A while ago, I have finished illustrating a story for More Canada called “Strange Brew”. The story focuses on ayahuasca and one writer’s experience with it.

Ayahuasca- “the vine of the soul”, is made from two different plants boiled together by shamans in the amazonian forests as part of a religious ritual. This brew is also known for its properties to cure everything from depression to gastrointestinal disorders.
The article focuses on one writer’s experience with ayahuasca describing spiritual pursuit, cleansing your mind and finding inner peace.

Below you can see some of my initial concepts for the story, and one sketch that was developed further. Besides the main illustration I was asked to create a spot illustration as well. My sketches are usually very rough as I like to communicate my ideas briefly but at the same time leaving room for the spontaneous drawing and textures.

I have included in this post some work in progress as well as the final illustrations. As you can see, my whimsical and psychedelic style seemed to be a perfect fit for this assignment.

Presented as a series of three volumes: Object, Public and Print, FRESH is a showcase of international contemporary illustration with a focus on print, 3D and public / graffiti art. My illustration was included in the Print volume.
FRESH combines a collection of international contemporary illustration used in a wide range of styles and techniques. From personal work to commercial illustrations, from fashion to street art, from two dimensional to sculptural approaches – the FRESH series features more than 1,400 works of illustrative art. The selection of works reproduced in FRESH was considered by a jury of professional illustrators. These beautiful books were edited by Slanted magazine and weblog from the German Studio MAGMA Brand Design.

FRESH 3 – Print provides a cutting edge selection of work created by international illustrators for books, magazines,personal, flyers and brochures.