IMOK Land

MISFITS UNITE - A collection Of Pencil Drawings

2011-10-26T17:56:00.007+11:00

It has been a little while between drinks for us here in IMOK Land, but we are happy to announce that we will be showing some brand new pencil & graphite drawings at the Melbourne Art & Design Pop Up Market in Prahran on Saturday November 5th.

You will get to view and/or purchase the original A3 size drawings framed. Titled "Misfits Unite" the drawings are twisted, disturbed and sometimes cute characters that come from our creative minds. Each drawing tells a story...but it is one that the viewer will have to determine all on their own.

These are just a sneak peek of our collection.

Stay tuned for the release of a limited edition Iphone 4 cover featuring one of these designs.

Can't wait to share what we have created with you :)

http://www.popupmarkets.com.au/

The Sookie Chronicles....the latest installment

2011-09-12T09:48:00.003+10:00

We last left Sookie and her brave adventurers searching for The Magic Chicken Balloons that they were certain had been taken by the evil Lock Monster King Crostosti... do they come across this precious possession?

Will Duffly ever be able to speak again? You wont have to wait too long to find out!

The Sookie Chronicles....the next installment

2011-07-11T11:06:00.004+10:00

Hello followers,

We last left Sookie and her friends looking for something they had lost, the missing "thing" lead them to the Waters of Lock. Armed with belief in themselves and true courage, their journey continues today....

TO BE CONTINUED....

What do you think the Chicken Balloons are and what do they mean?

Sookie Chronicles. The Story begins...

2011-06-26T15:46:00.005+10:00

Welcome to the very first look at our latest artist journey, The Sookie Chronicles. With the painting of this series a story seemed to unfold before our very eyes. So we decided to create a comic of sorts, this is going to be revealed over the coming weeks so please check back each week to get the next installment. ENJOY........

TO BE CONTINUED......

Sneak Peek in IMOK Art Licensing Designs

2011-04-26T16:17:00.006+10:00

Hi All,

We hope you had a wonderful Easter break with family, friends and lots of chocolate!!

With many changes on the horizon for IMOK something we have secretly been working on over the break and for months & months is crockery designs. We have always wanted to see our designs come to life on many different mediums and this is definitely one of them!

Our portfolio is really coming together, filled with plates, cups, mugs, bowls, napkins, wrapping paper, cards, pens, skateboards, vinyl toys and more. With so much happening we wanted to share just a tiny peek into what we have in store for the world.

Here are a few polariods of our exciting designs. We truly hope you like them and can't wait to reveal more in the coming weeks......

Watch this space!! x x x

The Sookie Chronicles.

2011-04-03T07:30:00.006+10:00

Currently we are working on a series of exciting artworks. These paintings have brought up some questions that we have always faced as artists, but for the first time we have answered them in a creative way...
The question that we are talking about is, “As artists, how do we create our work?” It seems that there are two general categories that artists fall into when creating – The planned and thought out artist. This type of artist has a strategy, a plan in what they hope to achieve as their end result. The other is the organic, “just go with it” artist. This artist creates of a feeling, an instinct that starts with a small seed and unfolds through the creative journey. Nothing foretold except the seed that started the journey.

In previous experiences, both Jen and I have had to ponder the answer to that question, where we stand on how we create? Luckily, both of us fell in the same creating area – the organic artist. This theory was proven in a major way with this new series of artworks.

The starting point - ornate borders

The “Sookie Chronicles” is a story of IMOK’s main character Sookie and her alter ego in a Comic Book world. This all came about from a need to paint for no reason at all. To paint with no real outcome except the pure joy of painting with our hands again. The seed in this particular tale of organic creativity was a story book feel - Ornate boarders that frame a scene of something beautiful from on older time.

We are huge fans of the incredible artist Jeremy Fish and after devouring his book we were left with lingering thoughts of his amazing hand carved wooden frames that were custom made for one of his exhibitions. So that was a starting point, creating a boarder in wood style tones to frame some sort of scene. After that was achieved we had no idea of what to put into the frame? All we knew is that we wanted to have sepia tones to capture the antique feeling. Since this was to have no real destination for the end result, all the pressure was lifted, we could just paint! Sookie was the first to emerge, peeking out from behind the edge of the frame. But this time we gave her wings and an exciting energy! Adding familiar friends and a backdrop of a forest, we watched this story begin to take shape.

Once the first artwork was completed, we stood back to take it all in. The immediate thought that dawned on us was this felt like a door way into another world….This doorway needed shutters to frame it. Our infamous gum nuts were a perfect addition to add to the existing frame work.

The first work - Sookie

The first of the Chronicles complete

So here we were with a story that was quite literally speaking to us. The next canvas only came to concept once the first canvas was completed. Again a frame work was created and then the exact same question resulted – what do we put in there?? A villain, but of course!! In every adventure the hero must face a villain to prevail in the face of evil… Sookie would have to fight against our monster of the sea, Crostosti the Lockness monster… And once that artwork is completed we are faced with the next question, what happens next?

Crostosti the Lockness monster

As you can see from the process of this series that we are not at all planned in our process! When creating from a very pure and free place, we are organic all the way! These arethe works that have that hint of magic, a sparkle of something really special that comes from a place that we didn’t even know existed ourselves. A place deep within our souls, this is where IMOK lives J

“The Sookie Chronicles” are currently still being produced. Stay tuned to see the final story and where the exhibition will be held!

x x x

Launching our new Website!

2011-03-15T09:10:00.006+11:00

Starting this new year with a bang! As we mentioned in our 2010 wrap up, we have been closing our doors and going into our mad scientist mode to ensure our new website be completed for early 2011. We are pleased to report that the time has finally arrived!! Our new face of IMOK has emerged, lighter, brighter and more focused than ever. Within this exciting new site everyone can get plenty of IMOK goodness! Find out about current events on our HOME page through our easy to identify character symbols.

Meet,

Posty the Post It – he is “pinned like a tail on a donkey” to remind you of current IMOK events that you need to scribble in your diary!! What a reliable but at times silly friend.

Painty The Paintbrush – Constantly brushing through, around, up and down…. this shy little guy has a superior creative side that holds no bounds. Dripping paint from his brush hairs, he’ll be sure to not let you forget about any IMOK exhibitions coming up!!

Rickety the Rocket – Buzzing with turbo energy, Rickety has a hard time staying grounded! Wanting to shoot up into space, flying through the air at record speed – Rickety is our explosive LAUNCH rocket….! His part is telling everyone about any launches that are to do with IMOK!!

Also appearing for the first time is our very own “IMOK Shopping Cart” where you can get a variety of our merchandise. From Guys and Girls T –shirts to kids wear to prints and so on - this is a one stop shop that is a quick and easy way to get your IMOK fix! http://www.imok.com.au http://imok.bigcartel.com/

Whale Trail - Baby clothes design

Imok Baby One-piece "Whale Trail"

"Make a Wish" Unisex T-Shirt

"Oobie" Unisex T-Shirt

"Red Soon" Print

"I have a dream" Print

There has been a lot of blood sweat and tears over the past few months that has gone into building this website. We are sooo proud of the end result is and now we can finally share it with you. Thanks to all our supporters, your encouragement gives us the drive to keep going!

So please take a visit through this exciting new place we have created, play through our Painting and Graphics galleries, find out more about our commissions section, learn about the world we are looking at taking on in – “Art Licensing”…. And most importantly lose yourself in a world that is IMOK.

If you stop by we would LOVE for you to join our mailing list, this will give you our updated newsletter as well as special offers and discount codes for our shopping cart.

See you all in 2011 x x x

2010-12-22T10:27:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas Love IMOK X O X O

2010-12-14T09:39:00.005+11:00

Wow, I think everyone can agree that 2010 was a total blur! It is unbelievable that we are literally days away from Christmas, yikees!

At IMOK we have been busily working on building our brand and connecting with our fans. One of our proudest moments was creating and launching this Blog IMOKLand. We have been avid blog followers for the last few years and knew that IMOK deserved a voice and this is the result. We are still learning as we go and really have no idea if anyone is reading, but the fact that we are doing it is enough for us right now!

Another highlight for us was the opening of one of the most exciting art galleries ever, The Underground ART Space on Sydney Rd, Balgowlah. http://live.redolivestudios.com/index.php/art-space.html , the talented Designer, Stylist and Artist, Kere M Baker has embarked on one of her most exciting projects to date in creating such a stunning, yet relaxed environment to exhibit your art. IMOK was lucky enough to be part of 2 shows at the space during the year and look forward to many more!

Currently we are working on our brand new website which includes an IMOK shopping cart, we are so excited at how it is coming along and can't wait to share it with you all. So stay tuned!

Lastly we want to thank those who are reading and follow this blog, look forward to sharing more and more with you in 2011.

Much love Jen & Sandra X O X O
IMOK

Final days of IMOK Lettering Giveaway!!!

2010-12-09T07:39:00.003+11:00

Don't miss out on the chance to give a unique Christmas present or keep it for yourself! We will be giving away selected hand-painted initial canvases. These are 5 x 8 inches in size and make the perfect personalised gift. They can be easily hung on the wall or can stand on a shelf.

Todays letters are D, H & L

All you need to do is comment on this post with who the artwork is for, why you think they would like it and your email address. Winners will be notified via email at the end of the week.

GOOD LUCK!

All artworks copyright IMOK 2010

IMOK Lettering GIVEAWAY Day 2

2010-12-08T08:11:00.003+11:00

Continuing on from yesterday we will be giving away selected hand-painted initial canvases. These are 5 x 8 inches in size and make the perfect personalised gift. They can be easily hung on the wall or can stand on a shelf.

Todays letters are N, S & T

IMOK Lettering Giveaway starts today!

2010-12-07T08:52:00.005+11:00

Starting today we will be giving away selected hand-painted initial canvases. These are 5 x 8 inches in size and make the perfect personalised gift. They can be easily hung on the wall or can stand on a shelf.

Todays letters are B, K and R.

All you need to do is comment on this post with who the artwork is for, why you think they would like it and your email address. Winners will be notified via email at the end of the week.

Good luck!!

All images are copyright IMOK 2010

Fun with Fashion

2010-11-23T08:11:00.005+11:00

Most of you would know that Sandra and I live in 2 different cities, Melbourne & Sydney! So our recent holiday to sunny Queensland was a welcome break. It's always great to step out of our usual surroundings and just have some fun. Of course when we're together we can't help but talk IMOK - it is who we are after all! But one of our favourite topics and hobbies is FASHION. We devour magazines like nothing else and love to play dress ups and work out outfits together... here are some shots...

Checking out our pics.

Main street Burleigh Heads, QLD

Fun with new nail polish colours by Sportsgirl & Australis.

We LOVE turquoise jewellery!

Loving my new locket bought on Ebay!

Gorgeous girl, gorgeous view!

Try on sesh with new "Origami Doll" dress.

Leather jacket to edge it up...

Denim jacket to make it casual...

What are you most exciting fashion finds?

IMOK on Holidays.....

2010-11-08T11:16:00.000+11:00

Style Me Romy

2010-11-02T08:10:00.005+11:00

Chanel

Balmain

McQueen

Lanvin

All photographs by Tim Kindler

It's always exciting to stumble across a blog that will become an instant fav. Style me Romy is written by Australian stylist, Romy Frydman, who has worked with the likes of Miranda Kerr & Anne Hathaway and many exciting labels.

These glorious shots about are some of her fav's from Paris Fashion Week, just stunning!

Check it out here http://stylemeromy.com/

Inspiring Quote - To be a late developer

2010-10-26T08:05:00.003+11:00

"Set your own timetable.

Don't allow others to dictate your pace.

Benchmarks are for average people.

You're an individual and you have your own individual rate of growth.

Take the pressure off and allow things to develop naturally.

It's not important when you get there, just that you get there."

Patrick Lindsay - author

Tim Burton - The Exhibition

2010-10-12T12:21:00.006+11:00

We were lucky enough to catch Tim Burton The Exhibition on it's closing weekend at Melbourne's Australian Centre For The Moving Image (ACMI).

It is quite possibly the most inspiring and breathtaking exhibition we have ever seen. The man is such a legend and the works on display ranged from movie props, sculptures, movies and animations, sketches straight out of his sketch book and so much more.

The experience begins right from street level with sculptures welcoming you in.

Here are some shots before we had to put the camera away. Enjoy!

much love Jen & Sandra x x x

IMOK hearts SMIGGLE

2010-10-05T08:40:00.003+11:00

We are so very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with one of our favourite brands, Smiggle! A few months ago they approached us to add some "colour & creativity" to their new website. We looked at each other and said "hell yeah!". Since then we have created 3 backgrounds for http://www.smiggle.com/ and counting. Here is some of our work ...

IMOK background 1: Smiggle Popz

Here we used lined paper, old school typewriter font & coloured circles.

IMOK background 2: Create a Kit

Hand-drawn scissors, sharpeners and paperclips were added to a clothesline created in illustrator with a cloudy background.

IMOK background 3: Snap watch

This one was so much fun, we turned the page into a landscape with the watches turning into cute windmills.

Stay tuned for more IMOK & Smiggle

IMOK at Finders Keepers Melbourne 9 - 10 October

2010-09-28T15:00:00.003+10:00

Our stall at Melbourne Finders Keepers is fast approaching. Here is a sneak peek of what you will find if you stop by...

Mini one-off canvases, limited edition badges and greeting cards.

Hand-numbered limited edition mounted prints from our "Girl Collection".

Brand new Number Birthday Cards.

Framed Prints

Hoodies and T-shirts.

If you're in Melbourne be sure to pop by and say hello!

For further details to tohttp://www.thefinderskeepers.com/melbourne-markets.php

Creating with Kids.

2010-09-22T07:43:00.012+10:00

One of the best things about my week is getting to teach an amazing bunch of kids at Kirsty's Kids Art. I have spent a term with three classes and am continually inspired by the fearless nature of their creativity. One of the best, and messy classes we have had was building recycled sculptures. I told all my kiddies to collect cardboard cereal boxes, toilet rolls, boxes, containers and other bits and pieces and bring them in. I raided my overflowing art supplies at home and brought in some fabric, buttons and circle stickers..

I set everything up on the tables and told them to go for it. I was so happy to see the personalities of each child coming through in what they made. Each and every one of them did such a fantastic job so I wanted to share the photos of their work.

My kids Art Class

Arabella age 5

Astrid age 8

Charlotte age 5

Eliza age 7

Ella age 6

Estella age 6

Finn age 7

Gein age 7

Imogen age 5

India age 5

India age 7

Kate age 5

Kimiya age 5

Kiyan age 8

Lauren age 9

Sam age 7

Rosie age 5

Oscar age 5

Noah age 7

Lou age 7

Will age 6

Sunny age 5

Will age 6

William age 5

Zoe age 7

If your child shows an interest in art and is aged 4-12 years I would love to have them join my classes. They are held in Paddington, Monday and Tuesday afternoons and Saturdays mornings. For further details and class times please visit http://www.kirsty.com.au/class.htm

We are also running School Holiday Classes on Wednesday 29th Sept,

10:15-11:30am, 1:15-2:30pm or 3:00 - 4:15pm

A holiday class is the perfect way for your child to see if it's something they would like to continue.

Thanks for stopping by! Jen :)

Window into our World ...

2010-09-14T07:06:00.004+10:00

Walls of inspiration in Sandra's home studio.

Early stages of a new work.

Some of our clothing designs, available on http://www.redbubble.com/people/imok

A very special project we are working on, we have just completed the entire alphabet using watercolours. Now it's on to numbers!

Fashion Inspiration board. We both LOVE fashion and are hopelessly addicted to buying magazines. We used to fold the corner over of all the things we dreamed of owing or emulating. With sooo many magazines laying around we have now taken to tearing out all the pics we love and putting it on a board. It really does help the shopping process and getting things you actually want and will wear. Fun to create one each season. Here is my latest!

What things inspire you, are your walls covered with things you love and make you smile?

Underground ART Market - Opening Night

2010-09-07T08:46:00.001+10:00

The Owner of Underground ART Space, talented artist and great friend - Kere M Baker.

This artwork is HUGE and greets you as you come down the stairs of the gallery, just beautiful! By Bryony Hudson.

Close up of one of our works in the show. Swimming In Ink by IMOK

IMOK table display - Mini Canvases, Initial block canvases and Limited Edition mounted prints from our Girl Series.

Me and some of our work.

What a great turn out, great afternoon of good company, gorgeous art and bubbly :)

"I said I could!" and "Swimming In Ink by IMOK

Gorgeous works by Kristie Stenning

Underground ART Market is NOW SHOWING! Open until Sunday 19th September

1/294 Sydney Road, Balgowlah

Saturday 10am-4pm

Sun, Mon & Tues 10am-2pm

Sneak Peek of Underground ART Market

2010-08-31T08:39:00.006+10:00

This Saturday 4th September sees the opening of The Underground ART Market. We are very excited to be showing our work along side such a diverse range of Australian Contemporary Artists.

For the first time IMOK card packs will be available for purchase. Each pack contains 3 different designs and are limited edition.

One of our most popular works of all time IMOK Land is available as a 2 part framed print.

"What a great day" IMOK 2010- acrylic & ink on stretched canvas

We would love to see you on Saturday for an afternoon of bubbly and art!

An introduction to one of IMOK’s characters: Sookie

2010-08-24T08:21:00.004+10:00

Character design wasn’t always something in IMOK’s creative palette. In fact it was something that we didn’t even know we could do! Both Jen and I have had a deep interest in the vinyl toy industry for many years, finding inspiration in brands like Kid Robot and Tokidoki to keep that drive alive!
We discovered that the years of inspiration and admiration to those brands have most definitely influenced us to develop our very own style.

In the beginning of the character illustrations, it was about getting re acquainted with the pencil and paper method of working. Practicing variations on simple things like eye shape or arm length began to unravel the threads that became IMOK. With pages and pages of sketch books filled with 1000’s of characters and doodles, all being worked and re-worked, to refine our style, it soon showed that both of our styles of illustration complement each other remarkably well!

Introducing some of these characters into the IMOK world proved beneficial and before we knew it, character design was something that we became known for! Our fantasy of being character designers was in sight. This was quite an achievement for us in an unintentional business move that paid off and we still are so very proud of.

With each illustration of these characters grew a general need to know more about them. What’s their name? What do they like? Don’t like? Do they have friends? What was their story? In answer to these many questions, we began developing a story about a group of characters and the adventures they face together. The characters became a virtual voice for the IMOK team, being able to project opinions and thoughts through whimsical and cute characters.
In the story, all of the characters centralise around one main character – a girl named Sookie. She is an only child who loves her friends and is always looking for a new adventure.

The concepts and idea of Sookie has been developed and re-worked over time.

Whether it be the hair length / colour or the shape of her body, to the size of her nose, each characteristic is taken into consideration and put through trials before the character is completed.

We have loved bringing Sookie through each faze so we thought we would show you a glimse into the inner workings and the creation that is Sookie. We plan on bringing Sookie and her friends to life in a book, as toys and ultimately as an animation. Stay tuned!

Inspiration Now: Artist Nathan Ota

2010-08-17T06:54:00.005+10:00

Every now and then you stumble across an artist whose work you are so taken with that you absolutley MUST buy the $100 book his work is featured in even though you can't afford it! The artist is Los Angeles based Nathan Ota and the book I am referring to is Hunt & Gather, Discovering New Art by Tina Ziegler.

About Nathan, in his own words...

"Ever since I can remember, I have always found myself drawing over doing my homework. My early influences came from cartoons on television, comic books, photographs and Punk-rock flyers. I can still remember sneaking into my older brothers room and raiding his ,"Vamperella" comics and trying to copy or trace all the covers I could get my hands on. Classical art never really interested me at that time so I turned to what really spoke to me with artists such as, Robert Williams, Olivia, Puss Head and Raymond Pettibon. Traditional art never came into the picture till I started high school but it still didn't speak to me. I always found myself gravitating toward popular culture and at that time it was graffiti. I was completely hooked! I loved everything about it, the clicking of the ball in the can when shook, the sound of the constant flow of the paint, the scraping of the can against the wall when drawing, the colors, the scale, the friendships and the complete feeling of freedom. Till this day, whenever I smell spray paint in the air, it brings back good times. I still dabbled a little in graffiti once I entered the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California but a whole new world of art was opening my eyes with Illustration. I never knew what I wanted to do when I entered college and kind of left it in the hands of the instructors to lead me in whatever direction I was going. It was a bit frustrating at first but soon after, I started to get it and knew that I was going to be an Illustrator.

Shortly after graduating in 1993, I started working as a freelance Artist for newspapers, magazines, recording companies, background art for the gaming industry and gallery."

Some of his amazing work...

To find out more go to:
http://www.nathanota.com/index.html

The Inspiration that started IMOK.

2010-08-10T08:32:00.007+10:00

The beginning tale of how a business or creative journey begins usually gives quite an insight into what the business is really about. It can say a lot about your roots and what the driving force was that made you get up and change your entire life!

For us it all began with stenciling. After such a conservative variety of art forms over the years, a ripple of something new in the art world in 2002 -03 was enough for Jen and I to have a raised curiosity, to say the least! Moving to Melbourne in that period was amazing; I was suddenly exposed to art everywhere! Graffiti in council approved areas, sculptures free standing in the middle of the city and of course stenciling! It was like a permanent outdoor gallery set up for everyone to enjoy.

Some examples of work that was stencilled onto Melbourne city walls 04

After witnessing my first Melbourne Stencil Graffiti Exhibition… this truly inspiring and mind blowing exhibition, I ran home and called Jen saying “We NEED to start stenciling!” From that moment on we were stenciling like demons in two separate cities, spray painting stencils onto what ever we could find! Here is an example of some of Jen’s early work –

Spray painted on butchers paper always gave a true impression on how it would paint up.

Jen photographing a stencil wall in Melbourne city (this wall was actually the side of a photography store!) 04

It was an exciting time to be entering into an art based business! The creative side of the business world in that period just blew up. Graphics and illustrations of all types were being professionally recognised, very raw and organic methods were being applied to very traditional methods – the creative buzz was undeniable and we found ourselves fitting in perfectly! After stenciling nearly everything in our homes, it was a natural next step to put the stencils onto T-shirts! This was without a doubt the very important seed being planted into what would soon become IMOK.

By furthering our creative desires and not limiting our artistic pallet to one medium, these stencils we had created found new ways to be used and heavily within our style of work. This can be seen in graphics that were created from the above stencils –

Original graphic of "Through the Cities" Created in Photoshop 06

Original graphic of "Tattooed in Black" Created in Photoshop 06

These graphics and ones like them were created when we introduced another element to the IMOK portfolio – our character illustrations and water colour washes. Once we have created a collection of graphics, they can then appear on things that range from T shirts right through to canvases. The following are examples of both -

Catalogue image of “Through the cities” graphic on a deep V T-shirt 07

Tattooed in Black – 36x36 inch canvas Acrylic and watercolour 07

“Through the Cities” 18x18 in canvas Acrylic and watercolour 07

After featuring stencils in our work from the early stages of the stenciling movement, we have watched it pass from political, to street, to pop culture. No matter where the IMOK path is headed, we know that will never be able shake the street edge and influence that began this entire IMOK expedition…. And for that we are eternally grateful!

Creating Tea-Stained Initials

2010-08-03T08:43:00.008+10:00

As part of our Lettering range we create personalised Initials on tea-stained paper. We wanted to share with you two of our latest commissioned orders.

To start the process we cut the watercolour paper to size - this was A4, then using tea-bags we colour the paper to give it an antique feel and set aside to dry. Drawing up the letter outline is done with lead pencil and the personalised characters and other elements are added.

This customer requested soccer, chess pieces, poker cards and some of our characters.

Using watercolours we then paint in the characters, this is done little by little, building up colour as we go to add shading and dimension. Final touches are added such as white to highlight.
Here is the final "O", really happy with this, the chess pieces came out great!

This "L" was to include little cakes, a chef's hat, a lizard and birds. We love drawing cakes and birds so this was super fun. Here is the beginning stages...

Ta-da the finished "L"! We did receive an email from our client who was delighted with the results, thanks Katy!

Winterland Wrap-Up

2010-07-27T09:02:00.015+10:00

A big thanks for those who came down to the CarriageWorks and visited our stall over the weekend. We met some really friendly peeps and had a great time. Did anyone check it out over the weekend, would love to know your thoughts? Here are some pics...

Our stall, we LOVED the blue and white wintery stands - super cute!

The amazing installation piece hanging from the ceiling in the CarriageWorks.

The ice-skating rink. This was very popular and looked like stacks of fun!

Us, prior to the sniffles setting in! :(

IMOK Badges, Mini Canvases and brand new Greeting Cards.

Stuart and Vinh from Quantum Compass having fun with our toys, Q-bert and Eddy, thanks for coming down guys!

Winterland is on for one more week this weekend, if you plan on going rug up!!!

Some Daily Motivation

2010-07-20T10:52:00.003+10:00

Sandra created this for me about 4 years ago. It was a time when we both really needed some hope & motivation to keep following our dreams and trusting our intuition, even when many other people thought we were crazy. I have had this on my bedroom wall ever since. Every morning when I wake up I see it and it really has inspired and comforted me in many moments. Hope it can do the same for you!

"How do you guys paint together?"

2010-07-15T20:14:00.025+10:00

This is a question we have been asked many times by a variety of people and something that definitely sparks a great deal of curiosity. So we thought why not share the moment when we decided to combine powers and actually work on the same piece at the same time.

Living in different states we had grown accustom to scanning in sketches to use in various Photoshop graphics or photographing our individual artworks and asking each other for the all important critique over email.

After developing our characters together over time, our style has become very similar and the perfect compliment to each other.

So finally when we were in Melbourne and had a spare weekend we grabbed a blank canvas and thought, why the hell haven't we done this sooner?

Flicking through my sketch book we picked out a picture, something which began as some line work and a character added later. This formed the basis of the canvas.

First step was to prime the canvas and then begin with a lead pencil drawing outline - we both draw in the characters, swirls and other elements...then the fun begins, colouring in!

We used watercolours, acrylic and inks for this work, I concentrated on the black line work at this point and Sandra worked her magic on the blue watercolour washes.

This definitely is the most exciting point in a work, we just grabbed the paint brushes and went with it. We didn't discuss it, just let it happen.

Working on this was one of those heightened moments, we could just feel that something special was happening, something that we wanted to try and do as often as we could. We named the piece "The Time is Now" because we really felt like it was!

Looking back at the process and people's fascination with how we do what we do, we realised it was the mutual respect we have for each others creative talents that allowed the process to happen so naturally. To this day it is one of our favourite works.

An amazing artist and now friend, Luke Jurevicius is the lucky owner of this work, ah Luke, perhaps the subject of an upcoming post me thinks!

So there you have it, the story of our first work together. Thanks for reading :)

The Time is Now - 2008

Warming up for Winterland...

2010-07-13T18:31:00.000+10:00

With only 9 days till we set up our stall at the CarriageWorks for the Winterland Festival, preparations are well underway. Being a new event it's always hard to know what to expect and how much stock to prepare but having the girls from Finders Keepers curating the markets is definitely an amazing start! Each event we have had with them always runs smoothly and is advertised well.

Aside from building this blog, finally, this week has been filled with painting. Inspired by the Winter theme here is one of our works...

It is quite a different style from usual, using all acrylics instead of watercolours and inks, it's been fun! Check out some other works below...

Another exciting development in IMOK land is our new greeting cards which will be launched at Winterland, they each come with their own envelope, keep for yourself or give to your family and friends.

We hope to see you there Thursday 22 till Saturday 24 July.