Trudi Esberger's Blog

MA Show Website

2012-02-01T20:29:00.002Z

Our MA show website has gone live. Hurrah! Here's a link to the homepage http://www.cambridgemashow.com/index.php and here is one to my page: http://www.cambridgemashow.com/TE.html

Come and have a nosey.

The Joy of Books

2012-02-01T20:23:00.002Z

Graduation Exhibition

2012-01-16T18:51:00.000Z

Hi folks,

If you'd like to come to my graduation exhibition, here are the details:

MA Children's Book Illustration
Graduation Exhibition

8th - 15th February 2012

The Gallery at FOYLES
(Third floor)

Foyles Bookshop
118 - 119 Charing Cross Road
London
WC2H OEB

X

The Arrival of the Birds

2011-11-10T17:06:00.002Z

Letters from the Trenches

2011-11-02T14:34:00.001Z

2 things...

2011-10-26T15:51:00.003+01:00

1. I have a Facebook page. Hit 'like' to hear more of my ramblings.
2. PROCLAMATION! We are tired of hearing the picture book is in trouble, and tired of pretending it is not. And so: http://www.thepicturebook.co/

Lights Out, Words Gone

2011-10-26T15:41:00.001+01:00

Albert II

2011-10-20T16:17:00.001+01:00

Quelqu’un m’a dit

2011-10-19T20:43:00.001+01:00

Quote of the Day

2011-10-19T11:27:00.000+01:00

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

Brian Clarke - An Artist Apart

2011-10-18T22:31:00.000+01:00

I just watched Colouring Light: Brian Clarke - An Artist Apart on iPlayer Via David Hughes. Inspirational.

'I realised very early on in the game, that however beguiling and beautiful and transcendentally enriching to one's life stained glass is, without the nourishment of and discipline of painting and drawing it became purely decorative.'

Two Cousins

2011-10-02T13:11:00.001+01:00

Where do you go to my lovely?

2011-09-28T17:23:00.002+01:00

Clowning Around

2011-09-28T16:24:00.000+01:00

Reflecting on reflections

2011-09-22T20:21:00.000+01:00

I spent Tuesday at Keddleston Hall drawing with students. The weather put a bit of a dampener on things but I did spot a few lovely reflections. All pics are taken on my iPhone using Instagram.

Revealed

2011-08-31T13:00:00.000+01:00

Although I didn't make it abroad this Summer I did manage a lovely weekend in Whitstable. We returned via Margate and the Revealed exhibition at the Turner Contemporary Gallery. Revealed celebrates the opening of the gallery and work inspired by Turner who was a regular visitor to Margate.

Katherine Wheel

2011-08-30T23:00:00.003+01:00

I've been commissioned to do an illustration of this old pub in East London for someone that is moving out of it. What a great place to live! I especially love the lettering!

Boogie Doodle

2011-08-29T21:41:00.000+01:00

Love this:

Tayori

2011-08-21T14:00:00.001+01:00

Please come!

Shaun Tan invites you into his studio

2011-08-20T14:00:00.001+01:00

Check out the video here.

Shiny new Facebook page

2011-08-19T18:15:00.001+01:00

I have just created a Facebook page for Trudi Esberger illustration. Please hit the 'like' button!

This made me smile

2011-08-19T14:00:00.000+01:00

Tumblin

2011-08-18T14:00:00.000+01:00

These pics are from my Tumblr blog. I find it a useful way to bookmark images I find interesting. Do you have one?

Porcupine Fishy

2011-08-17T14:00:00.002+01:00

I was doing some research the other day at the Grant Museum of Zoology and spotted this little fella. I think he'd make a great character in a picture book!

Everything and more

2011-08-16T14:00:00.001+01:00

Super excited to hear that the Museum of Everything is back! Exhibition 4 opens on the 2nd September in Selfridges, London. More details here.

Gosh!

2011-08-15T12:16:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I accidentally ambled in to Gosh on Berwick Street in London. It was so full of delicious books and comics I thought I'd let you know about it!

Red Polaroid

2011-08-12T09:00:00.000+01:00

Love this! You can buy them on Etsy. Via Swiss Miss

The Green Man

2011-08-11T19:00:00.001+01:00

I must stop drawing penguins

2011-08-11T09:00:00.001+01:00

Arrietty

2011-08-10T13:51:00.002+01:00

Looking forward to seeing Arrietty, the new Studio Ghibli film based on Mary Norton's The Borrowers.

Small Headed Figures

2011-08-08T19:15:00.001+01:00

A couple of paintings in the Tate Modern caught our eye... small headed figures are the way forward.

Magda Cordell, Figure (Woman) 1956 -7

Jean Dubuffet, The Tree of Fluids, 1950.

In The Quest Of Meat Joy

2011-08-08T19:07:00.000+01:00

Spent a lovely day on Saturday ambling around Borough Market, the Tate Modern and climbing Monument with Becky Palmer.

My first photogram...

2011-07-25T20:37:00.001+01:00

Hopefully they'll improve.

The Owl Who Married A Goose

2011-07-24T22:11:00.001+01:00

Mitchell & Kenyon

2011-07-21T12:48:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I went to the National Fairground Archive at Sheffield University as part of my research. It is full of fascinating books and ephemera as well housing as an extensive archive of digital materials. Aside from what I went in there to look at, I also learnt about Mitchell and Kenyon films, an amazing visual record of everyday life in Britain at the beginning of the twentieth century. The films, of everyday scenes, were made to be shown at the fair, in order to entice people in so they could see themselves in the cinema. You can see lots of them on the BFI You tube channel.

Someone Like You

2011-07-19T13:00:00.000+01:00

British Sea Power

2011-07-19T07:00:00.000+01:00

Make your own uncool

2011-07-18T12:36:00.000+01:00

A letter from Sol Le Witt to Eva Hesse via Greg Kurcewicz

Dear Eva,

It will be almost a month since you wrote to me and you have possibly forgotten your state of mind (I doubt it though). You seem the same as always, and being you, hate every minute of it. Don’t! Learn to say “Fuck You” to the world once in a while. You have every right to. Just stop thinking, worrying, looking over your shoulder wondering, doubting, fearing, hurting, hoping for some easy way out, struggling, grasping, confusing, itchin, scratching, mumbling, bumbling, grumbling, humbling, stumbling, numbling, rumbling, gambling, tumbling, scumbling, scrambling, hitching, hatching, bitching, moaning, groaning, honing, boning, horse-shitting, hair-splitting, nit-picking, piss-trickling, nose sticking, ass-gouging, eyeball-poking, finger-pointing, alleyway-sneaking, long waiting, small stepping, evil-eyeing, back-scratching, searching, perching, besmirching, grinding, grinding, grinding away at yourself. Stop it and just DO!

From your description, and from what I know of your previous work and you [sic] ability; the work you are doing sounds very good “Drawing-clean-clear but crazy like machines, larger and bolder… real nonsense.” That sounds fine, wonderful – real nonsense. Do more. More nonsensical, more crazy, more machines, more breasts, penises, cunts, whatever – make them abound with nonsense. Try and tickle something inside you, your “weird humor.” You belong in the most secret part of you. Don’t worry about cool, make your own uncool. Make your own, your own world. If you fear, make it work for you – draw & paint your fear and anxiety. And stop worrying about big, deep things such as “to decide on a purpose and way of life, a consistant [sic] approach to even some impossible end or even an imagined end” You must practice being stupid, dumb, unthinking, empty. Then you will be able to DO!

I have much confidence in you and even though you are tormenting yourself, the work you do is very good. Try to do some BAD work – the worst you can think of and see what happens but mainly relax and let everything go to hell – you are not responsible for the world – you are only responsible for your work – so DO IT. And don’t think that your work has to conform to any preconceived form, idea or flavor. It can be anything you want it to be. But if life would be easier for you if you stopped working – then stop. Don’t punish yourself. However, I think that it is so deeply engrained in you that it would be easier to DO!

It seems I do understand your attitude somewhat, anyway, because I go through a similar process every so often. I have an “Agonizing Reappraisal” of my work and change everything as much as possible = and hate everything I’ve done, and try to do something entirely different and better. Maybe that kind of process is necessary to me, pushing me on and on. The feeling that I can do better than that shit I just did. Maybe you need your agony to accomplish what you do. And maybe it goads you on to do better. But it is very painful I know. It would be better if you had the confidence just to do the stuff and not even think about it. Can’t you leave the “world” and “ART” alone and also quit fondling your ego. I know that you (or anyone) can only work so much and the rest of the time you are left with your thoughts. But when you work or before your work you have to empty you [sic] mind and concentrate on what you are doing. After you do something it is done and that’s that. After a while you can see some are better than others but also you can see what direction you are going. I’m sure you know all that. You also must know that you don’t have to justify your work – not even to yourself. Well, you know I admire your work greatly and can’t understand why you are so bothered by it. But you can see the next ones and I can’t. You also must believe in your ability. I think you do. So try the most outrageous things you can – shock yourself. You have at your power the ability to do anything.

I would like to see your work and will have to be content to wait until Aug or Sept. I have seen photos of some of Tom’s new things at Lucy’s. They are impressive – especially the ones with the more rigorous form: the simpler ones. I guess he’ll send some more later on. Let me know how the shows are going and that kind of stuff.

My work had changed since you left and it is much better. I will be having a show May 4 -9 at the Daniels Gallery 17 E 64yh St (where Emmerich was), I wish you could be there.

Much love to you both.

Sol

Wuthering Heights

2011-07-18T07:00:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I went to see the London Street Photography exhibition at the Museum of London and on the concourse in St Pancras Station. I realised I had seen some of the images before, by a photographer called Nils Jorgensen who I follow on Flickr. Replete with the unexpected, his Flickr stream is consistently interesting and the St Pancras part of the exhibition, which focused on his work didn't disappoint.

We pass the time of day to forget how time passes

2011-07-17T22:09:00.001+01:00

Today was a fine day spent mooching around the Barbican, looking at Street Photography, and listening to La Valse D'Amélie played on a 'Play Me, I'm Yours' street piano. Good times.

More red folk

2011-07-15T13:00:00.001+01:00

Red folk

2011-07-14T19:30:00.004+01:00

Sixty Impossible Things Before Lunch

2011-07-14T09:57:00.000+01:00

Artwork from Harriet Russell's new book 'Sixty Impossible Things Before Lunch' is on display at The Design Conspiracy from the 15th July - 22nd July. I bought the book, published by Edizioni Corraini at the Bologna Book Fair along with The Utterly Pointless Counting Book. Both books are beautifully illustrated and very funny.

Collector's Corner

2011-07-13T20:00:00.000+01:00

Growing up in what is probably best described as a trove of antiquities and collectibles, I was surrounded by my grandfather's legacy. My preoccupation with collecting was perhaps inevitable.

The way we live with the things we love

2011-07-13T16:00:00.001+01:00

I work with a lady called Jo. This is the pin board/shelf beside her desk. It is a beautiful collection of family photos, drawings, old toys and bits and bobs; each piece thoughtfully collected and arranged.

Tweet Tweet

2011-07-13T13:00:00.002+01:00

Penguins come in all shapes and sizes

2011-07-12T21:17:00.001+01:00

Cy Twombly

2011-07-12T20:21:00.001+01:00

The artist Cy Twombly passed away last week, a week after an exhibition of his work opened at the Dulwich Picture Gallery. Are we a nation of abstract art snobs?

L'eau Life Shark Ending

2011-07-12T12:51:00.000+01:00

A beautiful animation by Jeff Scher. You can see other films by him on his YouTube channel.

Le Banc/The Bench

2011-07-11T22:00:00.006+01:00

Via David Hughes.

Ryan Mosley Exhibition

2011-07-11T20:22:00.000+01:00

Looking forward to seeing Mr Mosley's solo show at the Alison Jacques Gallery in London. It's on from the 15th July until the 13th August. Check out the press release here.

Foto 8 Summershow

2011-07-11T10:23:00.000+01:00

The Foto8 Summershow is on at the moment. It runs until the 12th August at HOST Gallery in Honduras Street, London, EC1 0TH.

Click here for a slideshow of the shortlisted images which includes my particular favourite by Richard Chambury.

Moustache chap

2011-07-10T19:20:00.006+01:00

This chap didn't make the cut for our postcard exhibition... I forgot to scan the one that did!

Tayori - Postcards for Japan

2011-07-10T19:15:00.001+01:00

Tayori - Postcards for Japan

Michaelhouse Cafe

St. Michael's Church

Trinity Street,

Cambridge CB2 1SU

01223 309 147

Dates: 5th - 11th September 2011

Opening times: 8am – 5pm Monday – Saturday

The title of this exhibition can be interpreted two ways: Tayori, ‘便り’, means letter or tiding, and interpreted with different characters '頼り', it means help or reliance. Our intention for this exhibition encompasses both.

We present a collection of original work submitted both by student and professional artist/illustrators, some already established, some at the beginning of their careers. Each piece takes the form of a postcard: individually and together, they are intended as a message of hope and good wishes for Japan.

The work will be exhibited and sold anonymously and at the same price. In this way, anyone may become the owner of a piece by a well-known illustrator, and everyone will be able to buy original artwork to enjoy!

Teachers For Japan is a nonprofit, all volunteer charity initiative dedicated to the cause of rebuilding education in northern Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami of March 11th, 2011.

Crinkled Glass

2011-04-13T22:49:00.004+01:00

Oooooooh I love this. I have the ceramic one, but it probably needs a friend...

Dear Mary

2011-04-13T22:44:00.004+01:00

Love these Letterpress prints by Sapling Press... via @SwissMiss

Values

2011-04-13T22:33:00.002+01:00

Spend your life doing what you love.
Be focused and disciplined.
Collaborate.

Steven & William via @SwissMiss

The Man with the Beautiful Eyes

2011-04-13T22:26:00.004+01:00

Searle Award for Creativity

2011-03-17T21:26:00.006Z

So, I entered a competition which is new territory for me. The exciting news is that I have been shortlisted. The annoying news is that I managed to muck up the resolution of a couple of the spreads and have had to re-scan everything. Fingers crossed anyhoo...

Format Photo Festival

2011-03-16T23:04:00.006Z

I went to the Format Festival on Sunday in Derby. Annoyingly I have lost the pictures I took from my iPhone but apart from that, it was great. If you're in the area, check it out, there are exhibitions at a number of venues across the city including work by Vivian Maier.

My favourite things

2011-03-16T22:43:00.002Z

A couple of very exciting recent purchases from Chesterfield flea market. Well, exciting to me anyway...

Generator 11

2011-03-16T22:27:00.007Z

The Foundation students at Chesterfield College put on an excellent exhibition last week. Here's a few pics from the opening... and a link to the full set on Flickr.

Brighton

2010-12-26T19:11:00.004Z

My friends and I had a creative day out to Brighton. There was a bit of drawing, but mainly photo taking, the results of which are here and on Flickr. Hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas. x

Try aiming higher...

2010-11-05T12:58:00.001Z

Wise words from the late Paul Arden.

Practice

2010-11-05T12:49:00.010Z

I am working on a the somewhat ropey drawing of my character's arm today. Children cartwheeling are difficult to draw! Practice might not make perfect, but it definitely helps...

Where would you wake up?

2010-09-17T18:32:00.001+01:00

I know where i'd choose...

Fifty People, One Question: London from Fifty People, One Question on Vimeo.

Absence make the heart grow fonder...

2010-09-14T17:08:00.009+01:00

Fellow bloggers,

Apologies for my absence on the tinterweb of late... it has been a somewhat of a shit Summer. However, things are starting to look up, and I have done one productive thing which is to set up a website! Here it is, let me know what you think - it's a first stab.

trudiesberger.com

When Humans Ruled the Earth

2010-07-16T23:18:00.004+01:00

When Humans Ruled the Earth From Steven Ong via Mondayne

Suck my rock

2010-06-13T15:59:00.005+01:00

I went to see Michael Clark Company, come been and gone at the Barbican last night. An inventive and exciting piece of modern dance set to the music of Bowie, Velvet Underground and Iggy Pop amongst others. Amazing. It's finished now sadly but you can check out the playlist on Spotify...

Charlie and the Neon Graveyard

2010-05-24T21:56:00.010+01:00

Here's a few black and white scans from my latest MA project - a picture book based in the Neon Graveyard (see earlier blog posts). I'll upload some colour spreads soon too. They're on Flickr too.

Zebra Finches ♥

2010-03-31T20:52:00.006+01:00

I went to see the Zebra Finches at the Barbican this evening. Sadly no pics of them allowed but I did take a few outside on my iphone.

Vintage Matchbox labels

2010-03-30T21:38:00.007+01:00

Delicious vintage matchbox labels from Shailesh Chavda's Flickr photostream via Sell Sell.

Céleste Boursier-Mougenot

2010-03-26T15:40:00.006Z

My friend Sam just told me about this exhibition at the Barbican.

I have to go and see it! Looks amazing.

Girls Girls Girls

2010-03-21T21:34:00.005Z

I just saw this poster on ffffound. Made me smile. All will make sense when I upload my latest uni project on to my blog :) It's by Daniel Blackman by the way, Bye for now ♥

Oliver Jeffers Video

2010-02-03T22:04:00.002Z

I ♥ Las Vegas

2010-01-24T19:57:00.012Z

Better late than never, here are my drawings from Las Vegas. They're on Flickr too. X

More from Harlow

2010-01-24T19:53:00.010Z

A few more drawings done whilst out and about in Harlow. The first two are in Cafe Elite, the second is in the library and the last drawings are in McDonalds. They're on Flickr here.

Sleepy Commuter Drawings

2010-01-24T19:44:00.016Z

Sleepy Commuters on my way to and from work... They're on Flickr too.

Ryan Mosley

2010-01-13T11:18:00.006Z

We went to a fab opening last night at the Alison Jacques Gallery. My friend Ryan Mosley has a solo show of his paintings on there at the moment. I would highly recommend a visit to see them and as one of Saatchi's hot new talents, he is also well worth investing in (if you can afford it!)

There's a few pics on Flickr from the opening taken by Richard Chambury if you want to take a look.

The photo above of Ryan by Pal Hansen is taken from an article in the Sunday Times Magazine.

Las Vegas Pics!

2010-01-11T20:35:00.011Z

I have my first assessment for my course during January so have handed in all my sketchbooks, including the one from Las Vegas. Unfortunately I didn't have time to scan any drawings, so instead, here's a few photos until I get my sketchbooks back. They're on Flickr too. Bye for now.

It's a new toy everyday

2010-01-09T20:55:00.008Z

I l LOVE this advert narrated by Tommy Cooper. It's back on TV at the moment so look out for it.

I said a kipper, not a slipper...

Birthday Books

2010-01-08T14:06:00.010Z

I got 2 fab books for my Birthday... New London Style by Chloe Grimshaw and Walking the Dog by David Hughes.

New London Style shows the homes of 28 artists, stylists and designers across London. Very beautiful and inspiring.

Walking the Dog is a graphic novel written and illustrated by David Hughes. It explores his encounters, thoughts, fantasies and obsessions on his daily walks with his dog Dexter.

Can't wait to read them both!

Gocco Printing

2010-01-05T21:03:00.010Z

I have recently discovered Gocco Printing. I had no idea what it was so I did a bit of Googling and found this tutorial video on YouTube - I think it's a bit like the Holga of printing world. Sadly, I think the machines are a bit difficult to get hold of. If you have any ideas other than ebay let me know!

Vegas Baby!

2009-12-11T21:53:00.008Z

We are off to Vegas tomorrow - I am somewhere beyond excited! No blogging for a week but I will leave you with some fab pics of the Neon Boneyard by Pam Sattler. I'll be taking my sketchbook so will hopefully get some drawing done and upload some stuff when i'm back. Have a great week peeps.

Signs

2009-12-08T11:25:00.005Z

If you have 12 mins or so, this is a beautiful short film...

Created by Publicis Mojo and @RadicalMedia
Director: Patrick Hughes
If you like the soundtrack, you can check out @ http://www.internetdj.com/signs-music

28 Camera Drawings

2009-12-05T18:49:00.003Z

28 camera drawings by Christine Berrie (via SwissMiss)

Screen Printing Disasters

2009-11-30T23:09:00.010Z

Last Wednesday I had a refresher in screen printing and i've been working on a drawing this week to print. It's a row of garages in Harlow which I find utterly beautiful. They are all blue apart from one red one. Anyway, my attempt to put the drawing on to the screen today was a bit of a disaster for various reasons so for the mean time i'll leave you with some David Hughes amazingness. He has an exhibition on in Cambridge at the moment. Bye for now bloggers.

A is for...

2009-11-25T21:07:00.006Z

Today's lecture was about Edward Gorey - thought i'd share some of my favourite images. They're all from The Gashlycrumb Tinies or, After the Outing.

Exhibition - only 2 more days!

2009-11-22T20:09:00.007Z

I'm a little slow on posting this so apologies, it is only up for 2 more days but... there is an excellent exhibition on at moment at Nolias Gallery in Southwark. The exhibition includes Akemi's place: a selection of paintings and prints by Natalie Abadzis and selected photographs by Jim Green. Definitely check it out if you get chance. Lovely stuff.

60 Great Suffolk Street

Southwark

London

SE1 OB

Commuters

2009-11-17T21:22:00.012Z

Been drawing a few peeps on the train on my way to and from work... More Harlow drawings to follow soon :) They're also on Flickr.

What Would You Do If You Won The Lottery?

2009-11-16T22:34:00.007Z

We went to an excellent photography exhibition on Saturday morning at Fulham Palace. The photos are of people that have won the lottery and are all taken by Edmond Terakopian. The couple pictured in this article and below bought knee replacements so they could dance together again ♥ Check out Edmond's blog here.

Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus

2009-11-15T18:23:00.010Z

Fur: An imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus

Just watched this amazing film - highly recommend it.

Friday Night

2009-11-14T18:16:00.011Z

Friday night was a bit of a disaster... the weather was horrendous and the Rotherhithe tunnel was flooded meaning we got stuck in tons of traffic and missed David Walliams and Quentin Blake talking about Mr Stink. I was gutted not to see Quentin Blake but all was not lost - we went to the Ed Ruscha exhibition at the Hayward instead.

'I'm into the iconography of the country - street stuff and word stuff and highways and ribbons of asphalt'

I love his use of colour and typography - especially in his earlier work - very inspiring.

Here's a couple of my favourites from the exhibition:

Conqueror: Endless Possibilities

2009-11-10T21:13:00.009Z

A lovely little book called Endless Possibilities arrived at work. It's a collaboration between Damien Weighill (Illustrator) and Blast (Design) printed on a range of Conqueror papers. The illustrations are a free resource which can be downloaded here: conquerorpossibilities.com

Brief Encounter

2009-11-10T20:44:00.005Z

I have been off work with a nasty fluey cold and this film (along with Lemsip and sleep) was the perfect way to recover.

Pantone 186

2009-11-10T20:36:00.004Z

I've been collecting red stuff (the closer to Pantone 186 the better) for a while now and I think this radio might have to be next on my list. I'm planning on photographing my collection soon so will post it on here once I get round to it!

Movies I should have seen before now!

2009-11-10T14:40:00.013Z

Watched a couple of good movies this week...

Check out the trailers.

Mr Stink

2009-11-09T20:16:00.004Z

Really looking forward to seeing David Walliams and Quentin Blake talk about their new children's book 'Mr Stink' on Friday. It's in the Lyttelton Theatre on the Southbank. There's still a few tickets left if you want to get your hands on one...

More from Harlow

2009-11-08T21:24:00.012Z

3 new drawings from Harlow this weekend... The first two are in Sainsburys and the third is the view from the window of Weatherspoons. I'm going to Harlow dogs on Wednesday... can't wait!

They're on Flickr too if you want to take a peek.

Fred Lebain

2009-11-08T18:07:00.009Z

I saw one of these Fred Lebain images on Ffffound today. He took photographs in New York, printed out details of them, and then re-took the photos with the print in front of the original scene. Nice idea and looks cool.

The images are from todayandtomorrow.net.