Guest Curator: UPPERCASE

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Story by uppercaseyyc

Published on Dec 02, 2009 in Shop

Photo by Kirstie Tweed

Janine Vangool’s love of paper, books and the handmade began in her childhood, when she would write and draw little booklets and ask her family members to sign them out of a portable cardboard library. Quite a few years later, following a career designing print materials for arts and culture clients, Janine is pursuing her publishing passions through UPPERCASE, which is the name of her studio/gallery as well as the recently launched magazine.

UPPERCASE — a magazine for the creative and curious — celebrates illustration, design, craft, music, film, vintage and all varieties of creative inspiration. Many of the magazine’s contributors (and subscribers) are part of the Etsy community.

Monsieur IV print

The inspirations for both content and imagery for UPPERCASE magazine have happened through connections on Etsy. When I was creating concepts for the launch issue, I came across Blanca Gomez’s shop, blancucha, and fell in love with her witty and sweet retro illustration style. I am so grateful to Blanca for her generosity in sharing her art with us for the first issue: the success of the launch was due in large part to the appealing cover. $30.

 

THE Olivetti Valentine — Stunning Design

I have an obsession with typewriters and my collection of lovely Royal Quiet Deluxes (1956) have become UPPERCASE’s mascot of sorts. You will find images of typewriters and typewriter-inspired typography in every issue of the magazine! One of our regular contributors, Grace Light of PoeticHome, offers insightful writing and beautiful photography about living with vintage objects. In her Etsy shop, you can find beautiful writing machines and ribbon supplies to get you corresponding in old-fashioned style. $590.

 

Strelka The Space Dog print 5×7

Ryan Berkley of berkleyillustration is a talented illustrator who has a unique shop of animal portraits. Sensitively anthropomorphized in suits and dresses, the images are at once poignant, cute and proud. Ryan was the perfect illustrator for an article about the dogs of the Russian space program. Prints of Strelka and other noble beasts would be lovely additions to a child’s room or not-so-formal study. $10.

 

mustache on a stick. the banker

The dynamic duo of Shauna and Stephen somethingshidinghere are a constant inspiration to me. Their creative collaboration knows no bounds! In our current issue, Shauna took out an ad space to write a special note to Stephen, a surprise gift that was part of their ongoing series on the Poppytalk blog, “I made this for you.” $36.

 

Plum Perfect Bear- Eco Friendly Plush

Earlier this year, we had an exhibition in the gallery called “Stitch” that featured softies, embroidery and other needle and thread artwork. Etsy was a great source for curating the show, which is how I discovered Canadian seller stitchface and her cute kitties and bears. $28.

 

Tangerine Dream Photographic Print.

If I could magically transport myself anywhere in the world in an instant, it would be to San Francisco! Fortunately, prolific blogger and photographer Victoria Smith, a.k.a. sfgirlbybay, keeps us all in love with San Francisco with her Sunday in the City photographs. I’m honored that Victoria is one of our regular contributors: she interviews watercolor artist Geninne Zlatkis, a.k.a. geninne, in our current issue. $16.

 

San Francisco Letterpress Print

Speaking of San Francisco, I’ve coveted this labpartners letterpress print for a very long time. Sarah and Ryan are the talented couple who graciously let our readers take a glimpse at their illustration portfolio and new home studio in issue 3. $35.

 

Colclough

Closer to home, Calgary designer Paige Smith makes beautiful jewelry holders from orphaned vintage china. These holders really sum up the “frugal and fancy” aesthetic that I love: the art of taking a discarded object and repurposing it into something beautiful, useful and treasured. By paigesmithdesigns, $55.

 

Moneybag Pillow – Guam

Following in the frugal and fancy ethos but in a different decorating aesthetic are the pillows of chakrapennywhistle. Made from reused raw cotton money bags, the randomness of the typography and other markings is graphically compelling. $60.

 

Hand-printed Holiday Card — Happiest of Holidays

I was introduced to Samantha Troy’s work when she subscribed to the magazine. She and her husband sell handprinted designs in their shop, desTroy, where greeting cards range from simple to ornate, perfect for the festive season ahead. $3.75.

 

Oval Sculpture Pendant

Kari Woo, a.k.a. kariwoo, is co-owner of the contemporary jewelry gallery Influx, one of my neighbors here in Calgary. Her graphic silver pendants and earrings are beautifully crafted. $185.

 

PERPETUAL CALENDAR – RED

I’m researching perpetual calendars for the upcoming issue and I love the design that the fine gals of orangebeautiful have developed. It’s a clever format that allows you to play with type every day! $28.

 

Live What You Love Letterpress Print in Light Blue

I purchased this letterpress print from Hijiri Shepherd, a.k.a. hijirik, one of our subscribers. For me, “Live What You Love” is a commemoration of an amazing year: financial risk and incredibly hard work are all worth it if you are true to yourself and your talents. It’s an encouraging statement to have in the studio, a daily reminder to keep pursuing the dream. $12.50.

 

Make sure to check out UPPERCASE for more intrepid art, typography and talent.

Looking for past Guest Curators? Check out our archive! 
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