The Problem with Chickens

Gunnella, Icelandic Artist & Illustrater

Calling Gunnella the illustrater of this adorable book is like saying the egg came before the chicken. Or is that the chicken before the egg? I can never decide. And that's just one problem with chickens. According to Bruce McMillan's story they are quite the characters, immitating the ladies to the point that they never get around to laying eggs. So, maybe the chicken did come first...I guess we could debate that all the day long, and many have.

In the case of this book, the chickens definitely came first. In fact, Bruce met Gunnella and discovered her paintings of chickens and fell in love with them. The paintings inspired the story. This is a must read for children and adults of all ages. It's light, funny and the paintings are beautiful.

Each of Gunnella's paintings tell a story of their own. We have 6 of Gunnella's paintings available in canvas giclee prints for very reasonable prices and can get originals, although they have to be posted from Iceland. The book retails at $16.00 and is available at the gallery. We will also mail it (postage on us), to introduce you to this fabulous Icelandic artist. If you are interested in seeing images of Gunnella's work, visit our website at www.listhusgallery.com. There you can view the canvas giclee we have available and can also request more information about Gunnella and current originals available.

Duck Pond, by Ágúst Bjarnason

This charming little duck pond actually exists in the middle of downtown Reykjavik. In the summer it's a great place to feed the ducks, and in the winter it provides an outdoor ice skating rink.

Ágúst's linocuts are initially carved, printed and painted by the artist. We have taken a few of his finished works and made open edition giclee prints on paper. We have this one available as an original by Ágúst as well as an open edition print.

Ágúst Bjarnason lives and works in Reykjavik. He studied at the School of Art and Handicraft of Iceland and graduated from the department of graphics in 1986. At Stockholm University he studied mostly art history and at the University of Iceland, he took some courses in philosophy and medieval literature. He has illustrated books, designed covers and done some storyboard work for the cinema. His main subjects have been Reykjavík and surroundings, people and seamanship. He is best known for these charming linocuts. We have many available at the Listhus Gallery. Our website, www.listhusgallery.com, will be fully populated and functional soon, but you can see a few of them now. Just look under artists and click on Ágúst Bjarnason.