Arcade Fire - O2 Dublin

I went to see Arcade Fire last night in the O2 in Dublin. There are no words. I've been a fan since I first heard funeral, probably in 2005 or so. I'll never forget hearing that album for the first time, that feeling of 'this is unlike anything else I've ever heard,' the gloomy euphoria, a kind of gritty sparkle, songs that are as amazing to listen to on your own while walking down the street as they are bounding off the walls of a huge arena.

Every time you hear a song of theirs, you discover a new lyric that you've never quite appreciated before. There are few bands in the world who can marry interesting and intelligent lyrics with the most beautiful melodies, layers of sounds from what seems like hundreds of instruments and most importantly epic, fully committed live performances. They set a standard for live performance that is unlikely to be met by any other band around at the moment as far as I can see. It's the kind of performance where you feel like dancing, crying and laughing all at once. It completely overtakes your senses.

I first saw them live at Oxegen in 2007, then at Oxegen in 2010 and finally last night. Their setlist was mostly songs from Funeral and The Suburbs but with a few from their second album such as Intervention, My Body Is a Cage, No Cars Go and Keep the Car Running.

The higlights for me were the Neighbourhoods and Wake Up which was their final song. Irish crowds, it has to be said are some of the most enthusiastic 'sing-alongers' in the world and Win himself said that each time they come to Ireland, we set a new standard among Europeans. I don't doubt that he's being genuine there, only an extreme cynic would! He reminisced about their 2005 Electric Picnic gig which is legendary among their Irish performances.....if only I could travel back in time!

My sister came along and although she doesn't know a lot of their music, she was blown away too. I can't imagine anyone in the world from a Ke$ha lover, to the Daniel O' Donnell obsessed who wouldn't be overwhelmed by their live performance. Truly the best live act I have ever seen and probably....will ever see.

Bought a limited edition lithograph that says the date of the concert on the bottom, it's hanging proudly on my wall.

I know I sounds like an obsessed freak. I also know that there are plenty of bands out there who may be just as amazing as arcade fire and I'm excited to get the know them but for now, I shall just wallow in this post AF hangover of delight....until the next time they come to Ireland!

Swallow

Did this while watching 'I'm a Celebrity...' last night. The joy of it! I realise that the outfits I draw are usually quite horrid unless they are by a designer. This is not because I have bad taste, its mostly because it's more fun to draw something pleated, gathered, ruched and leopard print than a simple Jil Sander shift despite my love for said simple clothing. But the odd time I design something quite nice. If only I could make clothes.

So I was thinking of doing some things on here that aren't just illustrations. Not sure how it'll go but we'll see.

Really want to go the the exhibition on in the Taylor Gallery on Kildare Street in Dublin. This image is one of her pieces entitled 'Reclining Nude.' I just think it's beautiful. Maybe after exams!

Lanvin x H&M

Here's a sketch of a few of my favourite pieces from the Lanvin H&M collaboration. I was gonna colour it in but I don't think my markers would do the colours justice!

Karla's Closet

Sea of Shoes

So this is the next one in my 'blogger sketches' series! Just love those wedges and to me they sum up pretty well what I love about Sea of Shoes, hence the built in reference in the heel! Chose Jane in this outfit as it's definitely one of her most badass styles. Gotta have respect for someone who appreciates design, quality and history over trends when it comes to fashion. INSPIRED! Really loved getting all those comments, so nice to know there's someone out there looking at the blog!

blogger sketches

Did this quick little sketch of Rumi Neely during Fade Street. What a shite programme. Not even sure if it's in the 'crap but addictive' category. But something had me rushing to the couch at 9 o' clock so it can't be that bad!

Pencil and Pen

Just a few old sketches i found. Got a bit inspired by the countless anatomy diagrams in books from college. Exams are really looming. I'm in that phase where I want to start looking for something nice to wear on the night we finish. It's particularly difficult to resist that temptation given that New Look and F21 have arrived in Dublin and that my current hospital rotation means I pass through town every day. Just a little longer Molly......

Making Cards

Above are some examples of cards i've made recently. Always good to have a supply of hand made cards for emergency birthday and congratulations situations. They're on a background of some dodgy marbled paper I made when i was 12 or something!



There's a quick little sketch of what is probably the dumbest looking girl ever drawn. She looks like she just asked if chickpeas come from chickens.

Halloween

Just a few drawings I did this evening while watching x-factor. Thought i better do something halloween related! Did my friend's wolf make up day and it was so fun. I'd love to have the time/money to do a professional make up course actually, its just such an impressive skill. Quite like the shoe/handbag combo with the pink dior outfit; oh how i wish there was someone to make me the things I draw sometimes. Then other times I draw things I would NEVER wear because they're more fun to colour in! I really need to start painting, it annoys me not having the colour I need when I'm trying to do a designer piece. Sometimes it just doesn't translate. Hope anyone who reads this is having a good halloween!

Prada S/S 2011

This was for the Sea of Shoes art competition. Entrants had to do a drawing of their favourite S/S 2011 look. There were just too many to choose from but chose this as I knew it'd be fun to draw. I mean i wouldn't usually work monkeys into thing when I draw so had to take the opportunity!! You can see all the entries on the flickr page.

Vamp

My First Pay Cheque

Can't stop staying 'well when i get my first pay cheque....'At this rate it'll take a years's worth of pay cheques to fund my dream buys: whiter teeth, mulberry bags, a Burberry mac, the latest one is an Alexander Wang bag. Well not quite the latest...

More of the Crop

July August Harvest

Some more from the past few days

Girl with a cup and a phone.....the most desirable accessories it would appear

It's odd to see someone on the street these days who isn't clutching their phone and/or a coffee. The LA influence i'd say. Also the fact that so many people use their phone instead of a watch, computer, filofax, ipod etc.

Three birds heading out for the night (the one on the right is clearly going to a Star Trek theme night!)

This one is a little bit strange, not sure if this dress would work in reality but I like its ethereal look on the page. Her arms are also freakishly long but hey...

Here's a few sketches I did the day Alexander McQueen died. Very small sample of the work of a very great man.

Purdy Laydees

Not sure why the women I draw always look a little bit scary, not evil or anything, but a little bit fierce, as if maybe you shouldn't cross them. Perhaps it's overly arched eyebrows.....

Burberry and Lanvin