well, so I have popped in a few things I do like drawing so I don't reach a point of pouty petulance.

The Rules are pretty simple - draw or paint the thing on the slip I pick out of the trusty Mr Tickle within 24 hours. I had intended to make it that I had to do realistic drawings only, and I think I should aim for some of that, but I'm not gonna get all militant about it. I might post some of my sketchbooky things too, so you can have a peek at my scatterbrained process.

I'm loosely giving myself a year from now to finish the 100 Things. If you'd like to join in from time to time that would be awesome - whether you're an artist, a poet, a writer or some other sort of creative person. Let me know in the comments if you have also done something with one of my Things. I've not set a regular schedule - some weeks there may be many things and other weeks there may be no things.

The very first thing Mr Tickle gave me is Budgie. (That's a lie. I cheated. The first one he gave me was Skateboard. But I put it back. Budgie was actually about the tenth thing. The ninth was Monkey, and that's when I realised I was cheating very badly indeed. So, I decided the next one would really truly be the first one)

So, a bit of noodling on the interwebs looking for reference pics... and a bit of reminiscing over childhood budgies, unfortunate tales of budgie accidents and budgies running away from home... a bit of sketching and I eventually ended up with a pic I quite like.

As I was sketching I noticed lots of budgies have this fierce look in their eyes, like there's a little budgie mafia we don't know about - and given half a chance they'd have a go at your kneecaps. I think I'm definitely going to revisit that idea.

Drumrool.... Here is 100 Things Number One - Budgie.

He's big, and fat and not very impressed with having birdseed for dinner. Again.

Huzzah for things!

Highs And Lows

2010-05-13T20:30:00.010+08:00

Snot.

It's my word of the week.

Firstly, yes, in the gross sense of buckets of it coming out of my nose. Curse my second-rate immune system!

And secondly in the sense of 'snot fair. I had two things in the mail this week that I considered not fair. One was a rejection letter with some useful criticism of my work. Ouch. Is there anything I wanted to receive less after a long day struggling at work with my cold? A day later and I can look at it and be mostly ok with the advice. It's tough to remember that in the end I'm trying to crack a market where my art is a product - and not everyone wants to buy it, and it certainly is an acquired taste. (Children's book illustration is a crazy competitive field) So, I'm going to think on the advice for a while, and then try and put some of it into action. And I'll use this one as a practice for my next rejection letter. I've no doubt there will be very many more to come before I get my name on my first book.

The second was an email written by someone I love whose words were so beautiful and sad and lovely that they made me cry. And it broke my heart just a little. And made me a little bit mad. And made me worry for that someone who is so far away. And confused the heck out of me. And I am now going to set it aside for a while. I'm going to burrow into my art, because that is the place where I best figure out these sorts of things.

Oh, but I do get so melodramatic. There have been some lovely highs too...

I got accepted into the next Perth Upmarket! I'll be there with my painted wares and a big grin - until I leave someone looking after my stall mid-afternoon and leg it up the freeway to appear on a panel at the Children's Book Council BookWiz event. (Buy a ticket to the show - it should be most excellent fun!)

I had a submission accepted for a wonderful new book featuring artists and designers. It's being put together by the Handmade Living crew. There will be a little feature on my customised shoes, and I'll share some of my tips and tricks.

I also scored a gig running art workshops with kids next month.

I had lunch with my adopted family at the Zoo yesterday. All sunshine and hot chips and silly giggles as we tried to figure out the best way to get an elephant to join our punk skate gang.

And the snot-fluenza seems to be going away.

Highs and lows my darlings. How are you all doing?

Illustration Frid... Ah forget it

2010-05-06T22:27:00.009+08:00

This was meant to be a lovely little post with my Illustration Friday painting for "Cocoon". But that painting has had to be set aside. Before I fling my paints at the wall in a hissy fit. Some days, the painting just doesn't work. Today is definitely one of those days. *frowns at brushes with bristles that poke the wrong way and paints that won't mix into the right colours* And tomorrow is Fizzgood Friday, so I doubt much good will be done to the Cocoon painting through the haze of happy bubbles. Instead, here is a quick doodle from my sketch-book. After getting all pouty at my paints - which were obviously brokened* - I curled up on the couch with a bag of marshmallows, and my markers and doodled my way back into a good mood.

Hold me closer tiny dancer...

* Yes, yes, a poor workman blames his tools. But I am A Lady so I can blame what I want. Here - have a marshymallow.

I heart Terry Denton

2010-05-02T22:01:00.008+08:00

The first time I met Terry he was pinching tea bags at a conference in Tasmania. Well, maybe pinching is too harsh a word, he was actually providing the tea with a cosy new home. In his pocket.

Actually, that's not right. I first met Terry when I was twelve - way back in 1989. (Don't do the maths) It was like meeting a rock star. I was plucked out of class by our school librarian and whisked away to a workshop in Fremantle. It was thrilling to be in the same room as a truly real and proper illustrator. Like Christmas and my birthday and free candy all at once. I still have the sketch he drew for me that day, tucked away in a very safe place.

Even before he strangled me, I loved Terry's illustrations. I remember reading my little brother Ten Monster Islands over and over and over again, and we would pore over those deliciously bold and cheeky illustrations until the lights simply had to be turned off.

In my daytime super librarian job I have seen the joy on kids faces when they read his books, and giggle at his wonderful characters. "He's the Australian Dr Seuss" one little lad confidently told me. I have seen the wonderful chaotic madness he can stir up when he talks to groups of kids - the room erupts into a frenzy of sillyness and the very next moment there is hushed awe as he shares something amazing and beautiful.

Oh yes, I'm wearing my heart on my sleeve*. Thankyou for all the wonderful books Terry dear, keep them coming. And thankyou for being such a warm and generous friend.

Now off you go, find a spot of sunshine and read one of his wonderful books with someone you love.

*Why yes, he did draw on my arm. What's that you say? Yes, I think he should design a tattoo for me too.

I heart things

2010-04-21T20:12:00.008+08:00

After a week away, a little bit ill in a big city on the other side of the continent, I am back home and loving it. After my giddy giddy holiday time I have decided that I need to to find a bit of balance in my life, before I fall over rather more seriously.

As a part of all that I've had a little thinky about my wee blog. Up until now it has been all about me. Don't get me wrong, I love me - and I hope you do too. But I love many other things too. Especially clever pretty artful things made by clever pretty artful folk. So, I have decided to share some of my favouritest clever pretty people's things with you. Stay tuned my darlings, these loving posts will start appearing soon.

But before then, we should talk about Yetis. There is a Yeti living in my apartment. It came to stay when the weather was coldish last year, and although it has unusual habits I have become rather fond of it. My obsession has until now been small, and secret and shared just with one friend - who accepts my Yeti updates with good grace. Updates such as this one...

The Yeti is mostly well behaved. It has decided it wants to enter Eurovision with it's rock-folk jug band. I hear it practicing sometimes in the night, the melancholy silly sound of yeti breath over the neck of a bottle. Still, it's sequinned costumes look awesome - maybe it does have a chance.

And now I am have started painting Yetis.

These two are a work in progress. Here's the rough sketch, and the painting I started tonight...

Zombies love...

2010-04-06T22:04:00.005+08:00

Last Chance! My zombies are living it up in the windows of the Last Chance Studio all this month. If you are in Northbridge, head on up William Street and take a peek. And while you are there why not pop into the gorgeous William Topp? (Oh so many pretty pretty things!)

In the Zomburlesque Window you can take a peek at the saucy ladies of the Monster Burlesque - catering to the gentleman with a taste for ... the unusual. The ladies of the Monster Burlesque were kind enough to pose long enough for myself and Master Jesse to capture their likenesses in paint. (Prints are available)

Over in the Zombies Love Shoes Window you can see zombies, cupcakes and my arty shoes too. (My favourite is the giant zombie riding the flying donut - but you'll just have to head down to the window to see it)

And remember, you have all month to win a print by leaving me a comment here... tell me your best monster beauty tip.

Win Win Windows

2010-03-29T14:29:00.006+08:00

After the frenzy of Upmarket goodness yesterday, I am now sliding into a frenzy of Window goodness. This Thursday I'm setting up two windows at the Last Chance Studio. One will be a delicious picnic scene - complete with zombies, flying cupcakes and other tasty treats.

Delicious

The other window will be a peek inside the glamorous life of the Monster Burlesque Show Girls, as painted by myself and Jesse. The Monster Burlesque - for the discerning gentleman with a taste for tentacles, fur and fangs.

The lovely Miss Amanda and I will be decking out a Monster Showgirl dressing room - complete with portraits of our saucy gals.

And this is how you win...

Tell me, what sort of beauty products do you think our monster girls would use?

A bit of Cyclops Brand Mascara perhaps.

Or some Lovely Lycan Shampoo - For glossy curls and coats.

Leave your suggestions in the comments field.

The winner will receive one of my Limited Edition Delicious prints.

What's that? You want a peek at one of the girls? Oh, alright then...

Keep your eyes peeled for a calendar featuring the ladies sometime later this year.

Turner Skies

2010-03-23T13:56:00.007+08:00

I loved the stormy weather yesterday. I was tucked up all cosy inside the lovely apartment watching the flishy-flashy lightning, enjoying the bumpy thunder and remembering the great fun I had as a kid during cyclone season up North.

Luckily, nothing got damaged and only a couple of things got a little bit damp. (Unlike some poor folks)

And Oh, the skies!

These things make me smile...

2010-03-16T21:16:00.010+08:00

Proper Mail

I received a very lovely and unexpected parcel today. Inside was the lovely Miss Llewellyn Jones on her shiny little scooter. It is Oh So Lovely! (Thankyou Moira - for the beautiful illustrations and also for the unexpected parcel) I particularly love the homemade bunny stamp.

Light

I love the light here. It is one of the things that makes this city home to me. The light is clear. The light is oh so bright. The light makes colours sing. Recently the days have been filled with the exceptional light of Summer's last days. Singing gently through the fluttering green of leaves. Shining crisply from the far away blue.

Filling my corner studio with warm encouraging sunshine. (Sometimes rather too warm. Yes, I am painting in my bathers)

this pic taken by the talented Sam Deere

Dancing

Dancing like a loon in my loungeroom with the stereo up Loud is fun. Dancing like a lounge-room loon at the Polyphonic Spree was a million times more fun. Despite having a rather sad and sore hip, I danced like a dervish at their concert in Fremantle. I'm still smiling big from that joyous night. (And my hip is still recovering)

this pic taken by the talented Sam Deere

Good Things Happening To Good People

There are many good things happening to some of my favourite people. It makes me smile all the way to my toes to see their hard work and talent rewarded.

Moira & Elaine's Miss Llewellyn-Jones goes to town is finally here, as a very real and proper book!

James & Norm have had exciting news of a picture book deal. I truly cannot wait to see their viking adventure.

Karen's had exciting news of future picture books. Karen's work is beautiful and her linework is always so joyous - it always makes me smile.

Terry's fabulous Gasp! serious has been made into one of those modern moving-picture-thingies that shows upon the television. Oh I cannot wait to see it!

Babies

There have been two babies born into my family recently. I am still to meet Ayla Ruby, but Zakk has completely stolen away a corner of my heart. And my day job is changing so I get to work more closely with babies and childrens of all sizes. This is very excellent news indeed.

Holidays

I am now on holidays from my day job for a quite reasonable amount of time. I shall wear my pyjamas in the daytime. I shall make pancakes and eat them smothered in jam. I shall splash paint about my studio in a most decadent manner. And. I shall slip onto a plane and have an adventure in Melbourne.

And, this easter I will make my nearest and dearest home-made rocky road. (Something I have been meaning to do for ever so long)

What makes you smile darling?

Website of Dooooooom

2010-03-12T18:55:00.007+08:00

Okay, maybe not so much of doom, probably more of bright shiny pretty things! My website has just had a littly bit of an update, so do stroll on over and have a peek at the arts and the shiny new shoe page and poke things and see if they break. (oh I hope they don't break!) While you do that, I shall eat a delicious biscuit and carry on painting tentacles onto shoes...

So. Many. Shoes.

2010-03-08T15:06:00.007+08:00

Only a couple more weeks until my darlings go on sale at the Perth Upmarket.

And then a poster to design for another fabulous market. And then window displays to design and set up at the Last Chance Studio. And then a quick little holiday to Melbourne. And then more Arts! I am totally loving how crazy all this arty stuff is getting. (That may be the vast quantities of nougat I've consumed this weekend talking - maybe ask me again when the sugar high wears off)

A big thanks to Sam D for his fabulous shoe photography skillz this weekend. AND my website is about to be updated with fab new art pics and also a page for the lovely shoes. OOooOOOooOOo Fancy!

Imagine Me And Moo

2010-02-24T08:38:00.010+08:00

This one time, we painted a cow. It was big and beautiful and stood perfectly still as we tickled it with our brushes.

It was so very very hot that we all got a teensy bit silly. We giggled at terrible terrible cow puns, which got worse and worse as the 42 degree heat melted our braiins. (hoof hearted?)

Talented illustrators Briony Stewart, Karen Blair , James Foley, Shannon Melville, Frané Lessac *, Matt Ottley and Wendy Binks all picked up brushes and lavished paint upon our lady cow.

These are some of the little things I painted on our Missy Moo...

Our cow is now out in the wild, you can see her in the Cow Parade in Margaret River. Go visit our lady at McLeod Creek Winery, near Karridale, and whisper a story into her ear.

This cow was brought to you by The Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. And the letter M and the number 9.

A big thanks to Frané and Shannon for letting me use some of their fabulous photos.

*Frané also provided the very most delicious lunches and let us splash paint about in her fabulous studio. (And also let me paint a pink mohawk on the tiny little white yappy dog that came to visit one day)

Busy like a busy thing

2010-02-16T21:18:00.006+08:00

Life is all of a sudden squishing in from all directions. There are a great many Things to be Doing, and thankfully they are very much mostly fun. In the next little while...

I am very much looking forward to meeting the lovely new baby in our family - Ayla Ruby - who has just popped into the world to say hello and delight us all.

And then there is Julia Lawrinson's book launch for Chess Nuts (which looks all shades of awesome!)

Plus I really want to go play in the bubbling splashy-good fun A ppearing Rooms installation that is in the city. (And cross my fingers that my red red hair dye does not run all down my face)

There is a bit of storytelling and dressing up in my new Where The Wild Things Are costume (my very clever friend Margaret made me the coolest Wolf Suit!) at the Picture Book Picnic at the Old Mill in South Perth on Tuesday 23rd February, and also at Manning Library on Friday March 5th.

I'm doing two talks on Wednesday 24th Feb - one in the afternoon for the cool new Triple8 kids club at Belmont Library. And one for grownups at Inglewood Library at 7pm as part of the Mind Your Arts series. I'm talking about being an artist and using social technologies (eep!) Love to see you there!

I am going to dance my tiny behind off at Polyphonic Spree. Oh yes I am.

Then there is the delicious feast of the Perth Writer's Festival. Come and say hi on the Sunday Family Day - I will be doing a spot of storytelling in the Better Beginnings Tent.

And of course there is all this painty painting of shoes to be done for my stall at the next Perth Upmarket.

Oh, and I'm painting and drawing new pieces for my folio.

Um, and writing all sorts of stories about ... pigs in trees... fierce girls who hunt witches... gillygirls who live under the footpath... girls with trees growing out of their ears... wolves and zombies...

And I've actually left rather a few things out. See you in the midst of the squishy-good fun!

Pants

2010-02-04T22:03:00.012+08:00

Last night I had a simply splendiferous time sketching and being oh so terribly arty in the presence of a Lady Taking Off Her Clothes. The talented Mr James, the artful Mr Jesse and I sketched up a storm and I think it's fair to say that all of us were impressed by the lovely Brandy Savage and her Talents.

The drawing was mad and fast and loose and crazy. And although I don't feel that any of my sketches were pieces of Art they were fun and have freed up a creative space in my head that was tightening up and closing down.

Tonight I was randomly doodling in my sketchbook in front of the telly and all was as zombie folk and monsters as usual. But when I started a new page, things started zombie and ended a little burlesque...

Three Days To Go

2010-01-19T09:17:00.004+08:00

Whoosh! That's the sound of my exhibition rushing by - my wee little paintings will only be hanging out in the gallery for three more days. After such a very long time getting ready I can't believe it's nearly over.

But, there are exciting things to be doing. I have four book ideas I'm working on at the moment. Yes, four. So I will not have barely any spare moments for idle gossip with tea and cake. Oh, alright - hand me the sugar spoon and tell me all about your day...

Swings And Roundabouts

2010-01-10T12:41:00.009+08:00

This weekend has been packed full, in a jamlike way, of emotion.

Friday was one of the very best days, in the whole of ever. My exhibition opened thanks to the love and care and support of friends and family. The whole day was a blur of cutting, packing, unpacking, measuring, hanging artworks, eating hot chips, laughing and getting my 26 paintings up on the walls, with my yeti-boy helping hold me together through the whole crazy experience.

The evening was magical. I felt ever so pretty and loved as the gallery filled up with all of the people I adore. My darling mum had baked teeny little

cakes and quiches and other delicious treats - perfect party food. And my friends not only showed up to give me support and hugs - they bought paintings! Lots of paintings! In fact - I sold half of the artworks on opening night!

By the end I felt the joy of the night shining out of every pore. And the evening was completed with a serious sloshing of champagne and Mr David Bowie on the telly in Labyrinth. Bliss.

And then. The next morning. It was over with my yeti-boy. It was sweet and sad

and salty with tears. But, it was also right. It is rare to be able to say a beautiful goodbye to a relationship, to both know that it is time. That, really you are both too similar to continue to be lovers.

So, I am sad. I am happy. I am a little bit delicate. I am truly thankful to everyone who has loved and supported and helped me become the artist I am today.

My wee little shop

2010-01-06T22:36:00.002+08:00

Only two more sleeps until my exhibition!

Nervousness and excitement and so very much to do!

If you can't make it to opening night, or are stuck far away from my home town of Perth, then you can have a peek at the artwork from the exhibition in my Etsy Shop!

On the thing day of thingmas

2009-12-16T18:04:00.006+08:00

It snowed in the night. Tiny flakes fluttering away from my windscreen as I reversed my car down the drive. A minute of tiny sadness - that so many things had to burn for me to have my moment of imaginary snow. There was a bushfire having a gleeful tantrum somewhere over the hills yesterday. The city was all hazy and the breezes bitter-ashy - choked with the fire's casual hurtful play. Things were mostly ok, I think.

I have struggled to find the festive spirit this year. Maybe it's because my yeti-boy is far far away - or because I'm so pre-occupied with the exhibition. But, I finally summoned a wee little spark of my usual spirit. I made the Jam with Mum on Monday. And I have now wrapped all the lovely presents, and made a Xmas Tree out of sparkly things and some of my favourite ornaments.

I admit it. I love wrapping presents. I find a comforting sort of pleasure in wrapping gifts neatly, smoothing the paper, folding and creasing, tightening the ribbon and making it all so very pretty.

Look at the delicious jam in progress. It is made out of red and sugar and strawberries and champagne. And tiny microscopic jam monkeys.

Exhibtion - One Month To Go!

2009-12-09T23:14:00.005+08:00

Squee! It's very nearly here, by the time xmas zooms past with a rustle of tinsel and an indulgence of sugar I will be getting ready to hang paintings in the gallery...

From Aaaaaaargh to Zombie

A tiny alphabet

Think you know your ABCs?

Come and take a peek. Teeny tiny zombies and monkeys and robots - Oh my! All arranged in a very alphabetical disorder for your convenience, delight and edification.

January 8th to 21st

YMCA HQ Gallery, 60a Frame Court Leederville

Let's Celebrate with a Competition!

There are many zombies in my exhibition, let's face I will happily zombify almost anything... even zombroccoli. What would you liked to see zombified? The winner will get a limited edition print!! Entries close Xmas day.

If you have entered my facebook comp, you can also enter this one. I will ship the winner's print to wherever they are in the world. The winner is the suggestion that makes me laugh out of my nose. Leave your zombification suggestions in the comments box.

Grey Saturday

2009-11-28T20:47:00.004+08:00

From my blog...

Sometimes it all just works. The paint flows easy and luscious and with daring onto the page. The story singing so clear in my veins it is a joy to pick up a brush and set it free. Those are the days when art is a gift.

And then there are Grey Days. Like today. When my head is thick and clouded, and I can only get shimmering glimpses of story before the greyness closes over. And the brush is heavy, my fingers dull. And everything i try and paint is Ugly. And Stupid. And the gift seems stolen away from me.

On Grey Days, I have to put the brushes aside before that ugliness on the page, and my ugliness of mood, overwhelm. I know that tomorrow a few clever brush-strokes will fix my ugly painting. But just now, I'm better off making a cup of tea and playing at another game. Tomorrow, the colours will come back to me.

Illustration Friday - Unbalanced

2009-11-17T21:30:00.002+08:00

A super-quick sketch done in front of the television.

A spot of Zombie Jenga anyone?

Special Guest Sally Murphy

2009-11-15T07:00:00.008+08:00

Hi Everyone, my dear friend Sally has a fabulous new Xmas book out.(Squee! Look how Shiny it is!) And she is touring about the interwebs sharing the joy of her new book. Sam: Welcome to my wee little blog Sally. I'm going to tuck into my world famous banana cinnamon pancakes - with maple syrup, what's on your breakfast plate today?

Sally: My darling’s world famous bacon and eggs. Yumm.

Sam: While we are noshing, and having a celebratory glass of bubbles with our breakfast, let's find out a little more about you Sally, with these fabulous questions I "borrowed" from Inside A Dog.

My latest book is ... Snowy’s Christmas (illustrated by David Murphy and published by Random Hosue Australia)

It’s about ... a white roo joey called Snowy who hates being different to the other kangaroos until one Christmas he discovers that his difference is what makes him special.

My favourite illustration in the book is ... the final one, where Snowy and the other white roos fly over an Aussie town – because that’s what I like to imagine happening where I live every Christmas.

The best thing about being a writer is ... holding a published book in my hand and reminding myself that it’s MY name on the cover because I actually wrote it (sometimes I have to pinch myself in case I’m dreaming).

If I wasn’t a writer I’d be ... depressed. But seriously, I’ve been lots of other things – Mum (which of course I still am), teacher, tourist bureau manager, telecentre coordinator... but whenevr I do any other job, I use it as fodder for what I really love doing – which is writing.

My first published work was ... a book for teachers called Speak Out. It is still in print 12 years laer, which is pretty good.

Morning person or night-owl? Neither. I hate getting up in the morning, but also struggle to stay awake at night. I guess, though, I’m pretty good at mornings once I do get up.

On a quiz show, my special subject would be ... Australian literature.

My last holiday was ... a trip across the Nullarbor last year with five kids, a husband and a caravan. Not only did I survive it but I loved it!

My perfect Saturday is ... bacon and eggs (cooked by my darling), cappuccino from the local cafe, a little reading, a little writing, a little pottering – and all my kids at home, too.

The last CD I bought was ... Ladysmith Black Mombazo, for my husband (though we are both long time fans)

I’m currently reading ...Document Z, by Andrew Croome, a fictionalised novel about the Petrov affair.

Favourite film/tv show is ... Packed to the Rafters, or maybe Gray’s Anatomy (depenign which one is on at the moment)

My favourite book is … C-a-a-a-r Ca-a-a-aa-a-r by Geoff Havel The book character I would most like to meet is ... Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s dairy. I’m a huge fan.

The book character I would least like to meet is ... the kids from the Faraway Tree books. As a kid I loved Enid Blyton, but as an adult, I find those kids really annoying. Rather!

The worst thing I’ve ever written is ... prac crits for university English courses. For someone who went on to become a high school English teacher, I was HOPELESS at writing practical criticisms through three years of my BA. Then, on the first teaching pracc of my dip ed a teacher gave me a handout which explained it all and I had one of those lightbulb moments. How come no one taught me to do it in highschool or Uni?

When I was growing up I wanted to be ... an author. Seriously – I always wanted to write books and have six kids. And that’s what I’ve done!

Sam: And as I finish licking the maple syrup from my plate I'd like to thank Sally for stopping by and giving us a peek into her writerly world. Thanks Sally, it's truly been a delight having breakast with you today.

Sally: And thanks for having me Sam. It’s been a blast!

Sam says - check out Snowy at your local library, or in all good bookstores.

To Market To Market

2009-11-07T19:37:00.014+08:00

So, you want a sneak peek at some of the treasures I will be selling at the markets next weekend? Oh, alrighty then, seeings you asked so nicely...

Made On The Left Markets

Saturday November 14th from 10am to 4pm

Hyde Park Hotel - 331 Bulwer St, West Perth

I'll be there, so come and say Hi! And have a looksee at my pretty cards and limited edition prints featuring my arts. Plus there will be supercool limited edition stickies. (Try your luck and see which pretty three stickers you will get.)

Aaand, my very favourite... why not order yourself a custom-painted pair of shoes featuring some of my crazy crazy arts.

See you there!

Jetlag, so worth it

2009-11-04T20:25:00.005+08:00

Two weeks of new sights, sounds, tastes and delights - a whirl of touristy treats, artistic bliss and the sheer joy of time spent with two of the dearest friends of my heart. Sure, my brain is now not my own, and I have that odd achey, floaty, out of body experience thing going on. But, the emotional overload of the Kandinsky exhibition at the Guggenheim in New York alone - well that was worth it. Never mind all the other brilliant American fun we had.

And now, the panic sets in. A week and a half until the Made On The Left Markets. Eep! I'm sure I can get it all done, right? Ah well, what's a few more sleepless nights to a body already deprived?

PS - Keep your eyes peeled, a very special guest will be stopping by the blog in the next week or so...

A Very Big Thing

2009-10-14T19:51:00.003+08:00

Those of you who are nearest and dearest to me will have noted my tiny little obsession with zombies and monsters and cake and sweet little oddities. Well, that tiny little obsession is soon to be a tiny little exhibition!

I will post more details closer to date, but it runs for two weeks from January 8th down at the groovy Leederville HQ. Zombies and cake and oddity will feature in an alphabet series of tiny little paintings. I am so very very excited!!

Watch this space for more news about Aargh to Zombie: A Tiny Alphabet

Loves Combined

2009-10-13T22:16:00.006+08:00

If there's one thing I love it's shoes... and arts. Ok ok, if there are two things I love it's shoes and arts... and cake. Ok ok ok, if there are three things I love its shoes and arts and cake. And before you know it, it's the Spanish Inquisition.

So, on top of my usual doodly arty days, getting ready for The Exhibition!, and now getting ready to sell my bits at the Made On The Left market, I've started prettifying shoes. Squee!! Shoes and Arts - together at last. And yes, I'll be taking orders if you need some pretty shoes in your life...

Illustration Friday - Germs

2009-10-05T22:09:00.003+08:00

I have a very vivid memory of watching that film Fantastic Voyage as a little child. The one where they shrink down the scientists to zoom inside a human bean and Find A Cure!! Most vivid of all is that scene where the white blood cells Attack! (And conveniently dissolve most of the female scientist's outfit until all that is left is a saucy bikini) Wow Science!!

PS - Sorry for the dodge pic, uploaded from the iphoney and haven't the energy tonight to fix the colours. This is much more muted than the original.

PPS - I also loved the Placebo clip for Special K - a fab homage to Fantastic Voyage.

Illustration Friday - Pattern

2009-09-28T22:34:00.007+08:00

A bit of a stretch, perhaps, but there is a disturbing pattern in my work of late. Bunnies. Bunnies popping up all over the place. Amongst the shrubbery, behind the ninja, fleeing from the zombies. And now sailing upon the stormy seas...

Terrible Hungry

2009-09-23T22:30:00.004+08:00

So, what if he just gobbled her up? This terribly hungry wolf who she meets on the dark and crooked path? What if he didn't wait to hear the tale of her juicy grandmother, and just opened his jaws wide and ... took a bite? Granny would doze on in peace, Wolfie wouldn't be chopped into teensy bits by the woodsman - who, incidentally would actually finish his days work and get home to the wife and step-children in time for dinner, with a full days pay in his pocket, and he would then perhaps have earned enough to actually feed this starving family of his and not have to lead poor little Hansel & Gretel into the deepling woods to be tempted by that gingerbread cottage and commit that dear old witch to a fiery end...

I guess, the only real downside, is that it might take Wolfie a while longer to realise his cross-dressing tendencies. Oh, and that lovely red hood would have tooth-marks in it...

Rescue Me?

2009-09-14T22:27:00.005+08:00

Markers. Magic Markers. The kind that you can use to follow endless black lines through fairytales and into character's eyes and around a cheeky bear's afro. The kind where you get so lost in the drawing that your tongue pokes out of the corner of your mouth as your hands circle and swirl. The kind that make you remember the sheer joy of doodling, that feed your addiction to the line. I love my new markers.

What would have happened to Rapunzel if her Prince had never come? Would she have become a crazy cat lady alone in her tower, her hair an endless rats-nest of dreadlocks and kitty treats? Or would she eventually have figured out that she could crochet a parachute out of her own shimmery tresses and leap to freedom?

Things I ponder as i follow the lines.

Letters To The Yeti Boy

2009-08-12T22:24:00.010+08:00

Dear Yeti,

I found your footprint in the woods. It would have been more helpful if you'd left a note. Or maybe sent me an email? I don't really have the knack of decoding footprint messages, as I only went to girl-scouts for one day.

x Sam

Technically, this is a stretch for this week's illustration Friday - which is Impatience. But I'm quite impatient with the vagueness of certain yetis at the moment. If only I had learnt the trick of taming monsters by staring into their terrible yellow eyes without blinking even once... But I was away that day.

Illustration Friday - Idle

2009-07-29T10:09:00.005+08:00

With an idle Wednesday morning while the plumbers give me hot water in my kitchen, my thoughts naturally turn to bunnies up trees and their idle daydreams...

... Do clouds taste like marshmallow? What sort of wings would i want if i could fly? Butterfly wings seem a bit pretentious, maybe lovely dark and mysterious crow wings. Does he love me? Kissing, kissing kissing. I wish i could eat bread again, I really miss eating toast. La la la. Monkeys are awesome, except for those evil killer zombie monkeys, and you really can't blame them for breaking free of the lab and killing their evil scientist overlords with a swift dose of mascara to the brain. Jam Jam Jam...

Ah, it's good to get back in the Illustration Friday saddle again.

Jam jam jam!

Dance Magic Dance

2009-07-28T19:46:00.004+08:00

A wee little peek into a corner of my arty space...

I tend to work on the floor in my lovely light-filled loungeroom - with brushes and paints and paper and half-drunk cups of tea and scraps of ideas spread over the entire floor. As it's winter and this drafty old darling of a building is frosty i'm practically perching on my heater. I really should clear my desk so i can sit pretty on a chair, but for now i'm happy to contort myself into yogic positions for the sake of my arts.

It's all about the gouache. Every now and then i'll pick up a pencil, but i am completely and utterly in love with my paints right now. I love the creaminess of the paint fresh from the tube, the lushness of the colours and the silkiness of the paint slipping onto the paper. My Windsor & Newton palette at the moment consists of...

Everyday favourites - Sap green, Scarlet lake, Cerulean Blue, Primary Yellow, Permanent White, Flesh Tint, Rose Malmaison, Golden yellow, Ivory black, Parma violet, Cadmium red pale.

And Useful colours - Primary blue, Viridian, Permanent green light, Cobalt turquoise blue, Linden Green, Permanent Green middle, Spectrum yellow, Sky blue and Vandyke brown.

I love the thrill of a sale at the local art supplies store, sneaking another untried tube into the painting kit. I have a ragtag little band of favourite cheap brushes, most beloved are my size zeros and ones. (I paint small, most of my pictures are under 10cm x 10cm)

As well as surrounding myself with cups of tea and delicious tubes of paint i like my distractions close to hand. Appliances are ON. The lappy sits nearby for online diversions or research and to play suitably happy-fying or calming music. The tv is on but muted - because sometimes it's just funny to look up and stare quizzically at Dr Phil's moustache - and since childhood i have found the glow and swirl of tv colours a comfort. Feel free to drop by and share some delicious cake and a cup of tea - as long as you don't mind a wee bit of a mess.

Bunny Suit

2009-07-26T22:36:00.002+08:00

As promised, i splashed a little colour on this sketch.

The heart situation remains unresolved, but i am hopeful.

Smile, though your heart is breaking

2009-07-26T13:10:00.006+08:00

A quick sketch, a scraggly bunch of flowers to show that i haven't forgotten you dear interweb, I've just been distracted by my heart. Once I've tidied this one up and slapped on some paint I'll post the final heart-weary result.

Oh but it's cold outside

2009-07-20T17:03:00.002+08:00

What with the global pandemic-a-palooza and re-watching the Germs episode of Invader Zim, and icky punters sneezing on their library cards as they hand them over the desk, well a little influenza was bound to leak out of the end of my paint brush.

Jellies In Spaaace

2009-06-25T22:20:00.003+08:00

A super quick sketch for Illustration Friday this week, a lonely little jelly drifting through space. His pretty girl-jelly got caught in a tricksome current and is now adrift without her love.

Just like clockwork...

2009-06-16T22:10:00.003+08:00

Monkeys, monkeys everywhere and all of sudden they get meaner and meaner and perhaps it's my aversion to moloko but suddenly it's gone a little clockwork in here.

Sweetness and Heartache

2009-05-19T21:47:00.006+08:00

I'm back painting fairytales this week, and am really enjoying playing around with Zombielocks and the three, er, Zombies. I'm also reworking the Three Little Piglets, who build their houses out of materials most non-traditional. (Wibbly wobbly jelly! Oh those silly pigs.) Having done some storytelling with kids recently, i have rediscovered the joy of twisting traditional tales to make children giggle through their noses!

Sadly my own personal fairytale did not work out, and i feel rather like the wicked witch - destined to live alone in the forest or at worst be pushed into an oven by some nasty children. OK, that's rather melodramatic but I do feel a little heartsore and sad.

Sketchbook Noise

2009-05-06T18:22:00.005+08:00

I'm working towards a wee little exhibition, some time this year. If I actually set a date it might scare me into finishing more paintings - eek! Until the big scare though, i noodle away in my sketchbook, daydreaming little scenes for different letters of the alphabet. Here's a peek into this week's doodlings.

PS- "Doodle" is one of those words that makes me giggle. Every time.

It Must Be Love

2009-05-05T22:37:00.005+08:00

Adrian is a clever clever monkey, he designed my website and in return i promised him paintings. And i promised. And i promised. This went on for far too long, and then one day - voila! I had the paintings all done! Here they are - a happy snap of the zombie couple and a charming wedding shot - extra guests cheering from the sidelines of Adrian & Alex's wedding. Huzzah!!

Celebrity Dreams

2009-04-29T21:50:00.004+08:00

I have had a grand dose of happy recently, all smiles and bubbly fun and magical kissing. This recent change in the emotional weather has been wondrous and apart from making me grin like I've got a dose of the Crazy has made my art and imagination fire up. In fact, I've had to go buy some new brushes as I'm wearing my current ones down to stubs.

My dreams have gone all technicolour too. OK, they are always rather vivid, but this mornings was one of those hyper-real ones that take a minute to shake off. I was serving mr gaiman a cup of tea and he looked up and told me i had to go get changed - right this minute - into black, as i was distracting him from his writing. I woke up seriously thinking about the lack of black in my wardrobe and the fact that mr G would just have to put up with it because gosh darn it i like wearing bright colours... before i remembered that i work at the library. And that the lack of black in my wardrobe was really not going to be a problem for an author who lives on the other side of the planet. I wonder if he liked the tea?

PS - the piglet is a design for a badge. Thoughts?

Oh look, a duck

2009-04-12T21:42:00.005+08:00

I realise that ducks are not so traditional at this time of year, but I am completely over the sight of bunnies. (Chocolate Overindulgence - check!) Hope your long weekend went swimmingly. P.S. Sorry for the terrible photography, blame it on the bunnies.

I gots me a piggy!

2009-03-29T18:26:00.005+08:00

I saw a Humphrey B Bear night light in a second hand shop last year and instantly felt a happy, warm, beary glow deep inside. I used to have one when I was little and his warm, yellow light was a comfort in the darkest night. And then, well I guess that I was somehow too grown up to admit being scared of the dark and he was gone.

Seeing Humphrey, with his silly tie and lack of pants, in that shop window reminded me how much I love those kitchy night lights from the 70s - prancing lambs and cartoon characters. They are so pretty and fun and downright kooky. Sadly, I didn't buy Humphrey and once again he disappeared from my life.

But now I have a piggy! Today in Fremantle he beckoned to me from the top shelf in a kooky little shop and made me smile so hard it really didn't take much convincing from my friend to buy him. His pinky glow makes me so very very happy. I love you piggy.

Illustration Friday - Subtract

2009-03-22T18:57:00.002+08:00

There has been a muchness of emotional spending in my life of late. Filling the void with things, oh so pretty things, is fun at the time but I'm sure at some future point will be a discovery of unfulfillment. As well as the Enormous Subtraction from my bank account, there is the tiny subtraction of self-worth from encounters with Snobbish Sales Assistants. (Not that the Lovely Miss Moo pictured above is in any way snobbish) (Well, perhaps in the area of gloves) (Every Lady should have an abundance of gloves) (In all shades of pink)

chaos, moi?

2009-03-14T15:11:00.005+08:00

The sketch book prospers at the moment, as do the tiny bugs living in my carpet. I despair of ever being one of those perfect housewives. My sink fills with dishes, i drop things where they don't belong when creative inspiration strikes and i run away to find a paint brush, and i smell my clothes before wearing them - just to see if i can eke one more wear before facing the washing machine monster. Sigh, I am in short a Grub.

Which is why this grotty girly has been so much fun to paint, there are big things underway for her - hush hush at the moment. But it makes me smile to think of the very silly adventure she is about to set off upon.

Creative projects abound, with happy bugs and monster-filled weddings and the new grubby girly filling my days and nights. Just as well there is no significant other to witness the piggly state of the apartment as i pursue artistic bliss.

Illustration Friday - Breezy

2009-03-01T20:00:00.003+08:00

Me and Maisy

2009-03-01T19:42:00.004+08:00

Sticky. In all the best ways. I have spent a lovely day at the Perth writer's festival today, just soaking up the sharp sunshine and the joy of kids rolling about in stories. I caught up oh so briefly with lovely friends such as the divine miss Clare (on dragonfly stilts with gossamer wings) and the debonair Mr Swift. And of course, my dear hearts from the State Library.

And Oh I had ever so much fun telling stories and singing nursery rhymes to kids today. There is nothing so lovely as when children dive into stories with you. And I must admit to enjoying my moment of minor celebrity when a lovely little 3 year old Caleb fell in love with me and we sat in the cushions sharing a seahorse story, all lisps and delight and delicious shy giggles. And what girl could say no to posing for photos with a little boy who makes a crocodile puppet eat your necklace? It all put a smile on my heart that has been missing for a bit.

Even though it was beastly hot, with those sneaky little rivulets of sweat that creep down behind your knees and trickle trickle trickle, I had a lovely time just being out in the world.

It was my birthday then

2009-02-14T17:02:00.005+08:00

This has been an odd combination of quiet birthday and slightly ill valentines with a side order of awesome-hair and arty fun play. My birthday whispered past yesterday with well wishings from many - oh yes i am adored by the masses. After my recent romantical shambles i have decided to postpone birthday celebrations 'til i feel a little sunnier. But, staying in to paint yielded the goods with some more zombie fun flowing from my brush. (And today yielded hair of purple so im feeling pretty darn good) (aside from the random nausea) Behold...

Zombies heart Brains

2009-02-12T21:25:00.003+08:00

Well, it's been a warm few days and as i slurped my way through some zingy and very melty berry sorbet a friend suggested zombies might enjoy chillin with some tasty sorbet too - brain flavour of course. Here is the first of my sketches, this lil zombie is suffering from a tough of the brain freeze. :)

Tick Tock Lady

2009-02-12T21:11:00.004+08:00

This weeks Illustration Friday topic is Time. I thought it would be nice to have a lady with clockwork insides peeking out, and then this just developed into one of those frozen moments in time. I've felt both lately, that my slightly damaged inner machines have kept me ticking along through my heartbreak, and also that the world slows like golden jelly and small moments become agonisingly clear before the world snaps back into sharp focus and continues on it's buzzing noisy way.

The lady with the tick tock eyes has a moment, her world is just about to snap back...

Google meme

2009-02-03T18:59:00.005+08:00

Samantha needs some hugs (doh, true actually)

Samantha needs to take a leak pretty badly apparently. (Ahem. Well, i do drink A LOT of tea)

Samantha looks like a greyhound. (Lean and furry??)

Samantha looks like a monkey. (Lets not mention the tail)

Samantha says cutie cupcake dress. (Gimme gimme)

Samantha does the hulla hoop. (I had a hoola hoop that smelled like bubblegum when i was little)

Samantha does look "young n pretty". (Oh, why thenkyou)

Samantha hates vegetables and would be happy living on a diet of chocolate. (Noo - i looove potato!!)

Samantha hates bananas now. (Mmm, well, lets not go into that)

Samantha asks the obvious question. (...)

Samantha asks for a Caesar salad - and gets Julius himself. (Now that's a neat trick - never mind the croutons)

Samantha likes you. (I really do!)

Samantha likes her clients to feel comfortable. (Ahem.)

Samantha likes putting people in boxes. (Well, i do have all these boxes laying around after my move...)

Samantha eats for 3 minutes. (Starting... NOW)

Samantha eats her food. She is exceptionally rude. (From Mem Fox' website, hee hee)

Samantha wears snake-skin leotard. (But only for work)

Samantha wears the pants. (Damn right)

Samantha was arrested after an incident in which she kicked a teachers aide. (It was a mere caress with my foot)

Samantha was arrested and all hell broke loose. (Rrrr)

Samantha loves the fancy dress. (Don't mind if i do!)

Hmmn, there were an awful lot of "saucy" websites popping up in relation to my name .

This fun meme is from John Green,

Type your name into Google with the verb that comes after in the question. Answer with your favourites from the first page of google results. Have fun!

Wibbly Wobbly

2009-01-31T21:17:00.003+08:00

Well, so much for 2009 being a brand spanking lovely new year. It seems that last year's wibbly wobblyness is set to continue for a little bit longer. I've had to pack up my life and move into a stunning new apartment - a truly gorgeous heritage house and the top level is mine mine mine. Sadly, i have had to do this on my own as my perfect love life collapsed around me in an instant, and there was nothing i could do ... broken hearted about sums it up.

Enough. I have an impressive stack of boxes to unpack, and am now Queen of Ikea Bookcase assembly. Yes, bow before me my loyal subjects as we bask in the glory of near perfectly assembled book cases of shiny white squareness.

Still, all this roiling emotion should make for some amazing art, yes?

illustration Friday - Resolve

2009-01-08T07:32:00.004+08:00

Big Bad's new years resolution was under extreme strain...

And another quickie - just because I kinda like this wolfie, and also feel a little like howling at the moon myself.

Zombies like turkey too...

2008-12-27T22:05:00.004+08:00

Xmas is done and dusted. Complete with a giant turkey and lashings of tasty cakes, lovely presents and joyousness with my Love, family tensions and slight sunburn in odd places, and a mini-meltdown this morning. (Which is why i'm here blogging instead of soaking up the sunshine with my love in Bremer Bay) (I'm working on a cunning plan to get down there though...) (Zoom Zoom Zoom) (Anxiety Coping Techniques willing...)

But before all that, i got to make hats. Wheee fun with glitter and scissors and zombies! My friend Steve needed hats for a boxing day lunch, and voila! Zombie hats for luncheon. Maarvellous dahling!

And i truly do heart xmas.

Illustration Friday - Similar

2008-12-08T17:24:00.008+08:00

Ah, Mondays. A wee bit tired today, but a couple of sketches for Illustration Friday.

It was beginning to get a little crowded in the Pod. A case of similarity breeds contempt?

This was my other quick Similar sketch this arvo. A bit hasty, but I had Oh So Much fun playing with the paints.

Josie and Marvin were delighted to take out first prize in the "Owners Who Look Like Their Pets" category at the Pet Show.

Illustration Friday - Balloon

2008-12-04T18:02:00.002+08:00

Balloons, floaty good fun or squeaky rubbery harbingers of doom? You decide.

Illustration Friday - Wise

2008-11-11T13:05:00.003+08:00

Sweet little Owlets in love.

Illustration Friday - Vacant

2008-11-06T07:28:00.003+08:00

The seashell was not quite as vacant as she'd hoped.

A very quick sketch this week, i'd like to revisit this scene and work on it some more.

I have a great photo of my cousin doing this exact dance on a beach in our childhood.

Shrieks and shakedy hands a-go-go!!

And big floaties and sand in bathers and slatherings of stinky sunscreen and polony sandwiches with sweet smelling tomato sauce and towels wet and crunchy with sand that would never get you dry and silly hats with frills on them and tongues red stained from twin-poles and a day that seemed it would never end, not really, not even when we were all squished in the back of the wagon a little bit grumbly-tired and on the way home.

Illustration Friday - Strings

2008-10-14T19:11:00.004+08:00

The folk of Jiggly City always felt a bit anxious as the days lengthened and summer began to flutter on the breeze. They had spent the long winter saving every bit of string, every strand of spaghetti and every oddment of wool. Gathered around their heaters they wove giant stringy springy nets, ready for the day the Jellyheads oozed into town...

A stretch for the Illustration Friday Topic? Sure, but i like giant jellyfish. :)

Babies Babies Everywhere

2008-09-20T17:20:00.003+08:00

Congratulations to the lovely Patrick & Dawn and their lovely new baby Finn. I've been making a fair few cards lately, and this one is inspired by some crazy felt critters I've been making for an upcoming craft market. All wide eyed and pokey tonges, why wouldn't you think of babies?

Illustration Friday - Clique

2008-09-20T17:02:00.004+08:00

Gerald had made a goose of himself once again. Those feather-headed flamingo girls had made it quite clear that there was no room for ugly ducklings in their part of the pond.

Happy 70th Birthday

2008-09-13T21:32:00.003+08:00

A happy afternoon spent painting a cakey card followed by a big boisterous family dinner - with cake. Huzzah!

the details are sketchy...

2008-09-09T22:25:00.005+08:00

Oh how time flies when you are starting new jobs, selling houses and falling over just the littlest bit dizzy. I will post the illustration friday's i've been working on, but in the meantime here's a leetle bit of one of my merry arty projects. I'm going to have a mini exhibition inspired by some delicious vintage red scrabble tiles i've happened upon. My journal is filling up with hasty sketches inspired by different letters of the alphabet, here's the letter K. I'm particularly fond of the kazoo playing zombie in the corner. kazoos, kettles, klutzes and kimonos...

illustration friday - enough

2008-08-05T22:45:00.004+08:00

this is late, but i found it in my sketchbook so decided to post it anyways.

illustration friday - poof!

2008-08-05T21:35:00.004+08:00

Sambellina loved the rain, but no matter how much product she used her curly curly hair always went "poof!" at the first hint of a raindrop.

IF: Canned

2008-07-29T22:00:00.003+08:00

Ah illustration friday, i have missed you! This week's theme is Canned. Of course the best canned treat is beans - Mmmagic Beans...

IF: Sour

2008-07-09T21:56:00.005+08:00

Boy howdy what a couple of weeks! This was originally for the Punchline Illustration Friday, but what with my brother's misadventures and disasters, it was pushed aside for more importances. The joke is one of my most favouritest lamest types...

Q. What is white and fluffy and beats its chest?

A. A meringue-utan

Oh haha! And lemon-meringue works so well for the Sour Theme this week, oh for some of that delicious sweety-sour concoction with the chewy ooey gooey meringue balancing precariously on top...

Mmmm! Go on, share your favourite lame joke - you know you want to...

drat and brother and swearing

2008-06-21T15:19:00.006+08:00

Sigh, this has been such a long week. There has been layer upon layer of idiocy and worry, but the end point is that my brother is in a hospital bed in Athens after having just had spinal fusion surgery.

The lead up to this point has involved frantic family worry as my brother missed flights, had his passport stolen, had no money and no phone, and then got hit by a car in Athens. (There are many other layers in there including lack of travel insurance and visa dramas, but my brain is too tired to finesses this traveller's cautionary tale) My Dad had to fly from New Zealand to be at his bedside, and there is the possibility my mum and i may have to go and live in Athens for up to a month as Ryan heals.

Thus, creative endeavours have been put aside and me and my head-doctor have some really fun stuff to talk about now!

big love and thanks to all my family, my friends, and all those friends of friends who have helped us out. Who knows, my next post may be from Athens? Aarg.

IF: Baby take 2

2008-06-10T18:29:00.005+08:00

Mama Stella loves her little stitchling babies.

Zombies, and the lively undead, are star players in my doodlings lately. My head doctor raised an interested eyebrow when i mentioned this to her.