www.thebrookerstudio.com

MoAD Behind the Lines Political cartooning

2011-12-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

http://behindthelines.moadoph.gov.au/2011/julia-gillard/cartoons/65

I am very pleased to have my artwork featured in the Behind the Lines exhibition of political cartooning for 2011.

The Behind the Lines exhibition will be on display at the Museum of Australian Democracy until 29 March 2012.
A traveling version of the exhibition will go to the following venues:
Cairns Regional Art Gallery: 27 January - 1 April 2012
Riverside Theatres, Parramatta: 11 April-27 May 2012

Dynamic Portrait Painting in Oils at McGregor Summer School

2011-11-19T15:54:00.001-08:00

A CREATIVE WONDERLAND
There is no denying that the founders of the McGregor Schools were visionaries.
From humble beginnings back in January 1969 - with three painting classes and 43 students – the McGregor Summer School has grown to become the ultimate creative arts retreat.
Now entering its 44th year, the School is a leader in the field of packaged arts workshops, offering up to fifty classes and attracting hundreds of participants and an impressive line-up of tutors from across the nation.
It has become a meeting-place for like-minded people; artists, enthusiasts and administrators with a shared love of the Arts.
Beautiful music is made by students in violin, viola, cello, double bass, jazz bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, piano and jazz vocal classes.
Masterpieces are painted, drawn, sculpted, stitched and carved in the fine art studios. Painting enthusiasts can learn how to produce Dynamic Portraits in Oils, go on a Pastel Adventure or Draw the Wild.
A range of creative arts alternative such as Bead Embroidery, Creative Writing, Calligraphy, Digital Photography and a variety of Jewellery Making classes round-out the program.
It is a place where absolute beginners can work side-by-side with more advanced and even professional artists in a creative wonderland.
The ten-day Arts Retreat is the ultimate get-away package; offering a relaxed and stimulating environment to create your very own works of art alongside the best tutors in the country by day and, in the evening, enjoying a full program of social and entertainment options including concerts, slide-shows, trivia nights, exhibitions, markets and, to top it all off, a masked ball.
That’s the McGregor Experience!
So, whether you’d like to treat yourself to creative escape or your children to a music or POP Youth Arts experience, the McGregor Summer School is a fabulous option.
The McGregor Summer School will run from 4-14 January at USQ, Toowoomba - for further information visit www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor or contact Liz or Christine on 07 4631 2755.
But be quick – enrolments close soon!
Media Contact: Michelle Fox, USQ Artsworx, +61 7 4631 1114 or 0439 911 623

The Brisbane Writers Festival 2011

2011-09-14T23:33:00.000-07:00

I had the great prividge of being a part of the Brisbane writers Festival. I took three caricature workshops and was invited to speak on a panel discussion. The subject was get The Message. I spoke with the very talented and creative people .

Niromi de Soyza is a Sri Lankan woman that joined the Tamil Tigers during the countries revolution. Ali Alizadeh is an amazing Iranian poet. Farid Farid is an Egyption commentator specialising in Eatern Literature. I felt very humble to be amongst these very interesting people.

Brisbane Writers Festival

2011-08-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

I will be running three workshops and speaking as part of a panel at the Brisbane Writers Festival.
The talk is titled " Get The Message" speaking about politics and the various methods of commincating opinion in a variety of mediums. My fellow speakers are Niromi de Soyza from Sri Lanka , Farid Farid from Egypt and Ali Alizadeh from Iran.
I am as fascinated to hear their stories as I am excited to be sharing a panel with them.
http://flipflashpages.unflip.com/2/30433/95994/pub

I shall also be running three workshops on cartooning and caricature at the BWF WordPlay.

Dynamic Oil Painting Course

2011-08-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

I am taking a two week full time course in oil Painting at the McGregor Summer School in Towoomba. The course will run from January 4 to 14th 2012.
I am looking forward to running this course for beginners to pass on all I know about painting portraits in Oils.

So great to back with the McGregor Art School!

http://usq.edu.au/mcgregor/summer/classes.visarts.brooker

Gulf News Interview

2011-08-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

Gulf News in Dubai have run a story about my work as a Caricature Artist. it is nice to stay in touch with Dubai and I am pleased there is still interest in my work over there.

http://gulfnews.com/life-style/people/my-world-caricaturist-joanne-brooker-1.846651

Qld Clarion Award Nomination

2011-08-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

I have been nominated for a Clarion award! I am pleased that even though I have been out of the industry as a full time professional for so long, my artwork is still recognised within the media industry.
It should be a great night of glam dressup, entertainment and good grub and I am just pleased to have been nominated...truely! :)

Fingers and Toes!

http://clarions.org/awards

Sydney Opera House Cartoon Show

2011-08-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

A bit of fun! The Sydney Opera House are running a wonderful event on cartooning, animation and comic book at. I wish I could be there ! However, my cartoon work will be included in aa display by Graphic. cartoons on grievances. Not surprisingly, I had quite a few!

http://sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/air_your_grievances.aspx?start=yes

Freelance Media Talk

2011-08-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

I have been asked to join a panel discussion on freelance work at the Media Industry Event at The Edge, Brisbane State Library September 1st. I am looking forward to passing on my experiences in this area to media students and meeting again, journalists I worked with at Qld Newspapers..
http://www.walkleys.com/media-pass-student-days

Bunnings Trade show

2011-07-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of the fun Burlesque caricatuers i drew att he Bunnings Trade Show.

BrookerFineArt.com

2011-06-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

Please check out my new web page. This one is just for my Fine Art and Painting and The Brooekr Studio exhibitions and workshops.

New Web page

2011-06-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Check out my new web page BrookerFineArt.com
It is in progress so pop in and have a look at how it develops. Feedback welcome.
This is a web page for my fien art, oil painting and illustration work. I am creating a brand new art course in Beginner Oil Painting. Everything I learn I pass on to you. The course will be put onto this web page as a free intro.

Gulf News Interview Dubai UAE

2011-06-14T21:34:00.001-07:00

Questions for Joanne Brooker, Illustrator & Caricaturist

How did it all begin? Tell us a little of your early life and influences, and when you knew you wanted to be a caricaturist? An unusual career choice, maybe?
I can clearly remember at age five, trying to draw a rose. Finally I drew round scribbles with a stick stem. Another child said it looked like the scribbles were petals and I was amazed. From that moment on all I wanted to do was to figure out how to make lines into objects. I used to draw all the time at school, even if I should have been working. The most obvious thing to draw was the teacher. That was how I learned caricature, good and bad! I was surprised that I was being praised for my drawing even the cheeky drawings of my teachers. It was an easy move from drawing teachers to drawing politicians at the newspaper!

How would you say a caricaturist differs from an artist? What are the key skills a caricaturist must have? Talk us through how you decide on which personality is a good subject, how you start thinking about representing him or her, and how long it typically takes you to finish one caricature?
A caricaturist understands face recognition. We all have the ability to recognize faces but are not aware of the thought process that is instinctive to us all from birth. I look for the features on a face that I recognize in that person and then I exaggerate them. A caricature looks more like the person than a regular drawing as it mimics the way the brain sees faces. I then add my feelings and what I want to say about that person. If I feel strongly about the subject then the caricature is strong. That is what makes caricature powerful as it can be more honest than some subjects are comfortable with. Most caricatures take minutes to draw but there is a lot of thinking going on before I put pen to paper. Once the face is in my head, it is easily transferred to paper.

3. Tell us about your Dubai adventure? What were some of the most interesting commissions and your most cherished memories of living in Dubai?

I lived in Jumeirah Beach Residences overlooking the Gulf. I thought I was in paradise. We moved in before it became popular and often had the beach to ourselves. I taught caricature at many schools around Dubai which was fun. Kids in the UAE are very open and confident. I also drew caricatures at Atlantis Hotel which was an amazing experience. It was a very successful venture and I wish it could have continued.

My biggest project in Dubai was drawing caricatures of people that live all about Dubai. I wanted to find a way to meet and connect with all the nationalities and levels in Dubai. Myself and another artist, went about Dubai from the fish market, souks, clubs, barbers, restaurants, building sites, camel farms to the financial centre. We drew caricatures and gave them away in return for a photo.

Do you think people have forgotten to laugh today, caught up as they are in the rat race and stress of 21st Century living? How can a caricaturist help inject a sense of humour in society?

I don't think people have forgotten to laugh, in fact we look for opportunities to laugh as much as possible. The stresses of life and especially with the results of the GFC, make it vital that we take the time to lighten up. At the end of life do we treasure money and objects or the time we spent laughing with our friends and family? As a caricaturist I love to make people laugh. If I give them a drawing and they smile then I feel it is more valuable than any money. However, I do still need to make a living!

Tell us a little about your family, and your biggest priorities today?
My family were a big part of my return to Australia. As much as I love to travel the only place you really belong is where your family is. I had to constantly return to Australia from Dubai as my daughters kept having babies! I now have seven grandchildren and they are my biggest priority.
I will always travel and look for adventure and I hope this will teach them that the world is a wonderful place and that they can do anything they set their minds to.

Any big dreams, or magnum opus project that remains to be fulfilled?
My dream now is to extend my artistic abilities into oil painting of portraits. I have begun a series of paintings which will be exhibited at the end of the year. I am already taking commissions. Maybe one day, my work will be worthy to be exhibited in Dubai!

7. Your biggest strengths and your greatest weaknesses? (three of each, if possible)

I always say my strengths are my weaknesses and my weaknesses my strengths. They all go to make up the complex creature that is me. I am resilient and stubborn, tolerant and impatient. I do not like being told what to do but I appreciate instruction from those I admire. I don't like pomposity or arrogance but I can be guilty of both. I am cheeky and childish which can also be flippant and silly. I try hard to be honest as I am a very bad liar. All this I put into my art.

Apart from your art, what are your favourite pastimes? What is a typical day in your life like?
I enjoy disappearing into a book. I love traveling and have a list of all the countries I am yet to visit. I love camping and being in nature. My day will always have art in it somewhere, reading about it, drawing or painting, writing up lessons or watching documentaries about it. I love to teach people as I am always learning from my students.

Did you manage to interact with any Emirati artists and caricaturists during your time in Dubai? Do you think the Emirati culture has a tradition of caricature at all?
I taught caricature at the Dubai Ladies Club which gave me an opportunity to meet Emirate ladies. There is certainly plenty of artistic talent there! Interest in cartooning and animation has been encouraged in Dubai, with the success of Mohammed Saeed Harib wonderful animated stories Freej. I hope that Emirates will continue to see animation and cartooning as a viable career. Caricature is in every culture if you look back far enough through the history of art. Times and context often decides when it makes itself known.

10. Any regrets about life? Any ambitions left to pursue? If you were not a caricaturist, what would you have been?

I sometimes wish I had known as a young woman what I know now, but then if I had then maybe I wouldn't have learned what I now know! I wish I had gone to university when I had the chance but then life follows its path and there is no way of knowing if some other path might have been better.

If I had not been a caricaturist I would have been a photographer. I think that would have given me the chance to do more creatively and to use it document life. I admire war photographers in particular..

Quick Questions:

1. Secrets to living life to the full.....don't take yourself too seriously, no one else does!

2. Life to you is.......................full of promise

3. Favourite artists / caricaturists of all time? Sebastian Kruger who made caricature recognized as a fine art.

4. Three things that you love and hate about Dubai? I loved it drama, it's crazy originality and its extremism.
Hate is too harsh a word but I was disappointed that the GFC caused the worst to come out in some people. I hope that one day Dubai can and will welcome back the people that wanted to be a part of Dubai in spirit as well as for income. Taxi drivers could be a challenge at times as well!

5. Your two favourite cartoon characters from the world of art or film?

Alice in Wonderland and the illustrations of John Tenniel.

Fred Flintstone, who I used to draw from the television when I was a little girl. The artwork of Hanna Barbera still fascinated me.

6. Can computer animation ever replace the art of caricature?

No. Nothing replaces the hand of an artist.

Mcgregor Summer School

2011-05-31T22:02:00.000-07:00

Joanne Brooker has been invited to run her ten day Dynamic Portraiture Oil Painting course at the McGregor Summer School a the University of Southern Queensland, Towoomba.
www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor/summer

Running from January 4 -14 2012.

Check out the web page for the upcoming program.

Brisbane Writers Festival

2011-05-31T21:49:00.000-07:00

Joanne Brooker will be featured at the Brisbane Writers Festival.
www.brisbanewritersfestival.com.au 7 - 11 September 2011.
There will be a panel discussion on the subject of Working Overseas. Joanne will also be taking four caricature workshops with WordPlay. Check out the web page for the upcoming program.

MEAA Freelance Conference

2011-03-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to speak on the panel for the MEAA freealnce Conference in Melbourne. The Conference runs from Thursday /Friday May 19/20 at The Wheeler Centre, Lonsdale St, Melbourne.
The topic for this panel discussion is Secrets for Successful Freelancing. I have been asked to speak about working overseas and how this has expanded my business and work experiences.

There is a lot of interest in my experiences living and working in a Middle Eastern country. This will be a very interesting and informative event and I am looking forward to not only being a part of this but also meeting with other freelance writers, photographers and artists.

http://walkleys.com/freelance-conference

John Howard Former Prime Minister of Australia.

2010-11-15T20:10:00.001-08:00

John Howard, Former Prime Minister of Australia, kindly signed two copies of cartoons I have done of him as an editorial artist with News Ltd. He didnt recognise whose head he was holding in the caroon at first, but when I said it was Mark Latham (former Opposition Leader)..well..you can see he LOVED that!

New Artwork

2010-11-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

Stopping!

2010-11-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

I've been around the world a couple of times or maybe more. Seen the sights and had delights on many foreign shores. But when my friends ll ask me the place that I adore..I tell them right away...
QUEENSLAND!

All around the world and here we are..right back where it all started. I am hanging up the walking boots for a while and getting settled. Time to rev up the studio and get projects going. On my travels I have had so many ideas for work and projects, stories, paintings,exhibitions and finally they will have a chance to get off the ground.

So, hurray! Brisbane. you are my little country town and I call you home!

Bendigo Gallery

2010-09-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

Bendigo Gallery is the venue for my first Victoria workshop! I am looking forward to heading out of the CBD by train, to see another part of Victoria. I am running two cartoon workshops to co-inside with their Drawing Exhibition. Pictures will be uploaded to share with you the event.

Melbourne to Brisbane

2010-09-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

The Brooker Studio has come full circle! We have gone from Newcastle to Brisbane, Brisbane to Dubai, Dubai to Kuwait, Kuwait to Melbourne and now we go back to sunny BRISBANE!

We are looking forward to meeting all our old clients and making new ones. To being fully involved in the cartoon and art scene of Queensland. Much as I love Melbourne and its fab cafes, food, Indie atmosphere and brilliant art and theatre scene, Brisbane is HOME.

The Brooker Studio

2010-04-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

I am updating my web page now we are back in Australia!
www.thebrookerstudio.com

BACK IN AUSTRALIA!

2010-04-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

The Brooker Studio has relocated..to the other side of the world! Great to be back in Oz, my homeland. My first assignment a caricature of Murdoch for the Walkley Magazine..first of many to come. We are based in Melbourne, righ tin the thick of the arts district of St Kilda. Look forward to many new projects, exhibitions, teaching and commissions.

ABC Exhibition Sydney Australia

2010-01-06T05:35:00.001-08:00

Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre Illustration Exhibition

2009-10-19T00:40:00.000-07:00

DUCTAC is hosting an exhibition showcasing Illustration Artwork. The exhibition is titled D-pict and will be showing December 2009 and January 2010. Details can be found on

http://www.ductac.org/

Fatima Mohuidden Visual Arts and Projects Manager

f.mohuidden@ductac.org

Tehran International Cartoon Biennial

2009-10-19T00:22:00.000-07:00

Artwork for the Tehran International cartoon Biennial

Iranian House of cartoon

No 44, Golnabi St, Shariati Ave

www.irancartoon.com

I am pleased and proud to be displayed in the company of some of the best caricature and cartoon work in Iran and from the world.

ACA/Insiders Cartoon Exhibition at the ABC Studios, Ultimo, 13-30 November, 2009

2009-10-19T00:18:00.000-07:00

Esfhahan cartoon and caricature Exhibition 2009

2009-10-18T23:54:00.000-07:00

2009-10-04T01:44:00.000-07:00

Busy in Kuwait!

2009-09-03T05:18:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying my new studio in Kuwait. Here is my latest Walkley magazine illustration. I have a heap of great art projects coming up as soon asI get back from my Australia trip in October.

2010 is going to be a BIG year!

2009-09-03T05:15:00.000-07:00

2009-09-03T05:12:00.000-07:00

My Arabian Insights cover.

2009-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Iran Caricature Exhibition

2009-05-23T00:40:00.001-07:00

BIG NEWS.

Joanne Brooker continues her connection with the Esfahan Cartoonist Association. They have added a selection of her work to the Cartoonists and Caricature exhibition held at the Naghsh Khaneye Soure Gallery and the Esfahan Contemporary Gallery from June 25 to July 5.

If you are in the area or fancy a quick jump over the gulf..go check it out. The quality of the artwork is superb and it is an honour to be a part of this event.

Joanne will be giving a lecture at the opening and a workshop on Caricature, June 26 at the Hoze Honari Art Gallery.

Iran is a gorgeous country and Joanne is looking forward to seeing some more of it this time around and meeting with her Iranian cartoonist friends.

The Brooker Studio in KUWAIT!

2009-05-23T00:37:00.000-07:00

Kuwait!
The Brooker Studio has up and moved to KUWAIT! The recession gave us a nudge up the gulf and it is all good. Of course with the wonders of the internet we could be on the moon, if it has a decent broadband, and its all the same. We are stilll connected to our clients and we are looking forward to connecting to a whole new country.

Kuwait is so relaxed after the speed and glitz of Dubai. Stay tuned to find out with us, what the art scene is like here.

We Are Off To KUWAIT!

2009-04-07T04:59:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! The whole kit and caboodle is being moved on to..KUWAIT! Yes, Joanne the Traveller is taking it all on the road with an eye on expanding the Brooker Art Project GLOBAL..OK..lets start with Middle East and see how we go! So stay tuned to see what adventures we get up to in Kuwait and beyond....

Different Stroke Story on Arab Eastern Online

2009-02-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.arabeastern.com/pages/Different_Strokes__18413.asp

Bastakiya Photographic Stall

2009-01-18T02:29:00.000-08:00

Here is The Brooker Studio Photographer Kris Mitchell with his stall at the Bastakiya Souk.
The fabulous Bastakiya are is well worth a visit especially on a fabulous Dubai warm Winters Day.
The BEST galleries and cafes set in a traditional Arabic setting. A place well worthy of Kris's top quality photo images. All these images are available on

www.thebrookerstudio.com

Express Story

2009-01-18T02:25:00.000-08:00

A story about Caricature written by Bandana Jain for Express Newspaper.

What is this!!

2009-01-08T03:25:00.000-08:00

Let you know very SOON!

Walkley Magazine

2009-01-08T02:37:00.000-08:00

The Awards issue of The Australian Walkley Magazine featured my Obama, Palin, McCain montage to great effect. Continueing to feature as an artist in this magazine keeps me in touch with Australian Media and the many people I know in our industry. My heart still belongs to the power of media art.

The National

2008-12-14T03:17:00.000-08:00

...and some NEW ART!

2008-12-03T22:03:00.001-08:00

Dubai LIVE!

2008-12-03T22:00:00.000-08:00

Sharing a joke down Satwa!

2008-12-03T21:58:00.000-08:00

Spreading the Joy with ART!

DUBAI LIVE!

2008-12-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

DUBAI LIVE!

2008-11-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

Not everything about Dubai is glitz and glamour. In fact..there is a very real side to Dubai is far more interesting and valuable. Last Thursday morning I met up with fellow caricaturist, Danesh Mohuiddin and photographer,Kalil Pio and we hit the streets! Our mission, to draw the people of Dubai from street sweepers to business financiers and every type in between. And to spread some joy by giving away our caricatures. Our small way of countering the sad happenings on that day in Mumbai.

We made our start at Karama, the place for the best and worst in fake designer gear. We were soon surrounded by a group of trendy Iranian lads.
After an hour of fun drawing high hair and tight jeans we headed to Satwa.

At first glance slum-like but when you really look, full of unexpected treasures. We drew cobblers from Pakistan, barbers from Kerala and bread makers from Iran. Everyone treated us with smiles and recieved their caricatures with grace..and surprise! Then for a change of pace we went to DIFC..the finance district of Dubai next to Emirates Towers. As I expected, this was a harder nut to crack. Eventually we persuaded people that we wanted to draw them WITHOUT being paid and without any obligation on their part and to recieve the artwork for free! Quite a shocking idea to people mired in the global financial crisis.

The most fun was drawing some bored employees at a communications shop who had been stuck in groundhog day and loved having us beak the routine with a bit of fun.

Finally we arived at Jumeirah beach Residences. The new "Happening Place" for trendies, locals, yuppys, families and general walk wanderers. As it is still being constructed a good place for us. We bee-lined for the workers finishing off their day. Again, a crowd gathered and after drawing several weary but happy fellows in overalls and scarves, we called it a day. It was clear we could do nothi g but draw passing people at The Walk but that was just a bit too much like work by that time!

Our energy levels petered out by nine pm making it twelve hours of solid drawing. We decided that next week we would do it all again! This time taking in the fishing village, camel farm, labourers compounds and finishing htis time at the good old Barasti bar. We are determined to cover as big a demographic as Dubai has to offer..but I suspect , there is a LOT of drawing left to do!

Life in Dubai...the Stretch HUMMER!

2008-11-24T06:18:00.000-08:00

One lovely day spent in a stretch Hummer with the charming and sweet Kerzner children, Savannah and Charlie. We had a great day for Charlies 13th birthday. The next day, Daddy held a rather large party at his hotel , Atlantis.....

Atlantis Hotel Palm Jumeirah OPening!

2008-11-24T06:13:00.000-08:00

The FABULOUS opening party Fireworks on Palm Jumeirah.

Dubai Drawing

2008-11-20T04:09:00.000-08:00

Dubai Drawing

2008-11-20T04:07:00.000-08:00

2008-11-20T03:07:00.000-08:00

I recently had the pleasure of running two six hour Caricature Workshops at the American Academy for Girls. It was great fun teaching a charming and energetic class of girls. With their talent and entusiasum, Dubai has a great future!

IQ Face Off Interview!

2008-10-29T02:31:00.000-07:00

Kaleej Times Interview

2008-10-29T02:18:00.000-07:00

FYI Story

2008-10-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

2008-10-27T00:17:00.001-07:00

More pics from a big gig day! Started with a Managers Training Day at Etscon then an evenings fun caricature entertainment at a KIA car unveiling. Fabulous people, great fun!

GITEX Samsung Computer Caricature

2008-10-22T23:37:00.000-07:00

Here is some pics from my recent gig at GITEX. I worked on a graphic tablet to create on the spot Computer caricatures in colour! A real challange but a great success. Now I am hooked and want to best graphic tablet I can get!

Jam Jar Boomerang Workshops

2008-10-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

Some of the brilliant kids at my Boomerang Cartoon Workshops at Jam Jar Gallery. It is such a treat to teach happy cheerful naturally talented children! Dubai Kids ROCK!

Teh Indian School Dubai

2008-10-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

Here is my lovely class at The Indian School in Dubai. We has great fun learning about caricature and cartooning over three weekends.

Time Out Kids Story

2008-10-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

Dubai Update

2008-10-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

Dubai HOTS up as the weather cools! Just like Queensland...Dubai...lovely one day, perfect the next. Everyone is slowly coming out of the summer stupor and reving up for the cooler ( by that I mean...25-35 degrees) weather. Time to get party hats on, get the trade shows jumping and entice people into the newest biggest whatever they are opening next!
And as a Caricature Entertainer and Commissioned Artist I am ready to help out. I already have an Iftah Dinner Caricature Entertaiment Gig under my belt. A great bunch of fun locals who had me drawing until 2am. Many event bookings already for October and November, print work coming in, teaching all over the place. Speaking of which...get your booking in for Dubai Ladies Club Art packages ladies! Time is passing fast!
Watch out for news on the 35 US million dollar Atlantis opening party November 20..I will be watching it from my apartment window while they chuck 3 million dollars of fireworks into the air! (Maybe my invite got lost in the post???) Our Kylie will be there making us Aussie proud.
Then the worlds biggest Mall opening...phew..MORE shopping!
My series of workshops with the Indian School is finishing up this weekend. Pity, as they are great fun and I feel I am just starting to teach them the fun of cartooning! But then I am a bit fanatic about the subject! Then the Jam Jar has a set of workshops for Boomerang Cartoons for me to run. How to Draw Captain Caveman!! Big Kids welcome.
So...off to the drawing board to get moving on a heap of new work!

The Indian School Cartoon Workshop

2008-09-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

Everything about CARTOONING

2008-09-29T06:52:00.002-07:00

Dubai Ladies Club are running my Art Package! Five workshops covering Caricature, Cartoon Character creation Gags, Comics and basic Animation. Starting October 26/29 November 2/5/9 three hours each from 6pm until 9pm. Contact me for details and bookings
Dubai Ladies Club Jumeirah Beach Road

info@thebrookerstudio.com

Dont forget..LADIES ONLY!!

2008-09-29T06:52:00.001-07:00

New Art Work

2008-08-31T02:18:00.001-07:00

I have had these sketches sitting around the studio for a while. I have finally got motivated and painted them up. I want to share my new work with you.

New Artwork

2008-08-13T06:35:00.001-07:00

People have been telling me to get more artwork up on here..so OK!! Here is some! Enjoy.

Dubai Lime NEW Listing

2008-08-03T02:02:00.001-07:00

Check out my NEW ad on Dubai Line.THE place to find ALL the entetainment in Dubai!

http://www.dubailime.com/classifieds/jobs-in-dubai-classifieds/offering-a-talent-freelancers-/caricature-entertainment-2902.html

http://www.whohub.com/jobrooker#

2008-08-01T23:30:00.000-07:00

What do you do? How do you define yourself as an artist?
For myself, I define myself as a contemporary extreme portrait artist. As a professional I can call myself a cartoonist, an illustrator, a painter, a writer and a teacher. As a freelance artist I have to have many titles and skills and adapt myself to fit my clients needs.

What is your message?
I show that faces are the most primal, emotional and defining areas in their lives. I use my art as a powerful tool to make my opinions and to effect an emotional response. I consider that laughter is as legitimate emotion in art as any.

Your biography in four lines.
Taught myself caricature drawing teachers in class. Decided that art would be the one area that I would use to make a living. Worked my way up the hard way to a be taken seriously in mdia art. Determined to work on my art for the rest of my life.

Do you upload your work to the web? If so, where could we see it?
www.thebrookerstudio.com http://brookerstudio.blogspot.com http://www.artistswithoutfrontiers.com/jbrooker/index.html http://www.cartoonists.co.uk/jobrooker/index.html http://www.the-nose.com/artists/joanneab/joanneab.html http://www.caricatura.ro/joanne_brooker.htm http://purplespiderstudio.artsblogs.com/blog/blog.asp?blogId=8406 www.purple-spider-studio.blogspot.com Want more? google Joanne brooker

How is an idea born? For you, what is inspiration?
Observation. Even a cafe can give me all I need to see human nature at its best and worst. People are fascinating and I have the skills to pass on my observations.

What is art?
Communication at its most pure

When do you get your best ideas?
All around me. The news, popular culture, malls, streets, travel...anywhere , any time.
How do you evaluate whether an idea is good or not?
If I am working for a client I am trying to fit their brief as well as create artwork that I can be satisfied with. If I am creating for myself I am working for my most difficult client who is never satisfied. If at the end my client pays me then I know the idea has worked. If I put my own artwork on display then I must be satisfied that my idea has been properly realised.
Three creative ideas that you would have liked to have created?
Artwork that comments on war. Artwork that comments on media. Artwork that comments on poverty. Maybe one day I will create these to the standard I imagine in my mind.

When and how did you begin to see yourself as an artist?
When I was five years old. I worked out how to draw a rose by scribbling a tangle and adding a line for a stem. Another little girl said it looked like a rose and I was so pleased I kept finding visuals answers to communicate ideas from then on.
Why do so many artists and creators have such volatile personalities?
FEAR. Art makes you vulnerable. You can do your best work and someone only has to say they dont like it without reason. This is so frustrating as there is no argument to defend. Artists have to develop a thick skin and a facade of bravado to continue.

Do you consider yourself postmodern?
All my work is contemporary comment

How should a work of art be evaluated?
Tecnically and emotionally. If my art makes you laugh then think WHY! What do you recognise to create that reaction. Stop and really look at what I am saying about a person or situation. Do not pass over a cartoon as something minor and unimportant..it is the most powerful art.
Must an artist reinvent him/herself everyday?
Always. An artist must never be complacent.There is always something new to create and challenges must be set.

Which artists do you admire and how do they influence your work?
Sebastian Krueger has taken caricature to a magnificent standard. His work is powerful dramatic portraiture of the highest standard and his technique is superb. I also love the purity and class of Hiershfields linework.

What do you think about public funding for the arts?
I think artists need to prove to other artists what they need the money for, not to beaurcrats and accountants. Public funding for bad art hurts the industry and reduces the public appreciation towards art.

Does art has to be necessary in order to be authentic?
As a freelance artist I have to be pragmatic about art. A client needs a visual for a reason and I provide that. I make MONEY from my art skills. I dont feel any emotional attachment to this art so maybe it is necessary and not authentic. My own art is necessary for myself so maybe that is authentic.

Does it pain you to let go of a piece you have sold?
Not a commissioned piece created to a clients brief. Some of my art has been stolen over the years and that is upsetting as they were personal pieces that I will never repeat. I prefer to give artwork I care about to my daughters.

Is a work of art purchased, or is it better said, that it is the artist who is bought?
Art to a brief is commissioned and owned by the client. Artwork that has the artists soul within it, is only borrowed. Money does not buy art, it only moves it about.

In art, there is no guide. How do you know what the next step is?
An artist looks st his/her work and decides the next step.

How do you feel about the fact that the pieces exhibited in contemporary art museums are often of artists already deceased?
People believe that art captures something of the artist soul. Therefore there is a fascination in viewing this art. They know that this is all that is left to hold. A live artist cannot be controlled in the same way, they might disappoint.

What role have the figures of art dealer, gallery owners, representatives, and intermediaries in general played in your career?
I was employed by newspaper editors. I worked to create art to fit editorial stories. A good editor and journalist trusts the instincts of the artists. Some of my best awarded work has been created witht he trust of a good editor.

What types of jobs do you usually do?
Artwork for the print media and personal commissions.

Which of your jobs or tasks do you most enjoy?
I am creating cartoon social comment on Dubai. I am loving having a forum to make my observations public in a city as dynamic as this. I am working on a new series of caricatures of public figures I admire or dispise.

Do you personally collect any items?
I exchange artwork with other professional cartoonists that I admire. I also collect old cartoon art books and referance material for my workshops.

Which websites do you frequently visit?
National Cartoonists Network and the Australian Cartoonists Association . Various artists whose work I admire and want to watch develop and be inspired by.

What advice would you give to those just beginning?
Be professional in your attitude. Perfect your technique. Do not demand that others appreciate your efforts.. learn from experts in your area. Never be satisfied. Grow a thick skin and never give up.

7_Days Ed Art!

2008-07-31T05:48:00.001-07:00

Very pleased and excited to announce that I will be running a social comment cartoon in Dubai 7-Days! I have been having a ball putting together a bank of cartoons on everything I see happening about me. Dubai is SUCH an amazing place. Those in the know will understand my comments on weather, traffic, clubs, fashion and shopping! I am sure as time goes on I will learn more and more about Dubai, and it will all be reflected in my cartoons.

Oh OK then..heres a sample.

enjoy and I will see you in the funny pages!

Dubai Ladies Club ROCKS!

2008-07-31T05:36:00.001-07:00

The beautiful and exclusive Dubai Ladies Club ( thats right..just for us ladies) is running a series of Cartoon and Caricature workshops in their Art and Talent Centre. I am repeating my Introduction to Caricature Workshop...fun and easy, followed straight after by my Intermediate Caricature Workship, for those who want to go further.

In September we will be running four great fun Childrens workshops.
Package of 4 classes
Duration: 1.30hrs each
Total: 275 AED non members

Contact Pam.p@dubailadiesclub.com
Tel: 043499922 ext 302

Advertised on Dubai One, Dubai TV and Sama TV, Gulf Today, 7Days, Time Out,

THEN...coming along in October, we are running my Art Package of eight workshops covering cartoon strips, comics, animation, gags, caricature and folio presentation and the nitty gritty of the business of cartooning! A great series for those always wondering if they have an inner cartoonist and for those who want to advance themselves professionally.

BOOK NOW!

Adults Caricature Workshops

2008-07-31T05:33:00.000-07:00

Art and Talent Center in collaboration with Joanne Brooker, Australia's Top Media artists is organizing its second Caricature Workshop. The participants will be able to analyze characters they want to draw, extract salient features and capture the essence of their personalities, in order to come up with creative caricatures.

Workshop 1
Introduction to Caricature Drawing
August 17th and 18th 2008
10:30am to 1:30pm
650 AED (Materials Included)
No drawing skills required

Workshop 2
Intermediate Caricature
August 19th and 20th 2008
650 AED (Materials Included)
Basic Knowledge in Drawing and graphic design

For registration please contact the Art Centre on 04-3499922 ext. 300 or email
artcentre@dubailadiesclub.com

Jam Jar Cartoon Day

2008-06-07T03:12:00.000-07:00

Has Dubai been waiting for a cartoonist or what! As soon as I arrive back from my Summer Break to Australia, I am jumping in, feet first into so many great events!

The Jam Jar has organised with Boomerang Childrens television, a great fun day of cartooning! I will be taking workshops for the kids all day July 26. We will be having fun with your favourite cartoon characters ( and mine) If you want to get down and get cartoony with your kids then come along for a great day at the cool (in all ways) Jam Jar.
Date: July 26
Venue: The Jam Jar
St. 17a, exit 39 (White Warehouse )
Behind Dubai Garden Center on Sheikh Zayed Road
Booking: Rachael Brown
Gallery and Special Projects Co-ordinator
T 04 341 7303
F 04 341 7304
M 050 941 5584
E rachael@thejamjardubai.com

www.thejamjardubai.com

Intermediate Caricature Workshop

2008-06-07T03:06:00.000-07:00

Exciting news!
After the success of the Introductory Caricature Workshops, the Dubai Ladies Club has decided to run my Intermediate Caricature workshop! This is a perfect workshop for animation students to leave the keyboard and reintroduce themselves to the pencil, for fine artists to rest from technique and add some fun to their art, for Doodlers to leave the phone pad and work on a bigger scale and for anyone with a love for drawing to come along and reconnect with their inner child.
Date: August 6/7
Venue: Dubai Ladies Club, Jumeirah Beach Road.
Booking: Maryam Al Ghurair, Art Centre Executive
04 3499922

www.dubailadiesclub.com

Dubai Ladies Club Workshops

2008-05-29T03:13:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased to say that my FIRST Dubai caricature workshop was not only a success but great fun for us all. The setting is gorgeous,as us ladies will appreciate, and the studios comfortable well appointed. Many thanks to the ladies for their support.

I am excited to announce that due to demand I will be running another workshop..my very special Intermediate Caricature Workshop! If you have some background in art or drawing please come along and try a new skill. This course is especially good for Animation students. These will begin in August, date to be confirmed. If you are interested in joining in this new exciting art for Dubai, please contact Maryam Al Ghurair,

Art Centre Executive .

0097 14 3499922 ext 301

maryam.g@dubailadiesclub.com

http://www.dubailadiesclub.com/

Emaratalyoum Newspaper Story

2008-05-29T03:12:00.000-07:00

جوان بوكر: الإعلام الغربي مضلِّل
علا الشيخ - دبي

بعد أن قضت أكثر من 10 سنوات في رسم الكاريكاتير بالصحف الأسترالية، قررت الرسامة جوان بوكر الانتقال للعيش في دبي لتقديم ورش عمل تعليمية في مجال فن الكاريكاتير بمركز الفنون والمواهب في «نادي دبي للسيدات». بوكر التي لا تنكر عدم معرفتها بتجارب الرسامين العرب أكدت أنها ستستغل وجودها في دبي للتعرف إلى تجارب أكبر عدد منهم، وستزيد من معرفتها بالثقافة العربية وخصوصاً ما يتعلق بمجال الفن بشكل عام، معتبرة أن وجودها في الإمارات دعّم شكها بمصداقية الإعلام الغربي الذي ينقل صورة مشوّهة عن العرب، ووصفت الاعلام الغربي بـ «المضلل».

علاقة تاريخية
تركت بوكر العمل في الصحف عام 2001 وانتقلت الى مهنة تعليم فن الكاريكاتير في المدارس والمعاهد الاسترالية وهي خطوة اعتبرتها بوكر أساسية في حياتها «شعرت بنفسي اكثر ووجدت ضالتي في مهنتي الجديدة التي افتخر بها، ولكن رغم تركي للصحافة أقوم بإرسال رسومي الى الصحف»، لأن العلاقة بين رسام الكاريكاتير والصحافة أساسية ومتداخلة على امتداد تاريخهما»، مؤكدة «أن الهدف الرئيس لفن الكاريكاتير هو معالجة الأوضاع الخاطئة وإضفاء البسمة على وجوه القُراء فغالباً ما تأتي هذه الرسوم في الصفحات بعد ان يكون القارئ شعر بتخمة كبيرة من كمية الاخبار التي قرأها، ليأتي الكاريكاتير ليريح القارئ رغم ان غالبية مواضيعه انتقادية ولاذعة».

تعتبر بوكر ان رسوم الكاريكاتير قادرة على محاكاة القارئ وتمرير الكثير من المعلومات التي لا تقل قيمة عن المادة المكتوبة «فهو عبارة عن تصوير لشخصيات من الواقع تعيش بيننا، ناهيك عن التقاطه لهموم الناس والاوضاع التي يعيشها العالم من حروب وزلازل وفضائح لسياسيين وفنانين قد تحرج الاقلام في الكتابة عنهم بشكل صريح»، وبينت بوكر أن «غاية الكاريكاتير ايضاً تكمن في تخفيف وطأة الحقيقة المؤلمة وايصالها بشكل سلس فيه نوع من الفكاهة، فهذا الفن يعطينا مادة بصرية مركزة تأتينا منها الرسالة دون عناء كبير، بقالب مقبول ومحبب وساخر» مشددة على أن «السخرية هنا يجب ألاّ تكون خالية من المضمون و المحتوى، بل تلك التي توصل رسالة هدفها تحسين واقع الناس وظروفهم، وتغيير صورهم النمطية عن بعض الاشياء والمواقف والسياسات». واعتبرت بوكر أن رسام الكاريكاتير في العالم العربي على تماس وتداخل مع السياسة أكثر من غيره في الغرب، فكثير من الرسامين هناك يميلون أكثر الى الإمتاع والاضحاك، والحزن يقل فيه مقارنة بالكاريكاتير العربي.

تحد للمرأة
وحول قلة عدد النساء العاملات في هذا المجال أضافت بوكر «عدد رسامات الكاريكاتير حول العالم قليل جداً مقارنة بالذكور، لكن هذا الوضع بدأ بالتغير التدريجي حيث دخلت النساء هذا المجال كنوع من التحدي، هذا التحدي هو الذي جعل بوكر تنتقل الى مجال التعليم والتركيز على تدريب العناصر النسائية «ليكنّ قادرات على خوض غمار هذا المجال والمنافسة فيه»، معتبرة «رسم الكاريكاتير يجعلنا نفهم الوجوه بطريقتنا الخاصة ويساعدنا على رؤية والتقاط معالم لا ينتبه إليها أي انسان».

حول العالم
يعتبر قدماء المصريين أول من تنبه إلى هذا الفن الذي يحقق مآربهم في السخرية والتعريض بالحاكم وكل ذي سلطة مستبدة، فكان الفرعوني يستخدم الحيوانات والرموز البسيطة للتعبير عن رأيه الحقيقي في أصحاب العروش، ففي إحدى الأوستراكا (الشقفات) القديمة نرى تصويراً «كروكيا» لصراع بين القطط والفئران، ويدور ملك الفئران على عجلة حربية تقودها كلبتان ويهجم على حصن تحرسه القطط، ولم يكن هذا بالطبع من فراغ، فلا بد لموقف مهم أو أحداث جمَّة وقعت رأى فيها الفنان أن الأعداء أو غيرهم من صغار الشأن قد تجرؤوا وحاربوا من هم أقوى منهم، بل من هم أكثر منهم منعة وحجماً».

وفي العهد القديم لليونان نرى بذور ذلك الفن من خلال رجل يُدعى بوستن ذكره أرسطو وأرستوفانيس بوصفه شخصًا يرسم رسومات ساخرة للناس وقيل إنه قُتل وهو يعذَّب بسبب تلك السخرية.

أما في العصر الحديث في أوائل القرن 17 انتشر هذا الفن في هولندا، وفي أوائل القرن 18 وذاع في إنجلترا على يد جورج توتسهند، حيث استخدمه في التحريض السياسي وخلفه في هذا المجال وليم هوغارت الذي عبر برسوماته الساخرة عن حقبة من التاريخ الإنجليزي، وكانت أعماله سببًا في ظهور مدرسة لفن الكاريكاتير بمساهمة فنانين عظام أمثال توماس رولاندسون وجيمس جيلراي.
وفي فرنسا انتشر هذا الفن على يد مجموعة من الفنانين أهمهم هو شارل نيليبون الذي أصدر مجلة كاريكاتيرية، ثم جريدة يومية باسم «الشيفاردي» 1830م. وكانت رسوماته تسخر من الطبقة الأرستقراطية والملك، أما في الاتحاد السوفياتي سابقاً فظهر هذا الفن على يد بنيه ستروب ولورسي إيفيموف اللذين لعبت رسوماتهما الكاريكاتيرية دورًا تحريضيٌّا سياسيٌّا في ثورة أكتوبر والحرب العالمية الثانية. وفي العالم العربي كان أول من رسم وكتب تعليقات كاريكاتيرية هو الصحافي يعقوب صنوع، وأصدر جريدة هزلية عرفت باسم « أبو نظارة».
إمتاع
قالت جوان بوكر إن الهدف من وراء الكاريكاتير هو المتعة والبحث عن تفاصيل تهم القارئ ، كرسم فنان مشهور أو شخصية مرموقة أو حيوانات مفضلة له، هذه الامور تخلق علاقة مميزة بين الرسام والمتلقي، هذه العلاقة قد تكون السبب وراء توجه القارئ لشراء الصحيفة أو فتح المواقع الالكترونية التي تنشر هذا النوع من الفنون، مؤكدة أنه من غير وعي يصبح المتابع على علاقة مباشرة مع الرسام، يحفظ اسمه ويروّج له دون وعي أيضاً».

5/28/2008 6:55:54 AM

Dubai Ladies Club Workshops

2008-05-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased and proud to announce my first Dubai workshop! I am especially pleased as it will be held at the gorgeous Dubai Ladies Club on Jumeirah Beach Road. The workshops will be held May 26/27 from 10am to 1pm. Ladies ONLY!

New Artwork

2008-05-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

NEW WEB PAGE!

2008-05-06T01:33:00.000-07:00

My new web page is so nearly done! ! There is still heaps to check out on my new web page until then so hop over and have a look..comments very welcome. There is video of myself working on the Caricature Entertainment section. The video section will have some of my very interesting adventures overseas. as well as brand new images and info. Very soon it shall have the great unveiling and it will be ready for online booking and buying. Cant wait!

www.thebrookerstudio.com

LIVE Caricature!

2008-05-06T01:31:00.000-07:00

The Irish Club Artwork

2008-05-06T01:17:00.000-07:00

First cab off the rank! The Jam Jar in Dubai needed caricature artwork for the walls of The Irish Club...and thought of me. We put together nineteen artworks including caricatures and cartoon gags. Now I have a really good excuse to check out the club..I have heard many a storys already and I think it sounds perfect for my style of artwork.

Dubai World Cup..Just my opinion

2008-04-13T02:11:00.001-07:00

What a Buzz! The Dubai World Cup..richest race in the world with horse owners and jockeys walking away with millions for a pretty quick run along! ..but what would I know..I went to check out the fashion. I ran amuck taking photos in a chook pen of gaudy glittery fashionistas in the Ahlah Fashion Lineup. Prizes for best hat, dress, shoes, husband...ya gotta love it! As an artist I was dazzled by colour and textures, as a caricaturist I was loving the fantastic joyousness of wWomen in Woman Land. I mean...shoes..ladies you with me...shoes. Ofcourse the truely stylish would hardly allow themselves to be judged by their lessers but give it up for the girls having a go. There is no excuse to be drab in Dubai. There is endless cheap glossy magazines telling you what is the latest, what mall shop it is in and what your husband/boyfriend will have to shell out to keep you happy. OK..be fair..women earn cash here and can buy their own frocks, but I would say , not so many.The real pearler at the end was the winners. First prize..something in black and white with a hat..second prize..and I take my big blue hat off to this girlfriend...to match her orange shoes she planted an orange bath sponge on her head! Young enough to make it work and cheeky enough to grab the judges attention.Next year will I be buying into this..you bet! However..dont ask me what label my dress is...I will give my dress a name the minute it fetches a stick!Enjoy the pics.

Dubai World Cup

2008-04-13T01:53:00.000-07:00

Living in Dubai

2008-03-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

I am still telling myself..I live here..I live here..
I am in Jumeria Beach Residences overlooking the Persian Gulf. To the left is Palm Jumeria and before me is a white sanded, azure blue beach. JBR is still being fancied up..there is courtyards galore being fountained, flowered and cobble stoned. When it is all finished and the dozens of shops, cafes and restaurants are opened I think I will look back on the time when I had it all to myself..well..nearly. JBR looks like a series of giant sandcastles with some not even opened as yet. We are looking at starting prices at a million US but,hey..I live here!

Anyone who thinks a Muslim Arab Emerate is a hard place for a westerner has NO IDEA. In fact it is so good, I dont think I will tell you..stay away and let me enjoy it before the world finds out!

Dubai Buzzing with ART!

2008-03-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

I got here just in time for the fenzy of Art in Dubai. I was invited to the opening of Art Dubai which takes place every March at the Madinat Arena. As the first contemporary art fair in Dubai, the Fair has become a cornerstone for the rapidly growing art community of the Middle East. The 2008 fair will host nearly seventy galleries from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, North and South America, North Africa and.... Australia! Australia was well represented by Galleries Direct from Sydney. I enjoyed a chat with Cameron Hall the director about the new market for art in Dubai. This is the second art fair and it was massive! We are STARTING at the level of Andy Warhol and upwards and that is a very high standard indeed. Myhead was spinning from all of the imageryby the end of the night. Next year I promise myself I will be right in there as a part of this amazing event.
Check it out at www.artdubai.ae

George Lucas

2008-03-04T01:11:00.000-08:00

Title: George Lucas. Acylic on watercolour paper.

Original artwork or print available.

John Cleese

2008-03-04T01:08:00.000-08:00

2008-03-04T01:05:00.000-08:00

Title: Brad Pitt. Acrylic on watercolour paper. A3 size. Copyright Joanne Brooker.
Check out the new gallery on www.thebrookerstudio.com

The Brooker Studio hits DUBAI!

2008-02-28T03:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first entry for The Brooker Studio. We used to be Purple Spider Studio in Australia but now we have made the move to fabulous fantastic DUBAI!

A new home and a new name!

If you want to recap on what we have been up to before check out the Old Site

www.purple-spider-studio.blogspot.com

Dubai is a city of business and pleasure. This is THE modern city of the world..in fact it is so modern it is still being built! This is the city with the biggest, tallest,

most up to date, over the top everything.

We LOVE it!

The NEW web page will be up and running very soon.

www.thebrookerstudio.com

The Brooker Studio is based right on the beach of the Arabian Gulf in Jumeria.

Stay in touch..it only gets better!