meet the makers Archives | Bookblock Shop

Meet the Makers – Selma Gulbahce

Posted on September 9, 2021September 9, 2021 by Louise Ashlee

In this week’s Meet the Maker, we meet Selma Gulbahce. An abstract painter who produces beautiful and bold, fluid paintings using acrylic paints. Selma loves the freedom of never knowing exactly what she’s going to get when the paint hits the canvas, resulting in unique pieces every time. Selma’s love of exploring new techniques and hands-on work has helped shape the paintings she produces today.

Your work is very striking, with each piece being totally unique. When did you first start working within your chosen medium and how did that come about?

My journey began as an abstract artist in 2020 during the lockdown. However, I never really started producing any work for months. The reason for this was because I didn’t want to just dive into it, I wanted to gain as much knowledge as I possibly could. I was waiting for the right timing, but after procrastinating for months and months I realised the right time was never going to come, therefore I had to make it happen.

Two platforms where I use as inspiration are Instagram and Pinterest! One day during lockdown I was scrolling on Instagram in my ‘saved’ posts, where I have saved thousands of inspirations. I came across an abstract painting I believe I must have saved from a year ago. I don’t know what it was about that abstract painting I saw, but I fell in love with it. I then started coming across more abstract work which then led me on to Sophie Tea Instagram page where I fell in love with her work.

How has your work developed over time and did you ever create work quite different to what you are producing at the moment?

Yes, my work definitely has come a long way. I love exploring new techniques and styles therefore my work always evolves. However, comparing my work to 6 years ago I can definitely see a huge change in my process and development as an artist/designer. Even after researching current abstract artists and trends, I was still a little clueless. Therefore I began pouring and ended up producing random abstracts. I didn’t want to narrow my work down so I was using all sorts of colours and styles. Having said that, I still don’t have a style, I’m still freestyling. Abstract painting is always an anonymous one because you really don’t know what you’re going to get when the paint meets the canvas, and that’s really what I love about my work.

Do you have a favourite artist, designer, or movement that has inspired your work/work ethic? (Can be a musician, performer, etc)

Three artists who inspire me are Polly Nor, Camille Walala and Sophie Tea. One day I was scrolling on Instagram where I came across Sophie Tea, and since then she’s been such a huge inspiration to me. In fact, she was the one that inspired me into abstract art. Over time she changed her style, she no longer produces abstract paintings she now paints the female body, emphasising body confidence and women empowerment. I literally can’t wait for the day I own one of her paintings!

Can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up and how that may have influenced your work? Did you study and if so did this influence the methods in which you work?

I was born into a middle eastern family, raised in south London. My elder sister and I were the only two artistic siblings in the family. We always inspire each other, but I can say she definitely played a huge part in helping me discover my creative side. I studied graphic design at Ravensbourne University and completed my master’s in Illustration & Visual Media at UAL. My master’s degree was a stepping stone for me as I was introduced to a wide range of mediums. At that point the world was my oyster, therefore I was producing work I thought I wasn’t capable of. Since I was so carried away producing work on my laptop, I had forgotten how much more fun it was and how comfortable I was producing hands-on work. And, this has massively reflected on the work I am currently producing.

Browse Selma’s Personalised Designs

Meet The Makers – Olivia Brazier

Posted on March 2, 2021March 11, 2021 by Sarah Bennett

To celebrate the launch of Forty Liquors’ Pornstar Martini cocktail, we travel behind the scenes to get to know the talented artist commissioned with creating the striking packaging design. Exploding with historic art references and snapshots that challenge ideas of voyeurism and the female gaze, the work of Olivia Brazier is as intelligent as it is creative and quirky. With cheek and charm both key characteristics of the iconic Pornstar Martini Cocktail, Olivia’s work fits the bill completely. Olivia’s use of collage really made an impact with us here at Bookblock. Going far beyond references from the online digital age, Olivia’s interest in the female nude and its representation throughout art history has a huge influence on her work. Empowering, seductive and commanding common themes of Olivia’s work parallel that of the Martini. Join us as we sit down with Olivia to get to know more about her as an artist, and her working process.

Can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up and how that may have influenced your work?

I grew up in the South of France in an area that is famous for its lemons and light. It used to be a really trendy place for artists such as Matisse and Jean-Cocteau to come and work so there’s a lot of art built into the history of the region. There is a great deal of natural beauty too and an endless amount of colour. In the summer months a relaxed lifestyle takes over and many businesses shut for their holidays making it feel carefree. It is an appealing concept for life to be stripped back to the basics of eat, drink and be merry. This utopian idea is the underlying feeling I hope for my collages to encompass.

Do you have a favourite artist, designer or movement that has inspired your work/Direction?

The Italian Renaissance is really inspiring as this is a period when artists such as Raphael and Caravaggio were painting still lifes with visual puns and sexual symbolism imbedded into the fruits and vegetables. I love the idea of these super sexually-charged paintings being hung in ‘respectful’ locations under the disguise of being an innocent painting of a bowl of fruit.

I also draw a lot of inspiration from the female nude and its representation through-out art history. I am especially intrigued by the mythological genres painted by the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood in the 19^th century when nudity was a popular feature.

Has collage always been your main medium to work in or has your work developed over time?

I began working with collage about seven years ago. Before that I studied painting at university and by my final year I was building metal sculptures from layers of found metals. I’d like to say collage was a planned move but I fell into it (well, more like tripped into it!) and haven’t looked back since. I am drawn to the idea of being given something that already has its narrative and then manipulating it and morphing it into a new purpose.

When you begin a new project do you tend to create a detailed plan of what you want to do, or is your work process relatively experimental?

Each of my collages have three main components; the food, the human figure and the background. I pick one of these to begin with and then try to combine it in with a second component. Once I have a good fit I then seek out the third component. It is an elimination game as I can only work with what has already been printed. I source these from a bunch of different books and magazines ranging from cook books, gardening manuals to vintage and interior design magazines.

Forty Liquors’ Pornstar Martini

Created in 2002, the Pornstar Martini has become the UK’s favourite cocktail. This Forty Liquors twist is delicate whilst maintaining all the associated sauciness. The ingredients are as follows; Passionfruit, Vanilla Vodka, Passoa, Pineapple Rum, Verjus, Champagne cordial, and Citric Acid. With layers of sophistication and handfuls of fun, the Pornstar Martini is a staple of any good cocktail soirée. To that, we say chin chin!

Meet the Makers – Tom Ashlee

Posted on February 20, 2021February 20, 2021 by Sarah Bennett

For today’s meet the maker, we meet Tom Ashlee. Tom is a Kent based Graphic designer and Illustrator working across a variety of platforms and mediums, from package design to lyric videos. Seamlessly moving from bold and striking logo design work within the music industry to calming, detailed pattern work for local brands, Tom’s love of album artwork consistently inspires his working approach. With sleek finishes Tom’s attention to detail instantly makes an impact, as complex compositions meet to present retro themes among an ordered creativity.

Can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up and how that may have influenced your work?

From a young age I had always been interested in music and owning the CD of a new favourite song or album. I believe this is where my initial love for design and also music came together. I began creating doodle-esque drawings which I later developed into stronger pattern compositions and I continue to develop this style, whilst also experimenting in other areas of design.

Do you have a favourite artist or designer that has inspired your work?

In school I found out about multidisciplinary designer Kate Moross, who also primarily worked in combining design and music. Their work always inspired me, not just from the work they create but also their continuous drive and forward thinking within the industry.

Your work focuses on pattern design but can be varied in style. Do you have a preferred medium to work in or enjoy experimenting with a variety of different mediums and styles?

I would say I enjoy a good balance of working with pen and paper but also taking things into digital media, working with drawing apps such as Procreate and also Photoshop. In terms of my style, I have always loved quite abstract art and design, admiring the work of artists such as Kandinsky and more contemporary artists like Gareth Pugh. I enjoy developing my style, playing with shapes and patterns in all different ways.

When you start a project do you tend to start with sketches or work digitally?

If I am working with pen on paper I tend to sketch out a rough idea of a composition I like and then go over with pen to create the finished product. If I am working digitally I tend to start with a rough concept of what I want to do and experiment with the composition until it feels right.

As a part of our Stationery Week campaign we are offering a generous 50% discount on selected makers and their designs for one day only! Today we are offering 50% Off Tom Ashlee personalised stationery using code: TOM50ASHLEE

Meet the Makers – Astrid Weguelin

Posted on February 19, 2021February 20, 2021 by Sarah Bennett

For today’s instalment of Meet the Makers, we go in depth with one of our closest collaborators. A mainstay in Bookblock’s creative process, illustrator Astrid Weguelin brings joy and serenity to the forefront of her work with every design. Bringing us a new special Art Therapy Journal this Stationery Week, we wanted to understand why this particular focus was so important to Astrid, and how its fruition into reality was different compared to the creation of previous works.

Beginning with an interest in art therapy as a concept, Astrid was inspired by its ability to be a form of both relaxation and expression. As so many creatives can find, balancing the want and need to be creative with other life pressures and emotions can very difficult, often with creativity stopping completely. Through researching theories and online accounts, Astrid was able to take on her own approach to the project. Through exploring the different drawing exercises used in global art therapy sessions, Astrid realised she wanted to make this journal more like a creative diary. With fun and freedom being key attributes of creativity, Astrid knew she wanted to include the chance to experiment with different mediums as much as possible, as well as documenting your experiences in ways other than writing.

On explaining the process she went through when researching and collating ideas, Astrid notes “I’d think about what I do when I’m stuck for ideas – I get a few different materials and just doodle until something interesting catches my eye that I can develop further. Equally when I’m stressed, I like to draw to take my mind off whatever I’m thinking about – so I wanted to create drawing exercises which meant you could focus on something creatively for a while and help to relax. The exercises are there to give guidance on where to start, but also leave enough space for you to create freely.”

On a mission to know more, we continued to talk shop with Astrid, learning about her childhood, her biggest inspirations and how she developed her signature style.

Can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up and how that may have influenced your work?

I grew up in north London, I don’t think that particularly influenced my work that much. I’ve always loved architecture and big concrete buildings, which maybe started an interest in shapes and collage. But I love finding the beautiful patterns and shapes within simple things – like vegetables! Food and nature are a big influence on my work and are what I always turn to when I’m stuck for things to draw.

Your work is full of texture and abstract takes on objects or shapes. Has this always been your signature style or has it been something that has developed over time?

I started working in this way in my second year of university, I used to work more in paint and watercolour. We were introduced to traditional printing, like mono-print & lino-print, where you roll out the ink and use stencils. Once I had started to collage shapes together and get to create fun textures it felt a lot more natural to work in that way and I haven’t turned back since!
It has definitely developed a lot since then, as I now work more digitally rather than hand-making my collages. But I do switch it around sometimes – between working more detailed to pulling it right back to working with the basic shapes of objects.

When you start a project do you tend to start with sketches or work digitally?

I do a very a few very rough sketches, to map out different composition ideas and try out colour combinations. I then do a digital sketch on my iPad which is more finished in terms of colours I want to use. I then primarily use Photoshop, using a combination of brushes and hand-made ink textures which I’ve scanned in, to cut out shapes and patterns. I prefer the ink textures to brushes as they are filled with lovely irregularities where the ink has built up, giving more of a natural, organic feel to my work.

Do you have a favourite artist or designer that has inspired your work?

Henri Matisse! I’d always loved his work; I remember going to an exhibition of his cut-outs at the Tate while I was at Uni, and that having a big influence on my work. Seeing them in person was amazing; the bold, simple shapes full of life. I often look back at his work when I feel a piece I’m working on is getting too busy – as sometimes simple is best!

Browse Astrid’s Personalised Designs

Meet the Makers – Type & Story

Posted on February 18, 2021November 2, 2021 by Sarah Bennett

For another instalment of Meet the Makers, we sit down with Type & Story a small but exciting London design studio making contemporary paper products. Founded by Niccy Iseman with the minded approach of living well and with purpose, conscious intent is at the core of every story choice and the brand’s ethos overall. Promising to bring balance to your life through confident designs, Type & Story bring an elegance to organisation. Operating like a micro fashion house in that each story is different but always under the umbrella of typography and storytelling, each product is designed to uplift, inspire and empower.

Addressing their origins and interests, Type & Story note “We take interest in so much. We take nothing as fact and are open to multiple interpretations. We take interest in how things are displayed and styled as well as what the core of each collection means. We are open-minded and revel in the act of storytelling.”

Can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up and how that may have influenced your work?

I studied Art History for my degree which definitely helped conceptualise the visual world and where I sit in it as a graphic designer. I grew up in London and worked part time throughout my teenage years at retailers such as Selfridges, Liberty and Harrods which exposed me to the most design led commercial products on the market. This undoubtedly helped shape my taste, level and passion for gifting products.

Your work varies from graphic notebook designs to more illustrative card designs. Do you enjoy experimenting with different styles and compositions?

Yes. For as long as I can remember I’ve told myself the narrative that I can’t draw. A few years ago I invested in an iPad and started to explore the application Procreate which changed the way I design. I realised that maybe I can draw. I don’t like being pinned down to one style, I like to evolve and flow with the mood of the time.

When you start a project do you tend to start with sketches or work digitally?

I always create a moodboard before I start designing which incorporates competitors, colours, themes, styles, and genres. It can be anything from a single page to a 50 page document!

Do you have a favourite artist, designer or movement that has inspired your work/work ethic?

I am inspired by so much. Mostly my own feelings and things that you can’t see. But if I had to narrow it down, my favourite artist is Tracey Emin. I love how she prioritises the concept over the aesthetic. Her approach is so witty and honest its refreshing. Music also helps me create. I designed the entire Planet Earth Collection in three mornings whilst listening to the band Life in Film (who are no longer together anymore!)

Meet the Makers – Alejo Mi

Posted on February 16, 2021February 18, 2021 by Sarah Bennett

For this Meet the Makers we meet Alejo Mi. Tumi, the creative mind behind the brand, describes its style as ‘afro boho chic’ and we couldn’t agree more! With uplifting colours and conceptual compositions, it’s clear Tumi’s Nigerian heritage encompasses the identity of the brand, even though Tumi left Nigeria for England aged just 7. Meaning ‘My Guest’ in Yoruba, Tumi’s native mother tongue, Alejo Mi stands to represent the help yourself spirit. With lots of things to decorate and enhance the beauty of your home, Tumi’s purpose with Alejo Mi is to provide. From coasters to wall prints, Alejo Mi creates a cohesive aesthetic transporting you to her mother land. With such an important contextual history and heritage behind the brand, we sat down with this maker to learn more about how identity impacts product.

Can you tell us a bit about where you grew up and how that may have influenced your work?

I was born in Nigeria and lived there until I was 7 when my family moved to West Yorkshire. What a culture shock! From the sub-Saharan heat to seeing snow for the first time. My art allows me to revisit my memories of Nigeria and allows me to marry with that with other African indigenous patterns and motifs. Every now and then I also like to mix other shapes based on how playful I’m feeling at the time. My work is always a mix of all of these things.

Can you share any notebooks or sketches with us to show an insight into where some of your projects began?

Yes, I prefer to draw on loose sheets of paper. I find that I reserve a sort of reverence for sketchbooks, which I almost treat as sacred spaces. Not every sketch will make it into a sketchbook unless I really love it. Below, I have a selection of different sketches and how they start. My love for the widely enjoyed African delicacy of fried plantain (a banana-like fruit that is eaten cooked) is celebrated in my earlier prints. I did several iterations of the print and after much manipulation I was happy with it and titled it ‘Plantains on Blue’.

How do you typically start a project? Do you tend to begin with rough sketches or do you prefer to start digitally?

Every Alejo Mi print starts its life as a pencil and paper sketch. Once I am happy with the sketch I add colour using paints or watercolour markers. I have started experimenting more with digital art, but I follow the same process, by starting off with a real life sketch. I love to work on all sorts of different mediums, but watercolours have my heart. I find I have greater control and precision with these tools which allows me to feel better connected to what I am drawing or sketching.

Do you have a favourite artist or designer that has inspired your work?

When I was younger, I really loved the work of Henri Matisse for the vibrancy and the boldness within his works. Then shortly before I started my Architectural studies at university, I fell in love with the work of Antoni Gaudi. I have always had an affinity for artists who challenge this idea of acceptability and those who do so with bold colours and vibrant shapes. Fast-forward to today, I am currently inspired by an eclectic mix of visual and audible art. I read Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in the summer of 2010 and was greatly inspired by the stories which brought up my memories from my earlier childhood and brought to the forefront my desire to express cultural art that relates to my own earlier influences growing up in Nigeria.

Where do you see your art going in the next couple of years?

I would love to see my art in more homes. I would love to see my art prints gifted to friends, my coasters on the desks doing their bit to brighten the work space. To do this, I would love to partner with more brands and boutique shops to release more home décor and giftable items.

Browse some of Alejo Mi’s designs

Meet the Makers – Bex Parkin

Posted on February 16, 2021February 17, 2021 by Sarah Bennett

This week for a Meet the Makers feature, we meet Bex Parkin. Packed with colour and enchantment, Bex Parkin’s delicate hand-painted designs celebrate the joy and wonder of nature. With pink tigers and giant kaleidoscopic jungle leaves, Bex invites us to the surreal side of the wild. Beautifully intricate, using print, colour and pattern, Bex finds inspiration everywhere, from Persian rugs to Indian textiles. With environment being an important constant in Bex’s life, it’s not surprising that she’s based with her family ‘on a hilltop somewhere in rural Staffordshire’ as she herself describes. Expressing that this scenic dreamland is where she is happiest, it’s clear imagination and fun are key themes across all of Bex’s designs. We recently sat down with Bex to learn more about her life, her inspirations and her working processes.

Can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up and how that may have influenced your work?

I wouldn’t say where I grew up has had any influence on my work but I’ve had a fairly nomadic life so far and haven’t really settled in one place for very long. I’ve lived in London, Staffordshire, Florence and Shropshire to name a few but I’ve done a fair bit of travelling too. Ideally I’d love to live in a cabin in the mountains and create big paintings of animals and jungles all day!

Your work tends to focus on nature and animals. Has this always been your area of focus or was this something that developed over time?

I have always been drawn to nature as a subject matter as this is where I’m the happiest – when I’m not working, I’m hiking or trail running. When I first started illustrating a few years ago I was desperately looking for my ‘style’ but really the best way to find it is to paint those subjects you enjoy the most. The first leopard I painted was a challenge I’d set myself to see if I could do it – it’s one thing to paint it but another to capture a mood or character.

When you start a project do you tend to start with sketches or work digitally?

For me, the process always starts in my black A5 sketchbooks with an HB pencil. I’ve amassed quite a collection now and they’re great to look back on for ideas. Then the design is drawn out onto Langton hot pressed art paper and painted with gouache. The final stage is tidying up and tweaking using Procreate on my iPad. If I’m doing a repeat pattern I sometimes then turn to Photoshop on my PC.

Do you have a favourite artist or designer that has inspired your work?

There are hundreds of artists and designers that I’m drawn to. I find inspiration in a whole range of designers and work, and have a nice collection of reference books to pour over. It can be Persian rugs, Indian textiles, Victorian patterns, vintage botanical prints – I find ideas everywhere. I recently found the large scale floral work of Sarah Graham – amazing!

Browse some of Bex’s personalised stationery designs

Tag: meet the makers

Meet the Makers – Selma Gulbahce

Meet The Makers – Olivia Brazier

Meet the Makers – Tom Ashlee

Meet the Makers – Astrid Weguelin

Meet the Makers – Type & Story

Meet the Makers – Alejo Mi

Browse some of Alejo Mi’s designs

Meet the Makers – Bex Parkin

Browse some of Bex’s personalised stationery designs

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Browse some of Alejo Mi’s designs

Browse some of Bex’s personalised stationery designs

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