meet Melanie Luther, our Creative-in-Residence

photos by Cara Howlett

UPPERCASE is pleased to introduce a new Creative-in-Residence program for illustrators, artists, photographers, writers, crafters, makers and doers! The month-long residency allows the participant to use the UPPERCASE studio space and equipment in order to produce a specific professional or personal work. In return, the participant will share their talents by creating something particular for UPPERCASE, such as an illustration, photographs, an article or an object.

Illustration has always been a part of Melanie’s life. As a child growing up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Melanie seemed to be born with the skills of an illustrator. “Illustration was always there. My parents always bought me sketchbooks. As soon as I was done with one, they would have a new one for me right away. They were really happy that I was so into drawing,” says Melanie. 

Throughout high school, Melanie’s love for art continued, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to pursue it right after graduating. “I was kind of done with school for a little bit, so I took a year off and worked retail…it was horrible. Partway through that year all I thought was, 'Okay, I’m going back to school for sure!’" Melanie had a friend that was enrolled in the animation program Sheridan College in Ontario, and after hearing about how exciting things were at Sheridan, Melanie decided to register into the illustration program and work towards a Bachelor of Applied Arts.

Over the years, Melanie developed her own unique style of illustration using ink, acrylic paint, and sometimes charcoal. Her narrative and emotive illustrations usually take the viewer on a journey. “I definitely enjoy telling stories, and that’s always been the case…even when I was little I’d always draw these really elaborate stories and they didn’t really make much sense, but they were very dramatic with lots of action and stuff, so I guess that’s kind of stuck with me.”

An owner of two little dogs named Douglas and Veronica, Melanie loves to illustrate her furry family members. “My dogs are always up to something. I have lots of ideas for little comics or little images of them getting into trouble.” You can see illustrations of Melanie’s pooches on her website. 

After Melanie finished her degree at Sheridan, she and her partner moved to Calgary in September 2013. “When I moved to Calgary, I knew I wanted to be a part of UPPERCASE,” says Melanie. “I just knew that I wanted to get involved more with the arts scene here in Calgary, and I figured working with Janine would be a good way to jump-start that and hopefully get my freelance going a little bit more.”

During Melanie’s time here at UPPERCASE, she’s working on an illustrated booklet about teen issues. Using colours to emphasize emotion and action, Melanie hopes that readers will relate to her drawings and be reminded of their teenage years through her use of colour. “I had a really nerdy, kind of sheltered, safe little teenage-hood, but I’m kind of going off of experiences from other people and things I witnessed first-hand. I’m trying to keep it easy to get into, but not too heavy,” says Melanie.

After her residency at UPPERCASE, Melanie hopes to illustrate full time. “That’s the dream, to do it for a living, and to just really enjoy it."

We’re looking forward to seeing Melanie’s work throughout the month and we’re even more excited to see her work in the summer issue of UPPERCASE.

If you're a Calgary creative interested in applying for a residency, please read through all the details posted here.

one source for all things Lotta Jansdotter

Designer Lotta Jansdotter’s designs are like little plants working their way through cracks in the sidewalk. Things of simple beauty that bring relief to the urban landscape. Lotta’s work is about her life, and life is her inspiration. 

Last week, Lotta announced the opening of her brand-new online shop. "No need to hop around to different sites all over "internet town", now you can simply find all my paper goods, fabric, books, melamine and many other things all in one place,” says Lotta. 

Take a look at Lotta’s new online shop. Filled with so many beautifully designed products, her shop will be sure to delight and inspire! 

A gorgeous silk scarf by Gabriela Larios

Gabriela Larios, featured in our book Work/Life 3 and the UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide in issue #21 has this new scarf design in her Etsy shop. “The designs started as spontaneous drawings on one of my sketchbooks. I was so pleased with them that I decided to develop them into pattern designs which I then thought would look nice on scarves, and this is the result: a 105 cm square Silk Scarf - Originally hand painted design, made in Britain using eco-friendly inks on natural fiber fabric.”

Intriguing watercolour and lettering work by Emily Muluch

Emily Muluch  is a freelance illustrator and designer in Cleveland. After completing a BFA in illustration from Syracuse University in 2009, she worked as an art director in the stationery and gift industry for several years. Emily specializes in hand-drawn illustrations for publishing, products, and advertising. 

"Before there was Photoshop, there was my Dad"

Our current call for submissions asks “What does colour mean to you?” In response, Naava Katz submitted these images of coloured inks whose beauty lies not only in their vibrant and transparent hues, but in the story of why she possesses the jars:

"Before there was Photoshop, there was my Dad. He had a long career as a commercial retoucher running his own studio in NYC. Art directors sent him their photographs and he would use tiny brushes and special inks to "color correct" their images. He did this all by hand. I grew up watching him work, surrounded by those colours. Now I am an illustrator with a little girl of my own. My Dad recently gave me all the inks he saved from his studio days to use in my art. The dropper caps are worn, but the colours are vibrant. I love when the sun bounces off their glass, like glistening heirlooms.”

The deadline for submissions has been extended until May 8. Submit here and share your colourful stories.

Have a Happy Friday!

{Hand lettering by Neil Tasker}

on the road with Purlin' J's Roving Yarn Company

Kingston, Ontario's Joan Sharpe runs and operates the first and only mobile yarn shop called Purlin' J's Roving Yarn Company. "Think gourmet food truck, only selling yarn instead," says Joan.

Joan drives a bright red yarn truck called "Lil Dorothy," named after Joan's mother who taught her how to knit, throughout Kingston and eastern Ontario parking at fairs, markets, and fibre festivals. The yarn truck was formerly a fire truck and Joan says that it still sports its original red paint and interior fittings. "Customers love its ol-timey graphics as well as the selection of yarns and other fascinating fibre paraphernalia found on board." 

Joan and Lil' Dorothy will be parked at the Spring Chicken Craft Fair on May 4, and at Anwyn Studio on May 17 & 18. 

You can find out where Lil' Dorothy will be next by visiting the Purlin' J's Roving Yarn Company website, or by following Joan on twitter!

featured stockist: Production Road

Production Road is a beautiful downtown Vancouver shop curated by a graphic designer and a photographer. Annie Chen is a graphic designer originally from Taiwan, and Hubert Kang is a documentary and advertising photographer. Together they opened Production Road, which also acts as a working studio for them both. Visit their online shop in person or online. And for more from this talented duo, take a look at Annie’s designs and Hubert’s photography! 

the unique artwork of Laura Buchanan

Laura Buchanan was featured in our Surface Pattern Design Guide for her nostalgic and humorous patterns.

"My work explores the link between nostalgia and contemporary design through colour, photography and pattern. I am influenced by mid-century modern and Scandinavian design as well as the Irish designer Orla Kiely," says Laura. 

To see more of Laura's colourful collection, take a look at her website here! 

A mesmerizing riot of pattern and colour by Japanese artist Naomi Okubo

{ Naomi Okubo discovered via Brown Paper Bag }

inspirational & inspiring: Plucky blog

Vicki Turner is a an independent designer in the UK and an editor at the blog Plucky, "the home of courageous creativity–from brave artists who share their work to the world, spirited folk who live an adventurous life and to designers who do good." 

"Due to the power of small things, I collect plucky stories and ideas to inspire us. To celebrate and support creatives who have the courage and determination to make a positive impact, ranging from bold mavericks to humble artisans," says Vicki. 

Wander over to Plucky and find yourself inspired!

quick tip: Make your colours portable

Until May 8—we extended the deadline!—we’re asking you to show us your colours. What are the colourful tools you use to enhance your creativity? From paint palettes to pigments, we want to know what makes your mediums of colour special to you. 

Cleo Papanikolas, a painter and illustrator from California, sent us this quick tip on how to take your colours with you.

"Keep a little colour in your pocket wherever you go. Use tube paints of watercolour or gauche. Paint a spot of each colour on a piece of card stock. Paint a thick layer, but not so thick that it will crack when it dries. Staple a piece of waxed paper to the card as a coversheet. You can re-wet the paint with water and highlight your sketches with a little colour."  

Be sure to tell us what colour means to you by May 8, and you could be featured in the next issue of UPPERCASE magazine. Click here to send us your submission! 

sparks fly at Camp Firebelly

Chicago design company Firebelly is preparing for their 6th year of Camp Firebelly and are searching for ambitious, fearless, amazingly talented, and ready-for-anything young designers to help them make great designs. 

Nick Adam writes, "Camp Firebelly promises non-stop adventure in good design for good reason. We anticipate long days (seriously) and a ton of work. But don’t worry, we know all design and no play makes for stir-crazy campers and crabby counselors. So we’ll have plenty of chances to find inspiration, build camaraderie and develop our creative skills too. There will be secret field trips, surprise guests and a view of the Chicago design community only 9 others will ever say they got to experience."

Applications are due May 9. Click here to download your form. 

Tricota: Argentinian graphic design

Reel Presentation by Estudio Tricota.

your creative companion

Thanks to these fabulous subscribers who have sent pictures of UPPERCASE in their lives: @asensiblehabit, @cananmarasligil, @mattshr, @maggiesayswhat, @light_and_lines, @natalie_gerber, @brickandmortarliving, @emilybluestar and @joceynuptse.

With UPPERCASE magazine by your side, the world becomes just a bit more beautiful...

Breakfast is more fulfilling as you flip through the satisfying pages. The morning commute is more pleasant with UPPERCASE along for the ride. An afternoon cup of coffee paired with a moment of reading provides creative kick. And as you curl up in bed after a long day, UPPERCASE is there to foster your creative dreams.

Make UPPERCASE part of your everyday by starting a subscription here.

ceramic adventures with Mariko Paterson

Jessika Hepburn walked four short blocks from her home in Lunenberg Nova Scotia to interview ceramic artist Mariko Patterson. Mariko moved to Lunneberg in 2013 from Gabriola Island, BC, after a sudden change uprooted her studio. Mariko took a huge leap across Canada to a town she didn’t know when a friend told her moving anywhere else was “too safe”. Instead of safety she chose adventure, bought a heritage house, set up studio in an outbuilding, found new love and got busy making a creative life. 

Mariko's studio is a cheerfully cluttered eclectic space that mirrors her personality. Tucked away in a cozy period outbuilding, the studio is painted white and green to match her 1885 Victorian house with plenty of gingerbread trim and mansard roof. Inside the studio the walls are painted a cheerful yellow called American Cheese and are covered with photos, letters, sketches of dogs and donuts, and bits of ephemera. A big bank of shelves in the back holds Mariko's finished work while a huge canvas-covered table filled with glazes, paintbrushes and clay bodies in different stages of completion takes up the centre of the room. A smaller kiln and a much larger new kiln have a special place in the back. It is an efficient space, and if the amount of work on the tables and shelves is any indication, it is a well-used one.

Do you identify as an artist and a maker or do you feel there is a divide between art and craft?

I like straddling both worlds—the academic and the maker. I've noticed that the older generation of artists often do not like the words crafter or maker. They want to be known as artists. They'll get into the craft-versus-art debate so easily, all you need to do is pick a bit, but I see makers out there doing art and farmer's markets and making a living. I participate in studio tours and gallery shows, but for me markets and social media like Pinterest are really the best for sales and marketing. 

What tools are essential for you to create?

I don't need much more than a canvas-covered table and some clay. I do mostly hand building with little snakes of coiled clay that I push into shape. Though all my mugs are wheel-thrown I'm not a potter who throws on a wheel. Eventually I might move to another form but I'm slow to change, like a glacier. I travelled for so many years that I try to keep things really low key. I have a glaze line that I love and a few brushes, but that is about it. 

How do you create your pieces? 

I hand-build them and wait until the clay gets leather-hard, then take a calligraphy pen and start drawing. I use a piece of plastic wrap that I trace the outline of my illustrations onto with a permanent marker, lay it on, take my wooden tool and lightly trace the drawing onto the clay. Then I'll incise the artwork with a calligraphy pen, put a black wash over top, let it harden and wipe it back with a sponge. Afterwards there is this entire process of sanding and smoothing that never ends, glazing, adding decals, and then firing, firing, firing.

What is your favourite part of the process? 

I think it is putting the image on the mugs, when I get to the part where I put the black stain on it before it is even fired and all of a sudden it just comes to life. Then I go, “Aah, you are with the world.”

This excerpt is from issue #21 which also includes profiles of eclectic creatives in Bangkok, the UK and Sweden. Subscribe here.

Weeds Find a Way: Carolyn Fisher's new book

Join Carolyn Fisher in celebrating her new book called WEEDS Find A Way. A book launch party will be held at Monkeyshines Childrens Books at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 26. Take a look at the WEEDS book trailer here.

Araceli Robledo: inspired by UPPERCASE

photos by Araceli Robledo

Araceli Robledo is a Spanish born ceramic artist living and working in Sydney, Australia.

"My passion for ceramics started in Toronto, after attending a foundation pottery course. I had been drawing all my life and saw the pots I was creating as the perfect canvas for my illustrations," says Araceli. 

The Owen Jones patterns in issue #21 were Araceli's inspiration for her tea cup sketch.

We came across Araceli's work when she tagged us in one of her Instagram photos. Be sure to tag us @uppercasemag with the hashtag #uppercaselove when you post images of your work so we can see your creative artistry, too! 

Thanks, Araceli, for spreading the UPPERCASE love! 

issue #21 cover girl Molly Hatch

Issue #21's cover artist, Molly Hatch, is an award-winning ceramicist from Northampton, Massachusetts, whose work ranges from plate paintings to notecards. Her beautiful creations are sold at Anthropologie, Galison, and Chronicle Books. Molly's ceramic painting Lyon Silk: Grid was perfect for the cover of our form, function and ornamentation issue as she effortlessly blends decoration and purpose.

Molly studied painting, drawing, printmaking, and ceramics at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and in 2000, received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Eight years later, Molly obtained a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics at the University of Colorado. In 2009, Molly was awarded the Arts/Industry Residency in Pottery at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Wisconsin.

photo by Mike Jensen

In February, at The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Molly presented Physic Garden, a "plate painting" comprised of 456 dinner plates that reached two stories high! Physic Garden is currently installed in the Museum's Margaretta Taylor Lobby. You can watch the installation of Molly's two-year project here. 

Molly has some upcoming events that we would like to share with you: 

Lyon Silk: Grid, Issue #21's cover piece will be exhibited at the Spring Masters 2014 at the Park Avenue Armory opening May 1-4.

On April 30, Ben Carter, the host of Red Clay Rambler podcast will be airing an hour-long interview with Molly about. You can listen to the podcast here. 

Also, Molly is currently working on a collaboration project that will be released mid-summer with Chasing Paper, a removable wallpaper company based in New York City. 

Be sure to follow Molly on twitter, facebook, and Pinterest as her career continues to blossom! 

They Draw & Travel contest winner: Natalie Very B.

Congratulations to Natalie, the winner of the "It's a Creative & Curious World" contest with They Draw & Travel! Natalie has won a year's subscription to UPPERCASE, a copy of Work/Life 3, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of UPPERCASE.

Natalie Very B. Favourite Place: NYC "St. Stevens court seems to be just a typical residential area of Toronto, but to me it's filled with sparkles and magic of existence. It means "home", love, friendship, family, and all those precious moments spent together. Every day becomes an adventure in our Curious Court."