Sketch inc.

Every now and then I like to mention the work of a designer I admire. This time I would like to mention the work of Becky Kemp, an artist and crafter living in England. She is inspired by playful geometric design as well as expressive Japanese illustration and has created some beautiful paintings, posters, brooches and wooden figures which she sells through her Etsy store. I love her use of fresh colours, combined to produce beautifully simple, modern pieces.

You can check out her store here.

Neon nesting dolls

Beau Blue face plate

 Harlequin bunny

Candy dolls available in four colours

Mooshoo

Since moving to Japan, I have become intrigued by the traditional kokeshi dolls. These are simple wooden dolls that were hand painted and given as souvenirs and are now found in antique markets around Tokyo. I love the way that many people have interpreted them in new and innovative ways, but kept the original aesthetic of a simple silhouette. This Etsy shop caught my eye recently, with its bright colours and simple design, and it has a fab name too - Mooshoo. I love the simplicity of the ninja doll, as well as the bright colour and pattern of the Eskimo nesting dolls. A perfect little family to adorn your shelves!

You can see more lovely items here.

A hint of surreal

I recently came across Rebecca Kemp's work on Etsy and fell in love with its quirkiness. She lives and works in Wales and creates paintings, dioramas, clay brooches and wooden figures inspired by colourful geometric design and a hint of the surreal. I love her use of colour and especially love her Monster nesting dolls. You can see more here. 

Neon Monster Bandit figures inspired by Russian babushka dolls. Five dolls fit one inside the other.

Japanese-style kokeshi doll, painted in modern colours in a geometric design, and donning a blue bandit mask.

Ornamental art blocks painted in bright geometric colours.