Vectorvault Art Blog
Your Imagination is the Combination
As part of her Black History Month Tribute Series, NFT Nat has created an exquisite portrait made up of magazine pieces from her own private collection. This one contains jewelry components. As the daughter of a designer herself, Natalie always tries to add personal touches to everything that she creates.
“When I was younger, I had a fascination with collages and cutting images out of magazines. I would write my name using letters cut out of magazines (ransom note-style) and I tried to integrate collage into every school assignment I would complete. That’s why, when I saw NFT Nat’s mixed media collage collection, I was awed by her ability to create beauty out of random images and I am eager to discuss with her what went into creating these beautiful pieces.”
Like many of us, Nat has a collection of old magazines. She searches through them to find an image she can build on with the goal to create a style of art that she would like to see in a frame. She sees a picture and will spend hours hand-cutting and rearranging images from photos and magazines. To me, knowing that an artist has put in this much care and effort into their work makes you appreciate the little details that much more. The handmade collages along with the digital touches added bring the pieces the images and the artist’s vision to life.
This collection has five pieces created by Nat: Booking a Shot, Temptation, The Woon Sue Twins, Mahogany, and The Offering. In all five of these pieces, Nat has included her own personal touch — whether it be flowers or family ties. In Booking a Shot, the yellow and pink lilies are cut-outs of photos taken from Nat’s personal garden. She took the photos specifically for this piece and included them to personalize it. Nat also included flowers in Temptation, Mahogany, and The Offering. Each individual flower and leaf was cut out using very small scissors so that Nat could get the most precise cut. Finally, The Woon Sue Twins is an homage to Nat’s mother who is against a background that shows off her Chinese/Jamaican heritage. I love to see artists add a signature image to their work, and the flowers show off Nat’s personality and eye for beauty perfectly.
Toronto
As Air Canada sets its sights on China, Toronto’s own Shingo Shimizu takes this mythical beast from pencil sketch to well-crafted vector illustration.
TrustoCorps have been pulling the wool over consumer’s eyes for years now. Their latest endeavour is a direct attack on the trashy magazines in your local supermarket.
What I find even more impressive than the stylish vector illustrations, is the fact that these crazy covers blend in perfectly with the regular ones. That should say something about the kind of magazines that North American Society has become addicted to.
[Read more…] about Fake Magazine Shopdropping
AWH (Always With Honor) is known for producing simple an elegant illustrations that boil down complex concepts into bite-sized wonders. Trust me, this is allot harder than it looks, but they seem to pull it off without a hitch.
Check out this infographic for Wired Magazine that breaks down the origins of some of the world’s top dog breeds.
Woof.
Today, my issue of Advanced Photoshop Magazine arrived. Much to my delight, Vectorvault has been featured in an article called Shop For Stock about some of the best resources for designers and digital illustrators.
It feels really terrific to be recognized by such an impressive magazine. Advanced Photoshop Magazine has always stood for great digital art, and now Vectorvault has been given a nod. It’s a great feeling.
When you swing by a magazine rack, pick up a copy. We have contributed a $5 discount coupon along with 48 free vectors included on their freebie disc.
It’s our way of saying “Thank you”. To the publication, but most importantly to the “clickity-clickers” out there who keep the world of vector art growing. Respect to those who choose to create, in a time that has dealt with so much destruction. Keep building dreams that lead to somewhere. All the best for 2011.
