Hi, BARBIE!
‘She’s Everything’ is my ode to Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie.’
I’ve seen Greta Gerwig’s film of the same name twice now, and will no doubt see it countless times more.
Touching on so many subjects that hit close to home, including the feelings of inadequacy and the way we measure our own value to both ourselves and society. I feel like it’s just we need in the current place and time - all wrapped up in the prettiest of pink packages.
Having already surpassed the one billion dollar mark at the box office, I think the collective world would agree that when it comes to Barbie, She is EVERYTHING.
My Margot Barbie is out of her box, dripping in Versace and Chanel, on a table laden with every accessory a Barbie girl could want.
‘She’s Everything’ is my newest print release, available in a limited edition of 20 A3 prints and 20 A2 prints only.
You can find her in the shop by clicking here.
SNOW WHITE
In typical ‘Me’ fashion, I began this illustration almost two years ago! YIKES.
I finished the pencils on Snow, and then sat her on my ‘work in progress’ pile, a little mentally exhausted at the thought of having to draw her seven small companions. The only problem is that I then completely forgot to finish her!
It was only recently that I picked it back up, determined to complete my take on the beloved tale of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,’ written by the Brothers Grimm.
My version depicts Snow as a confident, radiant Italian goddess - decked out in the finest garb this side of Milano - and surrounded by seven tiny men in the clearing in the woods that they call home; complete with forest creatures, wildflowers, oranges and lemons. Because, let’s face it, it’s not ALL about that apple.
Once again, I wasn’t overly interested in portraying the Prince, as he’s a bit of a background player in this story, and I preferred to keep the focus on Snow, herself.
Plus, who needs a Prince when you’re a #KWEEN surrounded by little Italian men in tailored suits?!
’Snow White’ has been added to my shop as a limited edition print of 40 A3, and 15 A2 prints, respectively. Click here to shop: www.birdyandme.com.au/shop
You can also find some of my favourite Snow inspired images below:
Carola Remer, photographed by Camilla Akrans, Vogue Germany, 2011
Yan Xu, photographed by Shxpir, Harper’s Bazaar China, 2013
Natalia Vodianova, photographed by Cuneyt Akeroglu, S Moda, 2018
Snow White, photographed by Irving Penn for Vogue, Dec 1946
Beverly Peele, photographed by Bruce Weber, Vogue, 1991
Shalom Harlow, photographed by Francois Nars, X-Ray
Gemma Ward, photographed by Steven Meisel, Vogue Italia, 2005
a NUTCRACKIN' CHRISTMAS
It creeps up on us earlier and earlier every year, but even more so for those of us that need to prepare for the retail season. That’s right - Christmas is less than 8 weeks away!
My Christmas cards have become something of a tradition for me, and this year I wanted to combine one of my very favourite stories / ballets into the design. It’s been on my mind for so many years now but I hadn’t had the chance to fully dive in. So, in the same vein as my fairytale series, I present to you my take on ‘The Nutcracker.’
We see Clara, having magically shrunken down to the size of her gifted Nutcracker doll (the disguised Prince of The Land of Sweets), dancing and battling the night away in order to break the curse placed upon him by the evil (but still cute) Mouse King.
As a child I particularly loved one of its many animated variations, 1990s ‘The Nutcracker Prince’ but have since, of course, grown to appreciate its more original format in Tchaikovsky’s ballet.
It’s also a subjected that has enamoured both the fashion and beauty industries, with many a spectacular Christmas editorial for the likes of Vogue, W, M.A.C Cosmetics, and more…
You can find some of my favourites below. (Tim Walker certainly loves a ‘Nutcracker’ theme!)
For now though, I do hope you enjoy my version! I decided on a fresh green palette this year.
As usual, cards are available in very limited quantities, and once sold out will not be re-stocked.
Also, for the first time ever, I have made a VERY small print run of 10 limited edition prints for the Christmas décor enthusiasts that like to have something special to bring out once a year!
You can find both in my store now: www.birdyandme.com.au/shop
Karen Elson photographed by Tim Walker, Vogue UK, 2008
M.A.C Cosmetics ‘Nutcracker Sweet’ campaign, photographed by Tim Walker, 2016
Marion Cotillard photographed by Tim Walker, W Magazine, 2012
Natalia Vodianova photographed by Paolo Roversi, Vogue Russia, 2014
Karen Elson photographed by Tim Walker, Vogue UK, 2008
Vogue Korea
Shani Zigron photographed by Gustavo Papaleo, Vogue India, 2012
Paolo Sebastian 2018/2019 collection, Inspired by ‘The Nutcracker.’ via Vogue Australia
spring TWINS
As Winter wraps itself around us down here in the Southern Hemisphere, my news feed (and brain) is filled with images of European Springs and Summers...flower stands in London, Paris and New York overflowing with beautiful blooms.
It's those same said blooms that have made their way to Australia, and my mantle piece is filled with the last of the imported peonies for the season! I'll have to make the most of them until October, when they burst out with our own Spring.
It's perhaps a bit of wishful thinking / wanderlust that led me to create these two blooming beauties. Although, let's be honest, flowers are never far from my mind - or pencil.
I wanted to convey that sense of Spring and the fantasy of filling our arms - or market bags - with as many flowers as we can carry! I'd also like this bike. So...y'know. Draw what you love / covet, I guess!
These sistas as available in my shop now in limited editions of 50 A3 prints only - signed and numbered by me - until sold out.
Buy one, buy both, keep one, gift another to a friend - they're a special pair and now that I offer free postage in Australia and flat rates worldwide - it's probs a good time to double up ;)
Click here to shop: www.birdyandme.com.au/shop
LA PETITE FLEUR
Pretty as a *powder-pink Dior* picture...
Just 9 prints left in the edition of my Thumbelina-inspired 'La Petite Fleur' before she's sold out forever!
To make her yours, visit the shop here: www.birdyandme.com.au/shop
Don't forget that Australian orders now ship free + International postage is offered at flat rates.
the SWAN PRINCESS
Re-visiting an old classic with a new take on 'The Swan Princess.'
Whether you know the story from its various incarnations such as 'The Swan Princess,' or Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake,' you are no doubt familiar with the tragic heroine Odette. Cursed by an evil sorcerer (aren't they always) Odette is transformed by night into a beautiful white swan.
A young prince, Siegfried, happens upon Odette one night in the forest and becomes enamoured by her, his love the secret to breaking her curse.
Act III sees the sorcerer deceive the prince by introducing him to his 'daughter,' Odile, the 'black' swan and a doppelgänger for his beloved Odette. The princes falls under her spell, inadvertently ruining Odette's chance of freedom.
The ballet itself is so incredibly beautiful, and the image of the heartbroken swan-girl is iconic.I have delved into this tale previously, but wanted to tackle it again to incorporate more detail; both the black and white swans, the enchanted forest, and that beautiful crescent moon.
'The Swan Queen' is available in my print shop now in a limited edition of 40 A3 prints and 15 A2 prints only.
You can find her here: www.birdyandme.com.au/shop
Keep scrolling for more 'Swan/Odette' inspired imagery!
Kate Moss photographed by Steven Klein for W Magazine
Tim Walker for Vogue UK
Crista Cober photographed by Kristian Schullerfor Harper's Bazaar Turkey
Letitia Costa photographed by Mario Testino for Vogue Paris
Caroline Trentini photographed by Arthur Elgort for Vogue US
the BOTANIST
You'd think I'd be getting tired of the botanical illustrations by now, buuuuut - no such luck!
I decided to draw a little companion to my 'Florist' girl over the last week, because I clearly can't enough of these tiny people.
This is 'The Botanist' - very nearly titled 'Botany Bae' to the now broken dreams of my husband and friends.
But that's an Aussie in-joke.
This green-thumbed beauty is available in the same sizes and quantities as her (now sold-out) sister! (30 A4 & 30 A3 prints.)
To be honest, I think I like her even more than her floral twin!
You can pick up a print here: www.birdyandme.com.au/shop
P.S The second artwork in the image above is by the amazing Pippa McManus.
CINDERELLA
The latest in my fairy tale series, and perhaps one of the most widely treasured - 'Cinderella'!
For so many of us, 'Cinderella' (told by the Brothers Grimm and, perhaps most famously, Charles Perrault) is synonymous with Walt Disney's classic animated film. Along with 'Snow White' it was one of the studio's very first in a long line of fairy tales.
We're so familiar with that 'Bibbity Bobbity Boo' scene, the stunning score, and that beautiful scenery (envisioned by the wonderful concept art of Mary Blair).
While Disney's version is so vivid in our memories, I wanted to focus less on the ball and the Prince, and more on Cinderella herself.
Of course those shoes makes a precious cameo, but it's all about that glorious gown and the transformation from rags to ravishing beauty. The birds and mice are getting her dressed and she's just about to throw that god-damned broom away.
In true fashionista style, our Cinderella proves that sometimes all it takes to improve your day is a killer pair of heels and a beautiful dress! Sure, you might have to sweep a few floors, but you'll feel pretty darn good doing it.
'Cinderella' is available now in a limited edition of 40 A3 prints, and 15 A2 prints, in my store here:
www.birdyandme.bigcartel.com
I hope I've done her justice!
View some of Disney's original 'Cinderella' concept art by Mary Blair (because I love it so much!) and a gif of THAT transformation below.
Artwork by Mary Blair for Walt Disney
Artwork by Mary Blair for Walt Disney
ALICE IN GUCCI-LAND
Gucci Pre-Fall 2016
Viktor & Rolf, Photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue US, 2003
Photographed by Margaret Zhang for Seduce
Photographed by Alexandra Sophie for Vogue China, 2016
Given my love of Lewis Carroll's Alice, there was no question I would have to continue the series with her adventures 'Through the Looking Glass.'
The chief inspiration behind this piece was this incredible Gucci gown.
As soon as I saw it I immediately pictured it on our Queen of Curiosity. I mean, if ever a dress was made for its subject...
Taking place after she fell down the rabbit hole, 'Through the Looking Glass' sees Alice pulled into the 'other' room, where everything is back-to-front and the inhabitants have a flair for poetry!
While Wonderland was all about flamingos, rabbits and mad tea parties, the looking glass takes us into a giant game of chess and Alice's determination to become a Queen.
Those familiar with the tale, will also remember that the Tweedles first appear in 'Through the Looking Glass', and not 'Wonderland' as is commonly believed, so I had to include them in my version.
If you've not read the book, you can A) DO IT! NOW! or B) catch one of the many film adaptations, including this one from the BBC starring Kate Beckinsale and a whole lot of mad British fashions (take particular note of the supermodel flower bed.)
I also hope you enjoy some of these looking glass inspired images!
'The Looking Glass' is available to order now in my shop in both A3 + A2 sizes here: www.birdyandme.bigcartel.com
(Limited to a quantity of 40 + 15 respectively.)
THE BOOK IS CLOSING ON RAPUNZEL
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, conditioner's worst nightmare!
Such a popular print this year, and one of my favourites to have worked on.
I'm now down to my last 3 A3 prints before she is forever sold out in that size, and only a handful of A2 prints remain.
Give Rapunzel and her cascading mane a home by visiting the shop here: www.birdyandme.bigcartel.com