14 Feb 2014
I had nothing special planned for Valentine’s Day (I don’t know why, but this holiday doesn’t usually mean much to me)… But I was so touched by all your messages and emails since the “Les Journaliers” interview that I wanted to say Thank You with all of my heart. So, I improvised this card for all of you, in return for the kind words! Send it to your loved ones today, or anytime at all…
12 Feb 2014
“Les Journaliers” website is officially launched, as of today. I’d been looking for just the right words to present this project, but I don’t think I could describe it any better than they do:
“Les Journaliers” are interested in the way artists and designers work, from day to day… their doubts, the process, their inspiration. Writing, creating illustrations, taking photos, composing… Above and beyond inspiration, bringing creative projects to their final stages often requires isolation, perseverance and discipline. ‘Les Journaliers’ highlight the everyday aspects of this creative process as well as the professional dimension of these activities, aspects which we don’t hear about often enough. To take inspiration from others daily habits, selecting ideas and methods that speak to us, is to find the energy and motivation to keep doing what we do every day. To learn about how reputable professionals got where they are is to realize that there are as many artistic paths as there are individuals… and this may help us accept the fact that our own paths are often crooked, full of detours and dead-ends”.
Here it is…
I’m mentioning it here because I find the idea really good… though I’m forced to admit I’m proud to be part of this project myself, as ‘Les Journaliers’ chose me as one of their first ‘subjects’. We spent some time together in my workshop and the girls (Yes, ‘Les Journaliers’ are all girls) asked me a great number of questions, some of which I’d never even asked myself. The words and images are available in this interview, after which I will have (practically) no more secrets left for you.
Photo © Rodolphe Bricard for Les Journaliers.
10 Feb 2014
Yes, I know, pattern after pattern… Well, the name of this blog is “Les Surprises” after all. I made this one last night, and I thought it would be a pity to keep it to myself. This one is definitely open to a number of colour variations, so you just might see it again in the near future… Have a great week!

06 Feb 2014
The first one this year!
It’s been ready for quite a while, but the time’s passed so quickly…
February is such a short month, and I still have much left to do…

24 Jan 2014
As a young girl, I collected stamps… The tradition continues here…
Bulgarian stamps from 1971.
16 Jan 2014
As I’ve been working quite a lot for others lately, I almost forget to take time for my own projects… Everyone asks me to do “Fifi-style” designs, so I wanted to try something else. Yesterday, I made something completely abstract, the kind of thing that people don’t generally ask me for. This poster is the first outing in a new direction, a more purely graphic aesthetic that I’d like to explore …What do you think?

On a totally different note (though I’m sure that the harmony of the green, black and red colours on the poster above have some sort of connection to this…) I decided to adopt one of my good resolutions: Monday I left the atelier and went to see the Félix Vallotton exhibition at the Grand Palais. I had a few faint memories of his work, dating back to my Art History classes, which is why the visual impact was even more astounding. Don’t hesitate! There’s nothing better than experiencing paintings up-close and direct (not only Vallotton’s work, for that matter)…
09 Jan 2014
Susie received this book for Christmas. Every time I pick it up, I discover new details that catch my eye…I’m already thinking of buying a second copy to frame the pages!
“Kongjwi, l’autre Cendrillon” by Lim Yeong-hee, illustrated by Marie Caillou. Editions Père Castor.
Remember to get it at one your local booksellers, rather than here…