Friday, March 12, 2010

A Trip To Wonderland

Like many people last weekend we went to see Tim Burtons latest film, the much anticipated 'Alice in Wonderland'. I didn't have any expectations of what the film would be like as I really didn't mind. I love Alice however it is portrayed. I love the way that the book has been interpretated so differently by Artists and Filmakers over the years. We enjoyed it, but then it's always had a place in my heart. The surreal dreamlike wonderland is an Illustrators heaven. And the white rabbit, well he has been a long standing companion of mine, following me around (or do I follow him?) from college days. He often finds a way of getting into my paintings and often he takes on the form of the white hare.

 Here he is in my latest heart hangers. I mean, how could  I resist doing 'Alice' themed hearts this week after watching the film :)

Here he is just disappearing... Both hearts will be listed in my Etsy shop later today! So if you are interested hop across and see.

I wonder what this young lady would think of the film? This is the real 'Alice' namely Alice Pleasance Liddell
She inspired Lewis Carroll ( Charles Lutwidge Dogson) to write the adventures in Wonderland.
She lives on my dining room wall.

I am lucky to own a complete Illustrated works of Lewis Carroll with all 276 original drawings. Here are a few of my favourites by Sir John Tenniel:

Several years back I illustrated a picture book that had many wonderland elements about it. It was called 'The Palace Of Cards' I thought I'd share some pictures from it:



Whatever you are doing this weekend have a wonderful time. But I definitely recommend taking a trip to wonderland!

40 comments:

  1. Hello Karen, the new pieces are SO lovely. You are right that wonderland provides such much inspiration to artists. My favorite Alice illustrators are definitely John Tenniel and Arthur Rackham! Thanks for showing the pieces you created for "The Palace of Cards" - they are so amazing. :)

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  2. Karen, you're so talented, the illustrations in the book are gorgeous. Lucky you owning that fantastic collection too! We went to visit Christchurch College in Oxford a little while ago where 'Lewis Carroll' was inspired to write the books. Strangely, I don't own a copy at all but I really need to get my hands on one now!xx

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  3. I love these! I've mentioned it before, but I've never come across an artist (before you!) whose entire work I love. :o)

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  4. Ooo, I want to see the film too - thanks for sharing those lovely illustrations too.

    I love your gorgeous illustrations :)

    I've nominated you for the sunshine blog award - pop over to my blog for the details

    http://nataliebwilson.blogspot.com/

    Nat xx

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  5. Your book illustrations are beautiful. I think your Alice hearts will sell really quickly - as well as being exquisite, the theme is all the rage at the moment! x

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  6. Theresa..
    Thanks :)
    Yes I too love Arthur Rackham.

    Fotf...
    Thank you :)

    Jessie...
    Thanks x
    My copy was not at all expensive but is a really good one.

    Patsy.. Thanks xx
    Nat.. Thank you :) x
    Yes! you must go and see it and take a big bag of wonderful sweets with you! x

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  7. Kirsty..
    Thanks :)x
    I hope so! ;)

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  8. Your illustrations are truly wonderful!

    I've always been a bit torn about Alice in Wonderland. I think it got worse when I went to the National Portrait Gallery in London and saw the photos of "real" Alice. I wish there weren't this creepy vibe to it all, unnerving somehow, but so many others seem to react the same way I'm starting to think it's universal... and I sort of envy those who simply LOVE Alice in Wonderland.

    Haven't seen the movie yet but I will.

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  9. Thank you so much for sharing your books! Your new hearts are wonderful! - Deb

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  10. The Sir John Tenniel illustrations are the ones I associate with Alice. I've just bought a version illustrated by Helen Oxenbury for my daughter and I'm looking forward to reading it with her.

    Your illustrations both for your book and the wooden hearts are beautiful, as ever!

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  11. Hi Karen
    Tenniel's illustrations really are the perfect Alice, aren't they?
    Thank you for your homage to Lewis & Alice :-)
    Your hearts and the illustrated book are beautiful, as ever.
    We've not seen the new film, but I hope we will very soon - like you I adore Alice in any form whatsoever. One of my favourite films is "Dreamchild" - remember that? I've tried to get it on video/DVD with no success, but maybe with this new illustrious Alice at the cinemas, "Dreamchild" will be released for home viewing - I can only hope!
    Happy weekend to you,
    Denise

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  12. Karen, your heart hangers are beautiful - as are the illustrations from your book.

    What a wonderful collection to have - all the illustrated works of Lewis Carroll! Like you, I am always close to Alice and the white rabbit.

    Now I need to get a babysitter so we can go see the movie! Have a great weekend :-)

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  13. Those images are lovely. I love Wonderland.

    Is there any chance you could tell me how I can get a hold of the Palace of Cards?

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  14. truly wonderful! i always feel i have stepped into a wonderland or narnia when i visit your blog :o)

    xxxsumea

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  15. I love your illustrations for "The Palace of Cards". One of my favorite books is "The Annotated Alice".
    Cindee

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  16. I so agree. All the interpretation of Alice seem to enchant me. I need to see the film!

    And I love the soundtrack to Nanny McPhee that you're playing here!!

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  17. The White Rabbit was always my most favourite character! Hands down!

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  18. Oh dearie me, you have posted just the most inspired reminder to see this film so I must be getting along now to plan the viewing....goodbye...goodbye...till next time...

    p.s. LOVELY hangers!

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  19. So many treats for the eye in this post, your illusrations , the lovely hearts and the Alice illustrations, we wenr lsta weekend and I still can make a decison about how I feel, I had been looking forward to it for so long, and I have recently finished my own version which will be the school play next year...I think I will need to see it again...

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  20. Ohhhh, I AM too late! I just popped over to your Etsy shop and 'Late' is gone already. Given that I am chronically late, I thought it was the perfect piece for me! I'm looking forward to seeing 'Alice' too, and your book illustrations are absolutely beautiful!

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  21. You heart hangers are incredible! Always such a joy to visit with your blog. :)

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  22. I shall have to go see it. Your recomendation has changed my mind.
    Kat

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  23. Your illustrations are marvellous !
    I'm not a fan of the Alice books so was not planning to haul my Dormouse self out to the cinema for the new film ..... but did admire the Selfridges Alice windows on a recent trip to London . We'll see ....

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  24. oh! how magical all of your art is! i want to jump in it and not come out! i love your new piece and i love the illustrations in your book! and, i very much love the look on the real alice's face. you know she has a secret and she isn't telling-i like that!
    take care!

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  25. Beautiful :) i have long admired your work from afar
    Crystal x

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  26. Karen this is a beautiful post to me, as Alice in Wonderland was introduced to me when I was a child by an elderly gentleman (a widower) down the road where I lived. He bought me my own hardback copy which I still have today and it is indeed an illustrators dream. I have it in my 'things to paint' diary but haven't quite got there yet. So uplifting to see that you have though. As you know I adore ALL your beautiful work, the colours, the world you walk around in in your head and allow us all to step into when you create a little window into that world. Your hearts are exquisite and I wish you all the very best with selling them...
    (ps. thank you for the comment at my blog and wishes)

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  27. Everything you create is just beautiful, I love it all.

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  28. you are the perfect illustrator for Alice, I can't imagine anyone more suited.

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  29. This is my first time visiting, your work is quite lovely! I too have long been fond of Alice and the various images that the story conjures up. Went with my family to see it this past Thursday and really enjoyed it. It is something that I cannot wait to see on DVD where I can pause it and drink in all the little details. As you are fond of Wonderland I am glad you enjoyed it too.

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  30. Dear Karen,

    First, I just discovered your Etsy shop, and I'm completely stunned by your creations. Your work is dreamlike and magical, and so rich in details. When I took a closer look at your shop announcement I found a link to your blog. :)

    I also just saw Alice, and I must say I enjoyed every bit of it. I don't care what they say about feeble screenplay and "disgrace to Carroll's genius". Burton's visual language is always so powerful and enjoyable, so nuanced and faceted. I loved the costumes, I loved everything, and spent a couple of hours afterwards, sketching new items for my spring line. :)

    Greetings from Frankfurt, Germany,

    Epp from koopdegrace

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  31. Your illustrations are magical, Karen. It's always a delight to see your work. Sending love and bright wishes your way. xx

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  32. So glad I found your magical blog today! Just saw "Alice" last night and I loved every second of it! The details were amazing...

    I'll be back often...looking forward to reading through more of your posts.

    Hope you have a beautiful day!

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  33. Lovely art work all around, yours & the other Alice renditions as well.

    I haven't seen the movie yet but love everything Tim Burton. He's a genius.

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  34. Your art work is so lovely. You are an inspiration! <3

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  35. Such beautiful work in a magical blog! I would love for you to stop into the Chronicles of Whimsy to receive the award I have waiting for you. :0)
    http://www.delarenaissance.blogspot.com/

    I wish you a beautiful sunshine day!
    Dale Ann ~

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  36. This is lovely post, Karen. I am a big fan of 'Alice in Wonderland' as well.
    The original black and white illustrations are magical and the photo of Alice is quite haunting.
    It is nice to see your new Alice heart creations.:)
    Best wishes,
    Jo.x

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  37. Wonderful pics, Alice....I mean, Karen!

    LOL

    -Dean

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  38. I would love to sit in front of your bonfire with a plump chicken on my lap to stroke!

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It's great to hear from you! :-)