This half-day seminar will take as its inspiration the increased visibility of graphic novels and comic books by Irish creators and/or concerning Irish themes. Chaired by children’s author and artist Oisín McGann, the event will take place at the Seminar Room in the National Library of Ireland 12th November, from 10am until 1pm. It includes a talk by Spanish graphic artist Luis Bustos, creator of Endurance, which chronicles Earnest Shackleton’s voyage. Admission is 5 euro.

On Saturday 8th October, Sawdoctor Leo Moran will launch Binjí – Madra ar Strae, written by Patricia Forde and illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. This free event takes place in the City Library, Augustine Street, Galway at 12.00. All are welcome.

Small Print presents ABSOLUT Creative Edge. A fun creative experience for the artists and viewers and a cool 3 sided canvas with each side composed of a collaborative work of art by 3 artists!

Some Illustrators Ireland members will be taking part on the event. Check the line up below

And here is another video from ABSOLUT Creative Edge event on Wed 14th September http://vimeo.com/29109338

10 new city wide (Dublin) live art events

Saturday 10.9: Shebeen Chic
Gaetan Billault
James Kirwan
Karl Watson
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Wednesday 14.9: No Name
Colm Mac Athlaoich
Fatti Burke
Steve Doogan
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Thursday 15.9: The Globe
Alan Clarke
Joven Kerekes
Steve Simpson
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Friday 16.9: Pygmalion
Alé Mercado
Fergal Brennan
James Earley
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Saturday 17.9: Sweeneys
Alé Mercado
James Kirwan
Mick Minogue
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Wednesday 21.9: The Bernard Shaw
Fatti Burke
Karl Watson
Stephen McCarthy
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Friday 23.9: The Front Lounge
Fergal Brennan
Joven Kerekes
Matthew J Griffin
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Saturday 24.9: The Workmans Club
Matthew J Griffin
Steve Doogan
Steve Simpson
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Sunday 25.9: The Twisted Pepper
James Earley
Mick Minogue
Stephen McCarthy
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Thursday 29.9: Hogans
Colm Mac Athlaoich
Fatti Burke
Gaetan Billault

The latest children’s book illustrated by illustrators Ireland member Donough O’Malley will be launched on Saturday, 17th September in the Cúpla Focal bookshop, 15/16 Albert Walk, Bray, Co. Wicklow by Bríd Ní Choincheanann. All ages welcome.

Illustrators Ireland member David McClelland was invited to do some live painting last weekend at Kings of Concrete a street art, music, dance & urban sports festival held in the Civic offices, Wood Quay, Dublin.

Below are a few of his sketches, final piece and a video of the making of the street art piece ‘Fire in the Hole’.

‘Oh I say’, brush pen & gouache on paper.

‘Ye Goth Prophecy’, brush pen & gouache on paper.

‘Lonely tree’, brush pen on paper.

‘Surprised’, brush pen on paper.

David McClelland with the final artwork – ‘Fire in the Hole’, acrylic and paint marker on board.

Dublin artist Loreana Rushe launches her first solo exhibition next Thursday 4th August 6-8pm in the R.A.G.E, Fade Street. The exhibition will run daily until Saturday August 13th and will display her work for bands like Fight Like Apes and Adebisi Shank as well as editorial illustrations for the likes of Le Cool and Punt Magazine.  It will also include her collaborative photo work with renowned artist Gary Baseman and a small selection of photography. There will be drinks and sweets served at the opening and prints for sale.

Here’s something for your diary!

The Mountains to Sea Festival, in association with Inis, the Children’s Book Magazine – are hosting a very special event for Oliver Jeffers fans, and anyone interested in picture books and illustration. Oliver, one of Ireland’s most successful illustrators, will talk about his work, publishing and making art with yer man… David Maybury.

Click for more details.

Given that we have few enough design or folk art landmarks in Ireland it seems a shame that the iconic Ballyvaughan signpost in the Burren was removed recently by Clare County Council over National Road Authority issues of national signage policy. This is despite it being used in years of tourism imagery by Bord Fáilte and other agencies. As Finan O’Toole recently wrote: The signs didn’t just point to particular places, however. They also indicated a certain kind of place, an Ireland that is a little bit different, a little bit more richly textured, where place itself is a multi-layered concept. If you’d like to see the signs reinstated lend your support to this facebook page.

Illustrator Martin Handford’s Wally is pretty easy to spot for a change in this Dublin Where’s Wally world record attempt over the weekend.

The 2D Comics Festival kicks off next week, 4th June. More info here.