The London Illustration Fair 2014

Popped down to Londons Contemporary Illustration event last night taking place in the East End’s Hoxton Arches. This event was showcasing the work of fifteen young, emerging illustrators, selected by judging panel made up of some of the UK’s leaders in illustration and graphic arts scene today, Polly Glass & Chris Harrison - Editor & Creative Director of Wrap Magazine, Camilla Parsons & Gavin Lucas - Founder & Co-Founder of Outline Editions and Outline Artists, Lisa Hassell - Director of Inkygoodness, Sarah Boris - Associate Design Director of Phaidon Press and published illustrator Mr Bingo. 

All the artist featured were original and interactive. It was a great opportunity to talk to the artists them selves and see sketch books and finished prints and original pieces... 

And there was a bar serving delicious mulled wine! Great. 

Love Hackney Shopping bags

I just picked one of these lovely little local tote bags up from my fave pet shop in Stoke Newington, Paws and Purrs (where I also groom doggies) love the design and for a good cause...

The Love Hackney tote bags have been designed for the campaign by Hackney based fashion designer James Long, who has presented works at London Fashion Week and is known internationally with his clothing being worn by Pharrell Williams, Usher and London-based rapper Tinie Tempah.

“Living and working in Hackney means I spend a lot of time here and I am proud to support the amazing local businesses and people that make Hackney what it is. The mix of people and styles is a constant source of inspiration, it's a place that is constantly moving and evolving. It feels like an exciting neighbourhood to live and work in and I love it.”

James Long, fashion designer

My Illustration Manifesto - Chloe Alyssa

"Every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up"

Pablo Picasso

For me this quote from the dynamic and influential french artist is both inspiring and honest. It brings together the fundamentals of art itself and the true life behind any art form. I choose to share this particular view because it addresses the problems I feel I have encountered as a young artist designer to becoming a fresh open minded illustration student after making the decision to reignite my passion for art and return to studying after years of employment in a separate industry. It is apparent to me that schools are being stripped away of the opportunity to learn and discover art and music. This is very unfortunate because it is proven to have an overall positive impact in all areas of learning and can produce amazing results. Art should be accessible, celebrated and explored. Every person and child no matter what age should have the freedom to indulge in creative processes through studying or simply as a form of expression.

http://www.ted.com/talks/jarrett_j_krosoczka_how_a_boy_became_an_artist

My ambitions for the future are clear to see through my eagerness to gain an understanding of the traditional values and skills that underpin the nature of illustration and design. My ambition is to challenge the existing preconceptions of creative design and push the boundaries of this dynamic and changing industry.

I have drawn for as long as i can remember. It has always been my passion throughout every stage of my life. My family were good at encouraging me to be creative. I believe you should empower yourself and realise the importance of contributing to the world by thriving and living through your talent. Work on what you love and be responsible for the gift that has been given to you, embrace it. 

I am an artist. My art is personal. I take initiative. I make it happen everyday. 

Invent, lead (regardless of title), connect others, make things happen, and create order out of chaos.

Rachel Gale Illustration

Popped down to Broadway Market today to visit Rachel Gales pop up store. I love her style, it's unique and organic. Beautiful products, illustration and design. 

Painter, street art...Louis Masai.

Stumbled across this incredible painter on Instagram. Amazing street art...you can see some of his work around London...

Quentin Blake Exhibition

I recently visited The House of Illustration to see Quentin Blakes exhibition. His processes and talent are incredible and inspiring. Famously all his best works were presented there from start to finish, showing the development of his illustrations and techniques...his ability to bring the characters to life brings a smile to your face! 

Apologies for the rubbish photos...

Handmade Cards

Making my own personal birthday cards for my loved ones is something I have loved doing since I was a little Chloe. Its special and handmade things are wonderful. 

Art and Science

Wellcome Collection is known as 'the free destination for the incurably curious'. 

The Wellcome Collection has used one of its main hall areas to create an interesting approach to the alphabet, spreading along the space is each letter presenting a different theme. The A to Z of the Human Condition begins with 'Acts of Faith' and ends with 'Zoonoses' - diseases transmitted to humans by animals. It uses the alphabet as entries to explore a combination of objects, medieval artifacts, paintings, photographs and sculptures. 

The gallery opened the new exhibition with an interactive element, inviting visitors to create a mark on the art form. I specifically found "H" for Hereditary interesting, where on one side of the room visitors are asked to mark their height on the wall and sign their name, date etc. And then on the opposing side of the room was a bookshelf featuring 3.4 million units of the DNA code which makes the full set of genetic information for humans. Which are both centered on the theme of heredity in different forms. 

Another element which impressed me was the strong emphasis on social media. Photographs were displayed in the gallery after guests were encouraged to take photographs of themselves and then upload it and use the hash tag 'human reflection'. The gallery presented many activities to showcase exactly what humans are capable of, overall making it an interesting, eclectic and thought provoking experience.