Design work

Posted on November 22, 2011 by RebeccaManley

Over the last couple of weeks I have been enjoying working on conceptual designs for pre production on a couple of projects for production companies Passion in London and ANimation in Oslo.

Here are some designs for a girl character. They did not make it through to the next stage (on the Norwegian project) but I am really pleased with them. Perhaps I can use them for something else in the future…

 

designs copyright rebecca manley 2011

All aboard the Bum Bum Train!

Posted on November 14, 2011 by RebeccaManley
For the past few weeks I have been working on the You, Me, Bum Bum Train art department team.
‘You Me Bum Bum Train (YMBBT) is a unique immersive theatre experience which has evolved over 7 years into an award winning show. Last year the event won The Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award 2010 and co-produced a show with the Barbican throughout July 2010 in Bethnal Green. The show became the Barbican’s fastest ever selling show, achieving high critical acclaim, including becoming the winners of The Evening Standard Theatre Award 2010 for ‘Outstanding Newcomer’. A site-specific annual event, this year the Directors intend to create an experience more memorable than ever before in an undisclosed, disused London building, whilst next year YMBBT will feature as the centerpiece of the Barbican?s contribution to the Cultural Olympiad…’

It is really fun working on the production with a good bunch of energetic and enthusiastic people. Next month’s production is shaping up to be a pretty amazing show. If you want to see more about previous shows go to the website
But if you are planning to come and see the show, may I suggest turning up knowing as little as possible about it and then just going with the flow!
Here are some of the reviews it has received:

“This is a carousel of fantasies that made me rejoice in being alive” – The Evening Standard *****

“For those sound in wind, limb and mental health, I cannot recommend this brilliant and unique event too highly. It is hard to imagine an experience that plays with your brain quite as comprehensively as You Me Bum Bum Train”- The Daily Telegraph *****

“Aside from being a jolly good ride, it has a certain philosophical substance”- The New York Times


pink skull SOLD

Posted on November 7, 2011 by RebeccaManley

I am pleased to report that this pink Day of the Dead skull, with flower detail, will be winging its way to a new home later this week! Do contact me if you are interested in commissioning one:

info@rebeccamanley.com

Silhouette character designs

Posted on November 7, 2011 by RebeccaManley

Here are some initial character designs from a job that I’ve been working on this past week. They evolved into something else, but I thought these originals were worth a show.

Start Home page featuring my work

Posted on October 31, 2011 by RebeccaManley

http://www.start-london.com/
This link on the homepage is cool too!

Start London Halloween window display and store dressing short documentary

Posted on October 31, 2011 by RebeccaManley


Start London Halloween window dressing from Rebecca Manley on Vimeo.

Here is the short documentary film we made about my Halloween installation at Start, shot and edited by Rebecca Kenyon. Check it out!

You can also view it on the Start blog here: http://blog.start-london.com/2011/10/31/a-rebecca-manley-halloween/

More Start

Posted on October 28, 2011 by RebeccaManley
Black Widow masks

back view

my hand painted tattoo

Brix Smith-Start stepping out in my Black Widow mask tonight

Posted on October 26, 2011 by RebeccaManley
Yesterday I finished creating the Halloween window for Start London. So get down to Rivington Street, Shoreditch and check it out! I had a really fun time working there thanks to all the amazing and friendly staff. The women’s store is now temporary home to six of my large scale Day of the Dead skulls (with one more – the biggest skull – hanging in the men’s store) as well as a collection of my smaller bijoux skulls. The skulls are of course inspired by original Mexican heads, but also by images of Frida Kahlo, tattoos and old English rhyme.
Matching stripes! – me and Brix in store

For the main window I made three Black Widow masks to put on the mannequins (see below). Brix is wearing one of these masks to a Halloween party tonight, so I’m looking forward to seeing the photos! These I crafted from card, fabric, netting and ribbon and finished with my handmade paper flowers. I then painted shocking pink silhouettes of symbols such as hearts, skulls and horse shoes on to the window itself. At the feet of the mannequins I made a bed of Mexican inspired fabric flowers and sat two of the large skulls (the Magician and the Gypsy) amidst them. And to finish, also on the window, I painted my tattoo logo and four tattoo inspired flowers.
At the moment I am in the process of creating a short film documenting the installation of the window – shot and edited by Rebecca Kenyon. I will post it up on Monday so check back then. 

Through the window – chatting to Philip Start

Start London – sneak peak

Posted on October 20, 2011 by RebeccaManley

Here is a sneak peak at some of the things that I have been making for Start London – in store from Monday.


New project – Start London Halloween dressing

Posted on October 6, 2011 by RebeccaManley

I am excited to have been asked to decorate A-mazing fashion boutique Start London (Brix -Smith Start) for Halloween with my Day of the Dead skulls. This is going to be a really exciting project, can’t wait! Watch this space for more very soon...

About Start:

* ‘Start was founded in 2002 by husband and wife team Brix and Philip Start – a decision incited by their observation that there was no where to shop for designer fashion in London’s up and coming Shoreditch…’

“People come to Start for the edit. Philip and Brix simply pick the best of the best.”
 Melanie Rickey, Grazia
“Antique furniture, directional brands and must-have denim all make Start a much more interesting shopping experience than Bond Street.”
Drapers Record

(*copy from Start London website)