Evolution

Dear Readers,

It has been almost two years since I have posted any artwork on this blog. I would like to say thank you to anyone that has ever paid attention to this space or taken inspiration from any of my work. As times have changed, I too have evolved. I recently have taken new inspiration and as a result I soon intend to start a new blog with a more refined style and a clearer outlook. I will soon share details of the new space here so that anyone who might ever read this can be redirected to my new work. For now you can find me through my other social network channels which I will list below - thank you for taking the time to come to my blog for one last time.

For more consistent updates find me on:
 - Twitter - https://twitter.com/iamhannurr
 - Instagram - http://instagram.com/hannah_fb/


Thankyou readers. See you in a new form very soon.

- Hannah

exposure

I have had this project half finished for quite a while, and today I thought I'd get it finished! This quotation started life as a paper cut, and I used long exposure photography to create the images you see here. The above image I used a torch wrapped in tracing paper to soften the light and flashed it behind the stencil. Below I used the same torch covered with my hand to get the red effect! What do you guys think? Hoping to do some more long exposure photography and typography in the future :)

Love

Today's post brings an appropriately love-themed artwork - I felt like it had been too long since I focused on heavily embellished type and I thought what better time to go back to it than Valentine's. The words are taken from the start of Elephant Love Medley, one of the main songs from Baz Lurhmann's classic romance tale Moulin Rouge. Enjoy, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Photography

Recently I completed a logo commission for Amy Zarah, a very talented alternative photographer. We worked on the creative ideas process together which was a brilliant experience, sharing ideas and inspiration (we got a little addicted to Pinterest on the way, as you can see from my typography board!). The final outcome is inspired by script and tattoo style work, and I am really pleased with it! 

The logo has just gone live over on her Facebook page, and you can check out all of her beautiful work here.

celebration

It's been a while since I have posted tales of my baking skills on here so I thought I'd share with you some birthday fun that I made today for my good friend Holly. You may remember the rainbow cake that I made for Amber - this time I decided to try some rainbow cupcakes. I used the same cake recipe from the Whisk Kid blog that's mentioned in the former blog post, but this time instead of baking separate layers of cake you simply layer the different mixes in your paper cases. I suggest that you use piping bags to do this - I used tea spoons and it took me about an hour! The final cakes came out super though, and I finished them with some american 'carnival' sprinkles that I purchased from Home Sense. Enjoy!

Journal

Happy New Year!

It was nearly a year ago that I started this journal and the new year has reminded me to continue. Shall be making a post over at my dedicated blog for this, but for now here's an appropriate page. Lots of new work coming real soon for you all to enjoy.

Also while I am posting, I thought I would tell you all that I have joined Pinterest, so if you feel like looking at lots of pictures of typography and illustration go and check me out at http://pinterest.com/hannahfb/ :)

Charity

Thought I would quickly share with you the poster I made for this year's charity Christmas Quiz at my local pub. I wanted to keep it quite simple and traditional, and played with the idea of leaving offerings for Santa and his reindeer. The title font and the sleigh were from dafont, and the border illustration was my own work. Will hopefully be getting some more Christmas themed stuff up here again soon!

Pre-Raphaelites - Victorian Avant-Garde at the Tate Britain

Have you ever walked into a room and been truly overwhelmed by what you see? As a real fan of all things Pre-Raphaelite, I had the privilege of having this exact feeling when I walked into the Tate Britain when I recently went to visit their current special exhibition.

This time last year, I posted a blog with a small review of my northern Pre-Raphaelite tour (which you can read here), but this year it was the turn of the South. The exhibition is called Pre-Raphaelites - Victorian Avant-Garde, a vast collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and other objects spanning the entire movement. The collection itself was awe-inspiring - it is as I've mentioned a very rare experience to see every painting you have ever loved in one single space, and I was simply blown away by the variety of pieces they had on show. I thought I would share with you a few of the pieces on display, but as I have said in the past they can only be truly enjoyed 'in the flesh.'

The first room of the exhibition contained portraits of the artists as well as earlier pieces by the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Millais, Holman Hunt and Rossetti.

Millais - Christ in the House of his Parents

Holman Hunt - Valentine Rescuing Sylvia from Proteus

Millais - Isabella

The second room highlighted the Pre-Raphaelites' interest in history and mythology - with paintings and other objects reflecting their fascination with times past.

Paolo E Francesca by Alexander Munroe which was inspired by the same story as the painting below.

Paolo E Francesca Da Rimini by Rossetti

 The Lady of Shallott (illustration) by Holman Hunt 

One of the highlights for me of this room was seeing one of the very few existing copies of Tennyson's poetry published by Moxon, which included several illustrations by the Pre-Raphaelites. It happened to be open on my favourite of the illustrations, The Lady of Shallott by Holman Hunt, the painting of which was also exhibited. 

The Lady of Shallott, Holman Hunt

The next room contained a small selection of pieces which highlight the Pre-Raphaelites attention to detail in their depictions of nature. The main highlight of this room was of course Millais' Ophelia - if it hadn't been so busy in there (and rightfully so!) I would have spent all day infront of her. Other important pieces in that room include Millais' portrait of John Ruskin and the Hireling Shepherd by Holman Hunt. 

                            

Ophelia by Millais

                            

The Hireling Shepherd by Holman Hunt

The room that follows contains a large group of paintings with another of the main Pre-Raphaelite themes - religion and morality. This room contains some truly awe inspiring and rather imposing paintings, including some of my favourites from the founding brotherhood. 

The Awakening Conscience by Holman Hunt

The Annunciation by Rossetti

The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple by Holman Hunt

The final highlights of the exhibition then move through the later period of the Pre-Raphaelite movement which focuses on aestheticism and beauty. Here you will find some of the more enchanting pieces focused on women by Rossetti and some fine examples of works relating to the Arts and Crafts movement as well as some of the Kelmscott printing work by William Morris. 

Lady Lilith by Rossetti

A Vision of Fiametta by Rossetti 

This really is just the tip of the iceberg of the collection that is on display - if like me you are a Pre-Raphaelite fan this exhibition is unmissable, it is a real honour to get to see all of these paintings in one space.
Pre-Raphaelites - Victorian Avant-Garde is open until 13th January 2012 at the Tate Britain. 

(note - everything in this blog is my opinion; I have not been endorsed to advertise the exhibition as this is simply a review/summary. All images of paintings belong to their respective owners)

time

I don't often post unfinished work on here but I thought I would share this. Started putting together a layout for a tattoo design for a friend, with lots of different personal touches. I am by no means a tattoo artist so I don't know if this would actually work as a tattoo but I thought I would put my own style to the piece. It's intended to cover most of the arm. Wanted to show the line work, as I might not put colour to this myself. What do you think?