Friday Finds
Suzlee Ibrahaim is an abstract painter based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Over the course of his 33-year career, Ibrahaim has used surfaces as sites for exploring action through painting. He began his “Movement” series in 1995, after working as a lecturer at MARA University of Technology and continues to experiment to this day. Ibrahaim’s work has been exhibited across the world and, most recently, he earned the Gold Medal of Zebras Art at The 5th Paris Art Symposium. He continues to work as an educator as the dean of faculty of fine art at ASWARA University. Ibrahaim’s sketchbook, titled “traveling abstract,” is a great source for inspiration if you’re looking to experiment with dynamic motion, layering colors and brushstrokes. You can view more of Suzlee’s artwork on his website.
For her 2011 sketchbook, artist Kathleen Benton documented her journey through the iconic architecture of Italy and France in her sketchbook, “Lights in the Distance.” These pen and ink drawings bring the ornamentation and elegant stonework to life, immersing you in her adventures no matter how far way you are from these destinations, and act as a reminder that sometimes a sketch can capture more memories of a place. Since her sketchbook, Benton continues to work as an artist in upstate New York. Most recently, she participated in the collaborative show, “The USPS Art Project,” at Pelham Art Center. You can check out her complete portfolio of botanical and architectural work on her website and follow her creative process on Instagram. You can view other sketchbooks Benton has completed over the years in our Digital Library.
In 2018, photographer Aaron Cameron Muntz decided to step out of his comfort zone and experiment with his first sketchbook. While working in commercial photography for over a decade, Muntz writes, “After recently starting to sketch again, I saw the Sketchbook Project as an opportunity to motivate and push myself to discover a voice for work outside of my photography and allow myself to work in a less controlled way than my photography allows.” This sketchbook presents an exploration of geometric form through delicate pen line-work and graphic pops of color, bringing both abstract shapes and cityscapes to life. Munz has worked on still and motion projects for Nike, Drunk Elephant, and Sephora among others, as well as completed commissions for cookbooks and food and drink companies. You can check out his Instagram and his website to view more of his work.
Salina Giardino recreates her New York City people-watching on the pages of her 2014 sketchbook, “People of NYC.” By wielding colored pencils (and thoughtful, funny commentary), Giardino captures the many archetypes one can see in the subway, crossing the sidewalk, or sitting on stoops. From decadent fur coats to dogs who match their bundled-up owners, Giardino’s book is a great way to get back into the cold weather mood, and a lovely example of character and fashion design in sketchbooks. Working as a freelance illustrator, Giardino continues to doodle as she works on projects like murals and digital designs, and now runs the clothing brand Raising Tito. You can keep with her creative journey via Instagram.
For her 2012 sketchbook, Australian artist Tricia Brady decided to recreate the alphabet through one-of-a-kind experiments in typography. Fascinated by letter forms, the graphic designer, who continues to live in Melbourne, used a whole host of materials and techniques: pen, collage, ink, paint, and more. It’s a pleasure to flip through if you’re a budding graphic designer or just a lover of gorgeous typography. The wonderful variations in style and texture will leave you wanting more. To see more of Brady’s design projects, you can visit her website.
Cat Oshiro’s 2012 sketchbook, “Sandwiches,” brings some of our favorite foods to life through whimsical cartoons. With its eye-catching, soft felt cover, Oshiro created the book as an ode to her go-to food, and her love of monsters. Oshiro works as a product designer and digital illustrator in San Francisco, taking on branding and design projects for SFMOMA, method, and Coachella among others. You can support her work by visiting her website, following her on Twitter, and checking out her online shop.
