Paula Stenberg

Tatiana Tavares Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Mon, 09 May 2011 00:41:00 +0000

I have been totally memsmerised by the works of artist Tatiana Tavares, a young Brazilian woman living in New Zealand. Go and check out her solo exhibition at the Satellite Gallery in Newton Road, Auckland. If you like theatrical and carnival then this is the place to be.

She has a number of prints on the wall as well as her concertina graphic novel book which is about her experiences as a new immigrant to this country.

It is called Carnival Land and is a graphic novel which she has done as part of her Masters of Arts and Design from AUT.

Just take a look at her exquisite work and enjoy.

The concertina Graphic Novel

Here is the lovely lady herself Tatiana

Page from her Masters Thesis

Paper Doll House

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 03:43:00 +0000

A little wee friend of mine has made this doll's house complete from an old cardboard box. It somewhat took on the shape of a church, but it's a gigantic walk in doll's clothes wardrobe and the other half of it, is some old fashioned scene at the dining room table.

I basted the house with shellac.
Unfortunately these photos were taken in the mid afternoon sun!

Claudia of the Catacombs

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 02:40:00 +0000

The cover for my historical graphic novel: Claudia of the Catacombs.

http://claudiaofthecatacombs.thecomicseries.com/
If that link doesn't work the first time, then click on it again.

If you wish to subscribe to this comic please click on the link above, as all subsequent pages will be posted on that, and not this website.

Ivan Clarke - Lonely Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:27:00 +0000

I have recently had the pleasure of looking at the beautiful and exquisite work of artist Ivan Clarke.

International Artists Magazine, Dec 1998
Ivan Clarke is an artist that needs no introduction to many. He is a painter recognized as one of New Zealand’s foremost, known for the powerful luminous quality of his landscapes paintings of ‘Grande-Scale’.

The range of artistic expression in his paintings extend from dramatic compositions of light to subtle veils of atmosphere and colour. Subjects are varied from the natural grandeur of New Zealand’s landscapes, to contemplative studies of nature. A second generation artist, Ivan began his career as a commercial artist and soon moved into fine art. Largely self-taught he now has a strong international following and says he is inspired by a surprising mix from 19th century greats such as Claude Monet and Albert Bierstadt, through to Chagall and even Dr. Seuss.

His collection is currently showing at Lonely Dog Art Gallery at 24 Customs Street East in downtown Auckland. www.lonelydog.com/artist.html

Warner Brothers have currently picked up his work and will be presenting it into an animation film, so I can't wait for that.

Fairy Tale Illustrations

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:22:00 +0000

Purely for inspirational purposes only.

Favourite Artists: Profile - James C. Christensen

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 03:32:00 +0000

James Christensen’s work fascinates me because the fantasy imagery is so surrealistically placed together.

As one blogger wrote (Tinadot) "I want to dive in and drown in the world he creates with his paintings. It’s not sugary fantasy with princesses and frills and bubbles, nor is it absolutely horrendous debauchery with demons, acid, blood and gore."

His work is always philosophical, however it is up to you to figure out the message (or just interpret it how you see it).

Studio Tidy Up

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:24:00 +0000

Yusss, I did it, I tidied up my studio. It took me about five whole weeks, bit by bit, gradually sorting papers, stickers, stamps, paints, etc.

So without further adeu, welcome to my home, here's letting you see a little bit of my world and where I hang out in my spare time (which isn't very much).

The story goes that after closing my stores I was left with a lot of stuff that used to grace the shops, they then needed a home. So voila, my DH cut in half his garage and made me a studio. What a lovely man, yes I know.

Here you go:

That's a rimu trouser holder, but holding sheets of decoupage papers.

Here you can see some of my toy theatres.

Commedia dell arte Masks, props from the shop

Some tools

Yes, you can see my desk for once.

Marie Antoinette's girlfriends in the garden.

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 03:34:00 +0000

Marie Antoinette approaches her friends here who are basking in the sun on the lawn in one of her country estates she owns. (Maybe she did own one like this, maybe she didn't).

The background drawing was made by Ed Butler (illustrator, comic artist and storyboard artist) and I did the colouring in using water pencils, plus there is also the addition of micro beads, dried grass and collaged pieces.

I have also used doll's house props.

Gingerbread House

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 07:13:00 +0000

Okay this gingerbread is the second attempt. The first one I made was covered in snow (yes icing sugar) and lots of candy and sweets, but the whole thing buckled and collapsed. So I was given a new pack to make up. The packs came from Sweden and I don't think the southern hemisphere at Christmas time is good for making them as the moisture and humidity just softens the gingerbread bases and walls.

Marie Antoinette goes to:

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 01:54:00 +0000

Marie Anotinette goes to:

An opera show;
A ball at the Hall of 1,000 lights
A walk in the garden
A walk in the garden by the lake.

Close ups of the front of the theatre

A night at the Opera

More close ups

Hall of a thousand lights ball

Walk by the lake

Stroll in the garden

Alice in Wonderland - Inspiration Tim Burton by Miri

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 04:55:00 +0000

One of my artists has developed this diorama with inspiration taken from Tim Burton's movie Alice in Wonderland. The illustrated cardboard cut outs are by Erin Forsyth.

Dollhouses and Miniatures Convention, Massey University, Albany: Labour Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 05:54:00 +0000

I have attended the Dollhouses and Miniatures Convention at Massey University in Albany. This university looks like a Spanish or Italian monastery. It is quite charming. But what is more charming are these little houses that were on display, including scenes from Narnia, and Harry Potter.

Scenes from the Hobbit:

Scenes from Harry Potter:

Scenes from Narnia: The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe:

Then there are numerous other scenes:

Extra Feminine Toy Theatre - Marie Antoinette in 'Keeping up Appearances'

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 07:35:00 +0000

It's been quite a long time since I've shared some of my own altered art projects. As with keeping what is dearest to me at the moment (toy theatre/theater) I have constructed a much larger framework for my latest toy theatre.

It is of various scenes of 19th century France, and in particular, toy theatre/theater.

The curtaining is made up of ribbons, and some of these with the pretty rose buds are imported from France. Then I've used a variety of Prima flowers (silk) to decorate the stage top, along with a Mamelok relief die cut.

The bottom of the stage is made up of various scrapbook papers. I've added pearl accents, Brenda Walton embellishments and again extra flowers.

The Hall of Lights below was made by my illustrator William. He also made the theatre scene above, and also the last panel with the floating hot air balloon.

This was fun to work on and I have more scenes yet to come by my illustrator Ed Butler. These will consist of other drawn panels.

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 06:36:00 +0000

Found these amazing book crafted paper images by Sue Blackwell. Further blog information:

Have you ever seen that creepy movie where the characters in a book come to life? Sue Blackwell must have been the inspiration for that film. Using a scalpel, Sue cuts and glues the pages of books to create these eerie miniature scenes.

"Paper has been used for communication since its invention; either between humans or in an attempt to communicate with the spirit world. I employ this delicate, accessible medium and use irreversible, destructive processes to reflect on the precariousness of the world we inhabit and the fragility of our life, dreams and ambitions.

Image Source

Layout: Steampunk Bride

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:48:00 +0000

This is Pernilla Nilsson's work which I picked up from Scrapbook. Com

Layout: Steampunk Bride

Send me an angel ... right now!

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:46:00 +0000

It's time for some 80s music I think.

Send me an angel
Send me an angel
Right now, right now

Send me an angeal
Send me an angel
Right now, right now

Do you believe in Heaven above?
Do you believe in love?
Don't tell a lie, don't be false or untrue
It all comes back to you

Open fire, on my burning heart
I've never been lucky in love
My defenses are down
A kiss or a frown
I can't survive on my own

If a girl walks in and draws her name in my heart
I'll turn and run away
Everyday we've all been led astray
It's hard to be lucky in love

It gets in your eyes, it's making you cry
Don't know what to do, don't know what to do
You're looking for love
Calling Heaven above

Send me an angel
Send me an angel
Right now, right now

Send me an angel
Send me an angel
Right now, right now

Empty dreams can only disappoint
In a room behind your smile
But don't give up, don't give up
(Give up, give up, give up)
You can be lucky in love

It gets in your eyes, it's making you cry
Don't know what to do, don't know what to do
You're looking for love
Calling heaven above

Send me an angel
Send me an angel
Right now, right now

Send me an angel
Send me an angel
Right now, right now

Send me an angel
Send me an angel
Right now, right now

end me an angel
Send me an angel
Right now, right now

Send me an angel
Send me an angel
Right now, right now

And if 80s music doesn't do it for you, then try Robbie:

CD Covers (unfunctional)

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:21:00 +0000

Oh boy I haven't posted for ages. Probably because I haven't been making anything. But here is some CD covers my friend Jade and I worked on.

This is the otherside.
And below the next pair.

Next pair

Commedia dell' Arte Characters

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:55:00 +0000

I have some public domain images of Commedia dell' arte characters which I used to do my diorama.
I love the colours and fancifulness of their costumes.

This is Backward??

This is Ditow.

This is Pantaloon.

This is Baston??

This is ???

This is Sand Brighella??

This is Sand Columbine?

This is Carolina??

This is Dottore.

This is Isabella.

This is Lelio??

This is Octavio.

This is Scaramouche.

This is Silvio.

This is Spavento.

This is Spezzaferro.

Acrylic Memory Book

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:59:00 +0000

This is another memory book created by one of my former staff members (Angie McMinn) who worked at my mega (?) store, Scrapbookers' Delight on the Northshore.

This book is full of fascinating what nots.

Heidi Swapp Memory Book

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:52:00 +0000

I'm uploading some of the work that my staff had done while working at Scrapbookers' Delight in our Northshore shop.

This one is a memory book made up by Tracy Dixon. We used a selection of Heidi Swapp papers.

Visual diary notes

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:34:00 +0000

Here are some more glimpses into my visual diary.

This one shows designs (swirly ones) that I liked to use in my own artist's business card (which incidentally I never did get done).

This one shows colour palettes I like the look of, and then mixing up those very same colours for my own experimentation.

More Victoriana - collection

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:29:00 +0000

I got these old puzzles from an antique shop. I just love the nostalgia of them.

Ephemera board

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:20:00 +0000

These were photos I had taken on our family's summer trip to the Bay of Islands (New Zealand) back in 2008.

We went to a museum and as you may well know I am fascinated with ephemera and there they had a board featuring Victoriana postcards, etc.

On the Carousel

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:26:00 +0000

I know I haven't blogged for ages, so here we go not much but it's a photo of my youngest on a carousel at the fairground. Not the best of photos, although the over exposure can almost work aesthetically.

I have used a lot of Prima Flowers and made it quite girly, as this kid is very girly.

Isabella Baudelaire and other silhouetted images

noreply@blogger.com (Paula) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:53:00 +0000

I thank Tristan for showing me these images on his blog. I love silhouetted pieces with that sharp defined contrast between black and white.

And below are some of the works of Isabella Baudelaire a truly magnificent artist.