IM // UR | Artist // Jennifer Matignas Pitchers

We swear this isn't an ironic listening. We love Beyoncé and 4. OK, we might unironically skip straight to track 5, 'Party', produced by Kanye West and with rap by Andre3000, because we ain't no stay-home-mums that need all those ballads about being broken hearted and finding the right person. But, after that, the album turns into a beautiful compilation of classic r'n'b, soul and a bit of sweat-inducing booty tracks - not too many though - that sound surprisingly courageous considering the actual state of pop music. And for that, we bow down and hail Queen B. P.S. Get the deluxe version, for those extra couple of amazing tracks.

WE // R \\ WEARING

The name of this label has been interpreted in many ways; from 'bass-seekey' to 'base-ike', but the correct way describes exactly what this label is about: BASIC. Bassike delivers easily breezily cut staples with an interesting little twist that keeps them from being your run of the mill. For those that live in climates like that of Australia (where Bassike hails from) or Brazil, you'll know how easy it is to make fashion faux pas when the weather gets hot and the prospect of wearing anything but a bathing suit becomes slightly unappealing; Bassike is all and everything you need.

WE // R \\ WATCHING

Before watching HBO's Game of Thrones, I assumed the series would tend a bit more towards the blood-dripping Danish movie Valhalla Rising rather than fairy-tale stories a lá 'Lord of the Rings'; and for that I didn't really like the series at the beginning. But slowly, I found myself submitting to tales of bad kings, midget juggernauts, savage warriors and... dragons. And that happened probably because there aren't exactly good guys and bad guys here, like there are in Tolkien stories - and that is, of course, a simplification of his work. Another reason I relented to this series is because of the intriguing political backstage element that leads to the ever-happening dance of thrones. Oh, and did I mention the gratuitous nekkid-ness?

WE // R \\ GOING

Of the slew of new spots having opened up in Sydney in the last six months, The Norfolk on Cleveland St in Surry Hills has been one fated with success. Owned by some of the same kids that have brought The Flinders back to life (and currently, it's incredibly quick onset of 'The Norms'), you'll undoubtedly find The Norfolk rammed with all kinds, vying for a bite, a beer and a spot in the garden out back. The aim of the game is to cultivate Aussie pub culture at it's best; and it's doing a pretty decent job so far - if only you could get a table!

WE // R \\ READING

Super Sad True Love Story is the third book from the writer of the best selling Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart. Incidentally, I read him name dropped in Flavorpill's Ultimate Hipster Reading list and in the same sentence as James Franco (they're buds, apaprently) just before I finished his latest offering. Don't let any of that put you off, or take away any of the sad scary brilliance of Super Sad True Love Story; written from the perspective of one 39 year old Lenny Abramov, son of Russian immigrants and in love with the impossibly cute and cruel Eunice Park. A satire that cuts to the bone, Super Sad True Love Story is exactly it's title. And it's good.

Artist // Jennifer Matignas Pitchers

Tuesday // April 06, 2010 at 17:04 // filed under Art

Say hello to supremely delightful Jennifer Matignas Pitchers. This lovely Londoner is the illustrator who created our background for this month (OUR 1st BIRTHDAY!), pulling together some elements from the garden of Eden amongst some other dark and macabre bits and pieces (in lieu of us feeling our age). An illustrator in the plainest sense, Jenn simply draws what her eyes see. She feels her work isn't really about drawing, but more truly are her observations of the world around her imparted upon paper. The fact that Jenn is drawn (literally) to simplicity and beauty in line is evident - her work is imbued with a tentative, but undeniable romanticism; each pen stroke carefully thought out and lovingly rendered. "It might seem odd to claim, a relationship with a parsnip, but I hold it's beauty in as high a regard as I would somebody's weathered but beautiful face." As we hold her beautiful work in equally high regard.

How and when did you know you were going to be an illustrator?

I just knew it was something I was good at. Rubbish at Maths, but could draw the proportions of a horse accurately. Dreadful at Sports, but had the stamina to draw every hair on a persons head. It's just something I love to do, something that makes me feel good.

What have been are your biggest influences?

I could reel off a list of favourite films, songs, artists, but the reality is that everyday life influences my work. My choice of tea, the sweater I'm wearing, how clean my sheets are, those are the things that affect my mood and thus my work, my life.

Who would love to work for or collaborate with?

Funnily enough, I'm being put forward for an internship with Quentin Blake (editor's note: !!!) as he prepares for an exhibition next year. If I get it, that would be pretty immense...Who didn't laugh as a child at that image of George's (of George's Marvelous Medicine) Grandma's mouth, puckered up like a dog's bottom? He is an absolute legend, there is such wisdom and humour in his work.

What did you dream about last night?

Oddly, about an old friend from Northern Ireland. She was weeping heavily about owing me money, it was quite alarming. I can only imagine it's got something to do with me being flat broke.