kate kamikaze

This isnt my website anymore!

2009-11-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

My website is now here:

www.katekamikaze.com

Please update your bookmarks and go see what Ive been up to lately.

Kate
xo

Flower pressing & acetate

2009-07-23T04:24:00.001-07:00

My lack of ability to paint what I consider to be realistic flowers led me to a new technique this week- flower pressing.
Its a definate test of my patience...but I intend to combine illustrations with pressed flowers, most likely with a dark twist.
More on that soon, for now its looking something like this:

Have also been trying out compositions with acetate sketches:

A couple new hair decorations in my etsy shop: click here.

kate
xo

New work...

2009-07-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

New painting, 40cm x 90cm
Oil on Canvas
'Vase'.

Hopefully this, and many other peices of mine will be gracing the walls of Brightons favourite goth pub, the Caroline of Brunswick by the end of next month. On sale, of course, but predominantly Im happy for these to be viewable instead of sitting behind my wardrobe.
Details of the opening coming soon.

1st finished peice for the book Im drawing:

My stall at the Phoenix Gallery:

Still thinking of ideas to spruce it up a bit, and make it a little more attractive.

Currently reading: The art and times of Tamara De Lempicka. A fascinating insight into a fascinating life, but also a sad story of the fickleness of the art world.
Currently listening to: Bat For Lashes- Two Suns. Fiona Apple- When the Pawn. The Crow soundtrack.

Kate
xo

Phoenix stall & The Book!

2009-07-08T02:42:00.000-07:00

A while since the last update; sorry about that.
It's much easier to update via Twitter and Facebook these days should you be hungry for updates!:
katekamikaze on Twitter
katekamikaze on Facebook
I try to keep both art-based, and keep personal updates for personal sites so I wont be telling you what I had for dinner.
So follow or befriend me for works in progress, finished works, events Im taking part in and info about things that are inspiring me.

So, onto work then.
Am having a sale on my etsy of the remaining bird wing and feather items.
I sold a few peices and made new contacts and friends at the Phoenix Gallery Art Junky event a couple of weeks ago. Currently learning something new every time I do stalls and fairs, and its nice to see so many people interested in handmade, original art that stands out from the crowd in financially challenging times. I'm looking to get involved in the next event at the Phoenix- more news on that when it's announced.
Phoenix Gallery, Brighton website.

Speaking of bird wing hair peices, a quick peruse of the A/W 2009 Catwalk shows shows Lanvin joining the feather-fun:

Am I trend-setting? Moi? I doubt it, but it's nice to see something a bit weird hitting the fashion mainstream. Alexander McQueens show aw09 is also worth a look if youre a fan of the art side of fashion.

Work-wise, Im currently working on a book of illustrations. Keeping the concept relatively quiet for now, as I'd like it to make a big impact once it's finished!
But I will say it combines British Burlesque talent, Art Nouveau and the macabre!
For now, here's a sneak peek at a couple of sketches, acetates and ideas:

I'll put more teasers online soon!

Hopefully soon, this website will look a little better as I will be enlisting the help of a very talented designer and friend to give my online portfolio a bit of a makeover.
Can't be doing with this blog malarkey much longer.
Have a look at his stuff for now.
Matt Taylor

All for now.
Kate

Shiny, tiny badges!

2009-05-29T09:40:00.001-07:00

I have had some badges made up, for those out there who want a little peice of my art.

There are 4 in a pack, each measuring an inch in diameter.
Just £2, and FREE postage!
Click below to buy a pack now using paypal...

Wear with pride! :)

Ill be giving these away for free with any items bought from my etsy shop, or at tomorrows alternative arts, crafts and fetish market at the Caroline of Brunswick in Brighton.
Maybe see you there!

Kate
xo

New hand made hair decoration...

2009-05-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

This will be up on etsy soonTake a look!

In addition to this, Ive been messing around with collage, plus I have some badges on the way, ready for my stall in Brighton on the 30th May.
More images soon!

Kate
xo

More 'Remnants' up on etsy, + Bat For Lashes painting

2009-05-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

My 'Remnants' series continues, and I've just this minute added a few more items to my etsy shop.
They are all handmade by me from found, unwanted and specially sourced items like feathers, bird wings and other random things.

Things like these items:

Other news:

Good news for those out there who liked my painting of Bat For Lashed I was commissioned to do for The Brighton Source magazine...I will be putting it up for sale on my etsy page very VERY soon.
If youre interested in getting a print, please email me and let me know. katekamikaze@hotmail.co.uk
If I receive enough requests, I may look into getting some high quality prints done, for a smaller price than for the original painting.
Here's a photo of the original painting:

Kate
xo

New fascinator

2009-05-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

Lots of news! Firstly:

More to come...

All moved into my new place now, and its lovely. It's weird getting used to living with 5 other people when Im stuck in my loner ways, but I think Ill get the hang of it pretty quickly. Creative household too, so lots of exciting music and sounds and sights coming from all around.

A few tweaks to the Amanda Palmer bag design idea...

Plus my cover for The Brighton Source has been reprinted on the letters page:

Currently starting work on more erotic story illustrations...always fun to do!

Also, I will be exhibiting and selling paintings, crafts and other random bits at an Open House alternative and gothic craft market on the 30th May at the good old Caroline of Brunswick in Brighton.
More news on that when it comes in :)

Kate

New: Brooches! Fish eye photos...& moving house

2009-04-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

My foray into the world of jewellery continues with this brooch, handmade from remnants of unwanted random objects I have found/sourced/procured. Click the image to see it full size!

This has all been inspired by the fact that I can never find jewellery or accessories that I like....and Im sure Im not the only one out there!
More to come, but for now, this one is available on etsy. Just search for 'kate kamikaze' :)

I will be moving house in the next week or so, and even now as I type I am surrounded by boxes and bags of clothes. There is an internet connection where Im moving, and, hopefully it will be a case of just connecting my mac to it :)
If not, fret not, I will be updating my twitter with any art news via my bashed and battered mobile phone. Old skool.

Meanwhile, here are some pictures I took yesterday with my fish eye camera of the west pier...will I ever tire of its ugly, desolate and ghostly beauty? Unlikely.

Kate
xo

Photos of fascinators...

2009-04-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Hand-made taxidermy fascinators, sketches and art sale:

2009-04-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

1: New project; some one-off, hand made fascinators, made using real feathers and magpie wings. Contact me for prices and click to see full size!

2: Crazy art sale!
The four paintings below are being sold for £5. Email me for Paypal details: katekamikaze@hotmail.co.uk
All are older peices, more or less A3 sized spray painted images on canvas.

3: Moleskine sketches/ideas for Post War Trade
More to come my pretties...

Welcome to the freak show...

2009-04-03T01:48:00.001-07:00

New painting, finished today:

Oil on canvas
40 x 50cm

Email me for price: katekamikaze@hotmail.co.uk

Kate
xo

Front cover for The Brighton Source Bat For Lashes feature;

2009-04-02T08:50:00.001-07:00

Those of you in Brighton will be seeing this all over town as of today;

brightonsource.co.uk

Ive had illustrations published before, but Ive never done a cover before, so this is very exciting for me. For those not aware, The Source is the definitive culture listings magazine for Brighton, and its free, so why not go pick up a copy in your nearest bar, cafe or venue and youll also be picking up a little peice of me. ;)
Thanks to james for the experience!
If youre just finding this page because of the magazine, then Hi! This blog is where I keep everyone up to date with sketches, paintings, ideas and things that get published and printed.
I update using my Twitter and Im also on facebook.

Kate
xo

Lots of new work coming up!

Twittering, sketches and museums

2009-03-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Still rather enjoying the incentive to create Twitter is giving me. You can follow me and my painty adventures if you so wish: http://twitter.com/katekamikaze

Just finished a gig poster for my bands next gig, inspired by recent trips to the taxidermy museum (click for full size picture):

Im also working on some sketches and ideas for a tshirt Ive been asked to design for a really cool little company called Oort. www.oortmedia.net
More to come of course. Click to see full size.

Ive also started purchasing parts for a new, experimental crafty project. All secretive for now, in case it all goes wrong. If not, youll see it here soon. ;)

Twitter twitter twitter...

2009-03-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update to say I now have a Twitter you can follow: http://twitter.com/katekamikaze

Ill only be updating with art-related things, and Im hoping it will give me more incentive to work, so I actually have things to twitter about.

kate
xo

The Brighton Source...and Uni?

2009-03-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Keep an eye out for my cover for The Brighton Source out on the 1st April (For a Bat For Lashes feature):

(Click to see full size image)

In other news, I had a rather short but sweet interview for an Illustration degree at Brighton uni today. I didnt feel I really was given as much time as everyone else, since I was the last to be interviewed and I think they were running late.
Having said that, Im remaining positive, as Id love so much to be on the course....even though I think Id be about 6 years older than everyone! hehe

On Saturday, I spent a lovely sunny day in the dark Booth Museum, where there's a wonderous collection of taxidermy and general deadness and weirdness...I was in my element, and will be sketching birds and moths for the next few days I think!

New paintings...

2009-03-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

New paintings completed today...click on the images to view full size.

'Self portrait with feathers (from back)'

'Two-faced'

Mural photos. Part Deux...

2009-03-11T04:48:00.000-07:00

Some better photographs of my work-in-progress mural at Belushis in Brighton:
(Click the picture to see it full-size.)

More to come!

(Interested in commissioning me to do a mural somewhere? email me at: katekamikaze@hotmail.co.uk

Kate
xo

Vote for my design!

2009-03-02T17:07:00.000-08:00

Currently entering a Street Fighter 4 design competition:

You can vote for my design by going here!

...In other news, Ive also been sketching bizarre two-headed women...

Back online!

2009-02-25T07:31:00.000-08:00

Im back from the dark depths of my internet-less cave.
After much arguing and stressing with Virgin, a man came round and wired me back up so I waste hours online again. Splendid.
News in short:
After a lot of umming and ahhing, Ive applied for an Illustration degree at Brighton uni.
Been working on a mural for Belushis in Brighton.
Click on the picture to see it full size....more photos to come when its finished!

Etsy!

2009-02-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

Some of my paintings are now available through my Etsy shop.
Currently there's just originals for sale, but I'm working on getting some smaller, lovely things up on there...maybe some lovely new bag designs, maybe some small, sweet paintings and maybe....well, keep your eye on katekamikaze.com for updates and new things.

'La Fin Du Monde'

2009-01-29T12:40:00.001-08:00

Oil and spraypaint on canvas. Just finished today.

'Milk & Sugar'

2009-01-19T14:17:00.000-08:00

After stumbling across a rather shakey pub camera phone photo of a friend, dressed as a doll, I started a new painting. This is also my contribution to 'Milk & Sugar'- a facebook group I mentioned in my last post.
Click the image to see it full size.

This coincides with my current bizarre lusting after the Charlie Chaplin mime in the Brighton south Laines...anyway, post-Mac meltdown, Im doing a lot of work, and theres more to be posted soon.

Dont forget to buy (or steal a look in the shops) at the dirty stories I illustrated in this months Scarlet magazine. Its got Katy Perry on the cover, but dont let that put you off ;)

Meltdown!

2009-01-14T14:55:00.001-08:00

Oh dear....its been a bit quiet here cos Ive had to erase my hard drive and reinstall everything.
*sigh*
On the upside, and rather oddly, its meant Ive had a literal cleansing of ideas and half-finished art, as the only stuff I had backed up was old finished pieces. I think it may even have been just the kick I needed to get me thinking fresh thoughts and trying new things.

Starting work on a new painting this week, as well as a super new collaborative thing called Milk&Sugar- right now its just a lil facebook group of a few artist friends, but the idea is to have everyone do something in their chosen medium, that fits in with a different weekly theme- hopefully this will blossom into something and have a website and all that malarkey.
We've started it as a place for slightly more up and coming artists/writers/photographers ect to get a bit of inspiration from others, and also a way of getting our stuff seen.
Check it out eh?

Ive also been helping out with the design and marketing of a friends' massage company. Heres the flyer I made for them:

Meanwhile, back to the great big reinstall...

Sketches...

2009-01-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

A couple of sketches Ive been working on....not entirely sure what theyre for yet, but they might change over the next few days.
Click to see them full size and properly.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-08T02:57:00.000-08:00

Well Im back from London, after a busy but enjoyable Christmas.
It's been a difficult couple of months for me- moving to a new town, and having A LOT of trouble looking for work to get me on my feet.
Hard as it's been, I'm more or less together now- have some regular work, not to mention a few freelance illustration jobs that can be seen in FORUM magazine and, soon, the February issue of SCARLET magazine.
Next time youre in WHSmiths, have a flick through- Ive illustrated the 'Cliterature' section. :)
For now though, a random drawing Ive been working on.

More to come very soon!
Katexo

Yet more illustrations...! Plus the ebaying of some paintings :)

2008-12-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

Some new magazine illustrations (click for the full image):

One of the paintings from my 'vandalised' series is also up on ebay!
Get it now!

Starting work on some murals soon, in a local hostel....more news on that soon!

Kate
xo

new paintings...

2008-11-30T12:57:00.001-08:00

Ive started work on a series of oil paintings, which I then 'vandalise' with spraypaint.
Its a scary process...effectively ruining oil paintings I have spent long hours working on by spraypainting over them, and splattering paint here and there...but destruction has always been an obsession of mine, as I feel destruction is a form of creation, and always forms something new.
Working on more of these as I speak, keep checking back.

Also, I should be starting some huge murals in a hostel soon, very excited about that!

Kate
xo

some illustrations for some stories...

2008-10-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

'dreams mean work...'

2008-10-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to anyone who has bought a painting of mine in the last couple of weeks- its all very much appreciated, not to mention helpful considering my up and coming house move!
A couple of my works on these pages are still available to buy- please email me if youre interested! katekamikaze@hotmail.co.uk.
I am still happy to do commissions, again, email me for details.

I have been sketching a lot the last few weeks...I should be doing a few illustrations for 2 magazine features, which is really exciting, so Ive been quite busy.
More about that when its all a little more solid!
In the mean time, its a month until I move to Brighton, in the hope of new people, new places and, most importantly, new inspirations.

ReadingBy The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paul Coehlo.

Kate
xo

fish eye!

2008-06-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

new bag photos...

2008-06-16T05:42:00.001-07:00

...the bag photos i was using were looking a bit scrappy, so i did a bit of a re-design.
i hate modelling stuff, but standing around in a sunny graveyard with a self-timer paid off i think...

also, been taking LOADS of pictures with a fisheye camera...ill post em up soon

kate
xo

June - random bits and peices

2008-06-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

Gonna be checking this out in Brighton on the 21st:

Also....
Tattoo in progress!:

www.rosemariefiore.com some fantastic art here!

Posters n stuff

2008-05-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Ive been experimenting with hand-drawn text and have also been combining my paintings with graphics for my gig poster designs.
Heres my first attempt:

in other news, the plants are doing fine- im growing poppies and reading alot of anatomy books.
kate

"Visual Memory Full"

2008-05-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Technologically and figuratively...
Being the photoshop junkie that I am, I ran out of space to save any new work on my laptop, so until I can start archiving some of my design stuff, Im working exclusively with photocopiers, Sharpies and pencils...and its proving to be an interesting exercise.
I sometimes forget that I can do things with a pen paper that Ill never be able to do with a computer.
Other than that, Im so busy with studying and work at the moment that I must admit, Im being a little lax with my creative, but Im still scribbling away when I get a chance.
Just the one poster - a hand drawn and photocopy-based one - to come once Ive tweaked it and got it just right.

I beat my personal record in Tetris.
I re-read Microserfs by douglas coupland and now Im reading short stories by F Scott Fitzgerald.
I grew a plant that DIDNT DIE!
Im going to the gym lots and feeling much healthier.
A healthy kate is a happy kate, and a happy kate is a creative kate!

Still selling artwork and tshirts and bags, email me for details.

PS: Ive booked my first tattoo session...heres a sneak peek at the design before I complete it!
wish me luck.

Everything must go!

2008-04-16T04:32:00.000-07:00

Well the time is upon us- time to start making space for new work, downsizing, and getting ready to move into a smaller place, somewhere in Brighton...not for afew months, but Im making a start.
All of my paintings are now for sale, see below for pictures!:

Prices range from £15 - £150.
Email me for specific costs, sizes and postage arrangements.

x

New stuff on ebay and webshop! + new smaller paintings on the go...

2008-04-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

The tshirts are selling well, so get a move on over to my webshop and pick one up:

myspace.com/katekamikaze"

Im also selling more paintings on ebay.

In other news, Ive started doing some smaller versions of some of my larger paintings- Ive had alot of interest in my older paintings, but due to postage and prices, theyre out of the price range of some people....SO, as I am all too aware of the need for original art but the lack of expendable cash (try being a painter! haha), Ive started working on these smaller, more affordable versions.
Will post up images when theyre finished and theyll be available to buy through my webshop....the originals themselves can be seen to your right, should you wish to purchase one.
kate
x

new bags, new tshirts and paintings...!

2008-03-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

...and some are as low as £10!
you can buy stuff securely via paypal here: katekamikaze on myspace.

in other news, check out my new friends at Volume Magazine: Clicky!

kate
x

New!! Tshirts! (& Volume mag Issue #3 launch!)

2008-03-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

Ive made some rather lovely tshirt designs, which are available on plain white tshirts, sizes 8 - 18 for only £10, plus £1 postage!)
This first one is a symmetrical gun and bleeding heart design, with a bit of added glitter to keep it fun!

Designs are limited, so get in now!
Email me for paypal details!
katekamikaze@hotmail.co.uk

ps: still got afew of my bag designs left too!

PLUS: This wednesday night is the launch night for issue #3 of Volume magazine- a great little magazine that isnt full of skateboarding adverts and stuff, and instead gives new artists, bands and writers a platform for their work.
One of my peices will be hanging on the wall, but therell also be live music and djs and stuff, aswell as lots of lovely interesteing people too i imagine.
its at akalondon.com, near tottenham court road/holborn tube. see you there!

new bags for sale!

2008-03-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

email me for paypal details- theres only a limited amount of this particular design, so be quick!
dontdictate@hotmail.com
kate
xo

4 paintings still up!

2008-02-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

4 paintings are still up on ebay for your eyes to see...
click here to see them all!
I am now also accepting payment from people in Europe too.

also, ive started a new batch of tote bags with these designs on, aswell as some old favourite designs!
Ill post them up here when theyre all done

kate
xo

ebay...like i said!

2008-02-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

4 peices from my latest series are up on ebay:
click here to see.
theyre all being sold for quite low prices, so for all you people who are a bit skint (like me!), but after some of my work, these are for you.
enjoy!
kate
xo

more new paintings...!

2008-02-16T02:19:00.000-08:00

some new, smaller canvases. These will be up for sale on ebay soon. Update to come.

new stuff & stuff for sale!

2008-02-13T14:25:00.001-08:00

I completed a new stencil and spraypaint painting from the photos I had been working on recently. Its quite small, and its got a shameless nu rave red and silver look to it!
i like it though. see the photo.

im currently selling another older painting from my mannequins series on ebay:
click here to see it.

cool stuff by friends, ect ect

2008-02-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

some pictures of my pointy white face can be seen taking part in a charity exhibition in brighton:
go look!

- im currently working on some smaller canvases, to sell online, so keep checking back for updates!
Theyre going to be peices that have emerged in some ways shapes and forms by my previous entry- the heartbreak stuff.

-Ive also been hard at work designing my tattoo. Im scared cos im a tattoo virgin, but Im so utterly besotted with my design (its a sleeve design based around an aya kato peice and alphonse muchas) that Im obsessing about it. So rest assured any work I sell will go straight into my big fat tattoo fund. :) Id post a picture but Id rather wait until its started.

- also, go take a look at thepolaroidpress. its cool.

kate
xo

sketches for heartbreak...

2008-01-29T15:04:00.000-08:00

some test images for a new series of paintings dedicated to my no1 inspiration and destroyer.
hannah played dead for me.

going...going...gone!?

2008-01-29T10:03:00.001-08:00

its almost got a new owner...could it be you?

£22 so far, and free UK postage!

more experiments with movement + light...

2008-01-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

yes, some more photos/scribbles/graphics...

painting for sale on ebay!

2008-01-09T08:53:00.001-08:00

I am selling one of my older paintings on ebay: Click here to have a look!
Im offering free postage in the UK right now too!

new flyer...

2008-01-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

ive done some more experiments mixing sketching, scanning and digital design, and am pretty happy with the outcome. it may not be a new thing for everyone else, but its new for me!
heres a flyer i designed recently for one of my bands gigs.

Christmas cards...

2008-01-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

Here are some of this years Christmas card designs:

These images were made using random peices of imagery I have created over the past year, printed onto photo paper as digital photographs and sent out to all of my friends and family.
Theyre pretty, and a bit dark too....which is generally how I like things to be.

Im working on a couple of paintings right now, and hoping to start work on them in the next couple of weeks...keep checking back!

kate
xo

New year...New site!

2007-12-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to katekamikaze.com, my new temporary home on the web, until I design something better!

Here you will find examples of my artwork- graphic design, illustration and stencil artwork, and anything else I have designed and made on the way.

Its been a busy year has 2007- Ive designed a range of tote bags, most of which have sold, and Ive also created and sold quite afew of my stencil & spraypaint works.
In 2008, Im looking to continue my stencilled works and perhaps create some tshirt designs.

kate
xo