Marian Bantjes

This doesn't happen often. When you are hit by a wave of inspiration that knocks you off your feet, drenches you to the skin & you are left laughing in sheer gratitude. Marian Bantjes' work does that to me each time. Respect, worship, awe become words that are beggared by what I feel when I see her work. So no more words, just see the magic she makes .

“Your appreciation of the arts will bring new opportunities.”

This is what Marian says about the pieces below: "This is a really important piece for me. Patrick Burgoyne at Creative Review offered me one of these “Monograph” pieces they send out with subscription editions of the magazine. For me, it was an opportunity to create all new pieces that I called “Love Stories”, because each one was an illustrated text of the story of someone I love."June Bantjes, my mother (watercolour)

"I spent 3 solid weeks on it, and nearly burned myself out. But in the end, it was worth it. Some of these are easier to read than others, but I won’t “translate” them for you. Either you’re curious, or you’re not." - Marian Bantjes

Gillian Muir, my best friend (watercolour):

Debbie Millman, my best friend (ink + photo):

Rod Bantjes, my brother (acrylic paint):

Doyald Young, my friend (pencil):

"Design ignites change" silver foil on copper paper

You can see the other pictures and info about this work here.

Stefan Sagmeister calls Bantjes “one of the most innovative typographers working today". He likes her so much that Stefan asked Marian twice to contribute to his series “Things I have learned in my life so far”. He was so impressed with her sugar piece she did for the Fox River Paper booklet that asked to use sugar to create his phrase “If I want to explore a new direction professionally, it is helpful to try it out for myself first“.
Marian: My 2009 valentines were a bit of a departure in a number of ways. This year I wrote 4 fragments of letters; each has no beginning and no end; and each is carefully crafted to hopefully have some resonance with most people. Each recipient got one fragment."

Please do click on it and read it- its totally worth it

This one brought tear to my eyes

"They wanted me to illustrate the words “We’re Sorry” relating to a story about the Canadian propensity to apologize, and the troubles that ensue from public apologies for past national crimes." Marian Bantjes

"from a distance this looks like some gruesome viscera … but on closer inspection it reveals itself to be only harmless, friendly yarn." - Marian Bantjes

All the boys who loved me back (burned wood):

The 'Love Banner'

A curse

an incantation

A spell.

Invite for the launch of 'Pampasutra'

I've been a fan of Shilo Shiv Suleman since the time I 1st set eyes on her work (I've blogged about her here). So I was really happy to get an email from her inviting me for her book launch. 'Pampasutra' is the story of a river written by Arshia Sattarand illustrated by the very talented Shilo. And going by the spreads that I saw on the her blog, it looks like one dreamy watery tale that I can't wait to get my hands on.

The cover of the book

Part of the invite

A few spreads from 'Pampasutra'

These kind of curls and colour scream 'Shilo'

Super cute merchandise- I'd love to get my hands on one of those badges

This is my most fav illustration from her blog- a new self portrait

The cover of Jetwings :) 'Justly Married' :)

But its gems like these which you find strewn on her blog that make your visit so completely worth it

And this one illustration has enough love to hold all the 6 people in it snug in its warmth for years to come. You can read about it here.

So everyone in Bangalore- head to Basava Ambara, 93 Kanakapura Road, Basavangudi, Bangalore on the 5th of Dec 09 4.30-7.30. And if fate so ordains, I might be there too :)

Vote for me!!! :)

It was a happy surprise to hear from Indibloggies of my nomination to the Indibloggies 2008. What fun! I've always detested competitions from the time I remember. I feel everyone does whatever they can in their own style & who is to judge who is better or worse. But all said & done, here are the nominations and I'm one of the the blogs who can be voted in -without standing on any stage and without any 'opponent'- this suits me fine :)
You will find me in the 4th section, the 'best Humanities blog'- So here is the link, click here &

The voting began yesterday- I didn't realise, but what the heck- the voting is on till the 10th of December- show your love & vote for me ;)

The Ajit Bhawan Hotel, Jodhpur

When we were was planning our Rajasthan trip last year, what really struck us was the dearth of decent and realistic representation in pictures of the hotels were booking online. These pictures are from my archives and from the pictures I shot when i was there last year. We were staying at the Ranbanka Palace at Jodhpur and we were in the mood for some exploration so we walked into The Ajit Bhawan which was another fantastic property right next door. We lunched here after which I walked around taking pictures of this beautifully kept place.

This picture so doesn't do the place justice, it was really quite stunning, white wicker chair on the sands

Peaceful green lawns

The rooms are set around this spacious couryard on two levels

Sun dappled doors

This is where we sat and ate and I was taking in the tasteful decor

A patterned mirror pillar stands elegant

Loved the floor and the elegant colour scheme. Ajith Bhawan differed from a lot of places we saw in Rajasthan in the usage of this subdued palatte.

What a pretty floor

The dining room opened out to the...

Outdoor rustic bar with cane chairs...

....and mirrored walls

Pretty little cottages with thatched roofs and potted plants

What stole my heart was the terracotta vessel which announced the room nos. What a neat idea.

Among the greens are nestled little terracotta elephants

What makes a great place are the details, and the little surprises, I turned a curve & saw this cart- isn't it a dear?

One of the outer walls had this wall mounted antique wheel.

My favourite picture from this entire bunch.
This last year has seen me crazy busy, but in the coming months I will be happy to share with you some of the places we stayed at when we were in Rajasthan.

Shelly Kommers

Shelly Kommers' art is just the kind I love. Graceful collages with the power of handpainted, and my favourite elements - butterflies, birds and typography all bound together with a bit of whimsy and sometimes with a bit of thread. But it was her blog that really got me, this woman has so much personality and good energy. And then I read an interview of her's at Jess Gonacha's Peccanoot & completely fell in love with her.

If I ever make something as beautiful as this, i can curl up and die in peace.

I *LOVE* the stars, the bit of pink and the thread below the birds feet, don't you?

I haven't seen a brighter happier or more energetic Mandala

This one is just so beautiful with the layered lettering, the lines in the middle and the dear little cluster of yellow stars- and did you notice the tiny home and trees?

The yellow strings coming out like rays is so neat!

isn't it lovely that the string come down & sweeps up towards the flowers?

*LOVE*

And this is where she works from. It has so much heart, this space.

And if you want to buy her art here's her Etsy shop.