Garfield minus Garfield

Ok, so it's a little off topic ... but I'm really enjoying Garfield minus Garfield:

Who would have guessed that when you remove Garfield from the Garfield comic strips, the result is an even better comic about schizophrenia, bipolor disorder, and the empty desperation of modern life? Friends, meet Jon Arbuckle. Let’s laugh and learn with him on a journey deep into the tortured mind of an isolated young everyman as he fights a losing battle against lonliness and methamphetamine addiction in a quiet American suburb.

Some more about 'I vote for art'

You want to know a bit more about ivoteforart.com? Here are 10 things:

• I vote for art will be an online art gallery and store.
• You'll be able to buy some terrific artwork, including original art and prints.
  
• It will be launching in March, or perhaps April in 2008.
• Visitors to the site will be able to 'vote' for their favourite artwork.
• It will be high quality, adorable yet affordable art.
• Over 20 artists will be involved when the site launches.
  
• Will be involving great artists from all around our great little planet.
• You can preview some of the artists on my flickr page and here on the blog.
• Or you can find I vote for art over at Myspace too.
  
• Has been keeping me very busy for the last 6 months.

Lawrence Yang

Lawrence Yang's paintings are influenced by traditional Chinese painting and pop surrealism, and are mostly concerned with creating order out of chaos - - or vice versa.

I found Lawrence over at Artswhore, a crackin' little blog and great source of new artists, back in January this year.

I've just picked up a print of this picture here,
titled Growth, from my printer tonight. It looks wonderful.

ivoteforart.com won't be the only place you'll be able to buy Lawrence's work. You can also pick up a book showcasing Lawrence's work at Lulu.com. Or if you're a fan of Growth like I am, you can visit the superb Gelaskins to add a skin to your ipod, laptop or iphone. Very very cool.

Or if you're just browsing, be sure to visit his site - http://www.suckatlife.com/

Death to polaroid

NO!!!!!

IT CAN'T BE TRUE.

THEY'RE NOT MAKING ANYMORE POLAROID FILM!!!



(Gorgeous polaroid image : Credit to Grant Hamilton)

Update :: Ironic Sans has a nice little idea to keep the dream alive.

Introducing ... (drum roll please)

This weekend, Artdabble is 6 months old. Back on the 25th of August 2007, I had a plan to get into an art business of some sort. I wasn't really sure what. And I chose to use this blog as a way of exploring what that business might be.

So, after 6 months of this blog, I think it's time I told you some more about what I'm up to. In the last few weeks, I've been introducing the artists, but I haven't actually given any details about what it will be called, and how it will work.

It's about time. So, I'd like to introduce to you : 'I vote for art', a new online art gallery that I'll be launching in the next month or so.

You won't see much at ivoteforart.com just yet. But in March or April, I'll be launching the site. If you're interested, I'll be writing about it here.

I've been working heavily behind the scenes in creating this little business. I've used the blog to share some ideas about whether it should be online or offline, and at the high or affordable end of the market. And to talk about the exhibitions I've visited.

In the process, I've found some fantastic art sites and blogs, and met some new friends. I've visited some galleries, both online and off. And I've discovered some amazing artists. I have definitely learnt a lot about art, and my own taste in art, since I started this blog. And I've learnt so much from my readers.

The comments, both positive and negative, have taught me so much, and pointed me in the direction that I'm heading in. Thanks to you all for reading, and sharing your thoughts.

In the next couple of months, I'll be telling you more about 'I vote for art'. So stay tuned.

Kendrick Mar

I first came across Kendrick Mar's work via the Creep Machine, an alternative art blog that I'm continually blabbing on about here are art dabble. You can read the interview here.

Kendrick lives and works in New York - and I'm constantly amazed to be attracting artists like Kendrick who are from parts of the world other than my own.

He describes his work as "metaphorical self-portraits that deal with childhood emotions and memory". I describe them as brilliant. Pain Receptors, pictured here, is one of the pieces that will be available.

If you're anywhere else, head over to his website to see more of his art.

Ryan Snook

Next up comes Ryan Snook, a Toronto-based illustrator. I first found his work via Illustration Mundo, a site that has so many great artists and illustrators. I've fallen in love with his quirky style.

To start with, Ryan will be exhibiting 3 pieces of his work, including this one, entitled "Fitness Fairytales".

From his official bio:

He studied illustration at Sheridan College before beginning his freelance career in 2003. Since that time, he has worked with clients from around the world doing everything from editorial illustration to character design. Some of his clients include Time, Hasbro, Forbes, Reader's Digest, The Wall Street Journal and more. His illustrations have also received awards from American Illustration and The Advertising & Design Club of Canada. In between assignments, he focuses on various personal projects like comics and children's picture books.

I was thrilled when said he would be keen to get involved, and sure his work will sell well. You can see more work at his website.

My very first artist - Kokomoo

Back in December I mentioned that I was going through the process of contacting artists for my gallery.

Now we're in February, I'm proud to say that I have 29 artists who are interested in being part of my project - And I thought it was about time that I let you know who they are.

So, my very first artist who wanted to be involved was Yan Wei, aka Kokomoo, from China. I first found her art through her myspace page, and have been in love with her work ever since.

Kokomoo is based in Beijing, and she will be starting with 4-5 black and white illustrations on the site. Including this one, entitled "Happy Meal".

She has recently been featured on Start Drawing, an incredible blog that showcases artists from Asia.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks to see more artists.