Embodied Visions:Bridget Riley,Op art and the Sixties

Thames & Hudson have a great book exploring Bridget Riley's work in context of the era it was produced. Her geometric works reflect the 60's desire to unite body and mind through hallucinogenic drugs, fears of what advances in science held for the future including nuclear war and the need for audience participation in art.

Good friends Sarah Parker, Rachel Lattimore and Joanna Dudderidge have kept the Riley atheistic alive in their shoot for Feral Magazine. See more here http://sarahparkercreative.blogspot.com/

Embodied Visions is available at Artwords, Broadway Market.

Barney Bubbles makes me cheerful

'Reasons To Be Cheerful' is a collection of rare images created by graphic artist/designer/influencer Barney Bubbles. The book is packed full of engaging and fun designs, many being album artwork for the likes of Elvis Costello, Hawkwind and Billy Bragg. I especially love his contributions to underground magazine OZ.

Available, as usual, at Artwords, Broadway Market.

Julien Langendorff's World

Parisian artist/illustrator Julien Langendorff is the producer of weird yet undoubtedly wonderful work from the looks of his website. I love the yetti forms that appear alongside his paper cuts. He seems to be a regular exhibitor too so watch this space.

Julien's work can be found in Taschen's 'Illustration Now 3', available at Artwords, Broadway Market.

Mirage is my favourite

Most fashion magazines, I can take or leave. Many of the many many fashion magazines about seem to exist without a viewpoint. Then I found Mirage. I love the way Mirage divides itself up into 'objects' and 'subjects' so neatly and the inventive titles, 'Shake dreams from your hair' being my favourite.

The latest issue pays homage to the free loving, untamed 60s and 70s with a feature on Joseph Szabo and great fashion shoots to boot.

Available at Artwords, Broadway Market, London.

Neil Krug

If there is one photographer that I would like to buy into, it's Neil Krug. Krug's tools are out of date polaroid film and his model girlfriend, Joni Harbeck. The result is images that are both familiar in a nostalgic,cinematic way and otherworldly all at once. If I could do a Dick Van Dyke style jump into a photo*, I wouldn't hesitate with these.

Neil Krug's book 'Pulp' can be found online, I've provided a link, just click his name.

*reference to Mary Poppins when Dick Van Dyke jumps into a picture.

The Deformers: Attempted Deception

I've recently been admiring the work of illusive collaborators 'The Deformers'. Their book 'Attempted Deception' showcases their wonderful creations, as they crop up in various sets and landscapes. The book is perfect for those with a taste for the unusual.

Available at Artwords, Broadway Market, London.

Seiko Kato

My good friend Seiko has produced some astounding work. She switches from collage to 3D montage retaining the same quirky victoriana aesthetic. The fact that her latest piece is already six months in the making is testament to her attention to detail. Very.Clever.Lady.

Home Studio Books

First blog of Circe! I’ve recently become interested in home studios. Todd Oldham has a great book ‘Home Studio Home’, published by AMMO, that looks at art students’ homes at the Rhode Island School of Design. It offers a blinding alternative to well kept, co-ordinate interiors that we see so much of today. I also really like the Laurence King book ‘Creative Spaces’. Same idea as oldham but looking at professional creatives from around the world, including the dreamy Julia Verhoeven. Both books prove that having a creative flare and alot of shit makes for a nice home no matter how much money you’re making. Both are available at Artwords, Broadway Market, London.