Yelena Bryksenkova's world is somewhat new to me, but I was really happy when (via some internet rabbit hole twist and turns) I found myself there.
Love Spell for Lone Wolf Magazine / All images copyright Y. Bryksenkova
The mix of domestic, quiet things like teapots and floral rugs, with witchy, wild, fairytale things makes for a world that is somehow soothing and at the same time, a little dangerous. I especially like her fierce dedication to pattern, which makes the illustrations feel rich and full of controlled clutter (in the way that feels cozy and not claustrophobic) and makes your eye flit all around the page.
Visiting her blog also tends to make me want things. The above illustration, for Lone Wolf magazine made me want to push the order magazine button.
And a few months ago, the peeks of her illustrations for the book Fairytale Food made me click quick like a bunny to see if I could get my mitts on it in the U.S. (it's published in the U.K.) and sent me whirling through the Fairytale Food blog.
The Beast in the illustration above is really the tops. I'd love to see that gentleman dressed in some kind of finery, although his fur-suit is obviously suit enough.
