When Mariama, one of my best friends, saw my portraits, of course she wanted one.  And of course I could not say no.  After the 8th attempt, here is it,  C S Lewis once said, 'friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like arts.  It has no survival value, rather it's one of those things that give value to survival.'  'Friend' is a word that is very loosely used today, but I guess a real friend is one who adds value to your life.  When life is a struggle, its tempting to start cutting people out saying that friendship isn't really necessary, but honestly, life would be such a bore without some of the amazing people I know.  People with no hidden agenda. Who are uncompetitive.  Will buy you a coffee when your down in the dumps.  Lend u a fiver or whatever when your short.  Will respect your choices.  Still be your friend when you've been a bit of an idiot.  People who love you that much that you can laugh about your weaknesses together.  People who know you that well that with one look, your both roaring with laughter.  People you can dream dreams with and go on crazy adventures with.  Who believe in you when you don't.  Those are the friends worth having.  That make life worth living.    For all the others, I guess we can just be 'friends'. 


:-p eace

More Face Art-Alex Box

I seem to have an obsession with faces.

Presenting Alex Box.  For those of you who don't know, she's one of the most influential avant guard make up artists of our time.

Jammy Dodger Forever

Growing up at school, people would use this word 'Jammy'.  If you do not know the meaning of this word let me explain. It refers to some one who comes into luck by chance, or you could say unmerited favour.  Since childhood, I distinctly remember there being times when I have been very Jammy.  Getting the most drop dead gorgeous boyfriend, when I was one of the most quietest girls at school, getting chosen to go on a trip that only had a limited number of places, finding the most unique fashion accessories and stand out pieces, even though I never had any money.  I know there were lots more examples but more than anything I remember times thinking, 'there is no way I can do this, get this on my own, but I'm going to choose to believe somehow, it will happen', and when it did- that being the most exciting and happiest feeling ever.  At some stage I abandoned Jammy thinking, for serious-grown up thinking.  There comes a time in life sometimes (for me it was early twenties), when one thinks that in order to progress in life you should take yourself very seriously.  I think its right to take work seriously and work hard, but the fact is that I have limitations, and when I take myself so seriously, I loose the faith that can actually take me beyond myself, and that's rather frustrating.  There are so many people you could look at and say- 'it's not fair- how can that untalented, or generally not very special person get that in that high position', but instead of being frustrated by that, I think its better to see it as hope that something equally as good can happen for me with my limited talents and abilities.  I have reverted back to Jammy thinking for some time now.  Grace land is a lot sunnier.  So, this sketch is for all the jammy dodgers out there.  There will be a lot of people who do not appreciate or understand our Jammieness, and will even be envious. But we must keep on- well, Jamming? Excuse the punn.  

Jam on, 

Kat, xx  

Victorinox+Rob Ryan

 Victorinox has teamed up with one of my FAVOURITE artists, paper cutting extraordinaire Rob Ryan to promote their revamped version on their classic penknife. Redesigned by Japanese designer  Kazuma Yamaguchi, it now sports the most modern slim and square shape. These knives remind my tomboy days when these were the coolest gadgets to carry around.  I don't think I'll make any art with it to be honest but I just want one!  I find it hard to put words into art without it looking pretentious.  So, I admire Ryan because he always manages to be witty and thought provoking, as well as making something so intricately beautiful; it actually makes me want to stare and consider it.  To make your own Rob Ryan cut out and for more info click here :http://victorinoxtomo.victorinox.com/en/#

Face Art

Found this Beauty on a derelict building round my endz.  Carthusian Street EC1.

recent work-

I LOVE drawing portraits.  I can't help staring at people sometimes.  People can express so much character without saying anything.  That is something I find fascinating.  So here are a few interpretations.

Enjoy!