I am absolutely smitten by the work of Chuck Groenink
(his shop is on Society6), an illustrator from the Netherlands who has relocated to Portland, USA a year ago. I am most impressed by his use of colors, form and concepts behind his imagery. His work – when seen in a larger scale – has much depth, with visual layers that communicate as a whole. On a much deeper level, his textures, forms and characters shine brilliantly.
This is one man to watch!
Naz Rahbar was born in Tehran, Iran but immigrated to Canada at the age of 13, where she completed her studies with a Fine arts Degree at OCAD university with a major in drawing and painting and a minor in printmaking. I think her portrait series are pretty interesting – she paints the people she meets from memory instead of taking a snapshot, and takes it as a challenge to see how well she can recall their faces.
Tell me a little more about yourself.
I live in Toronto Canada, and most of the year I wish I lived somewhere warm. I would like to experience living in different parts of the world. I find different landscapes and people inspiring. I wish I could just travel and fill up sketchbooks and travel logs!
Your website shows various printmaking works – which ones are your favorite, and why?
I like different printmaking techniques for their unique qualities and limitation. I love Lithography and wish I could learn and practice more of it. Unfortunately I don’t have access to a Litho press and studio right now. I guess can’t really choose a favorite. I am happier with the silk screens I have done.
Does your style and work seek to communicate a particular message?
No way, or at least not one that is clear to myself at this time. I guess I’m more interested in fiction, or stories, or vignettes or mainly with the idea of documenting or recording a moment, a feeling, a face, a person, or a sort of something I feel possessed to draw.
Who would be your dream client / Who would you love to work for?
Ultimately I guess it would be to work for myself! I have been thinking of a sort of graphic novel. It would be great to have a book published. One that speaks to people of kind and ages would be ideal.
You can see more of Naz’s work on her website and also purchase original prints from her Etsy shop.
Jardley Jean-Louis is a young artist who’s currently based in NY, and she was mentioning to me that she sent these pictures off to a greeting card company, but was turned down. I thought that her work was pretty good actually – I really am enjoying the pen work that punctuates her work, and the colors that she chooses.
Here’s the thing: While I don’t see her work being picked up by greeting card companies, I think she would do really well in editorial and publishing. I think she has an interesting style that she can explore within different areas of illustration.
And a little reminder to those out there; don’t try too hard to fit your style to those that belong to brands or manufacturers. You’ll be better off trying to find those that fit YOUR current style.
