So today was fantastic! Met up with an old friend from junior high whose currently finishing up her Masters degree in London and got lots of tips! We also went out for an amazing cafe! Later I headed back to Goldsmiths to find out more about the Masters of Children's Literature and Illustration. The administration there is really lovely! They graciously led me to both the education department and media department where the double degree takes place, and at which time I met some more wonderful people who were more than willing to answer questions and the likes. I got a peak at the illustration and animation departments and chilled in the new media building which overlooks the green and the old reception building of old weathered but pristinely maintained brick covered in ivy. Chilling meant sketching away and then running into another children's book illustrator and chatting away 😊! Now I am getting ready to meet another wonderful person before jetting of to Italy where I am so fortunate to be able to stay with even more wonderful people!! Feeling very grateful!

I arrived in London on Friday, and although it's been a short visit to London, it's been a great time so far... visiting family, amazing cousins, amazing nieces and nephews, eating a ton, and then today, also visiting Goldsmiths University! It's one of the places I am considering for grad school and so I thought it best to visit and find out more - get a vibe for the school, it's administration and profs and for the area. The programs I am looking into there are the MFA and the Masters in Children's Literature and Illustration. Today I made it out to the final day of the MFA exhibit and most definitely saw some interesting stuff. The highlights of the exhibit, for myself, were the pieces dealing with identity and pluralism... and also a performance artist singing and dancing in a room covered in graffiti- made my day 🤗 and wishing I had taken a video. The campus itself is almost village-like, the views are great, it's close to central London, the area is cute and they do offer housing on campus. Studios are a good size too! Tomorrow I'll be talking in greater detail with someone about the 2 specific programs, and then... Italy... here I come!

Willka is on for 4 more days at the ArtPoint Gallery in Ramsey, Calgary. Today, and then on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week from 1-5 pm. 

Thanks to everyone who's come out so far!! 

Currently I've received 6 rejection letters :) from publishers in regard to my children's book. The kindest rejection letter was actually personal - Yay! - and telling me that I should pursue getting the book printed on my own as it's pretty much ready to go, is strong in writing and concept, and is visually appealing - so at least that's good news! Anyhow, I am now pursuing getting the book ready for print and in the talks with a printing house. Learning so much about publishing, layout, getting ISBN numbers, etc. The next area of learning in regard to this project will be marketing and promo! So all in all, things are moving ahead!

Tahira Nusrat Karim
​Tauska

Based on the flow of water - oil on canvas - 2/8 in series - drop and splash 

Tahira Nusrat Karim
​Tauska

In another class, on image-making, we were to create 10 more images again using different materials, but this time of an animal. I decided it was time to let loose and be silly in my process trying things that I don't normally do - some of the results are not good, but some are quite fun and even beautiful. 

Tahira Nusrat Karim
​Tauska

I have recently begun to take a couple of graphic design courses online through CAL ARTS. Last week one of our assignments for the fundamentals class was to choose an object - not too simple - and create around 10 images of that object using different materials and styles. In addition we were to create a few images that would tell the viewers more than this is an image of more than just that object - by putting other symbols into the image. For example putting a apple with a bite taken out of it on a rectangle might signify Apple the company.

I chose an egg as my object - which yes, is too simple - but actually more complex thus. How? Well... because how do you make something that is that simple more complex. 

Tahira Nusrat Karim
​Tauska