Fleur Harris

La Dispute

2012-01-21T18:29:00.000+11:00

I love bands that further blur the line between art and music, that suck you into their world and take you along for their wild ride. I also love bands that satisfy both my penchants for superb musical arrangements and face punching guitars. So I love La Dispute's album Wildlife. Their older stuff is typical post-hardcore lacking in a definitive sound of it's own, but Wildlife is the next level. This isn't an album review - I don't know shit - I just know you should have a go at listening to this album, and if you've ever been a victim of unrequited love you should listen to this song, You and I in unison xxx

Cotton On product.... it's here!!

2012-01-18T21:03:00.001+11:00

I've been engulfed in my new role as Senior Graphic Designer for Cotton On since last October- I look after the artwork that ends up on product for their brands Cotton On (Ladieswear), Cotton On Body and Cotton On Kids (Girlswear)- alongside a wonderful team of Fashion Buyers and Graphic Designers. The product I have been working on is beginning to hit stores, and here's the first cab off the rank - a sleepy owl I illustrated for the Cotton On Body Nelly Hoodie. You can pick it up here. Much, much more product to come, stay tuned!! xxx

Maya Hayuk - Melbourne exhibition

2012-01-18T06:59:00.001+11:00

I will be attending is this Fridays opening of Maya Hayuk's show at No Vacancy Gallery in Melbourne. I am a huge fan of Hayuk's colour explosion murals and can't wait to see this Brooklyn based artists work in the flesh! It's going to be amazing!! Details:
No Vacancy Gallery
QV, Swanston Street, Melbourne
(Entry via Jane Bell Lane)
Opening Night: Friday 20 January
Time: 6 till 9pm
Exhibition will run until Friday 27 January 2012

Sicks & Sticks

2012-01-14T20:45:00.000+11:00

I have just come out the other side of a 7 day long headache. I'm not talking your average headache, I'm talking head-in-a-vice, cant look at light, can't handle loud noises (or any noises in fact), Fleur-at-her-worst type of headache. Two reluctant days off work and several doctors and antibiotics later I'm on the mend. So much time to lie awake staring at the ceiling gave me plenty of time to think - and one of the many thoughts I gave alot of time to was the realization that I spent 99% of my time doing, thinking and making things for other people. Don't get me wrong, I love that I get to make my entire living from my artwork - it's my dream realised. I just don't have the time to explore many of the ideas that I somehow have a moment to come up with in my own head. I had a craving to get busy with my hands and having seen the Visual Merchandising set up in Alice Euphemia created by Bernadette Francis I was busting to recreate some of her sparkly sticks for my own house. Her installation embodies everything I'm loving at the moment - sparkles, glitter, sequins, and lots of fluro - and was the perfect solution of what to fill the vase my sister gave me for Christmas with. I raided the Smith St (Collingwood) junk stores to top up my supplies, collected some sticks and got to work. A few hours later, the sticks I collected were approved by my cats, and the vase my sister gave me is full of gorgeous colours textures. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon xxx

I ♥ the Cotton On Design team

2012-01-09T23:27:00.002+11:00

Since starting at Cotton On head office in October, I've been having an absolute blast. Not only is the design work a tonne of fun - but more importantly the people I work with are really wonderful. I knew from the start they were super talented and so so nice, but my team really blew my mind when it came to December - the month where it's not only Christmas but also my birthday.
Kat and Clare - two of our amazingly talented designers gave me the wall decal (pictured, top) for my birthday. Kat had been working on this for one of our projects and when I saw it on her screen I had minor heart failure at how gorgeous it was. I started thinking out loud of all the places this design could go - one of them being as a giant wall decal. I didn't really think anyone was listening to me profess my love for this perfectly arranged set of shapes until Kat and Clare gave me the design several weeks later as an actual giant wall decal - they went and had it cut for me for my birthday. I could have cried. Look at it there it all it's glory. Amazing. Seriously. This is sitting high and mighty in my living room. It's the best thing to have hit my walls in a long time.
The second almost-made-me-cry (ok maybe I did cry) gift is this totally mental and totally amazing custom cushion that Megan, our design/print/trend guru hand painted and sewed for me for Christmas. Megan and I car pool together every day to the office which means she gets to listen to me bang on about my life - much of which occurs in my beloved home town of Kensington in Melbourne. We'd had many discussions about our growing love for cheesy tourist souveniers and Australiana - so Megan painted all the things I'd been chewing her ear off about on the way to work, to make me my very own Kensington cushion. Amazing. AND she used fluro paint in there... seriously... AMAZING.
I was blown away with the thoughfulness put into both of these gifts - who knew people could be as skilled, clever, lovely, thoughtful and generous all at once.
I'm so so lucky to know and work with such incredible people. One little happy tear and lots of smiles. xxx

I drew... myself

2012-01-05T21:27:00.003+11:00

A crazy week already at work, so while I was in the shower listening to the new Birdy album tonight I decided to spend the rest of the evening in my pj's, on the couch, drawing. I haven't drawn myself in a long time - I always feel a bit stupid doing it - but tonight I decided it was about time. So here she (me) is xxx

Prints!

2012-01-05T06:53:00.001+11:00

Incase you missed the Modern Times Pop Up Shop in Collingwood, here's a pic of my three prints sitting up on the wall next to the lovely Beci Orpin's work - overlooking the room of beautiful Danish furniture. What good company! My three prints from this show have sold, but they are also available at my Print shop. The ones at the show were the ones hanging in my bedroom at home, so I've had them reprinted and framed and they are looking pretty nice above my new linen from POP by Sheridan and the (OH MY GOD I CAN'T BELIEVE I OWN THIS PIECE OF GENIUS) Klaus Haapaniemi cushion that Dave gave me for Christmas. Sweet Dreams for sure. xxx

Best Summer in a while...

2012-01-03T23:12:00.001+11:00

So this is where my official Summer holidays end... watching the sun set on Mt Martha beach after a 40 degree day. 11 days with my beautiful family and friends spent on the ever amazing Mornington Peninsula. I love my crazy city life, but there's nothing like heading home to the coast for some down time - and I feel like a new person for it. Dave treated me to an end of holiday surprise by putting my iPhone through the washing machine, forcing me to spend the remaining hours of my free time sorting out a new phone. I wasn't one bit phased by it, proving my theory that having some time with nothing to do except build sandcastles is really important. But, for now it's time to get back to work... bring it on xxx

It's not mine, but it's cute (Happy New Year)

2011-12-31T15:08:00.000+11:00

I'm on holidays, cruising around the coast catching up with friends, swimming in the ocean and eating lots. I met up with my amazing friend Hannah and her beautiful baby #2 - Matilda. Hannah and her husband Adam bake a good cake - their other child Poppy is just as divine as this little one is. As it's the 31st December (which is also my bro's birthday - Happy Birthday Anth!), I thought a picture of a brand new person was appropriate. A new year starts tomorrow and although it's a day like any other day, there's a feeling of shedding an old skin and starting out fresh which I love. This year I'm going to work my ass off, travel lots, eat well, find some new bands to listen too, and hopefully make some artwork that I'm really proud of. Happy 2012 - stay safe and happy! xxx

Out to lunch (and dinner...and the beach)

2011-12-27T21:07:00.002+11:00

Follow me on Instagram!

2011-12-14T21:37:00.003+11:00

So I've finally signed up to Instagram. If you want to keep up with me, my life, and my little leopard cats, then follow me - fleurelsie
xxx

Birdy

2011-12-10T09:42:00.001+11:00

Jasmine van den Bogaerde, aka Birdy - 15 years old and singing one of my favourite songs. Sorry Bon Iver, I think she does it better. This song and it's film clip are pretty much on repeat in my life right now. Amazing xxx

Ken Done x Something Else

2011-12-05T20:24:00.001+11:00

It's been a long time coming for Ken Done to make a comeback... and he does it with Something Else... Fuck yeah xxx

We need to talk about Klaus

2011-12-05T19:51:00.001+11:00

I recently had the pleasure of turning 29 years old, and as the dates fell I shared my birthday with the wedding of my friends Julian and Diana. These two cuties got married out at the Heidelberg Museum of Modern Art, must admit I had a slight case of wedding envy watching them tie the knot at one of Melbourne's most amazing establishments (but that swiftly wore off and I returned to my normal, not-getting-married-ever self). Congrats to these guys - a privilege to share in their special day. Now... onto Klaus:

For my birthday I was also lucky enough to be the recipient of some gorgeous gifts, including 2 bowls and 2 plates from the Taika series by Klaus Haapaniemi for Iittala, to add to my collection. An interest normally maintained by people turning 79, not 29, hoarding this dudes crockery really does it for me. Which made me hop on over to his website to see what other little things of his I might be able to get my hands on. Well, my Xmas list just got a bit longer.... check out his scarf, cushion and of course the Taika bowl. He's so good... and Scandinavian.... xxx

Modern Times Pop-up shop

2011-11-30T19:55:00.001+11:00

For those of you whose ears prick up at the mention of mid-century Danish furniture (in fact mid-century-anything-design-related) then the Modern Times Pop-up store is sure to get you going.

Modern Times imports mid-century furniture from Denmark. They also get together a bunch of talented local designers whose work complements the modernist style and pair it up with the furniture to create an exciting one-off concept shop that blurs the line between retail store and exhibition – the Modern Times Pop-Up Shop.

Artists such as Emily Green, Beci Orpin and myself will all have work on display and available for purchase - I've been told there's 20-30 artists in total so I'm dying to see the full list!

The Modern Times Pop-Up Shop opens December 10th – Dec 31st for 3 weeks only. Get down to 260 Smith St, Collingwood for the preview and drinks 6-8pm Friday 9th December xxx

You look so familiar...

2011-11-22T21:10:00.001+11:00

When I first met Astrid I kept thinking 'you look SO familiar' and for months I couldn't put my finger on it. Then one day it hit me. Astrid is a walking, talking Audrey Kawasaki painting. Now every time I see Astrid I do a double take 'cos I still can't get over the likeness. Maybe no one else can see it and I'm nuts. Perhaps in real life it's more astounding, but this picture should give you an indication of what I mean. People that look like paintings... sounds like a good book title... xxx

Print Shop is now OPEN!

2011-11-17T21:08:00.001+11:00

After lots of emails from lovely people around the world asking if they can buy prints of my illustrations, I am happy to let you know that my online Print Shop is now OPEN! Yay!
I have 5 prints currently available - with FREE worldwide shipping. I'm super excited to have this up and running, check it out here xxx

Artists series Xmas cards / Water for Water charity

2011-11-16T19:35:00.001+11:00

This festive season, save your pals the burden of another crap card and get your mits on this Artist Series 8 Pack of Xmas cards - with proceeds going to the amazing charity Water for Water.

I worked on this project alongside some amazing artists:
Beastman, Numskull, Phibs, Yok, Thomas Jackson, Max Berry and Sibella Court. Head over the the WFW store to get yourself a pack.

Pictured is a preview of what's in the mix of cards, and a close up of my retro-wrapping-paper-inspired design xxx

Aztec prints

2011-11-10T22:40:00.001+11:00

The product I'm working on for Cotton On will hit stores in the not too distant future - I'll be sure to post as much as I can once it's released! I'm having a blast in the design studio at Cotton On HQ, busier than I've ever been in my life and loving every minute of it.
A couple of the last designs I did while I was at The Just Group have hit stores, so I can share these with you now, a little bit of Aztec just in time for Summer!

I've also got a couple of freelance gigs on the go at the moment - promise I''ll keep you posted as soon as I am allowed to spill the beans xxx

My friends are clever

2011-10-31T11:45:00.002+11:00

I'm lucky to be friends with some of the kindest, talented and most gorgeous people in the whole wide world. I could post endlessly about each and every one of them. Today I'd like to introduce you to dallasandcarlos, the work of my pal Katherine Etheridge, and also my favourite clothing label bul, the incredible label belonging to my friend Virginia Martin.
Katherine and I lived together years ago in St.Kilda while we were studying Interior Design at RMIT. Our time living together allowed us to form a life-long friendship, and while Katherine has been doing time in Brazil and LA working on dallasandcarlos, we keep tabs on where each other is at and I am so thrilled to see all her hard work come to fruition. Seeing D&C's treasures splashed across the pages of GRAZIA and Vogue on a regular basis has been super exciting, it's no wonder though, as their gold skulls, chain and flashes of neon make for some awesome accessories. Pictured is my favourite, the hollenbeck skull bracelet.
Virginia's label bul is a huge inspiration to me. I've known Virginia for years and after she spent time in the USA working in some amazing fashion houses (including Proenza Schouler) she returned home to Melbourne and launched bul. She now has three stores across Melbourne. The ranges she has produced are absolutely beautiful. I'm a sucker for good quality staples for my wardrobe, so her silks, jerseys and leathers have got me hooked. The above image is from her SS/11 collection, and as I spend most of my day designing fabric yardages, I'm in awe of her yardage choices and the styling across her range.
Here's a big high five to all my clever friends, you inspire me and motivate me more than words could ever express. xxx

Cotton On announcement

2011-10-22T19:07:00.003+11:00

I'm super SUPER excited to announce my next venture - I've recently been appointed the Senior Graphic Designer for Cotton On, specifically for Ladies, Body and Kids. Unless you have been living under a rock, you will already know that Cotton On is taking the world by storm with stores in Australia, New Zealand, America, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates. I am thrilled to be working with this brand that not only places a great importance on good design, but also goes to enourmous lengths to give back to the global community through the Cotton On Foundation. I have an amazing team of designers I'm working with, not only are they lovely people but they're also incredibly talented.
I'll still be keeping up my freelance work (I'm rather used to pulling all-nighters by now) so while the path ahead is looking super busy, it's also looking set to be a whole lot of fun.
I've already begun working on the 2012 ranges for Ladies, Body and Kids - until the new range is launched I can't tell you much, but you can definitelyexpect to see some exciting stuff hitting stores around the world in the not too distant future. xxx

Illustration for my favourite bike store - Northside Wheelers

2011-10-16T10:31:00.001+11:00

My friend Malachi Moxom owns the CUTEST bike store in the world - Northside Wheelers, in Prahran. As well as being a super nice guy - Malachi is a shit hot rider and is some sort of an icon for cycling in Melbourne and beyond. The photos of Malachi pictured here are by Melbourne photographer Corey White. I was eating sushi with Malachi in his shop recently and we decided it was time to collaborate - so we brainstormed some ideas and came up with a concept that shows the quaint atmosphere of where his store is located in a style that's reflective of all that is Northside Wheelers (although his store is way cooler than I could ever convey). So I got to work and snapped some pics of his shop front and then drew me riding the bike that Malachi sold me a few years back with his dog Sparky in the lead. You can click on the illustration for a bigger view.
Get down to Northside Wheelers in Prahran and treat yourself to a very special bike store experience. Northside also stocks the awesome label Creux, owned by my pals Mick and Van - another good reason to check it out! xxx

First Five Out

2011-10-10T21:48:00.001+11:00

I'll be speaking at this AGDA (Australian Graphic Design Association) event on Friday the 14th of October, along with some super cool artists like tin&ed and Sam Koh.

Event Details: 
Friday 14th October 2011 at 6.00pm 
RMIT Casey Plaza, Building 10,
Bowen Lane, Melbourne  

Tickets: 
AGDA Members Student – Free 
AGDA Members Professional – $10 
Non Member Student – $10 
Non Member Professional – $20

For more info hit up the AGDA website here. If you make it along be sure to come and say hello! xxx

Mini doco: Fleur Harris, Un Jour (One day)

2011-09-22T12:38:00.000+10:00

I'm so pleased to present this mini doco that I have been working on with Phillipa and Megan of Industry Standard. This film offers a glimpse into my life and inspirations here in Melbourne, Australia. You'll also take a peek inside my studio, see some of my art collection and meet my kitty cats! I hope you enjoy it xxx

Portrait of the most gorgeous family in the world

2011-09-21T12:23:00.000+10:00

To thank Phillipa and Megan for all the amazing work they have been putting into the short film we are working on, I drew this family portrait for them. Megan is wearing the pirate hat on the right and holding their cat bear, and Phillipa is on the left with their divine daughter Cinema on her lap. Cinema's 1st birthday was celebrated recently with a pirate dress up party (this family knows how to throw a party that's for sure) so I have drawn them in their costumes from their special day. For her party Cinema was dressed up as a parrot and it was probably the cutest thing I've ever seen. So much love for this amazing family xxx

Day two of filming is complete...

2011-09-20T12:57:00.002+10:00

Here's another sneak peak from the short film I've been working on with Philippa Knack and Megan Voevodin. Filming is now complete and Megan's insanely good editing abilities are currently piecing everything together. Collaborating with these ladies has been an absolute joy. It's been such fun crossing over into this extraordinary medium and working with Philippa and Megan who understand it so well, I think I might be a little bit hooked. I'm reserving this short especially for my blog, I'm super excited about it and can't wait to share it with you. xxx

Taste the waste

2011-09-15T16:39:00.002+10:00

A while back I promised my friend Tony that I'd draw him a picture, so I finally got a minute to put this together for him. Zombie stuff isn't usually my style so it was cool to give this a crack, though it's a long road ahead if I want to actually get any good at this kind of thing. Fun to get out of my comfort zone for a few hours all the same. Tony is much more handsome in real life, with the added bonus of being a total champ. I love Tony to bits. If you dig listening to Thrash as much as I do, you will already be familiar with Tony's band Municipal Waste, and if you're not, then check them out here, it's time for you to meet your new favourite band. xxx

In a while, crocodile!

2011-09-14T17:28:00.002+10:00

I'm still playing with ideas for a print for my nephew George. As a 2 year old no doubt he has firm opinions on what sort of artwork is to adorn his walls, so hopefully this little crocodile I did for him is on the right track! xxx

Frankie & Scout

2011-09-12T19:05:00.002+10:00

It's been a while since the crazy cat lady in me has felt compelled to share some of the MILLIONS of photos I have taken of my little leopards Frankie and Scout. They turned 1 recently and they keep getting cuter and cuter. If they aren't sitting on my lap while I work, they are play-fighting around my ankles or sleeping on top of each other in their beanbag. I love my little cat buddies to bits and pieces xxx

Singapore in RGB

2011-09-08T11:23:00.004+10:00

On our recent trip OS, Dave and I found ourselves with some time to kill between flights at Singapore airport. Not ones to sit around a departure lounge, we hot footed it through customs, grabbed a cab into the city and ran around exploring for a few hours. One of the unexpected highlights was a white bridge lit up by LED's, it wasn't much at a glance but once you stuck anything in the path of the light the RGB's refracted out into some gorgeous patterns and colour combinations. I was hooked, making shadow puppets that spun out into vibrant hues and watching the colour of my hands change from hot pink to fluro green with the flick of my wrist. Dave eventually had to pull me away from this magic bridge, heels dragging - but not before I got a few photos. xxx

Geoffrey Gurrumul

2011-09-07T10:03:00.004+10:00

For my Mum's birthday, I'm taking her to dinner and then to see Geoffrey Gurrumul at the Palais theatre tonight. Ive seen a few shows at the Palais and have fallen in love with it's other-worldly, haunting and historic atmosphere. I'm sure seeing Gurrumul weave his magic in this environment is going to be epic and I'm super excited. My Mum loves his music so it's the perfect thing to treat her to. If you aren't familiar with his music, I recommend you find out more about him here.

Gurrumul [his traditional name] is a member of the Gumatj clan of north east Arnhemland and it is the songs and stories of the Gumatj clan that Gurrumul sublimely adapts into contemporary song styles. At the age of 15 he was identified as a young and extremely talented multi-instrumentalist and joined the ARIA Award winning band Yothu Yindi where he played an integral role until 1992.

What makes Gurrumul even more fascinating is the fact that he is blind, and as a result his music hits me on an emotional level that I have rarely experienced. I'm a punk rock kid at heart, with a record collection that makes absolutely no sense, and Gurrumul's work fits in there perfectly. xxx

A taste of what's to come...

2011-09-05T17:27:00.003+10:00

Here's a sneak peak of a project I am working on with some incredibly talented people... Yep, that's a still from a short film! Filming is halfway through and I can't wait to share the final product with everyone. Philippa Knack and Megan Voevodin are the genius' behind the lense, and I feel so privileged to be collaborating with them. They have this insane ability to make anything and everything look spectacular - so I'm in good hands! I can't stress how excited I am about working in this new media with such incredible people, it's what I live for. xxx

George of the Jungle

2011-09-05T08:17:00.002+10:00

A little man in my life by the name of George is turning 2 soon, so I'm playing with some illustrations trying to come up with a print to give him for his birthday. I started drawing up these lions etc and it soon became clear that they'd be right at home in a yardage print, so here it is. A yardage isn't what I had in mind for George so it's back to the drawing board (did I just say that?) and in the mean time I'm pretty stoked with this little pattern that came about by accident xxx

Happy Fathers Day, I miss you Dad xxx

2011-09-03T22:20:00.003+10:00

Tomorrow is my third Fathers Day without my Dad, Peter. It certainly doesn't get any easier. What I'd give to have him back on this earth, words can't describe. I love you and I miss you Dad. Happy Fathers Day xxx

Saturday sketch up

2011-09-03T21:51:00.004+10:00

I've been wanting to recolour this fox I drew up a while back, I love the shape of it and I want to see it really come to life. Here's my first go. I also turned him into that cute little yardage print. Think I'm going to need to keep working on it and maybe make him some friends! ! xxx

Wish list...

2011-08-23T07:27:00.006+10:00

I could spend hours on the maximo website, a few more hours on the Donna Wilson website, a whole day on the House Industries website.... all loaded with gorgeous things that make me want to burn a hole in my wallet, in fact set the whole thing on fire. Here's a bit of a wish list I put together:

Alexander Girard floor tiles, by Flor - these come in six piece tiles and you piece them together yourself to make your own floor rug. Awesome. Check these out on out the Flor website here.

Alexander Girard House Cushion - Printed on a cotton/linen oyster fabric. I'm obsessed with Girard and this cushion would be right at home on my couch. It's currently out of stock :(

T&O Doll Centaur - 1963 hand embroidered doll on 100% mexicotton, hand stitched yarn hair, comes with Certificate of Authenticity signed by Marilyn Neuhart. I have some on Neuhart's replicas from this series, but this is the real deal. Would love to own and look after this piece of history.

Pretty sure I can hear those floor tiles calling my name...

xxx

LMNOP, Illustrators Australia, and Me!

2011-08-17T20:39:00.003+10:00

I have recently discovered the cutest website: lmnop.com.au (pronounced "elle em enn oh pee"... like the alphabet) as they chose my work Le Salon Amusant to advertise the upcoming Illustrators Australia A3 show in Sydney. If you have kids, or even if you just like looking at designer stuff for kids, then check out lmnop.com.au, stacks of articles and features on adorable stuff (and everyone knows how much I love stuff!) If you're in Sydney get yourself along to the launch at Fraser Studios on the 19th of August at 6pm. Le Salon Amusant will be available at the show for only $125 AUD. Bargain! For more details about the IA A3 show, click here. xxx

Gabriel Dawe

2011-08-11T09:38:00.003+10:00

Gabriel Dawe, my new favourite artist. Installation art can have a fairly high wank factor at times, but these colour spectrums made from tensioned thread are as far from wanky as you can get. They are just flat out beautiful, and really clever too. I'm inspired by the patience and focus required to put these together. I want one in my house! xxx

THANKYOU!!

2011-08-07T10:10:00.002+10:00

I just checked in on the stats for my blog, and was overwhelmed to see how many of you are checking in to see what I'm up to! I REALLY appreciate it, so here's a big THANKYOU to all my readers. Big hugs xxx

Listen, read, eat

2011-08-02T11:58:00.003+10:00

I have The Kills new album Blood Pressures on repeat at the moment, too good. Kate Moss knows where it's at.
Reading another Chuck Palahniuk book, this time it's Pygmy. Written in the narrative of a pygmy (der) who is sent to kill all the stupid Americans (he sure has his work cut out for him) in one well planned karate kick to society. It's nothing on Haunted but worth sticking it out for the occasional gems Palahniuk unleashes throughout.
I'm baking my third batch of mini lemon tarts this week. I've set myself the task of organising Dave's 30th and even if it kills me, there will be the most delicious mini lemon tarts anyone has ever eaten at that party - along with the rest of the feast that I'm planning. Practice makes perfect. xxx

Jeffries

2011-07-27T07:31:00.003+10:00

The AMAZING people I work with on Level 4 at the The Just Group and I have a bit of a thing for Jeffrey Campbell Shoes (or 'Jeffries'). Actually our few darling boys in the office maybe aren't so keen, but us chickas love a pair of Jeffries. There's a billion pairs of shoes in the world but the Jeffries err more on the side of sculpture or industrial design rather than just being something you throw on your foot. I picked up this pair in Mong Kok, a totally mental part of Hong Kong. Those that know me know I'm not normally seen running around in high heels, but these are surprisingly comfy - nice one Mr. Campbell. xxx

Me and Spongebob!!

2011-07-26T17:21:00.003+10:00

Look who popped into the office to visit us today xxx

Up in the air

2011-07-24T18:38:00.007+10:00

How good are these hand made ceramic cups?! I bought four of them in this amazing design store called Konzepp in Hong Kong. The guy working the store was divine, so helpful and friendly. Konzepp is part of the HK Honey initiative. Check it out, super cute. The cups are by Up in the air, based in Chicago. I don't know if they'll make it off the shelf as my cats love to smash a glass - but I couldn't leave them behind. Grey ceramic dipped in yellow... I just want to hold them and look at them all day. xxx

Back in Melbourne!

2011-07-20T23:22:00.006+10:00

Three whole weeks of no computers, no phones ringing, no emails... coupled with some gorgeous beaches in Thailand and the super fun chaos of Hong Kong... it was gorgeous. We caught up with some very special friends and and saw some incredible things - both disturbing and beautiful. There was so many things to be in awe of and as many things that broke my heart. Taking a walk down the streets that specialize in peddling deer feotuses, shark fins and the like is nothing short of disturbing and upsetting. To see shop after shop stocked full with thousands of shark fins is a sight I am thankfully not used to seeing on a daily basis. Dave had just come back from the Great Barrier Reef where he had been educating students in marine conservation for three weeks so it was especially raw for him. We aren't at all naive to not realize that at the core of humanity is a rugged fight for survival, but to have it there smacking you in the face really hits a nerve. The picture here is from Getty images, but it's identical to what lines the shelves of hundreds of stores through Hong Kong. If you wish to read more about the tragedies surrounding the harvesting of shark fins you can do so here .
Despite the complete disregard for animal welfare in Hong Kong and the overwhelming poverty that lines the streets of Thailand, there were many, many positives. We met so many beautiful local people who smile so brightly in the face of adversity, and were able to experience some truly serene landscapes and fascinating history and culture. And of course, the best part was some down time with the cutest boy in the world, Dave. Now it's back to work, and with some big things on the horizon, I'm going to be one busy little lady xxx

Some exciting new work (posting from Hong Kong)

2011-07-15T19:27:00.010+10:00

So I'm at the tail end of my three weeks of the best time of my life over here in South East Asia, currently in Hong Kong - this city seriously rules. It's my second time in HK and once again it's blown my mind. Everything here is extreme, weird, fascinating, amazing, gory, and chaotic. I love it. We are staying with friends on the 35th floor of their AMAZING apartment building on Hong Kong island, truly deluxe, it's going to be very hard to say goodbye.
I promised myself I'd stay as far away from computers as possible on this trip, and so far have been successful, but there's some new work I have to share that couldn't wait until I got home!!
I collaborated with the amazing seesaw design studio in Melbourne to create a bunch of illustrated assests for the brand-new-this-is-going-to-be-huge-company called MEEMEEP.

The crazy clever peeps at seesaw took all the assests I illustrated and magically turned them into an animation that will introduce you to MEEMEEP.

Watch the animation here to see what it's all about - it's AWESOME!!! xxx

Outta here!

2011-06-26T19:42:00.002+10:00

Anyone who has been in Melbourne lately will agree that this is one crazy cold winter... so I'm heading somewhere warm to defrost and explore some more of this mind blowing planet. Back soon with pics and some new work!! xxx

I love LOLLIES! New work: The Natural Confectionary Company

2011-06-20T20:15:00.002+10:00

The popular parenting website kidspot is now adorned with some cute illustrations I did for Australia's much loved lolly institution, The Natural Confectionary Company (TNCC). The illustrations promote nurturing kids imaginations and encourages parents to get their kids outside and using their amazing little minds to entertain themselves rather than a TV or the like. I don't have any kids of my own, but if I ever do I imagine they are going to be constantly covered in paint and mud and playing dress ups and choreographing dances to Ini Kamoze's Here comes the Hotstepper and whatever else they come up with... So I love the whole idea behind TNCC's campaign and was really stoked to be working on it with them. The illustrations were used to make animated banners, games, splash pages etc for the kidspot website. Here's a screen grab from the site, the grassy illustration shown is the splash page for either site of the main page on kidspot. xxx

Get your hands on my smiggle catalogue!!

2011-06-14T21:03:00.003+10:00

The lovely people at smiggle asked me to be one of three artists to design a smiggle-inspired A2 poster for their June catalogue. I LOVE smiggle so of course I said yes, and we worked together on this illustration to coincide with the launch of their catalogue (which is jam-packed full of amazing things!!) You can now pick up my giant illustration for FREE in all smiggle stores in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. If you can't make it into a store you can click here to download it and you can also click here to read my interview on the smiggle website. xxx

Recognise anyone?

2011-06-09T07:48:00.003+10:00

Yep, that's me rocking the Farrah Fawcett 'do in the latest smiggle campaign (not my usual style, but I was at the mercy of the stylist). I LOVE smiggle, it's the coolest stationary store in the whole wide world, so I'm pinching myself that I'm up on the wall in all their stores! I've also been working with the amazing team at smiggle on their latest catalogue... more on that soon!!

ILLUSTRATORS AUSTRALIA Annual A3 Print Show is almost here!

2011-06-06T19:41:00.003+10:00

Where would Australian Illustrators be without our beloved ILLUSTRATORS AUSTRALIA (IA) to fly the flag for us. I can't tell you what an amazing job this team does for Illustrators individually and collectively in Australia, words can't justify how much they rule. Every year IA puts on a an A3 Print show, and gives art lovers a chance to snag an artwork at a bargain price (Everything is $125.00!!). I showed my work in the show last year and it was such an amazing show to be a part of I jumped at the chance to be involved again this year. I'll have a print for sale, alongside awesome artists Dean Gorrison, Nigel Buchanan, Robyn Cowcher, Andrea Innocent and HEAPS more.

Details are:

Where: Northcote Town Hall, Rm 2, Ground Floor, High St, Northcote Vic

When: June 17th - June 19th
Opening night Friday 17th June 6pm-10pm (drinks & nibblies)
Gallery then open Saturday & Sunday from 10am-4pm

This event is also part of the Northern Exposure Festival, so come on down and see what else is happening Northside of Melbourne's CBD!

xxx

New work and a cause

2011-05-31T20:14:00.006+10:00

Like most people who viewed the documentary on Australia's live exports to Indonesia that aired on the ABC this week, I was saddened beyond words. The footage was utterly disturbing and exposed a truth we haven't been privy to until now. I urge you to make yourself aware of this issue, you can watch the story here. Please be aware the content of this documentary is graphic and disturbing, yet all too real, and too important to ignore. WSPA has set up an excellent website to help you write a letter to your local member of Parliament if you wish to express your concerns. You can access it by clicking here. WSPA do an incredible job of assisting animals who are suffering at the hand of humans and I urge you to become aware of what they do. I donate to them regularly as the work they do on behalf of all of us is just incredible.
SO... this topic really got me down in the dumps, not a place I like to dwell! I have been waiting for an opportunity to make some new artwork for our house, so I decided to take this moment between jobs to create a new artwork, something to cheer me up. Here it is, it's going in my hallway when it's back from the framers, and will be available as a giclee print for purchase from my soon to be launched print shop! xxx

The Design Files article

2011-05-26T07:08:00.003+10:00

I woke up this morning to find my illustrated map for the NGV 150 sitting front and centre on the amazing design blog The Design Files in their latest feature. What a great start to the day! You should definitely head over to the blog to not only read the article but take a wander through their content, a feast for lovers of all things visual xxx

It's PARTY time at the NGV!

2011-05-25T20:13:00.002+10:00

The NGV is celebrating it's 150th birthday this weekend! Be sure to get down to the Melbourne Arts Precinct and pick up one of the maps that I illustrated that will guide you through the trail of festivities. The map will be available FREE as a liftout in the Age newspaper on Friday, so pick one up and join in the fun! The map will also be available at the event, and you can also download it here from the NGV website. So stoked to have worked on such a major event in Melbourne's calendar, I'll be there partying on so come down and say hello! xxx

Mi Casa

2011-05-14T11:59:00.007+10:00

I woke up unusually early today and decided to make the most of the extra hours by putting together this post about where I live. I bought this little place in Kensington, just north of Melbourne's CBD last year and have loved really making it my own. Kensington is a fucking cool suburb, and I managed to get a place smack bang in the middle of it. I collect artworks by my favourite artists, and have pieces around the house by: Amy Dover, Michael Sieben, Donna Wilson, Alexander Girard, Marilyn Neuhart, Kozyndan, Junzo Terada, Megan Whitemarsh (I wallpapered my kitchen cupboard with one of her prints!) and lots more..(including some of my own stuff!) Here's a few snaps of some of my favourite parts of the place I call home. xxx

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and me!

2011-05-11T19:03:00.005+10:00

So here it is, the official map for the party weekend celebrating the NGV's 150th Birthday! The amazing team at the NGV commissioned me to create this map especially for this event, a project I was honoured to have been allowed the opportunity to work on. The map is available as a downloadable (and hence printable) PDF here. It will also be released as a commemorative souvenir in The Age around the time of the event, and it will also be distributed at the event itself.
The map will guide you through the fantastic fun that's going to be had in Melbourne's Art Precinct the weekend of the 28th-29th of May 2011. Get down there, this party is only going to happen once and it's going to be HUGE!! xxx

Bread and butter

2011-05-06T20:54:00.004+10:00

I lead a double life... no wait, make that a triple life. By day, I work at the Just Group designing graphics for tees and fabrics, instore merchandising etc... by night I work with clients from all over on a freelance basis, and then there's the tiny bit of time left over for myself in which I rush to be by the side of my amazing friends and family. I work on stacks of designs for product at the Just Group and I rarely get a chance to put up anything I do for them, here's a fabric yardage (which got turned into a jacket, top, pants and skirt - a whole damn suit!) and a couple of basic tee prints. I love this kind of work as it is always a buzz to be walking down the street and seeing someone wearing clothes me and the merch girls have worked on together (the merch girls are the lovely ladies who source the fabrics, patterns for garment shapes etc. Awesome at their job and the greatest people too). A nice reward to lots of hard work. xxx

I am loving work by: Stacey Rozich

2011-04-29T09:22:00.002+10:00

I just discovered the work of Seattle born artist Stacey Rozich. Amazing illustrations. Totally up my alley with the gnarly characters and patterns and textures. Delux. xxx

NGV 150th Birthday!!

2011-04-27T07:18:00.004+10:00

Victoria's beloved National Gallery (NGV) is celebrating it's 150th birthday in May this year. The NGV 150 pARTy Weekend to be held on 28–29 May, when the Gallery will hold a variety of activities including installations, artist responses and all kinds of fun to lead you from NGV International to NGV Australia and back again. I might have had a little something to do with this event, so stay tuned! This is going to be a crazy fun time on the streets of Melbourne, so don't miss it! xxxx

www.fleurharris.com just had a revamp!

2011-04-20T22:26:00.002+10:00

My new site is now up online and ready for you to visit! Head to www.fleurharris.com

Special thanks to Dave for his amazing skills and patience, and for being the nicest, best looking web guy / boyfriend on the planet xxx

My new website is only days away!!

2011-04-18T20:33:00.003+10:00

I have just redesigned my website, and with the help of the amazing Dave Howard and Britt Spring it is looking pretty damn cute! I'm into simple, straightforward websites - ones that let you get in and out and find what you are looking for easily. We're all too busy to be fussing with navigating through the unknown (when it comes to websites anyway!) so my new site will be easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy to explore and hopefully you will enjoy my existing and new works as they go online regularly. Of course I'll post when it's live, but for now, here's a little heads up and a sneak peek! xxx

300 stores in 3 different countries totally covered in my work??!

2011-04-14T23:21:00.004+10:00

Working with the National VM manager at Jay Jays, I was presented with her inspiration photos for this brief and took it from there. We directed the photoshoot, with 16 talent, (8 boys 8 girls) and worked with the photographer at Abstract studios in Collingwood to achieve the looks we had preplanned for the promo. I then went about creating a yardage using handmade fonts and quotes from the Jay Jays facebook fans when they were asked "What do you love about Jay Jays?".
I then created an entire price library and all key words from scratch, all handmade. In total there were HUNDREDS of files, price point A3's, Window Standees, Window Posters, Hanging bubbles, Bay strips, Window decals, all complete with form cut lines etc... the list of specs was massive!
This was a huge undertaking for me (especially as I was working on prints for product at the same time!) and I'm really proud of the outcome. Here's some snaps from the Jay Jays store at Chadstone. The promo is currently in 300 stores across Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. xxx

Stuff for my house

2011-04-06T18:29:00.006+10:00

Those that know me, know that I love stuff. Stuff that looks good. And if I see some stuff that I think looks good, I'll buy it. I especially love buying stuff for my house, because I love my house, I love being in my house and I love being around all my stuff. At the risk of sounding like a brat, I wanted to show off some stuff that I have recently got my hands on that I am stoked about (hey, I work REALLY f%#king HARD and I don't buy mountains of shoes and crap like that, so allow me to indulge). If you haven't heard of the artists mentioned I highly recommend you follow the links!
Marimekko "Kulkue" Tea Towel Set by Maija Louekari. Just about the only thing I could afford at SPACE. I have been obsessed with the illustration of the three people for AGES and then there it was sitting on a $30,000 table in front of me at Space in the form of a tea towel. I contemplated not using it but it's there to be used so I've already been filth-ifying it with great satisfaction.
Donna Wilson cushions. OH SHIT... see you later bank account... at around $150.00 a pop, I've only managed to aquire two so far.. the Leaves and the Fox. Next on my hit list is the Red Treecloud cushion, and the Pouff... but at nearly $800.00 the Pouff is going to have to wait.
Home Sweet Home!
xxx

Andy and John got hitched

2011-04-04T09:13:00.004+10:00

My gorgeous big cousin Andrea married the NICEST guy last weekend, John Dowd. Andrea is my older cousin and has always been someone I look up to. When I was little I'd get giant garbage bags full of hand-me-down clothes from her and her sister Emily and it was like Christmas going through all their stuff that I thought was SO cool and getting to wear what they wore. Andrea and Emily told me that Santa wasn't real, and what sex was, and we used to sit around giggling to "Like a Virgin" because we thought "Virgin" was a hilarious word (because it has something to do with sex - which meant it was funny) ... they are those kind of people to me - the ones that really help mold you into who you are. When you grow up with someone and admire them so much it's a really moving experieince to watch them begin a new chapter in their life. This wedding was nothing short of amazing. Not only the best wedding I have ever been to but also the best party I've ever been to (and that's saying something). I cried my eyes out during the speeches and danced until I couldn't walk. So happy for these guys and I wish them all the happiness in the world xxx

New aquisition for the Kensington house

2011-03-29T12:35:00.003+11:00

I splashed out and got myself this amazing "Betsy" rug from legendary rug designers TSAR. It's huge, it's gorgeous, it's pure New Zealand wool, and designed by Yvette Balderston. I f#%king LOVE it. We have polished concrete floors, and while they look awesome they can get a bit cold underfoot, so this is going to fit in perfectly. You can now find me rolling around on my floor basking in it's beauty. xx

New work I can finally share with you!

2011-03-19T16:32:00.007+11:00

So... a while back I posted about a big illustration job I was working on. Well the files were sent and the production approved and the new Denim Labeling for Jay Jays is now instores! Despite the resulting labels being small and simple, this job was MASSIVE. I first had to shoot all the denim styles on a model, pic the best shots, illustrate them, add hand drawn text (after establishing what the text actually was going to say), choose finishes etc. Luckily Chris Isbister had come up with the overall concept so I didn't have to worry about that! I loved his idea and it was a really nice job to work on. Chris did all the men's denim and I did the womens range; incorporating:

Swing tags for 4 denim styles for: straight, skinny, flare and bootcut, for three different countries Australia, South Africa and New Zealand (12 artworks)
Waist band flashers for 4 styles and complete size range from 4 - 18 for each style (40 artworks)
Sew in labels for 4 styles and complete size range from 4 - 18 for each style (40 artworks)
A new line of embossed and engraved buttons to coincide with the denim launch. (2 artworks)

So all up, close to 100 separate art files I worked on for this. With the new labeling and instore denim launch, Jays denim is off and racing. Really great to see it through from start to finish and lots of fun to work on. I also must give a big high five to my buddy Matthew Kovacs for shooting the photos pictured here, total champ!
xxx

Cinema

2011-03-18T07:40:00.002+11:00

My beautiful friends Phillipa and Megan have the most divine baby girl, Cinema. My best friend James is Cinema's Godfather. I've been hanging out with Cinema alot this last week, and safe to say - I'm obsessed! I'm normally not a 'baby person' but Cinema is the exception to the rule. She has a peace about her that is so magnetic and she is completely beautiful. On top of that her Mum's are two of the best people ever. What an amazing family. I can't wait to watch this little chicken grow up. xxx

STUDIO INK!

2011-03-15T19:05:00.004+11:00

So too bad if you missed it... cos this was a one night party to launch the Pyren Vineyard's artist series at Hogan Gallery in Collingwood. Amazing artists like Sarah Larnach, Andy Murphy (in the photo with me), Danny Young...and heaps more (including me) created an artwork especially for this series. There was a super nice crowd there and some cuties even bought my work which is always lovely. The show was a one nighter, taken down the next day to make way for Chopper Read's exhibition. Apparently he was in the gallery during the day. Sweet! Check his show out for sure!! xxx

It's been a while..

2011-03-10T18:10:00.002+11:00

Having just completed a MAJOR project at work (launches in April - will post once it's instore!) I now have some SUPER exciting projects I'm working on. Have to keep them top top top secret for now but I am dying to unleash them. In the mean time, I found a gorgeous brand while I was in the NGV shop today (now there's a hint...) called Ferm. I want this felt cushion by Ferm SO bad. xxx

New website is on the way...

2011-02-28T07:39:00.002+11:00

fleurharris.com is having a makeover! Work has just begun and I'm working with some super clever kids on this one, very excited! Stay tuned!!