Björniks Pen & Ink

Taking a Back Seat

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:12:00 +0000

Hooray! I'm finally done with our home renovation and was just right in time for my nephew's 1st birthday. All the designing and supervision, party preparation, and creation of the Shah Mat II series have been strenuous for me that I need to take a break from everything. So you won't be hearing from me for a while (that's been always the case in this blog) until I have something new and exciting to share.:D So just follow me in my twitter and facebook for WIP's and other news if you wanna get updated with what I do.

The above photo is not of our home but the penthouse unit housing the set of my artworks embroidered on backrests of these chairs. Just click any of the two chairs below to get a closer look at the detail.

To all those who emailed me asking about Shah Mat II and other commissions, thank you! I'll reply to you as soon as I get home. To everyone else who are interested in acquiring the whole Shah Matt set, just email me for the next email update. Cheers!

Shah Mat II: The Great Sartorial Conundrum

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:06:00 +0000

In the vast checkered fields of Sirib springs an ongoing war between two great kingdoms: the scarf-wearing Whites and the belt-strapping Blacks.

the scarf-wearing Whites

the belt-strapping Blacks

As adorable little pawns inch their way forward, fierce knights leap out of nowhere and shrewd bishops wait to ambush their enemy. Powerful rooks block and hurl damage while the all-seeing queen crushes whomever she sees as a threat to her king.

They each engage in battle to prove their king's claim as the Supreme Wearer of the Checkered Cloth. In the end, only one kingdom will reign and only one sartorial style will prevail.

the aspirants

NOTE: Click on some of the images to enlarge.

Mother and Child

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:59:00 +0000

"Mother and Child"

9 x 12", pen and ink

This is the most recent pen and ink drawing I did for my friends' mom. She might just have the largest Mother and Child collection here in the Philippines. It was featured in a TV program (our version of Ripley's) and shown to occupy three floors: paintings, sculptures, cards, figurines and to everything mother and child. Unfortunately, I forgot to ask for a picture while my friends were here to celebrate her birthday.:( Anyway, here are some details.

My mom keeps telling me that I was born at 11:11am. Today, 11-11-11, marks the 11th day past my 11,011th day in this world. Thanks mom! This one's for you too!;)

Aquamarine

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:27:00 +0000

I've been fortunate enough to help a friend develop her brand. Earlier this year, she asked me to create a logo for her accessories that was later on replaced by a new one that would represent their family's jewelry business. It wasn't that difficult to create both logos but it's when she asked me to illustrate the 12 birthstones that I had to really think hard.

It took me an entire month to come up with a concept and like all the projects I did for her in 10 years, it was worth it. It really feels great to be working with a friend who shares the same interests and passion in the arts and at the same time who writes very well. It was her interest in haiku and my love for realism that brought about this wabi-sabi-inspired drawing.

This is just one of the 12 drawings I made that will be used for their calendar. And I can't wait to read what my friend has to write for my illustrations. I'll also make sure to put one on my desk so I don't lose track of the dates when I should be updating this blog.hehe

PS: As a kid when asked for my favorite color, I'd proudly say aquamarine just to sound cool when I actually meant "cerulean blue". Kidding!:P

Talcum

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:04:00 +0000

Hello. It's been a while since my last post and I don't know where and how to start. If you've been following my blog, then you probably noticed that I've been posting more and more toys. The truth is, I've been doing a lot of commercial work lately and customizing toys serves as my breather. Fortunately, some toy collectors like and support my style and commissioned me to add some to their collections. The one you see below is Talcum, my most recent custom dunny.

Apart from these projects, I'm also coordinating with a company that will release a new line of Otto Björnik merchandise. For now, I can't disclose the details but it has something to do with the Phosphenes and Speak No Evil. I will just update this blog with more details next time but for now, here's Talcum to entertain you.

Btw, if you like the Phosphenes, Society6 is now offering FREE shipping for all prints bought in my shop. This is valid thru Sunday (Sept. 25) and will be applicable worldwide. And that's like getting three mini prints for the price of one plus shipping.:D

Arnkatla

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:31:00 +0000

Meet Arnkatla, a fierce little warrior that will fight for you 'til the very end. Give her and these two adorable banshees a home when I post them up for sale at my store on Wednesday, August 17 at 9am EST.:)

There's also a short interview and artist feature on me posted on Gup Gup's blog. Check it out for other artist features and get updated with their special promos. By the way, I won the above Gup Gup in one of their random giveaways. When I told them I'd be customizing my prize, they sent me an extra blank to apply my art on. It was very thoughtful, thanks Nick!:)

WIP: Mother and Child

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:33:00 +0000

Shiro and Kuro

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 08:37:00 +0000

Last week, I received three boxes of toys and I felt like a child again. I picked some of the amazing designs I liked and played with them. But like any other kid with low eq, it didn't take long before I stripped all of the designs and repainted them with my own.:D

Above is a photo of Shiro and Kuro, two of the adorable banshees that I'll be sending out to warn people of an impending war. If you wanna know more about it, email me and I'll include you in my mailing list for my next toy series release.:D

Class, Style and Taste are on the Menu

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:48:00 +0000

A few weeks back, I posted the pen and ink drawings of the restaurant menu I did for my boss's cousin. Finally, I got the images of the actual menu below.

Class is on the Menu

Style is on the Menu

Taste is on the Menu

The original drawings are about 30 x 40" big and are reduced to fit in a 12 x 18" menu. Art direction by Carl Urgino and Biboy Royong.:)

For a closer look at the details, you can check my behance account.

Toy Costumes

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:01:00 +0000

Hey friends of Bjornik, don’t you just love growing up? It makes you want to explore more and experience more. This blog and yours truly is about to embark a new adventure, that thrill of growing up. If you look closer, notice this fresh addition to my roster of art. Yes, they are fun and every kid’s fancy – TOYS.

For the month of May, I worked on a series of toys in preparation for another artistic endeavor that I hope I'll soon be able to pursue. After a month of fun and learning, I'm very pleased to present to you Toy Costumes. This is my "summer fashion line" of artist collectible toys. This is the first time that I'm selling my original stuff so please bear with me for posting it here.

click your favorite toy for close ups

These vinyl toys are approximately 3-5" tall. They are one-offs and are signed by me at the bottom. For the curious, they are hand painted with acrylics and then coated with satin polymer varnish with UVLS. The linework of the Wanderer's hair has been drawn using a pen by the way. All these have already been sold out. But if you want to be updated on my next collection, please email me and I'll add you to my mailing list.:)

Thank you for being a part of my adventure. Growing up has never been this exciting.:)

Summer Fashion Preview

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:48:00 +0000

Watch out for the newest summer fashion!;)
June 3 at 9am EST

Just Another Update

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Thu, 26 May 2011 14:41:00 +0000

It feels like I've been away for a very long time. And finally, I can sit down, breathe a little and blog again. I'm just glad that yesterday I finished the last of five custom toys that I had been busy working on the past weeks. And guess what! I will soon be posting them here for sale. If you're interested, check back again in a few days or follow me on twitter and facebook for the announcement.

If you've been following me on facebook, then you might already know the good news about the Art for Japan auction wherein I donated an Umihotaru print. The auction raised almost $3,000 for the tsunami and earthquake victims in Japan. So thank you to all the bidders who helped in making that happen and special congratulations to Ms RK for winning my Umihotaru. Here's a photo of the print before it was shipped to Singapore.

Umihotaru 海蛍 print wrapped in washi paper

Speaking of prints, I also sent these two framed special Wise Monkeys to two of my greatest friends as a very late Christmas present. Little did I know that they will be sending something very special in return. Let me share some of the photos.

prints and originals before they were sent

special cards and gifts from great friends

Up next, I will be posting some if not all of the custom toys I enjoyed painting on.:)

The Guardian

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Sat, 14 May 2011 07:48:00 +0000

Just a brief update of what I'm up to lately. I have been very busy with graphic design work and customizing vinyl toys for the past weeks. This one is a hand-painted 4" munny that I submitted to Kidrobot's mega contest. You can also see the Wanderer and Oni Rider here. (3rd and 4th rows) Hope you'll like it!:)

Umihotaru

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:51:00 +0000

This artwork was inspired by Sayaka who I met in Japan four years ago. She visited the Philippines the year after and has since then made it a point to spend a few days of her vacations here, at the beach. One of the fond memories I have of her was the night we went swimming when a sea snake crossed our path. I can still remember the shock in her face that was somehow highlighted by a group of glowing umihotarus (sea-firefly) surrounding us. She is indeed a phosphene to behold and a remarkable person, who dances salsa, plays the shamisen and has an insatiable wanderlust and zest for life. She’s also the one who always shouts ganbatte every time I start a new drawing.

I originally intended to post this on Sayaka’s birthday as a gift. But the March 11 earthquake that wreaked havoc in Japan prevented me from doing so to sympathize with them. If you look closely at this artwork, you'll understand what I mean.

As my way of giving back to her, I'm releasing a special Umihotaru print that is now auctioned at Art for Japan until April 24 in an effort to aid the survivors. If you like this, please bid. Not only are you going to have this one-off print, you'll also be helping the affected areas in Japan recover. Gallery Nucleus is also selling my Yuka-chan button below with all proceeds going to Give2Asia.org.

Tears (Art for Japan Button), 1.5" diameter

By the way, my friend Bella is also giving away the Daruma Doll (Japan flag anyone?) art print below. This is a personal favorite because I think it’s clever and is one of the most inspiring artworks created to help Japan. Please head over to her blog to learn how you can get hold of this and the various ways you can help. Thank you so much for reading.:)

PS: Sayaka is Yuka-chan's elder sister.

Class is on the Menu

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:06:00 +0000

Note to IFers: I'm sorry for misleading you. This was supposed to be for "Bottled" but the prompt changed as soon as I hit the submit button. Wish there was a way to undo this.:(

One of the best things I get to experience working with MJ is the fine food. The last time I was with the team, she invited us to a wine tasting lesson along with an eight-course degustation in her cousin's restaurant. It lasted for about six hours, the longest time I spent in front of a dining table.

For us visual artists, our host selected wines with the most visually appealing labels. My favorite was the Homenaje Rosado (leftmost) for its elegant bottle design. But it was the sparkling Moscato that perfectly complemented this mouth-watering dessert, truly a scrumptious dining experience, my ideal gastronomic delight.

dark chocolate mousse, bananae caramelise, valrohna syrup

The above image was one of three illustrations I did for a restaurant's ad campaign. It's interesting to note that this was commissioned by Aces Saatchi two months after the restaurant's owner and I got acquainted. I found it funny that it had to involve an ad agency for us to work together.:D Anyway, I hope you enjoy the details!

The Last Phosphene

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 07:59:00 +0000

Commissioned Gnome

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 08:14:00 +0000

Three hours ago, someone commissioned me to sculpt a Lawn Gnome. My arms still hurt from doing all the gnomes this person has ordered from me so I decided to draw a quick one instead.

This is actually a birthday present but I'm posting it here so that you guys know what I'm up to lately. Yes, I'm hooked to an iPhone game and that explains the lack of posts.haha Will make up for it in the coming weeks!

And to you, my hardworking trade partner, may you have more magic beans to gather and vaster land to conquer! Happy birthday!

Showtime Wins iF Award

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:37:00 +0000

Last year, I was invited to take part in a cross-genre collaboration that involved the German musician Amos. We were asked to create artworks that would be exhibited in galleries throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland in conjunction with the promotion of his album Showtime.

The entire project was such a huge success that it garnered the sought-after iF communication design award from Industrie Forum in Hannover last week. It may be a bit late but good job to everyone who worked hard to make the event possible.

On other late news. Last month, I was featured in Origama magazine(Mexico) that auspiciously put Showtime on their banner a week before the Showtime team heard of the good news. If you wanna grab a copy and see the rest of the featured artists, you can download the 5th issue here. And a huge thanks to Aida for making this possible.:)

Images: Amos-Showtime team

Immiscible

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 16:58:00 +0000

I had this great and unique opportunity of making an artwork that would be a groom's wedding gift to his beloved bride. He requested that I use turquoise/teal and orange, which would also be the motif of their sunset and surf-inspired wedding. It is an unsual color combination that I would never have thought to include in my palette. But this is their wedding artwork not mine, so the pen and ink drawing will have to wait then.hehe

"Immiscible", 10x15", Acrylic on Paper

To be honest, I was surprised that I was able to pull this off. Maybe just as surprised as the couple that they were actually getting married despite being the complete opposites of each other. It has been a running joke between them that they don't share any common interest. Like these colors, it would have taken them more than a gentle stirring to make their relationship work. They may not mix but they complement each other.

Congratulations and best wishes to both of you!:)

IF: Swarm

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:04:00 +0000

"If the king has his harem, the queen has her swarm."

This is just another quick sketch for a personal project I'm working on right now. Thanks to my friend who told me about this week's prompt, I was finally able to get these bees out of my head.

Touche

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:47:00 +0000

Yoli loves fencing and everything that is associated with swords. She told me that two years ago when she intended to commission an artwork from me. Unfortunately, we both got very busy and we had to postpone it. But Yoli and I never lost touch, we visited each other's blog and we became friends in the process. I also got a glimpse of how loving a mother she is to her three Chinese children: Sally, Little Man and Paloma.

"Touche", 5 x 7", Pen and Ink

It's not difficult to draw for a generous and kindhearted person like Yoli. In fact, I already had this image of her serenading three fledglings in the middle of an enchanted bamboo grove long before I decided to take on this commission. It was just a matter of overcoming the confidence she has in me to do an artwork for her.

Here it is, I hope it was worth the wait my friend.:)

Society 6 Prints and Artistic 8 Feature

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:50:00 +0000

Hey guys! I added two new artworks available as prints at my Society 6 shop. Was very surprised to find out that I've actually sold a few of Ma Bella Luna. So thanks to everyone who supported me in this. Surprise me again and I might also consider selling the entire Phosphenes series, just kidding!

The good news is, Society6 is now selling mini prints. That means I don't have to worry about the details of the artworks being blown up. Just as long as you get the small or mini-sized prints, you'll have a print close to the original. To those interested in getting one, please take a moment to read the caveat before buying.

A study for my newest project that has nothing to do with this post.:P

About two years ago, I had my very first interview by way of email. I was asked to answer the same set of questions a select group of artists was answering. I didn't have the chance to ask what the project was all about because after sending my answers I didn't hear from the interviewer again. I was updating my facebook page this afternoon when a familiar name posted a link to the interview. Finally, my first interview was published. Thank you Deborah!:) You can read the feature at www.indigits.net.

And the best part of it, I was featured alongside my idols!:D

XOXO

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:55:00 +0000

"It is very important that you should choose the person you will marry and stay with that person. There are many people now who believe in serial love, loving one person after another. I don’t think that is good for our mental health. I think we should get it over with. Love is like measles, you know. You only get it once in your lifetime and you are immune forever. I am very happy to say that is what happened to me. I am completely immune to any temptation. All men who have passed my life after I got married might as well have been sticks of furniture."- Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago

And to those who haven't got "measles" yet, here's Yuka to give you some hugs and kisses. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!:)

Wanted: Koi

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:36:00 +0000

Alice

noreply@blogger.com (otto björnik) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:26:00 +0000

Just a quick sketch inspired by an animated film I watched the other day.