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Kourtney Roy

Kourtney Roy's images seduced me at first glance. They are the photographic forms of everything I want my illustrations to be. I'm all for these patterns and vibrant colour combinations. Roy's photographic talents are put to great use in a tantalising fashion spread in issue1 of Soup Magazine. Get hold of this now at Artwords. Visit her website for more fantastically striking photographs.

Givenchy Haute Couture

I've been left feeling a little romantic at the sight of these Riccardo Tisci creations. 'Hauntingly beautiful' is completely overused but hey, feeling lazy. Dazed and Confused have done a feature on the man and his collection for Givenchy A/W10. The exquisite detail and masterful combination of textures make these frocks everso sexy. All I need is an occasion to sport it. Pub anyone?

New work from Gregory Crewdson

Gregory Crewdson takes a more subtle approach in his new series of black and white photos. All the black and white photographs in 'Sanctuary' are taken in Cinecetta film studios in Italy (this is Crewdon's first project outside the US). These photos capture something other than jaw-dropping moments in Hollywood films, as with Twilight, and look in great detail at this false and confusing landscape. I love the continuation of the cinematic theme throughout his work, projected in a different way. I have a feeling that this book is going to fly like a hot cake.

Get a copy at Artwords.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water House

Taschen are about to release the second of three volumes, covering the works of American architect and interior designer Frank Lloyd Wright. During his career, Wright really got the balance of man-made and the organic. The most famous example of this is the Falling Water House in Pennsylvania which was partly built over an existing waterfall. The house looks almost too 'James Bond' to be true.

I doubt that the book will contain any information on his apparently turbulent personal life, but am looking forward to seeing it no less.

We're all saved!

I just been reading a really interesting interview with Professor Michel Parent in AIE magazine. Admittedly, I'd never heard of him prior to this article but was drawn in by the title 'The Science of Utopia'. Along with the rest of book shoppers today, I love a good Utopia-based bit of information (it allows us to all go soaring into unrealistic visions of perfect cities without a whisper of 'carbon emissions' or 'BP oil spills').

Parent believes that 'Orthopedic shoe-makers are about to make millions in the eradication of the car.' The article delves into the possibilities of a future where we all jog to work, or catch a cycag, leaving only rich eccentrics able to afford sky-high petrol prices.

Worth a read. AIE is available at Artwords.

Lurve Magazine

I do resent being overly critical about fashion magazines as they must take a mountain of time and effort to produce, but in what could be thought of as an over-saturated market, they need the fashion mag X-Factor. And as a metaphorical Simon Cowel, I'm giving Lurve Magazine the thumbs up. Not only do I like the handy smaller format (mmm, formats) the content is also rather good. Highlights for me are the escapist New Mexico photos by Pamela Love & Jordan Sullivan and a very vintage fashion story shot by Marine Braunschvig. The general feeling is less glossy airbrushed (literally, actually, as the paper is lovely matt finish) more hazy and intangible.

Lurve can be found at Artwords, Broadway Market.

Martino Gamper: 100 chairs in 100 days and its 100 ways

Aside from a title that I find slightly awkward, this book is excellent. It shows off Italian designer Martino Gamper's talent for off-the-cuff design. Despite the spontaneous nature of the project, the results are not throw-away, these pieces are real keepers. A mark of true creativity and sure to inspire chair designers across the globe. Beautiful book design also by London-based design team Åbäke.

Pick up your copy at Artwords.

Peter Bialobrzeski: Informal Arrangements

This is the third and most interesting book I've seen by Bialobrzeski. It focuses on the interiors of shantytown shacks in South Africa. The photographs are a far cry from what you might expect -dark, depressing and soul-less. The resourcefulness of the residence is astounding and the influence of western society and commercial culture blinding. There are advertisements and film posters a plenty, one room is wallpapered with an underwear catalogue. This body of work is full of small details that may only be noted second or third time around. I highly recommend this one.

Get it at Artwords, Broadway Market.

Charles Dana Gibson

Just been going a bit giddy over the work of American illustrator Charles Dana Gibson. Little did I know that the Gibson Martini's I've been ordering, served with a pickled onion, are named after this fellow.*

*I would never order a drink with a pickled onion.

Surreal House

I'm a big surrealist fan, this I do not keep secret, so it was inevitable that I would take some enjoyment from the Barbican's 'Surreal House' exhibition. However, I will go as far to say that this was one of the most enjoyable exhibitions that I've ever been to. Not only is it wholey atmospheric, but the diverse range of work housed in the show makes you realise just how significant this topic is. The word 'surrealist' can conjure thoughts of daft people creating all sorts of Freudian oddities, yet almost all of the work in 'Surreal House' draws completely rational conclusions. One of the many many highlights was Dali's House of Venus, shown above.

I love the catalogue for the show -it's beautifully produced with great essays on the subject. You've got until the 12th September to see it, so there isn't really an excuse not to.

Interview with Kim Cooper

I met Kim whilst attending her amazing Bukowski LA tour. After returning from my visit, I felt very inspired by the city and so got in touch with Kim to get some more insider info. The result was this short interview....

Kanaval

Leah Gordon takes us on a terrifying journey to pre-earthquake Haiti in full carnival season. The book is rich with bizarre images of men in drag and hand made masks. The astounding costumes resonate the Haitians strong vodou beliefs. All in all, a total treat for the eyes, but not for anyone prone to night terrors.

Available now at Artwords.

Pauline Boty

Just a short post to acknowledge the British pop artist Pauline Boty who was coined 'Bardot of Wimbledon' due to her likeness to Brigitte. She died at 28, refusing to risk her pregnancy by having treatment for cancer. She is often a forgotten name in the 60's pop art scene, or simply credited for her beauty and not for her work.

Typo Lyrics

Ever wondered what a song looks like? What typographical form does music take? Hmm. Whether you've given this a thought or not, you should take a look at TypoLyrics. The book is compiled of contributions to Slanted Magazine who challenged designers to create a typeface that captures a song. There are some great contributions from 170 typographers. Pick up a copy at Artwords.

Meryl Smith

New York based artist Meryl Smith's sculptures create an odd bridge between creature and inanimate object, like her 'Hog Ball'. They really sing surrealism. On Halloween, she swaps the usual 'sexy' devil or vampire female costume option for something far more gruesome - 'Me giving birth to myself'. Excellent. See Meryl's blog for further costume ideas.

Her work space and home is featured in 'The Selby is in Your Place', available at Artwords.

Christian Schoeler and some worthwhile opinions

Reading an interview in Metal Magazine with artist Christian Schoeler, you would think that you were hearing the thoughts of a much older man. When questioned about the state of contemporary art, Schoeler reveals that he thinks the magic and glamour have disappeared at the hands of the art business and is replaced by art that is so information based, it is often dull. I like this man's honesty, and his paintings of young men are beautiful.

The interview was in last month's Metal, but the current issue is available at Artwords, and is equally as interesting.

Slim Aarons

When times get stressful, let's say I've laddered my new tights then got on the wrong bus whilst running late, you might hear me chanting "...go to a happy place, go to a happy place..". Well, this is my happy place. These poolside scenes of affluent 60's socialites first caught my attention in an exhibition in Brighton. They are true visions of fantasy lifestyles. Slim Aarons, I salute you.

Else Neulander-Simon

I read the heartbreaking story of this photographer, who worked under the name Yva in this months issue of Glass Magazine. Not only was she working in an industry that left little room for women, she was also oppressed by Nazi Rulers, who eventually confiscated her photographs and banned her from working in her profession. She worked alongside, and is said to have heavily influenced Helmut Newton with her experimental style. The last chapter of her story is the saddest. She recieved an offer from Life magazine to work in New York but her husband was reluctant to leave Berlin. This decision lead to her untimely death in Auschwitz concentration camp, adding haunting irony to her photographs of free, modern women.

Marianne North: more exotic than a Bounty bar

I recently visited Kew Gardens to soak up a bit of leafy heritage. I was absolutely stunned by the Marriane North gallery, home to her life's work as a flower painter. She trotted the globe in the 1800's painting all sorts of exotic botanics and views which have been displayed to great effect at Kew.

Palais Ideal

I wonder if I can get a mortgage for this place. This is the incredible work of just one man, postman Cheval who collected rock by rock and spent 35 years building the palace. Cheval was inspired by the French former colonies printed on the postcards he delivered.

It was after reading this I understood the deal with Chuck Palanuck's novel Choke, the parallel is there, no?

I find this so touching - the hard work of one man, pushing himself to the limit on his pilgrimage to build his church, and dying at the ripe old age of 88. Imagine the house party he had when he finished!

New York Art: The Velvet Underground

Today, I've had my nose burried in The Velvet Underground book, published by Rizzoli. Anyone remotely interested in The Velvet Underground or any of the musicians, artists and performers connected (there sure were a lot) is bound to find this fascinating. It is full of the incredible artwork that went hand-in-hand with the music. It also has more than just a bit of Warhol-based contributions - apart from the peel-off banana record sleeve, I can't say I'm convinced, surely he's the first of a long list of 'art chancers'? Anyway, it's amazing and uh oh...I think I'm obsessed with Nico.

Available at Artwords.

Dorothy Iannone

Look out for Dorothy Iannone's all-powerful women dominating her erotic paintings and prints. Looks like someone had too much free love in the summer of '67 -just joking. I love these. They're bright, free and most importantly...saucy.

Craving Craven

Ann Craven's painting's left an immediate impression on me the moment I saw them in Flash Art Magazine this month. Saccharine, hyper-real birds smile out at us almost like glamour girls. It echoes the feel of the 'unknown' artist painting you'll find on a market stall -the kind that make you laugh.

Read a more eloquent and accurate review of Craven's work in this months Flash Art Magazine, available at Artwords.

Wayne's Allwhite

Please ignore the terrible pun title ( I don't even think that counts as a pun). How many strings can a man have to his bow? Wayne White's name usually precedes the list of illustrator, fine artist, set designer, art director. As well as art directing numerous children's programmes, Wayne White also designed the set for one of the best music videos of the 90s -Smashing Pumpkins Tonight Tonight.

Todd Oldham compiles and designs a smashing book of White's work and his transition into a painter. He now works purely typographically over existing prints. The result is completely cosmic. What is astounding about this book of how much of it there is. Wayne really is prolific.

The book is titled 'Maybe Now I'll Get The Respect I So Richly Deserve' and includes an interview with the man him self . Available at Artwords -HALF PRICE!

Twin

Captivating me on the magazine/journal front this month is Twin. I believe it is produced by some of the team behind Lula ( I could be mistaken). Substance shines through with this and it's much more art and culture heavy than Lula. This, the second issue, is one that I hold close to my heart as it celebrates 40 years of the Women's Liberation Movement, taking us back to the women that used art to respond to changing times.

I love the rather tender piece on different female artists' take on 'womens' intuition'. The issue sounds a more positive note on the liberation as apposed to dwelling on past oppressions. It also showcases some beautiful work of current female artists including photographer Kate Tempest, painter Pearl C Hsiung and Linda Brownlee. All bound together in hardback with Liberty print end papers. Phew, take a breath.

Get it at Artwords of course.

Cult Classic, Elizabeth Peyton

I really love this self-compiled book of Elizabeth Peyton. The portraits of greats such as Jarvis and Kurt and whimsical and unrefined, completely personal. They resonate a timeless quality. I can't quite put my finger on what makes these work so well. Is it her choice of picture? (they're definitely not from life). I'd love to see her working process. Anywho, I find them rather touching and would love to have a Jarvis for my non existent art collection.

The book 'Elizabeth Peyton' is published by Rizzoli and available at Artwords.

Mad About Paris

I think I've just fallen in love with every man in the new Man About Town : Paris Issue. The issue sees life through the nonchalant eye of a Parisian man, with interviews with architect Christian De Portamparc, Singer Sebastien Tellier and Anna Mouglalis, complete with smoking portraits by Inez Van Lamsweerde. The lovely fashion spreads give more than just a nod towards Goddard and Truffaut. All in all it does a great job in capturing the essence of those magical creatures that are Parisians.

Available at Artwords.

King of found images: Hans-Peter Feldmann

This is the most expensive book I've written about to date at £60 -but this is one serious book. 'Album' offers you a small portion of Feldmann's collection with images from the beautiful to bizarre, kitsch to macabre. This Certainly is a feast for the eyes. Start saving.

Available at Artwords, Broadway Market.

Book Art For Children in Vienna, 1890-1938

I wonder if the children of Vienna knew how lucky they were to be exposed to such beautiful works and colourful images of utopia? This book takes you to a specific period and place where artistic taste and craftsmanship shine through children's stories. It also speculates on the social and political influences on the work, inviting us to look at book art for children in general in a different light. Thought provoking and beautiful -lucky kids.

The book includes illustrations by Henriech Lefler, Koloman Moser (above) as well as many other unknowns.

Available at Artwords, Broadway Market

Bollywood Helen

I've only just become aware of this racy Bollywood actress after being asked to reference her in a portrait (I'm working on a number of portraits through boutique Olive Loves Alfie). Click on the title to see her in action.

Everything about this clip is amazing from the incredible dancing, the narrator, perfectly furnished 60's room used for Helen's yoga to the weird silhouette dance at the end. Perfect. I'm a Helen fan.

Centre Fold Magazine

I'm really impressed with Centre Fold magazine. I was initially drawn in ,like a magpie to sparkle, by the dreamy Michael Gillette cover, only to find that the content's not bad either. The great design of this magazine, with no ugly staples, means that any of the spreads can be used as posters. And most of the spreads are beautiful enough to want to do so. I especially love the 'Maidens of May' shoot. I couldn't find a pic of this, so you'll have to buy it yourself at Artwords, Broadway Market.

Fernando Chamarelli

Great graphic and surreal work from Fernando, much of which is inspired by Columbian indigenous art. Yep.

Antique Collectors' Club : Design Series

Antique Collectors' Club have produced a great series, with cleverly designed covers that look so nice all together. The books neatly compile the design work of different artists including Paul Nash and The Curwen Press. My favourite so far is Constructivist poster artist, Rodchenko.

Start Your collection at Artwords Bookshop, Broadway Market.

Micah Lidberg

Now, I have a small confession to make. I've held off showing you Micah's work as I'm more than a little jealous. It makes me want to quit Photoshop, turn off my computer, tear up my sketchpads and hide in a dark corner.

Beautifully detailed, an excellent eye for colour, perfectly polished and highly original. What's not to like?

You can find Micah's work in the 'Jungle' Nobrow publication, available at Artwords.

Stuff for the Laycocks: Adam Ellison

Illustrator/designer, Adam Ellison is the first contributor to the 'Stuff for the Laycocks section'. He has chosen this great ceramic 'Whippy' light fitting, celebrating the new lightbulb shape instead of disguising it. Laycocks, if you get bored of this one, you know who to give it to.

Whippy lighting can be found at Mixko.co.uk.

Check out Adam's website for a feast of graphic design and illustration works and keep those suggestions for the Laycocks coming to bryonylloyd@live.com.

New Section: Stuff for the Laycocks

Ever thought to yourself 'Lord, I've got so much money but not a clue of what to spend it on'? No, me neither, but Jackpot winners the Laycocks from Cirencester have -poor buggers. This is where I (and you) come in. With the help of the Laurence King book '1000 New Designs 2', I'm going to help the Laycocks cram their sparkly new mansion full of stuff.

So, first we will start with this embroider it yourself bowl designed by Guillaume Delvigne and Ionna Vautrin. It could be a loose money bowl? No, not big enough.

Then this Shay Alkalay Pivotting cabinet. This is great because more stuff will have to be bought to fill it.

If you have any suggestions for the 'Stuff for the Laycocks' section, then please e-mail bryonylloyd@live.com. Together, we can help them.

Alex Prager

When we think of LA, most think cinema, glamour and all things fake. Alex Prager's staged portraits of often vacant women in synthetic wigs explores this with dark undertones. The influence of Hitchcock and Lynch are apparent. Along with a sprinkle of Gregory Crewdson and a dusting of Guy Bourdin, I'm finding these images equally compelling.