Art & Illustration Work

I’m terrified of oversharing yet here I am with various social media accounts, a public blog and a sketch journal diarising my daily life. If I think about it too much I’ll cringe, roll over and die.

My mother always told me not to make my life an open book. Apparently it’s my open, friendly face. And now we have Facebook.

She is a Filipino mom so she also told me, “do not study art; study to be a doctor. You can always “do” art on the side when you are a rich and successful doctor.” If you know Filipinos, you know I’m not joking.

Yet here we are, many years later now a grandmother and mother, finding a new common language in art and illustrations.

I drew this for fun after reading The Tatooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris for a book club. I go pretty regularly because they are open minded and aren’t afraid to read books outside of their comfort zone.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the book but it turned out to be one of the most romantic and beautiful love stories I’ve ever read. Coincidentally finished it over Valentines Day too ❤️. My re-draw of the book cover followed inspiration from Banksy’s kids on guns hill (I think it’s called). I also think he said, nobody ever listened to me until they didn’t know who I was.

Loo roll.
Child: What’s that?
Father: It was Mummy. She got that in case of Brexit.

Earlier this year, news reports mentioned the implications for a no-deal Brexit could include shortages of supplies. Typical Express style scare mongering I said, but even the FT reported that Britons were circulating a ‘hamster list’ which included loo roll.

Bananas. The self fulfilling risk of panic buying!

My friend Laura is a joy. She was visiting from London and over a vegetarian sharing board, she puts down her wine glass, passes me a newspaper and asks “Have you seen what Jacinda Ardern is doing? When was the last time we even knew the name of a New Zealand prime minister!” She adds, “and she’s only 38!”

This Mother’s Day weekend, I’m grateful for the time and space to draw, enjoy the kids, and the warmer Spring weather.

I’m acknowledging too, the simple and complex spectrum of emotions that can be felt by anyone on any day they choose to reflect on motherhood or childhood.

Happy mama day indeed.

 

I made these gift tags for the kids’ school.

It’s Mother’s Day in the UK this weekend, but isn’t until May in the US Canada and Australia.

To celebrate Mother’s Day today parents have baked, made or packaged treats for these to embellish then sell to the kids. A mother’s job is never done.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton