ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL: Infinatez

by KL Agent + Infinatez for ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL

Infinatez will be @ the stage this Saturday, 29 November 2009 between 2:08 - 6:08 pm, y'all!

Mrika Hajeedar: young mom who paints!

MRIKA HAJEEDAR TALKS ABOUT HERSELF AND HER ART

What triggered me to start painting: Being a full-time stay-home mom, it does get a tad bit tiring. To keep things sane and happy, I chose to do something more for myself whenever I had that bit more of a 'free time'. I dabble around with designing and making cards, painting and just creating patterns on the laptop. These to me are my creative outlet, if you like, and my time to unwind. Often though, you'll find me just doodling away on scraps of papers; doodles which supposedly will evolve into some bigger, more permanent piece(s) of art.

My art background: One of my fondest childhood memories is of my dad bringing us out for Sunday lunch and then to the National Art Gallery or some other art exhibition venue. It was almost a weekly routine so much so that it bore us kids a bit at some point, I'm sure. But knowing my dad himself had his paintings displayed at the National Art Gallery inspired me to keep my eyes open and enjoy the visits we made. Over the years, the gentle exposure and encouragement to appreciate art from both my parents fostered the strong interest I have today. And for that, I am truly grateful to be born into an art-loving family.

With an initial plan to go into architecture school, I took up Art as a subject for both the GCSEs and the A-Levels. My art tutor was great and he inspired and encouraged me further to pursue art. Just generally, in life. I remember him saying how I may not end up doing what I originially set myself to do (ie: to be an architect), but I will definitely do something creative and most likely working on smaller more intricate pieces with an eye on pattern work. He couldn't have been more spot-on!

When I got pregnant with my 1st child, the desire to paint came about again, after a long break from paints, brushes and canvas and/or paper. I started painting postcard-sized patterns. It was nice just playing and experimenting with colours an brush strokes.

Today, I'm mostly inspired to create art pieces to grace a child's bedroom or playroom, or to welcome in a new baby in his/her nursery.

If I were to desribe my (painting and design)work in 3 words, it'll be spontaneous, colourful and unfussy.

You can view Mrika's work and her inspirations @ http://mommylovespatterns.blogspot.com/

Her mood swings collection will be available for sale at ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL this weekend!

Tasik Kelana Jaya!

Yeap yeap photoshoot for British Invasian that will be exhibited during ARTrage Lab next weekend was done today, this morning, when everybody's still sound asleep (okay maybe not all) snuggling their pillows while we were jumping around here and there around Tasik Kelana Jaya's carpark. It was 9.30am (only) and most of us are high on sugar.

The photoshoot went well, and Brit Invasian was snapped by Bibo Aswan, the photographer with the help from his cooperative models, Ashleigh, Jules, and Iskan. Wegra's car came in handy (it's Brit Invasian and her car is, well, British based. ;p) while Ain Zulkifly snaps all the candid moments and Ayim from Black Sheep who is also Iskan's brother was also there with another friend to accompany Iskan (who came all the way from Cheras for this photoshoot woot woot)

When they are busy snapping pictures here and there,

Bibo assigning Ashleigh on what to do.

Amy and Ashleigh.

Ashleigh, Bibo.

Waiting for their turn, perhaps?

Bibo and his skills.

Jules and Amy.

We penyibuk snapped some pictures too!

Ayim messing around with Wegra's car - in front of her.

Wegra and Co.

Iskan and co promoting Black Sheep's shirts.

Wegra, Ayim and Ain/Bedah.

Wegra and her old skirt.

Jules and Ashleigh.


Meet the whole troop!

Everything was settled at around 11am and everybody was complaining about their angry tummies, so Ain decided to bring us to Jamal near FAM (she practically promotes Jamal to everybody, they have the bestest Kuey Teow in PJ) and we had that glamorous Kuey Teow she told us about. You guys should try too!

Bibo and his Kuey Teow.

Iskan and Ain.

Mesmerized by their own pictures.

Ain and Wegra.

Amy giving them "the" look.

So, now that you've seen the work and hassle, don't forget to come for ARTrage Lab at Soho KL, Solaris Mont'Kiara, 2 Jalan Solaris, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur this November 29th and 30th to see Bibo's final touch on British Invasian!

Ada apa dengan kickboxing?

Remember Ayim from Black Sheep Clothing?

Well, apparently he runs kickboxing classes. Hmmmmmm ... I shall not share what's in my mind but support his classes folks! Send your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your dad, your aunt, your brother, your cat to his classes. It could very well be a Christmas gift option.

You could also support Ayim by buying from his stall in ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL, next weekend. w00t! w00t! how time flies!!! Soho KL is in Solaris Mont'Kiara laa ... Soho KL basement parking rate is only RM 1, parking by the roadside is free, at your own risk, we've warned you. :op

OK, this is Black Sheep Clothing's latest design - 'Otromen'.

Happy Wednesday, darlings! :o)

Handmade Nation

Seriously, can't wait for the release in 2009!

What Does Handmade Mean to You, Los Angeles?

(source: http://www.etsy.com/storque)

Would YOU buy handmade to support our new generation of local independent crafters/artists?

Buy from local independent crafters/designers + micro retailers this holiday season, y'all!

Happy Monday, peeps! :o)

ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL: Joujou + Shugi 001

Duraton, or fondly known as D.U.R.A., plays stylist and fashion coreographer to her new found interest - the extremely cute "Fashion-na-Animal Kingdom" paper dolls made from used cardboards. Melts any environmentalist or vintage collector's heart!

J+S: How did you get into paper doll making?
D.U.R.A: It was when I started my ‘La mode des filles de la forêt’ illustration work. When I joined Pipit Love Postcard event, I started making the mini version of the Animal Kingdom. From there, I made a few attempts of doodles and sketches and started dressing them up. I always ask myself "What's next?" and "What if?" so I thought why not make them into paper dolls. I tried to find the most convenient way of making them, and that is, cardboard. However, I had them illustrated on papers as well.

J+S: What's special about the fashion-na-animal collection?
D.U.R.A: Owh, definitely all the designers’ fashion collection that they are wearing. It's like an everyday fashion show in The Fashion Forest; imagining each one of them strutting down the streets in designer's label.

J+S: Do you collect toys yourself?
D.U.R.A: Unfortunately, no. When I was small I just had 2 dolls to play and when I grew up I never keep teddies or dolls with me. But I adore Barbie collections :)

J+S: Who is your favourite superhero?
D.U.R.A: Superman, of course. Despite his hideous costume. hehehe...

J+S: What will you be selling at our installation in ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL?
D.U.R.A: My fashion-na-nimal paper dolls inspired from the 2008 and 2009 fashion collection by famous designers.

Support D.U.R.A. @
Buy i.itch.illustrations artwork online: http://www.redbubble.com/people/dura
View i.itch.illustrations portfolio: http://www.behance.net/iitchillustrations
More work updates on: http://metissagecouture.blogspot.com/

The "Fashion-na-Animal Kingdom" papers dolls are up for sale at Joujou + Shugi's inaugural toys + craft market installment at ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL on the 29th + 30th November 2008.


Your *cough* salary's just out, Christmas is just around the corner, lets make a date with us during the weekend 29 + 30 November 2008 to shop for unique, one of a kind Christmas gifts for your loved ones ya?

*wink, wink*

Whereabouts again?

ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL, Solaris Mont'Kiara, 2 Jalan Solaris, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL: British InvASIAN

Meet Bibo Aswan.

A former couch potato who's inspired by watching WAAAY too much America's Next Top Model, Bibo Aswan may be a big boy, but his talent is surely bigger. Armed with and glued to his trusty Canon 400D, creating orgasmic feast for the eyes (awesome photos that is) is like a second nature to him. An amateur (for now!), he intends to make lemonade with lemons in his basket. His constant concept-producing, imagining and daydreaming are some of the ingredients that contribute to his pot of strong portfolios. A pot that is definitely to grow bigger over time, as this aspiring fashion photographer completes his diploma in photography soon.

Why? You don't believe ha? Lets have a peek at some of his past work, shall we?


Looks like all that TV watching did him some good after all, don't you think?

At ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL, we'll be showcasing Bibo Aswan's interpretation of 'British InvASIAN'.

Make a date with us on the weekend 29 - 30 November 2008, y'all!

Whereabouts again?

ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL, Solaris Mont'Kiara, 2 Jalan Solaris, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

Coolhunters: Manchester + Melbourne

Meet our coolhunters, who'll be sharing with us what's hip + in fashion at the cities they're now in. w00t! w00t! I'm excited already!

Millie @ Manchester, UK

Melia @ Melbourne, Australia

Perpustakaan Bergerak

Peter Thuvander and Martin Hedenström of Swedish design group Muungano have won the Swedish Library Bus of the Year award for this library bus.

If only our Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia's 'Perpustakaan Bergerak' are as aesthetically inspiring, kan? As a child I would have loved such a setting.

ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL: Joujou + Shugi

Psst! We're introducing ARTrage Lab in conjuction with Soho KL Grand Launch soon, where we will still be picking and selecting bijoux for you. ;o)

We will be presenting Malaysia's first Toys + Collectibles Market: Joujou + Shugi in ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL, y'all!!! Oh yes!!! Lets travel back to those action figure days ... think Tin Toy, Astro Boy, Star Wars oh and Transformers. Now, we're talking. Erm ... and Barbie dolls too?

Joujou + Shugi?

The word joujou means toys in French whereas the word shugi is Japanese for craft. (Nice! That's the only other two languages, apart from Malay + English, that I can converse in. :op)

Now, now, write this down on your Post-It people!

ARTrage Lab @ Soho KL
by Bijou Bazaar
in conjunction with Soho KL Grand Launch

Dates: 29 & 30 November 2008 weekend
Venue: North Atrium, Soho KL, Solaris Mont'Kiara, 2 Jalan Solaris, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 12 pm - 9 pm

For retail enquiries:

Toys + Collectibles (Joujou + Shugi)
Cotact Person: Vivian
E-mail: joujouandshugi@gmail.com

Craft + Fashion
Contact Person: Iwan
E-mail: artragelab@gmail.com

xoxo

Wegra @ Bijou Bazaar

Thank You

(Image by Syed Hamzah of The Synchro Psycho Show)

Dear folks,

Thank you all who made it to Bijou Bazaar @ Eco Film Fest 2008 + every single one of you who came with your own shopping bag + re-used plastic carrier bags + paper bags. You folks are really awesome!!! Lets make it our lifestyle ya?

With your support, we also managed to contribute RM 1,650 to the organisation.

Thank you. :o)

xoxo

Wegra