Hello my hot potatoes! How are you!

We are well into Summer now and I’m soaking up every bit of Sun on my skin and grass underfoot. In my past, I’d be counting down the days until Fall but now I’m loving the wildness that summer brings. That paired with the fact that winter is oh so long here makes me savor each tiny moment.

This month for our Year Long Celebration of Things I Love About Art, I’m sharing work that is three dimensional and tactile…work you’d want to touch! Think paper sculptures, found objects, clay, etc. This stuff always gets me so jazzed and inspired yet I never take the time to let myself explore this territory. If that’s you too, maybe seeing all of this work will help us break out of our little 2d shells?

I do have just a few pieces from over the years where I explored three dimensionally - it’s forever in my mind and in my heart that I’ll do more yet…why don’t I!

Celia, 2020, Paper, Acrylic Paint Tube, Ink, Wood Fishing Rods

Faux Cake, 2020, Plastic packaging, colored pencil candle, paint, tape, glue

Someday soon…someday soon!

“The world we live in is not purely visual. For me it's totally poly-sensorial so the tactile, sensual aspect of living in the work that I do is brought to the fore.”

Ross Lovegrove

SABINE TIMM-GNOTH aka VIRGIN HONEY

I’ve been following the work of Sabine Timm-Gnoth aka Virgin Honey on Instagram for a long while and I never get tired of seeing what she comes up with. Using found objects, food, furniture, paint, toys and more, she’s built a 3d world all her own. The characters all feel very much hers, the color palettes blend beautifully, and the utter playfulness of it all inspires me. I promise you won’t regret following her either.

© VirginHoney

©VirginHoney

BERNARD JEUNET

I found Bernard Jeunet’s work while digging for 3d inspiration a couple years back. Sadly I can’t find a ton out about the artist, but what I do know is that he is a French artist who studied at the Regional School of Fine Arts in Rennes. He creates delightful scenes, illustrations and puppets from simple materials - kraft paper, cardboard, and other scraps. He has illustrated picture books such as Voyage à Poubelle-Plage and Attrape-moi aussi un poète!

Book Cover ©BernardJeunet

© Bernard Jeunet

© Bernard Jeunet

I love that one above of the can of sardines!!

I think both Sabine and Bernard’s work are both great reminders that you don’t necessarily need fancy materials, training, or tools to make exciting and playful 3D work.

IRMA GRUENHOLZ

Spanish artist Irma Gruenholz creates beautifully soft sculptural work which then takes on the form of two dimensional illustrations. To see the work in progress is stunning so I’m including a screenshot from her Instagram so you can see behind the scenes as well. The sculptures are surprising large in some of the pieces! I especially love the ones of the food - all the little details! She does work for books, magazines, advertising, and more.

Fruit Forest, © Irma Gruenholz

For AD Architectural Digest Germany, © Irma Gruenholz

Instagram of @irmagruenholz

RED NOSE STUDIO

Chris Sickles of Red Nose Studio was one of my very first contemporary influences in art school - I remember finding his work and all these sparks of inspiration just ignited. There was nothing like his work being shown in my very photorealistic program which someday I’ll talk more about, but suffice it to say, I was blown away by his craft and still am. He primarily creates illustrations for books and editorial clients, from clay, found objects, fabric - things easily accessible, though he has a way of magical repurposing them into a tinier more magical universe. I was super lucky to grab one of his displacement stereograph sets which I cherish (and am inspired by the fact that he put so much energy into a brilliant personal project.) Also I’ve met him and heard him on podcasts and he has to be the most humble artist working today…such a nice human!

Illustration for ‘The Tree Where Los Angeles Began’ written by D.J. Waldie for Alta Journal, ©Red Nose Studio

For the opening of Grand Central Madison for MTA, © Red Nose Studio

Aside from illustrations, the artist also does stop motion animations - like this one for the opening of Grand Central Madison!

‘From Foundations to Finishing Touches’ Marriott Alumni Magazine, ©Red Nose Studio

Book Cover for Seven Vampires by Lavie Tidhar, © Red Nose Studio

SONIA ALINS

Sonia Alins is a Spanish artist who uses an array of tactile materials to create stunning dream like pieces. When I asked the artist to pick a few illustrations to share, she explained a bit more about them, “all my artworks are done by hand, using different materials to create a unique and textured sensation of seabed and atmosphere.” She was also kind enough to clue us in as the materials used for each piece, which you’ll find in the captions. Truly, the work is ethereal, feminine, and romantic and I especially love the pieces she shared with me for today’s post.

· Placer, 2020. © Sonia Alins. Canson paper, plastic, feathers, threads, chiffon fabric, and plastic pieces in a wooden box.

Essence, 2021. © Sonia Alins. Canson paper, plastic, threads, fabrics, and artificial flowers in a wooden box.

The Girls of the Rocks, 2021. © Sonia Alins. Canson paper, plastic, cardboard, threads, and plastic and wooden pieces in a wooden box.

ANN WOOD of WOODLUCKER

Ann Wood is part of the duo making up Woodlucker along with artist Dean Lucker. Together they live and work in Minneapolis (from the loveliest studio!) Ann is a botanical paper artist, working true to size, creating the most beautiful paper flowers, food, and insects. I’m especially fond of the food! The craft is unreal and the colors are so soothing. Also the attention to detail! The little seed holes in the pear - the teeny caterpillar chew marks on the leaves. Just so sweet. You can follow her on Instagram too - it’s such a treat.

Paper Food, © Ann Wood

Paper Food, © Ann Wood

Paper Botanicals, © Ann Wood

More artists to check out that have incredible 3D work -
ZIM & ZOU Literal paper wizards…seriously blows my mind.
SOPHIE PAGE Sweetest picture book work, but also tiny things to wear and love!

I could go into stop motion too and miniature worlds/sets bc THAT is true indulgence for me but we do have a couple more months in the year 😉. For now, enjoy this smattering of truly touching 3d work. Are you inspired to do some? Me too!!

For this month’s Patreon Video on The Dessert Club, I’m exploring some new materials - a must for keeping work fresh! I do a little Art Supply Haul and then use some juicy new paint markers to explore beach paintings from a recent observational drawing session on Lake Huron. You’ll find it all and more on The Dessert Club!

I’ll also be sharing another post mid month about my time in Spain and Denmark and the loveliest painting retreat with 16 of the world’s best humans. I’m still reeling over such an inspiring and re-energizing trip.
Hope you have a fun and wild August - this summer is flying by, but I’m doing my best to soak my (very swollen pregnant) toes into the water and into the dirt. Hope you’re doing the same and enjoying every bit of the season.

Until next time!
xo, Becca