Mica Hendricks: Peacock Girl

Peacock Girl, by Mica Hendricks (and Myla age 4)
15% of the sale of this print goes to Puppies Behind Bars.
 

Mica Hendricks is a full-time graphic artist and freelance illustrator, as well as a mother to a 4-year old.  "When our daughter once asked me if she could draw a body on a head I had sketched, our collaborations turned into something fun and wonderful, as well as a lesson (for me) in just letting things happen."

About the print:

I love to draw old movie photo stills in ballpoint pen.  Our daughter will add on to them with whatever she chooses.  This time, it was a peacock.  She’s always loved the craziness and bright colors of peacocks.

This print is available in multiple sizes. It was digitally signed by the artist. The 10x8 and 14x11 prints are numbered by The Working Proof, and the 16x20 prints come with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Learn more here.

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Can you describe your process for creating your work?
I start by drawing a head in ballpoint pen (my favorite medium), then my daughter draws the bodies and whatever other things she feels like adding.  It started out quite accidentally (as I describe in full on my blog at busymockingbird.com), but it has become a fun exercise for both of us in working together.  After she adds the body, I go back later, and add color with Prismacolor brush tip markers and add highlights in acrylic paint.  (see process images below)



What has inspired you recently?
Our daughter always inspires me in our collaborations—I sort of follow her lead.  We do animals sometimes, other times we make up fantastical monsters.   Since the faces are my favorite part to draw anyway, we make a great team!

Why did you choose to pair the Puppies Behind Bars with your print?

I have always thought that the Puppies Behind Bars project was an amazing way to transform the lives of three very different groups at the same time.  People that have had hard lives or have made mistakes are given the opportunity to have an extremely positive impact on the lives of other people, and the dogs—who might otherwise be uncared for—become very helpful as service dogs.  I think that is an amazing way of putting some very good GOOD in the world, and helping two potentially downfallen groups change for the better in every way.

Describe your perfect creative day:
I would already have a basic idea worked out (that’s always the hardest part).  Then I’d have about 8 hours of uninterrupted drawing/painting time as I listened to a great movie or audiobook.  Sigh!  No emails, no texts, no calls.  Then my daughter would come home and I’d have several heads for her to draw on, and she’d do her amazing doodles while I looked on.  There used to be an old TV show in the 80s called “Out of This World” where the girl had the power to freeze time by touching her index fingers together.  Time moves so quickly each day, I sometimes wish I could freeze the whole day for a bit so I could paint for hours…then pick up right where I left off.

How have you seen art transform the world around you?

Art is personal, and means something different to each person.  What started out as a fun little project with our daughter has become such a positive inspiration for others.  I have gotten messages from all around the world, saying they are reminded not to be so strict in their own work, or that they have started spending more time with their children, doing the things they love to do.  That is amazing to me.

If you could pick one artist to mentor you, who would it be?

If he was still alive, most definitely Jim Henson.  I have always had an incredible fascination with Jim Henson, his creativity, his imagination.  I’d love to sit around and talk to him.

Who are some artists you think people should know about?

Eric White has always been a very huge inspiration to me over the years.  Scott G. Brooks makes beautiful unusual faces.  Roberto Parada, Kent Knowles, Jeremy Fish, Dulk.

Thursday Flashback: Antje Drescher

ANTJE DRESCHER: UNTITLED - 10% OFF!

It is time for the Thursday Flashback discount! This week we are featuring a print that speaks to the chilly, snowy atmosphere of winter, so appropriate! The print Untitled, by Antje Drescher to benefit Doctors Without Borders. There are only 16 prints still available!


"The print is about the very moment you realize what will happen next. It's inspired by a walk through a wildlife park. The advantage of linocut technique lies within the contrast it creates between the white spaces of snow and the darkness of the tree trunks. It intensifies and focuses on the tension-filled situation between animals." - from Antje's interview with The Working Proof

This print is a linocut on watermarked 185gsm acid-free, deckle edged watercolor paper, printed with water-based inks. Learn more here. Please use the code DRESCHER10 when checking out to get the discount. Enjoy!

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Thursday Flashback sales happen every other Thursday and are valid for one week only. The OSoo promotion will expire on October 31st. Want to share this discount with a friend? Click here. 

MEGAN KOTT: OUR LOVE TRANSCENDS MOST THINGS

Our Love Transcends Most Things, by Megan Kott
15% of the sale of this print goes to Farm Sanctuary.

Megan Lynn Kott is a freelance artist with a life-long affinity for cats - her first word was “kitty.”  Her watercolor cat paintings have been called lovely, subversive, feisty and hilarious.  Her compassion for animals (in particular animals of the feline variety) is present in everything she does, from freelancing at the zero-carbon footprint clothing company Wildlife Works, to her eleven year strong dedication to veganism.  By day, she works professionally as a graphic designer and freelance illustrator in Oakland, California. Currently, her designs can be seen at the likes of Old Navy, Whole Foods Market, Tea Collection, and more. Her works-of-cat have been featured on Catsparella, Cybergata, Think Faest, and the Internet Cat Film Festival. She is currently aiming her efforts on putting out a book of her humorous kitties.  She can be found most Wednesday evenings at the drawing night she co-founded called Oakland Drink & Draw.

About the print:

The piece I submitted is called “Our Love Transcends Most Things.”  This piece is actually a redesign, the original is a bit more racy.  A lot of my work is text driven to add an extra element to it - and this one was no exception.  I wanted to add a sweeter, yet still humorous, aspect to the piece.  I decided to play on those early morning moments when your partner rolls towards you in bed and starts breathing in your face.  You love them, but you also are sort of grossed out by their breath.

This print is available in multiple sizes. It was digitally signed by the artist. The 10x8 and 14x11 prints are numbered by The Working Proof, and the 16x20 prints come with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.Learn more here.

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What has inspired you recently?
I am constantly inspired by my feline companions Griffin & Davos.  I am also inspired by my partner, artist & illustrator Justin DeVine, he is exceedingly brilliant and is a constant encouragement and friendly competitor.

Why did you choose to pair the Farm Sanctuary with your print?

When I first saw this site my first choice for donation was the Farm Sanctuary.  I have been dying to visit since I learned about it years ago.  They do wonderful things to inform folks about factory farming & other animal atrocities.  I am so proud & thankful to be able to donate to them.

How have you seen art transform the world around you?

I am really inspired by interactive art, and art that contains a community aspect.  I did a project in school in which I tried to create a civic dialog in my community about the beginning of the second war in Iraq.  The responses were overwhelming.  Since then I have always seen art as a dialog, one that can be changed by the viewer to whatever it means to them.  Not all artistic dialogs need to be high-minded, it is enough for people to interact with my drawings and chuckle.

If you could pick one artist to mentor you, who would it be?

I would probably pick poet & author Adrienne Rich.  Her book “What Is Found There” is one of my favorite texts for artists of any kind who have a conscious heart.  It is one of those books in life where you feel like the author is speaking directly to you.

Who are some artists you think people should know about?

Bay Area native, Jon Carling is wonderful & gracious and has an amazing mind. Justin DeVine is one of the most talented people I have ever met. Anders Nilsen is one of my favorite illustrators. And I am constantly loving Gingerhaze, Gemma Correll & Liz Prince.  I could also just go on forever about artists who are brilliant, we are lucky to live in an age where great talent is so accessible.

Thursday Flashback: OSoo

OSOO: DEER - 10% OFF!

It is time for the Thursday Flashback discount! This week we are featuring the the lovely and delicate print Deer, by OSoo to benefit The Doctors Without Borders.


"The deer and its antlers reminds me of what it is like to be feminine and how fabulous nature is. The antlers are iconic and I wanted to represent them in a certain way that encapsulates my current interests in material qualities, fashion, style, and patterns of the Art Deco period.." - from OSoo's interview with The Working Proof

This was printed on archival Epson Velvet Fine Art paper with archival Epson pigment inks. It was signed by the artist and numbered by The Working Proof. Learn more here. Please use the code OSOO10 when checking out to get the discount. Enjoy!

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Thursday Flashback sales happen every other Thursday and are valid for one week only. The Ana Montiel promotion will expire on October 31st. Want to share this discount with a friend? Click here. 

Tripti Singh: A1ACa

A1ACa, by Tripti Singh
15% of the sale of this print goes to Kids In Need Foundation.

Born in 1976, in Kanpur, Uttarpredesh, India, Dr. Tripti Singh is the first Indian researcher to document Indian digital art historical events for her Ph.D. in Visual Arts. As an artist she has been working in the digital medium for more than 12 years and has represented India in many international art events and collections. Dr. Singh is an up-and-coming Indian artist, and was the first digital artist to showcase her work at the Mecca of Indian Art - the Jehangir Art Gallery in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai. This was her first solo show, in which she earned fame as an Indian artist in the digital medium.

About the print:

This artwork is about the connection between the Universe and Mankind, using mathematic calculations about distance and measurement. The piece poses questions for its viewers, such as how everything is linked, everything is required, and how everything is needed at a specific distance and time. This artwork invites the viewer to search for answers to these questions.

This print is digitally signed by the artist. The 10x8 prints are numbered by The Working Proof. Learn more here.

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What has inspired you recently?
My inspiration comes through observation. Recently I have been influenced by cyclones and their destructive powers - the loss of life of so many people. It made me search for another world where things are more interesting and safe.

Do you have any process drawings/sketches?

         

Why did you choose to pair the Kids In Need Foundation with your print?

I have chosen to pair my artworks with Kids In Need Foundation. I think kids require more attention than anything else right now, as they are the future of our world.

How have you seen art transform the world around you?

Art lets people see beyond the physical, conscious world. It opens windows to the place where a person can interact with his or her own emotions.

If you could pick one artist to mentor you, who would it be?

I have been greatly influenced by Paul Klee. His simple and effective drawings made me think of how simple lines, shape and texture become so meaningful.

Who are some artists you think people should know about?
My Ph.D. Supervisor, Prof. Bhawani Shanker Sharma. Also, my advisors: Dr. John A Labadie and his Prof. wife Margie Beth Labadie.

The Friday Flashback: LASZLITO KOVACS

LASZLITO KOVACS: LOVE INSPIRES - 10% OFF!

It is time for the week's Flashback discount! This week we are featuring this simple and bold print, Love Inspires, by Laszlito Kovacs to benefit 826 National.


"The idea behind Love Inspires is pretty simple. I believe that love is the "inspiration engine" for a better life. But even though this is a simple idea, sometimes we still really need to remind ourselves of it everyday. I simply love the idea of having a reminder hanging on my wall. The musician is the reincarnation of inspiration. Music often opens our minds and heart and prepares us to embrace inspiration" - from Laszlito Kovacs' interview with The Working Proof

This is a digital print on acid free, Neenah uncoated matte 100lb cover paper that is 80% recycled. It was digitally signed by the artist and was numbered by The Working Proof. Please use the code Kovacs10 when checking out to get the discount. Enjoy!

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Thursday Flashback sales happen every other Thursday and are valid for one week only. The Laszlito Kovacs promotion will expire on November 14th. Want to share this discount with a friend? Click here. 

Sean Auyeun: Excelsior (re-release)

Excelsior, by Sean Auyeung
15% of the sale of this print goes to Bowery Mission.

Sean Auyeung studied Architecture and Visual Arts at Cornell University, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture. He grew up in Windsor, CT, and lives in Brooklyn, NY, with his wife and The Working Proof founder, Anna Corpron, and their two kids. Sean's visual background stems from a youth of comic books and skateboards and matured into illustration, intaglio, and screen printing. Sean is one-half of Sub-Studio and The Working Proof. When not moonlighting in illustration, he serves as a project architect and designer for education projects at ABA Studio.

About the print:

Curator's Note: As many of you may know, this week commemorates the one year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, the devastating force that took down much of New York City last year. Throughout the city there have been small events commemorating the loss of life, injuries and loss of homes from the storm as well as an attempt to bring awareness to the plight of those still reeling. Looking back it is amazing how the city of New York has come back from the devastation. It has been a joy to see the return of public festivities such as the Halloween Parade and NYC Marathon after they were cancelled last year. In honor of the city's return to normalcy and for those who are still struggling with their personal losses, we are re-releasing the print Excelsior by Sean Auyeung. 

We will be donating 15% of the sale price of each Excelsior print sold to the Bowery Mission, who are working to provide safe shelter and food to homeless and displaced New Yorkers. Help us help the Bowery Mission! Excelsior will be available from October 29th through November 11th. It will no longer be available for purchase after that date.

NYC is our adopted home of nearly 10 years. Like many, Anna and I migrated to the East Village and called it home for 9 years. Watching the damage in the city and other boroughs from the hurricane and the blackout afterwards was difficult to see. I drew this print as a reminder of how much New Yorkers care for one another. They may not always get along, but when the need is there, they answer.

Excelsior is latin for "ever upward" and is the motto of the State of New York. The oft-maligned common pigeon is a perpetual symbol of the city and its inhabitants: tough, fearless, and unstoppable. 

This print is available in multiple sizes. Each 8x10 and 11x14 print was signed and numbered by the artist. Learn more here.

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What has inspired you recently?
In a food magazine, I read a quotation from chef Nobu Matsuhisa - "Many chefs are either technically or artistically better than me, but I know my food has soul." I believe this attitude applies to all forms of creativity, and I have been trying to apply this idea recently in my artwork.

Why did you choose to pair the Bowery Mission with your print?

I chose the Bowery Mission as the charity because it serves those in need not only in times of crisis, but throughout the year. We volunteered there when we used to live in the neighborhood and we believe they are a great positive force in the neighborhood and provide very much needed care.

How have you seen art transform the world around you?

As an architect, I have the privilege to design schools with Pre-K to 8th grade kids. The work from the art classes, especially the youngest kids, is so pure and honest. They really don't care at all what anyone else thinks of their art and it's great! 

If you could pick one artist to mentor you, who would it be?

Leonardo da Vinci, hands down. He was the ultimate thinker - painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist, and writer. Creativity is healthiest and most vibrant when ideas influence and are inspired by different fields of study.

Who are some artists you think people should know about?
I learned to draw by reading comic books and started skateboarding when I was 5. So naturally, the artists that inspire me come out of that youth. My favorite artists inspire both economy and excess. Economy: Mike Mignola, Evan Hecox, Richard Diebenkorn, and Andy Jenkins. Excess: Jim Lee, James Jean, Ashley Wood, and Paul Pope.