Spotlight: Luke Embden

// May 22nd, 2012 // View Comments // b-inspired, b-street, featured

Street art can take on many a form. Traditionally developed in public spaces, perhaps the medium of aerosol painted stencilled guerrilla art may be first image that pops into mind. Contemporary street artists are changing the perceptions of the artform everyday and the stigma of vandalism that once stood is being broken down piece by piece. There’s something rather special about street art style and in particular large mural pieces. Perhaps it’s the size of space or the freedom to create an artwork that’s organic and evolves within that space? All of which brings me on to the latest work of London based artist Luke Embden.

Luke’s work stems from a passion for graffiti, Pop Art flavours and freeform typography. His style is extremely bold and has a spontaneous flow to it yet retains a clean aesthetic throughout its multiple layers of lines, shapes and illustrations. Using a variety of mediums he experiments with screen printing and risography to create the stunning final output.

Having worked for a host of clients since graduating in 2005 his latest mural work is for beverage company Desperados, implementing lemons, limes, tequila leafs and sunset; all elements that sum up what the Desperados brand means to its fan base.

The most impressive element of Luke’s work seems to be just how well his ideas flow and how his style can be used in multiple applications. Impressive work.

Check out more of his activities here!

If you are looking for original artwork, submit a brief now!

Paper Boat Creative

Cornelia Konrads: Land Art Installations

// May 9th, 2012 // View Comments // b-inspired, featured

There’s something rather satisfying about seeing design merge into it’s environment. Whilst high profile, bold design solutions are great fun to look at and interact with, the ‘look at me’ attitude quite often has a limited run in terms of how long the idea keeps its flare and audience interest. On the other hand there is design that blends seamlessly with its surroundings, the perfectly executed design you don’t even notice but works fantastically for that very reason. German artist Cornelia Konrads latest work Land Art Installations manages to combine both of these qualities in spectacular fashion.

The Land Art Installations reside in a selection of natural landscapes across the world. The structures seamlessly give the impression of defying gravity and use natural materials found within the chosen landscape to create a quietly perfect yet breathtaking spectacle. Rocks, branches, logs are just some of the materials used and ascend without complication into the air above despite their construction being the complete opposite.

Described as the ‘contemplative interaction between nature and man-made culture’ the pieces certainly look rather spectacular and demand attention with their architectural structure, yet somehow blend into their vicinity in a minimalist manner.

Created thoughtfully with a concept that surrounds good use of material and landscape or another generic piece of modern art? You decide.

Check out more of Konrads work here!

If you want to source the hottest, international artwork for campaigns, brief the Exchange now!

Paper Boat Creative

No Shadow – Makoto Tojiki

// April 24th, 2012 // View Comments // b-inspired, featured

Japanese artist Makoto Tojiki’s impressive work has been the discussion of many a critic recently. ‘No Shadow’ is an exhibition display showcasing life-sized sculptures of humans and animals that glow using the light emitted from thousands of individual LED lights.

The three dimensional sculptures made of hanging light strands demonstrate the contrast between light and shadow; also exercising low energy lighting technology.

Tojiki supposedly begins his concept process by studying the shadow created by a living organism, before constructing the massive light stand sculptures. Displayed in dark interiors, the lights appear as a solid structure from a distance but at closer glance emit a brightly lit shadow. When the rooms main lights are engaged the sculptures disappear leaving a translucent outline of the organism that was there.

Without a doubt these pieces evoke a sense of playfulness, wonder and intrigue and it’s quite hard to tear your eyes from the almost godly or extraterrestrial creatures.

If you are looking for unique artwork, brief the Exchange now!

Paper Boat Creative

What crowdsourcing means for the art market

// August 24th, 2011 // View Comments // b-Crowd

What can crowdsourcing do for the art market? Well, first of all, the art market needs a radical change as prices have plummeted and auction houses are struggling to make the sales of even the most famous artworks.  Of course, world-renowned artists such as Jeff Koons and Damien Hurst will continue to rake in money.  What about the other artists out there?  The ‘auction house’ method doesn’t seem to cater to the rest of the artists who don’t benefit from traditional methods.  What is the other option for artists?  Art market 2.0.

This is art market 2.0

The online sphere has opened up endless possibilities for artists wishing to market themselves and their work.  We’ve talked about the ‘artist’s aura’ in the past, meaning what defines the work and sets it apart as authentic. This theory applies to the online world as well.  Artists can join online communities to create digital portfolios to gain more exposure in addition to their personal website.  They can develop their personal brand and an online following for both their work and their artist persona.  Cloud technologies have opened up a new ‘markets’ for artists as well, one’s that doesn’t depend on the rigidity of auction houses.

b-uncut provides is a new kind of market: art market 2.0.  Artists can join the Creative Services Exchange to pitch for work with brands from all over the world.  These artists can post their portfolio, blog and connect with a fast-growing community of creative professionals globally.  Businesses who are looking for original artwork can now find it in a unique way.  The Exchange helps businesses who are looking for creative work outside their network or region, a niche skill-set, or who want to expand their budget.  Art market 2.0 is a valuable resource for businesses who hadn’t considered including original artwork as part of their campaigns in the past.  Now they can, with the help of the Exchange.

Crowdsourcing 2.0

‘Crowdsourcing’ is a method that many businesses are turning to as part of their research and development programmes since its processes are well-discussed and proven to be effective.  Crowdsourcing 2.0 is ‘expert sourcing’, in which both the crowds and the businesses are managed.  This is a technique and not the businesses in itself.  With Crowdsourcing 2.0, the crowds are screened before they can join and the projects are managed by a team to ensure that everything stays according to plan.

Co-creation

Online communities can act as a platform for artists to meet and exchange ideas, or even collaborate.  With an online Exchange, artists can collaborate with one another to pitch for projects.  The ability to co-create art is now possible with the online Exchange and is a valuable resource for artists who are looking to expand their artistic presence.

Looking for original artwork for your next campaign?  Submit a brief and get started today!

From Fine Art To Twitter Art: Anything That You Tweet May Be Coloured In

// April 28th, 2011 // View Comments // Uncategorized, b-inspired, featured

UK-based artist duo has reinvented illustration by turning Tweets into art.  irkafirka, a collection of Tweet art is the brainchild of artist Nick Hilditch and curator Chris Bell.  Unless you see some of the illustrations, this art phenomenon is difficult to visualise.

Hilditch takes the mundane musings of Tweeters’ daily lives and turns it into a cleverly crafted – and often hilarious – work of art.  The result is a coloured pencil drawing that reflects the story of the Tweet.  Some of the drawings depict narcissistic musings; others, a conversation between friends; and some are just plain random. Who knew that a rich narrative can come across in just 140 characters?

To find inspiration, Hilditch combs the web for Tweets that tell a story.  Now, fans can recommend Tweets using the #firkafursday hashtag.

What about intellectual property you wonder?  Well, if you post something on the Internet for everyone to see, then it’s available for anyone to use.  irkafirka’s moto, “anything you say may be taken down and coloured in”, is poignantly accurate: once you Tweet, it may be used by anyone for anything.

It seems that everything can be appropriated and transformed into art, and as technology advances, who knows what new media will pop up.  iPad art?  Google search art?  iPhone art? Oh wait, that’s been done already.

Will this social media art movement replace the white walled galleries?  Well, technology is rapidly changing everyday, so we may be witnesses a brand new movement.

'EYES ON THE CROWD' @b-uncut: ISSUE 1: Figurative February

// February 26th, 2010 // View Comments // Eyes on the Crowd

At the end of each month we will select a small number of artists to feature in our new publication, Eyes on the Crowd. These artists will also receive an invitation to sell their work in our curated gallery. This months theme is the figure and after much deliberation and debate here is the selection…

Click on the artists below to see more of their work:

Yael Zaken
Dmitriy Kedrin
Stephen Sheffield
John Sauve
Kurt La Quaglia

Kinetica Art Fair 2010

// February 5th, 2010 // View Comments // b-scene, b-wired

Kinetica is an awesome showcase of Kinetic art with over 150 artists exhibited. I was astounded by the diversity at this show. There were flashing lights, colour-changing-gyrating ribbons, drawing machines, butterflies that followed my movements, pictures drawn by GPS and a Heineken keg robot! This is the top show for the weekend – but be quick – it ends Sunday! It offers wonderment by the bucket load for all ages.

It was excellent talking to the different artists who have greatly contrasting backgrounds from physics to painting. Many of them work collaboratively to achieve ambitious visions; successful through the different skill sets each bring. Roseline de Thélin was one of our favourites. She had produced some dazzling figurative sculptures composed of light. See picture below

Curator Dianne Harris has put together a show that doesn’t stand still. If we eventually pry the footage from yesterday (tech probs) be sure to see more accurately the wonders of kinetic art! I think this show is very exciting because you probably won’t see anything like its quality or scale till Kinetica 2011.

Have a look at the images below for a static viewpoint that cannot compare to the life and dynamic of this electro-charged experience!

Exhibition is near Baker Street Tube, only until Sunday 7th Feb

Over 700 artists around the world unite – we’re now live!

// October 19th, 2009 // View Comments // b-hind the scenes

Everybody asks themselves what art is… We think that art is any human creation that is able to lift the spirit to a higher plain of emotion and wonderment.

We have made our artworks accessible online, and now we want to give our talented community of artists a voice beyond their art, whilst creating a platform to bridge the gap between artists, art lovers and buyers.

Over the coming months we’ll be bringing our community of artists to life through this blog, discussing the latest art news, and highlighting the stuff we think is uber-cool!

We look forward to seeing you join the conversation.