Kaoru Kawano

I have just signed up to a week long Japanese Woodblock Printing course, and whilst researching woodblock artists, I came across these beautiful images by Kaoru Kawano. (1916-1965) He was an active printmaker from the mid 1940's to the early 1960's. He interrupted his career to join the army, and became a prisoner of war in Siberia. In 1949, he resumed exhibiting, and participated in international competitions and solo exhibitions. http://www.ohmigallery.com/ImageDatabase/Kawano/KawanoDB.htm

      

Jane Foster

Jane Foster is an illustrator living in Devon. Her two main passions are screen-printing and collecting vintage fabrics. Her clients include Habitat, Clothkits  and The Art Group. I particularly love her fabric dolls, which either come made up, or in a kit for you to sew yourself. http://www.janefoster.co.uk/
 

Toshiyuki Fukuda

So, I have gone completely crazy for the work of Toshiyuki Fukuda, and have filled my entire blog with his images! He is a Japanese artist, living in Tokyo. He paints with acrylic paint on canvas, on top of which he distributes paper handkerchiefs. Also, on top of the painting is a surface layer which is a handkerchief. Apparently he finds chemical varnishes very strong, so instead uses instant coffee, and sometimes soy sauce to varnish the surface! Using this method gives the paintings an antique impression. Truthfully, I think this method sounds a little confusing; however the finished pieces are absolutely amazing!http://to-fukuda.com/

Maileg

Maileg is a danish lifestyle design company established in 1999. Dorthe Mailil is the creative director, who originally trained as a Graphic designer. The products are absolutely beautiful, and include cards, toys, clothes and a Christmas and Easter range. http://www.maileg.dk/frontpage I particularly like the 'Girl Draws Princess' card below.

  
  

Stuart Kolakovic

Stuart grew up in the Midlands, and is heavily influenced & inspired by his Eastern European heritage and it's folk art aesthetic.

Below is a preview of his new comic 'Lichen' http://www.stuartkolakovic.co.uk/

Hsinping Pan

Los Angeles based Hsinping grew up in Taiwan, and uses acrylic paint and the computer to create these adorable images. She has also done a really cute animation that you must see... http://www.hsinpingpan.com/animation/kraft.html