the sickness has continued in our house – on friday, my first day of full-health, i had to rush miso to the vet (he was limping from a cat fight ) and then on sunday ari came down with some kind of vomity-gastro-type thing (i am totally blaming it on bunnings sausage sizzle). i thought it would only last 24 hours, but it was just this afternoon that he returned to his usual crazy self.
this is my third non-functioning work week in a row, and i feel like life is testing me. on one hand it makes me realise how lucky i am to have kids that are healthy – i can’t imagine how very stressful and exhausting it must be to have very sick child for long period of time. but on the other hand – it makes me frustrated and flustered (i am running behind on so many deadlines/emails/phone calls). and also, when i don’t work, a big part of me becomes quite unhappy.
in fact, without my work, i feel like half a person. i know there are plenty of mama’s (and papa’s) who choose not to work while your kids are young, or are unable too, and i admire and understand those of you for your choices. but for me it was almost like there was no choice. my work is so a part of me, its hard to put into words. when tyke was born it was the most natural thing in the world for me to return to work straight away (literally 2 days later). and same with ari too. i did have the flexiablity of working for myself and with my partner that made it possible. i also became a champion at typing a one-handed email while breast-feeding, and was happy to adjust my hours around them – working at night or pretty much anytime i can fit work in. even though i might enjoy having a whinge about it every now and then, it never bothers me too much.
i once saw an interview with one of my favourite artists mirka mora, where she was asked if she had to choose between her art or motherhood what would it be? she replied that she couldn’t answer this question as it would upset too many people. in that instance for me there would be no choice (motherhood), but i do understand where her torment comes from.
anyway, to make myself feel a little better and like i have actually been productive in the past few weeks here is an update on some projects i have been working on recently:
seven seeds website and packaging – i have been doing lots of work for these guys. they are an amazing client as i love what they do and they trust me to do what i like. website was visually designed by us but it was actually mark at efront who did the important technical things and made it all work. check it out here
the owners of seven seeds (mark and bridget) also opened a new cafe today – de clieu, which is on the corner of george st and gertrude st, fitzroy. check it out for arguably the best coffee in fitzroy (a serious claim, but i am not joking). i also helped them out with logos etc for this cafe too
epos card project – i was asked by japanese company GAS (who i previously designed tees for) to participate in a project for 0101 department store – designing visa credit cards. there are many other artists involved (such as will sweeney, genevieve gaukler and martha cooper) you can see more on the project here. i was asked to design within certain categories (”cute” “goodluck” etc) and below are the designs of mine which where selected. only in japan will they choose a blue kitty wearing glasses and a bow as a graphic on a credit card! if only the banks here were so cool – i am sure it would encourage me to whip out my card at any opportunity!
jethro jackson – i have been working for this sleepwear company for a few seasons now and each season their theme’s and direction keep getting better. so much fun to work on. this one was paris tea-party. here are some of the yardages included in current collection. they have also just released their online store – check it out here
finders keepers wall - as i said previously the highlight of my weekend was hanging out with jo and lou at frankie stand at finders keepers market. my wall turned out nice and thanks to all of you who came and said hello! nice to meet you!
i have also been working on raph’s new project which i can’t show yet, but will be opening next week, so will post about it then. in the meantime here is a big hint – below is the view you will soon be able to enjoy while eating a raph burger and sipping a crisp cold beer (or cocktail, or mocktail for that matter too). how does that sound for some summer fun?
oh and one more thing – we are having a tiny mammoth sale here this weekend. more details soon!
p.s some of above images are from our new site, which leah has been working so hard on (thanks leah!) and which should be up very very soon!
